About The Program
The 2025 Spring Special Education Congress will be centered around the theme “Finding Purpose, Fighting Burnout: Building Strong, Resilient Special Education Teams.” This invitation-only event will bring together director-level leaders in K-12 from across the country to explore strategies for fostering resilience, improving team collaboration, and supporting the well-being of special educators. Attendees will gain insights into overcoming burnout while finding renewed purpose in their critical roles, ensuring students receive the highest level of care and instruction.
What to Expect:
Engage in strategic discussions that delve into the core of inclusive education. Participate in sessions crafted to foster in-depth conversations on evolving challenges and share insights that contribute to the ongoing transformation of special education environments.
Connect with director-level leaders who share a commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments. This congress provides a unique space for high-level networking, creating opportunities to establish valuable professional relationships that extend beyond the event.
As a district leader, your VIP pass to the Spring Special Education Congress is not just an entry to an event; it’s an investment in your professional growth and a step toward shaping the future of special education, ensuring that every student thrives in an environment of equity and support.
Topics Of Discussion
Supporting Staff in High-Pressure Parent Interactions
Explore techniques for building confidence in special educators to navigate difficult conversations with parents. Discuss strategies to establish clear communication, set boundaries, and manage expectations in emotionally charged situations to maintain a supportive environment for families and educators alike.
Optimizing Limited Funding and Resources in Special Education
Uncover creative approaches to maximize the impact of limited resources, from leveraging community partnerships to sourcing alternative funding. Participants will learn budgeting strategies and resource prioritization methods to enhance service delivery without compromising quality.
Finding the Right Balance Between Compliance and Instruction
Delve into the complexities of meeting regulatory requirements while prioritizing impactful instruction. This session will address how to streamline compliance practices to reduce administrative burden, allowing more time for engaging, student-centered teaching.
Using Data to Drive Effective Crisis and Behavior Management
Examine how data can shape proactive and responsive behavior management strategies. Learn about data collection techniques, analysis tools, and how to use insights to support individualized interventions that improve student outcomes.
Recruiting and Preparing Teachers for Success from Day One
Discuss effective recruitment practices and robust onboarding strategies that set special education teachers up for long-term success. The session will cover best practices for mentorship, ongoing support, and cultivating a positive, resilient team culture.
Integrating Emotional and Behavioral Literacy to Support the Whole Child
Explore the integration of emotional and behavioral literacy within academic curricula to promote holistic growth. Participants will gain practical tools to support students’ social-emotional skills, helping them thrive academically and socially.
Building Strong Co-Teaching Relationships
Discover techniques for fostering successful co-teaching partnerships that create inclusive, effective classroom environments. Topics include collaboration, conflict resolution, and aligning teaching styles to optimize student learning and engagement.
AI Tools for Reducing Workload and Boosting Student Engagement
Learn about AI tools that can streamline administrative tasks and personalize learning experiences. This session will cover practical applications of AI to alleviate teacher workload, enhance instructional strategies, and improve student engagement in special education settings.
89.47% 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.
Upper Dublin School District
Calcasieu Parish School Board
Past Speakers
Huntley Community School District 158
Klein Independent School District
Lincoln County SD
Boulder Valley School District
Newport-Mesa Unified School District
Dallas Independent School District
Highline Public Schools
Newport-Mesa Unified School District
Klein Independent School District
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
Morning Refreshments and Networking
Workshop/Roundtable Discussions
Brunch
Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings
Closing Panel Discussion
Our Commitments to You
Maximized Networking Opportunities
A personal, customized itinerary
Exclusive qualified attendance
return on time and objective
Delegate Testimonials
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!
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 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!
RTM events bring a different level of networking than other national conferences allow. Not only are they great events to showcase the student centered positive work being done, but they allow you to connect with colleagues across the country who are engaged in similar work. The ability to establish relationships with vendors is unique as you never know when you will be in need of some creative solutions.
