Pre–Conference Event: Mentor Teacher Workshop + Local Teacher 1 Day Ticket

2/11/2026 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Collaborative Practices for Mentor Teachers

Join other mentor teachers for interaction, collaboration, and learning on February 11, then choose one additional day to attend the conference (Thu, Fri, OR Sat).

Pre–Conference Event: Site Visits

2/12/2026 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Witness Partnership Success: Experience dynamic School-University partnerships firsthand. Visit innovative campuses within Fairfax County Public Schools to witness collaborative teaching, mentorship models, and the real-world impact on future educators. Gain practical insights into effective models, student engagement, and the development of future Teacher Candidates. Click HERE for more information!

EPW 01: A District-University Partnership Using Improvement Science to Improve Systems

2/12/2026 8:30 AM - 10:15 AM

EPW 04: Considerations for Planned and Unplanned Difficult Conversations: A Nonpartisan Approach

2/12/2026 8:30 AM - 10:15 AM

In this workshop, participants will work towards understanding the importance of a nonpartisan approach to teaching, especially as they navigate difficult issues within their contexts or curriculum. Participants will engage in activities and discussions developed from our research and practice, to critically reflect upon challenges currently shaping classrooms and communities. Together, they will explore strategies for responding to difficult or sensitive student comments in ways that sustain dialogue and support learning. Participants will leave with approaches to maintain neutrality, foster trust, and create classroom spaces where difficult conversations can be engaged with care and openness. 

EPW 06: Engaging School Partners in Designing Curriculum in a Clinically-Rich Teacher Educator Preparation Program

2/12/2026 8:30 AM - 10:15 AM

Simply increasing preservice teachers' time in P-12 classrooms alone is not enough for effective educator preparation. Experiences must be carefully structured to enhance professional growth. Leveraging mentor teachers' expertise is essential to create meaningful activities and assessments. This presentation highlights a collaboration between teacher educators and secondary teachers from two PDS partnerships. Together, they developed assignments and rubrics that shape preservice teachers' professional development during practicum courses. Collaborative strategies for enhancing teacher preparation will be shared as well as the assignments and rubrics created and data collected post-implementation.

EPW 08: Reviewing and Writing for Journals - What does it take to be effective?

2/12/2026 8:30 AM - 10:15 AM

Want to write or review for PDS Partners or School-University Partnerships? Not sure how? Bring your ideas, and we will help you! In this session, participants will transform their great ideas about SUPS, leadership, preservice and new teachers, culturally responsive teaching, and other innovations into publishable drafts. Both journals’ current editors will share guidelines, answer questions, and coach authors in producing articles or reflective pieces such as the “Thank You for Your Service” column through small-group interaction, peer feedback, and establishing goals and writing communities. The workshop will also provide prospective reviewers with support in writing constructive feedback to authors.

EPW 10: Using AI Writing Assistant Apps to Promote Accessibility of IDEA 2004- Required Parent Rights and Student Safeguard Notices and Meaningful...

2/12/2026 8:30 AM - 10:15 AM

Using AI Writing Assistant Apps to Promote Accessibility of IDEA 2004- Required Parent Rights and Student Safeguard Notices and Meaningful Participation of the Multi-disciplinary Team

Under IDEA 2004 §1415, SEAs must give parent-rights notices written for the “general public,” but many are too complex. A textual analysis of 50 state notices found the average reading level is advanced—appropriate for university graduates or professionals—creating barriers for parents and educators. This presentation offers solutions using AI writing assistants to rewrite these notices in clear, accessible language. The workshop provides a step-by-step method and hands-on activities to analyze SEA notices and revise them for broader comprehension, promoting straightforward wording so that MDT members can understand the legal framework, engage in meaningful participation, and make informed decisions.

Leadership Symposium (Thursday)

2/12/2026 8:30 AM - 1:45 PM

Elevate your institute’s partnership impact at the NASUP Leadership Symposium. Collaborate with visionary leaders, acquire actionable insights to maximize partnership productivity, and emerge ready to inspire and lead impactful School-University collaborations.  Click HERE for more information.

Includes keynote luncheon

Affiliate Brunch (Saturday)

2/14/2026 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Join us for a time of networking and collaboration with NASUP’s affiliate members!  This brunch is FREE for those who are a member of one of NASUP’s 4 regional affiliates, or who would like to join an affiliate.  

For more information about NASUP Affiliates, please click here.