About The Program
The 2025 South Special Education Congress is an invite-only event for senior K–12 leaders facing urgent challenges—staffing shortages, behavioral needs, compliance shifts, and funding pressure. Join your peers to exchange real strategies, solve problems collaboratively, and strengthen special education programs across the South.
Past Keynote Speaker
A dynamic roster of keynote speakers drives innovation at our congress events. Discover thought leaders and game-changers whose invaluable insights foster growth and excellence in each of our delegates.
Special School District of St Louis County, Missouri
Topics Of Discussion
I'm a Special Education Director, not the Enemy: Staying Grounded When Conflict is Through the Roof
This session will provide an opportunity to step back and rethink how we approach conflict, to consider a true sense of purpose in our role, and to gain specific strategies for maintaining your own sanity and wellness when you are in the “middle of the muck”.
Led by an experienced district administrator who has been through the fire, it will utilize humor and case examples to illustrate how to not only survive, but thrive in the not-so-fun parts of our jobs. It is applicable for superintendents, district leaders, and those who support building leaders.
Interrupting the Cycle: Equity Strategies to Shift Mindsets & Reduce Disproportionality
From Classrooms to Careers: Strategic Transition Planning from K–22
Centering Equity in Systemwide Innovation
Sourcing & Supporting New & Aspiring Special Ed Teachers in Creative Ways
Navigating the MTSS & SEL Landscape: Balancing Academics, Overcoming Barriers, & Shaping Future-Focused Practices
91% of delegates said this is the best event they’ve attended all year
Past & Present Speakers
Mesa Public Schools, Arizona
Boulder Valley School District, Colorado
Putnam County School District, Florida
Hays Unified School District 489, Kansas
Plano Independent School District, Texas
Colleton County School District, South Carolina
Friendswood Independent School District, Texas
Mansfield Independent School District, Texas
Deer Park Independent School District, Texas
The Schedule
Event Registration
Opening Keynote
Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings
Afternoon Refreshments & Networking
Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings/Roundtable Discussions/Workshops
Free Time
Welcome Reception & Dinner
Networking Breakfast
Morning Keynote/Panel Session
Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings
Morning Refreshments & Networking
Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings
Workshops/Roundtable Discussions
Networking Luncheon
Roundtables/Business Meetings/Workshops
Afternoon Refreshments & Networking
Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings
Closing Day Keynote
Free Time
Networking Reception & Dinner
Morning Refreshments & Networking
Workshops/Roundtable Discussions
Brunch
Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings
Closing Keynote
Why Attend?
Takeaways You Can Actually Use
Walk away with practical strategies for staffing, behavior, compliance, and instruction–built for real district settings.
A Community that Understands You
Join superintendents and special ed leaders for real conversations with peers who face the same challenges. This is a space for trust
Partners Who Know K-12
Meet solution providers who get your world and offer tools that solve real problems, not just check a box.
Delegate Testimonials
This has been the most relevant conference that I’ve experienced in a very long time. I attend 2-3 professional conferences annually, and I’m taking more applicable content back from just Day 1 than I can recall in 39 years of work in education
RTM provides a unique experience that blends networking, learning, and opportunities to get to know industry partners. The big difference from the typical conference is the opportunity to meet with industry partners in an informal conversation while also learning from their experience. There are great opportunities to build a healthy learning and resource network with colleagues, industry experts, and industry partners. The opportunities are vast and the experience is powerful.
An impeccably organized event where educators from diverse corners of the country unite to share their narratives, contributing significantly to advancing the educational landscape.
I am thrilled I was afforded the opportunity to participate in my first RTM experience. It was refreshing to be surrounded by so many like-minded professionals who understand the barriers we are all facing. I was pleased with the way the RTM staff worked so diligently from the registration process to the final session. First class all the way!
