Why Attend

• 1000 Educators
• 60+ Concurrent Sessions
• 2 National Speakers
• 1 Common Mission: Promote, support, and develop educator and student successes.

For more than 20 years, the Powerful Learning Conference has provided top-notch professional learning, helping Missouri educators implement effective, evidence-based practices with the goal of improved student learning for every student in every school.

How to Register

Conference Registration – Registration begins on November 19 at this webpage: Please note that when you register, you select concurrent sessions. Please view and/or print the brochure and select sessions prior to beginning online registration. If you need support when registering please contact Christine Nobbe at Christine.Nobbe@dese.mo.gov

Registration Fees - If your online registration is received on or before January 9, 2026, you will receive the early registration rate of $275. If your online registration is received after January 9, 2026, your registration rate will be $325. On-site registration will be $400. Regular registration will close on January 23, 2026. Any registration received after January 23^rd will be considered an on-site registration. There is an additional $95 fee to attend the post-conference session

What to Expect

The Continuous Improvement System guides the conference, showcasing effective, evidence-based practices in:

• Leadership – Strong leaders set the vision and influence direction at every level of the organization to create and support a culture of teaching and learning for continuous improvement.
• Collaborative Climate and Culture – Shared values and common goals are the foundation of a collaborative climate and culture of systemic growth and improvement within an educational system.
• Effective Teaching and Learning – Effective academic, behavioral, and social skill practices — supported by research and meeting the needs of each student — lead to the highest levels of student learning.
• Data-Based Decision Making – Accurate, relevant measures across multiple points in time provide the basis for informing on progress, setting goals, and guiding decisions leading to improved student learning.
• Alignment of Standards, Curriculum, and Assessment – Connection, clarity, and coherence must exist between standards, curriculum, and assessments in order to provide accurate and actionable information regarding student learning.

Who Presents

• Missouri Practitioners – High quality concurrent sessions led by Missouri educators are the heart of the Powerful Learning Conference. These sessions showcase proven practices and innovative ideas that make a real difference for students across the state.
• Nationally Acclaimed Speakers – Renowned educational experts bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and inspiration that elevate the learning experience. This year’s theme, What We Do Matters: Growing Our Impact, highlights how powerful teaching practices can leave a lasting mark on both educators and students.
• Tuesday Keynote - John Antonetti will deliver the keynote address, two breakout sessions, and a post-conference workshop. Having visited more than 20,000 classrooms across North America, Antonetti has devoted his career to answering one essential question: What truly engages learners? His work explores the three facets of powerful learning tasks — intellectual, academic, and emotional engagement. A former teacher, administrator, and central office leader, Antonetti is known for his humor, storytelling, and deep understanding of what makes learning meaningful.
• Monday Celebration - On Monday afternoon, the What We Do Matters Celebration will feature Kimberly Sixta, the 2026 Missouri Teacher of the Year. A dedicated high school social studies teacher at Ruskin High School in Kansas City, part of the Hickman Mills School District, Sixta has inspired students for more than two decades through her commitment to student voice and lifelong learning. Her dedication continues to shape Missouri education through service, mentorship, and tireless advocacy for student success.
• More to Come - Stay tuned for exciting updates as we finalize additional speakers, sessions, and celebrations — each designed to spark ideas, inspire collaboration, and nurture the purpose of What We Do Matters: Growing Our Impact. 

Contact: