About The Program
The RTM Spring Special Education Congress gathers the nation’s top district leaders ready to build what’s next for special education.
Three days of real conversation, where data becomes action, and ideas turn into districtwide change.
From using data that drives student growth and navigating budget cuts creatively to building stronger talent pipelines, this is where momentum meets mission.
Topics of Discussion
Built to Stay: Retaining and Growing Special Educators Through Real Support
Examine the workload fixes, coaching structures, and bite-sized, job-embedded training that keep teachers, paras, and related service providers in your district while building skill fast in a less experienced workforce.
Grow Your Own: Apprenticeships, Para Pathways, and Filling Hard-to-Staff Roles
Learn how districts are building internal talent pipelines, from para-to-teacher pathways and special education apprenticeships to creative strategies for evaluator, related service, and support staff shortages.
Safe Classrooms, Supported Staff: Responding to High-Intensity Behavior
Master proactive, schoolwide frameworks for crisis moments and escalating behaviors that protect staff safety, reduce injury and complaint risk, and preserve student dignity.
Beyond the FBA: Building a Continuum of Behavioral and Mental Health Supports
Explore alternative assessment approaches, behavior lab models, and integrated mental health and trauma-informed supports that give IEP teams real options between the general education classroom and a more restrictive placement.
Doing More with Less: Strategic Budgeting Amidst Fiscal Cuts
Explore creative resource allocation, program redesign, and service-delivery models that maintain high-impact special education services as federal and state dollars shrink.
Partnership Over Conflict: Advocates, Disputes, and the Legal Landscape
Discover practical strategies for de-escalating high-tension IEP meetings, preventing disputes before they become formal complaints, and staying current on the legal issues driving special education litigation.
Right Student, Right Support: MTSS, Tiering, and Getting Eligibility Right
Unpack how strong Tier 1 and Tier 2 systems, clear tiering decisions, and rigorous evaluation practices keep referrals data-driven and ensure special education resources reach the students who truly need them.
Inclusion That Works: Building a Sustainable LRE Continuum for Complex Needs
Learn how districts are shifting from “Which program does this student fit into?” to building supports around each learner, including students with autism and significant needs, so inclusion is meaningful for both students and teachers.
Compliant Without Drowning: Streamlining IEP Systems, Data, and Documentation
Discuss how to build high-quality PLAAFPs, measurable goals, and progress monitoring systems that are legally defensible without letting paperwork crowd out time with students.
AI Without the Anxiety: Practical Workflows That Give Time Back
Where generative AI adds real value today, from cutting IEP, documentation, and communication workload to supporting student learning, and how to implement it safely without violating privacy or compliance or leaning on it too heavily.
The Director Can’t Be the Answer to Everything: Leadership Capacity and Breaking Silos
91% of delegates said this is the best event they’ve attended all year
Past Keynote Speakers
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.
Wayne County RESA, Michigan
Livonia Public Schools, Michigan
Past & Present Speakers
Agua Fria Union High School District, Arizona
Boulder Valley School District, Colorado
Coconino County Education Service Agency, Arizona
Lindenhurst Union Free School District, New York
Council Bluffs Community School District, Iowa
Mansfield Independent School District, Texas
Boulder Valley School District, Colorado
Thompson School District, Colorado
Klein Independent School District, Texas
The Schedule
Event Registration
Opening Keynote
Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings
Afternoon Refreshments and Networking
Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings/Roundtable Discussions/Workshops
Free Time
Welcome Drinks and Dinner
Networking Breakfast
Morning Keynote
Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings
Morning Refreshments and Networking
Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings
Workshop/Roundtable Discussions
Networking Luncheon
Roundtables/Business Meetings/Workshops
Afternoon Refreshments and Networking
Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings
Leadership Talk
Free Time
Networking Drinks and Dinner
Business Meetings
Breakfast
Workshops/Roundtable Discussions
Closing Session
Our Commitments to You
Maximized Networking Opportunities
A personal, customized itinerary
Exclusive qualified attendance
return on time and objective
Delegate Testimonials
I was unsure of what to expect as a first time attendee, and I have been beyond impressed with RTM. The networking and collaboration opportunities are so beneficial. I often connect with other districts in my area and state, but meeting and visiting with leaders in similar roles from around the US has been a great way to broaden my thinking. The quality of programming and professionalism is outstanding. I appreciate the business meeting opportunities - one on one conversations specific to our district’s needs with quality vendors has been great!
This has been one of the most amazing and impactful experiences I have had as a special education leader. The level of knowledge, innovation and collaboration is awe inspiring. I feel honored to be invited to be a participant and presenter. I look forward to attending future RTM events!
This was my first experience at RTM and I not only made valuable connections, but gained some valuable insight as well. In special education, it is wonderful to learn how other states tackle challenges. It is also refreshing to see the inspiration that so many have for students. Keep it up RTM!
This was a well organized and purposeful event. It was attended by like-minded individuals. The business meeting model was great; intentional as opposed to wandering aimlessly among vendors. Great conference!
