Building Bridges & Reaching New Heights
Elevating Language and Learning for All Students
Join educators, coaches, and leaders from across the country for two days of practical learning, powerful connection, and classroom-ready strategies that accelerate language development and academic achievement for all learners.
Every attendee receives access to the award-winning Be GLAD Online Training Course ($1,400 value).
Group registration available • PD + Hours available for IL Educators • Limited seats for school visit
Leave with strategies, clarity, and momentum
This conference is built for implementation so your learning turns into student impact.
Language development,
made actionable
Walk away with strategies that support students at different proficiency levels without lowering rigor.
Award-winning instructional model
Get one-year access to a self-paced Be GLAD Online Training Course with registration (a $1,400 value)
Better coaching + stronger site-wide alignment
Learn how to move from individual strategies to consistent practice across classrooms.
Connection that fuels implementation
Meet educators doing the work—swap ideas, build relationships, and leave inspired.
Designed for educators who move learning forward
Whether you’re in the classroom or leading systems, you’ll find sessions built for your role.
Teachers
- Classroom-ready strategies for language + literacy
- Structures that support participation, engagement, and academic discussions
- Planning support you can apply immediately
Instructional Coaches & Specialists
- Coaching moves that build consistent implementation
- Tools for walkthroughs, feedback, and adult learning
- Systems for supporting multilingual learners across a site
Site Administrators
- What strong implementation looks like school-wide
- How to support teachers with clarity and consistency
- Models for aligning PD, coaching, and outcomes
District Leaders
- Scaling instruction across schools
- Implementation planning + measurement considerations
- Building coherence across initiatives
Two days of learning that’s practical and energizing
CONFERENCE TOPICS:
Building academic language across content areas
ASSESSMENT + FEEDBACK THAT SUPPORTS LANGUAGE GROWTH
Engagement and productive discourse for all learners
Scaffolds that maintain rigor
Coaching and implementation systems
Inclusive instruction and access (special populations, newcomers, etc.)
Leadership for SITE-WIDE success
Dual language / biliteracy pathways
AGENDA AT A GLANCE
Keynote Speaker
Michael Hernandez
Michael is an award-winning former teacher, author, and international speaker in Los Angeles whose work focuses on inquiry, digital and civic literacy, and student-centered learning experiences. He has been featured in Forbes, NPR, and the Los Angeles Times, and has been invited to speak at SXSW EDU, and conferences around the world. His book about authentic learning, Storytelling With Purpose: Digital Projects To Ignite Student Curiosity, endorsed by Ken Burns and Seth Godin, leverages student curiosity and passion to solve some of the biggest challenges in education today, like low student engagement, chronic absenteeism, and academic integrity in the age of AI. His work helps educators and policymakers rediscover the secrets to designing engaging, meaningful curriculum that fosters cultures of integrity and brings purpose and joy back to learning.
As a trusted expert, Michael has worked with schools, tech startups, and organizations like Apple, Adobe, PBS, and National Geographic to develop their brand and engage their stakeholders. His podcast and monthly newsletter about innovation, Change The Narrative, has a global audience of thousands. Michael is an Apple Distinguished Educator, PBS Digital Innovator, Adobe Education Leader, and Lindblad/ National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow.
Day 1 – Thursday, September 24, 2026
Registration & Check-In
Continental Breakfast
Opening Session & Keynote
Breakout Session Block 1
Breakout Session Block 2
Lunch Buffet
Breakout Session Block 3
Optional Excursion to Downtown Chicago
Day 2 – Friday, September 25, 2026
Registration & Check-In
Continental Breakfast
Breakout Session Block 4
Breakout Session Block 5
Breakout Session Block 6
Lunch Buffet
Breakout Session Block 7
Closing Session
Registration
Join educators and leaders for an inspiring, research-based conference experience focused on elevating teaching and learning. Register today to lock in early bird pricing and personalize your experience during checkout.
- Choose to attend one or both conference days
- Experience professional learning grounded in research and classroom impact
- Receive early bird pricing through July 31, 2026
- Add the School Site Visit for an enhanced conference experience. Limited spots available
Group / district teams
Bringing a team strengthens implementation. Ask about group registration and team planning support. Contact us below to request a group rate for your team.
- Classroom-ready strategies for language + literacy
- Structures that support participation, engagement, and academic talk
- Planning support you can apply immediately
What registration includes
- Access to all keynotes and sessions
- 1 year of access to your choice of a Be GLAD Online Training course: PreK, Elementary, Secondary, or Spanish (a $1,400 value)
- Networking and collaborative planning time
- Eligible for Professional Development Hours for Illinois Educators
- Optional add-on: Model School Visit (separate registration)
“Need approval?” justification kit:
Contact us to get a ready-to-send email and justification letter for your supervisor to approve registration to the Be GLAD Conference 2026.
School site visit - $50/person
Limited availability
September 23, 2026: Upgrade your conference experience with an optional visit to a Be GLAD model site in downtown Chicago. Step into real classrooms, see effective strategies in practice, and leave with ideas to support stronger implementation at your school or district.
What registration includes
- All scheduled activities
- Lunch
- Round-trip transportation to and from the Hyatt Centric Chicago O’Hare
Tentative Agenda: September 23, 2026
Depart Hyatt Centric Chicago O’Hare
Welcome
Classroom visits (PreK–8)
LUNCH
Reflection, coaching, and planning for classroom and schoolwide implementation
Return to Hyatt Centric Chicago O’Hare
Departure and return times are approximate and will be confirmed before the event.
Venue & Travel
Hyatt Centric Chicago O’Hare
Address
Details
- Special room rate: $219/night
- Limited availability - book early
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions?
We’re here to help.
Whether you need help registering, coordinating your team, or learning more about the event, we’re here to help.
Reach out to our team and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Ready to build bridges and reach new heights?
- Two days of practical learning + real implementation tools
- Built for educators, coaches, and leaders supporting all learners
- Optional Model School Visit to see strategies in action
Early bird pricing ends 7/31/26 • Group rates available
