The AESA Summer Leadership Conference is heading to Riverside, CA from July 14-16, 2026! Be part of the professional learning and consider leading a breakout session at the 2026 AESA Summer Leadership Conference.
If you’ve been doing work that’s making a difference in your ESA or region, this is a chance to share it with colleagues from across the country. We’re looking for practical, real-world sessions that spark conversation and offer ideas leaders can take home and put into action right away.
Proposals must align with one of four conference strands:
- Leading Coherent Systems (Culture, Alignment, Communication, Leadership Practice)
- Designing High-Impact Learning & Support Systems (Academics, Mental/Behavioral Health/SEL, Equity)
- Sustainable Systems & Smart Stewardship (Finance, Operations, Capacity, Innovation)
- ESAs as Connectors & Community Catalysts (Partnerships, Family Engagement, Regional Impact)
Proposal deadline: March 12, 2026
Submit via the Breakout Session Proposal Form.
|
Is the EIR Program for You? Phone a Friend!
|
Earlier this week, we announced that applications are now open for the 2026-27 Executives in Residence cohort. The unique program is open to ESA staff nationwide who want to build their skills to lead effectively within an educational service agency. The program includes in‑person events, mentorship, cohort learning, and periodic virtual meetings that keep you connected throughout the year.
If you’re considering applying, we encourage you to reach out to current or past EIR participants. Their insights—not only about sessions and events, but also the relationships, mentoring, and agency visits—are often the best window into what the program truly offers.
|
|
Last Chance to Apply: Regional AI Trainer
|
There’s less than one week left to apply to become a Regional Trainer for the Building Capacity for Generative AI in K–12 Education initiative, led by CoSN, AESA, and national partners.
ESA staff are invited to apply to become regional trainers ahead of next week's Generative AI Train-the-Trainer session February 18–20, 2026 at the Central Indiana Educational Service Center (CIESC) in Indianapolis, IN.
Representation is especially encouraged from these states:
|
-
Alaska
-
Arkansas
-
Colorado
-
Florida
-
Mississippi
-
Montana
-
New Jersey
-
North Carolina
|
-
North Dakota
-
Rhode Island
-
South Carolina
-
South Dakota
-
Tennessee
-
Utah
-
West Virginia
-
Wyoming
|
Participants will leave with practical tools, shared frameworks, and ready-to-use resources to help district teams develop AI strategies, address implementation challenges, and move forward with confidence. Just as important, this training expands your ESA’s reach and impact by positioning you as a regional hub for generative AI readiness.
|
|
March 20 Is Approaching: Join the 2026–27 ESA Innovators’ Circle
|
Many ESAs have invested in strategic planning. The next challenge is turning those plans into action.
The 2026–27 ESA Innovators’ Circle supports agencies as they move from strategy to implementation. Building on AESA’s Business Strategy Framework work and shaped by the inaugural cohort, this subscription‑based program provides continued learning, peer connection, and just‑in‑time coaching—while agencies are actively doing the work.
Program highlights include:
- Three 90‑minute virtual networking sessions
(March 20, 2026; August 6, 2026; February 4, 2027)
- Four 90‑minute customized consulting sessions
- Access to a shared virtual resource community
- 10% discount on additional customized consulting
The investment is $6,500 per ESA. Participation is limited to maintain a highly collaborative experience, and the first session begins March 20, 2026.
Membership spots are limited, so please register soon. If you have questions, contact Sheila King, Chief Strategy Officer.
|
|
