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2025 West Education Congress

JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE, Los Angeles, CA
September 21st
- 23rd
2025
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Today!

Turn Bold Ideas into Practical Action

The West Education Congress brings
together 75 of the nation’s most forward-thinking Superintendents, Chiefs, and Academic Directors for a high-impact exchange on the future of K-12
education.

Connect with the leaders shaping policy and
practice across the K-12 ecosystem in the West.

Whether you’re driving innovation in instruction, equity, or operations—this is the room where momentum builds.

Request To Join

Opening Keynote

New Solutions & School District – Navigating Leadership Landmines

Dr Mark Shanoff,
Superintendent, School District Of Osceola County

Topics Of Discussion

Students with greater needs and fewer resources often require more than traditional supports to succeed—and district leaders play a pivotal role in shaping the systems that make that success possible. This session will challenge and equip leaders to strategically align resources, redesign support structures, and foster cross-departmental collaboration to better serve students who face the highest barriers. Grounded in equity and driven by data, we’ll explore how to build sustainable, scalable models that ensure all students—regardless of circumstance—have access to the choices and opportunities they deserve.  

Join Fred Bartels for a lively round table discussion on the messy, meaningful work of applying implementation science in real school systems. Drawing from his experience at Klamath Falls City Schools—where missteps are just part of the method—Fred will share insights from district-wide efforts in the Science of Reading, instructional practices, and classroom management. This is not a sit-and-get: come ready to swap stories, surface challenges, and explore strategies that work (and don’t) in your own context. Expect practical tools, candid conversation, and a few laughs along the way. Whether you’re deep into implementation or just getting started, you’ll leave with fresh ideas and some good company for the road ahead.

This session explores how a proactive approach to school safety is grounded in fostering strong relationships, emotional intelligence, and a culture of trust and care. Using the frameworks of Character Strong and RULER, alongside actionable data from Panorama surveys, participants will learn how social-emotional learning (SEL) contributes directly to physical, emotional, and psychological safety in schools. We will share how our district has embedded SEL practices to create environments where students feel seen, supported, and safe—and how these practices prepare staff and students to respond calmly and effectively to safety concerns. The session will provide practical strategies, planning tools, and reflections to inspire other schools and districts in building a safety culture that is truly prepared, protected, and proactive.

Ensuring every student becomes a proficient reader requires intentional, evidence-based literacy pathways designed to meet diverse needs. This session will explore how districts can engage their local community and design reading pathways that support learners of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences based on the Science of Reading. From early intervention to culturally responsive materials, attendees will examine practices that remove barriers and promote equity. By basing decisions in evidence-based approaches, schools can create literacy systems where all students are empowered to succeed.

This presentation will share Desert Sands Unified School District’s journey in integrating AI, highlighting the strategic decisions and practical steps taken to empower human agency. We will discuss key takeaways and offer a roadmap for other districts embarking on their own AI integration efforts.

This presentation will share Desert Sands Unified School District’s journey in integrating AI, highlighting the strategic decisions and practical steps taken to empower human agency. We will discuss key takeaways and offer a roadmap for other districts embarking on their own AI integration efforts.

Effective district improvement planning requires more than compliance—it demands strategic collaboration and actionable data. In this session, let us collaboratively explore and share how integrated planning, supported by real-time analytics and aligned instructional priorities, is transforming teaching practices and boosting student success.

With cyber threats on the rise, protecting student data is more critical than ever. This session covers strategies to strengthen cybersecurity, foster a culture of digital responsibility, and align practices with evolving regulations—ensuring safe, future-ready learning environments.

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81.39% of delegates said this is the best event they’ve attended all year

Past & Present Honorary Speakers

Dr. Tiffany Campbell
Deputy Superintendent of Schools,
San Marcos Unified School District, California
Dr. Phillip D'Agostino
Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services,
Brea-Olinda Unified School District, California
Dr. JeanAnn Gaona
Assistant Superintendent Curriculum & Instruction,
Choctaw-Nicoma Park School District, Oklahoma
Dr. Jill Lawson
Executive Director of Assessment and Student Service,
Lindbergh Schools, Missouri
Phillip Nowlin
Deputy Superintendent of Academics,
Agua Fria Union School District, Arizona
Leopoldo Perez
Associate Superintendent, Instructional Services,
Shasta Union High School District, California
Jared Ryan
Assistant Superintendent - Teaching & Learning,
Gilbert Public Schools Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning,
Gilbert Public Schools, Arizona
Dr. Cynthia Sanchez
Director of Educational Tech,
Pomona Unified School District, California
Dr. Tiffany Snyder
Director of Recruitment & Retention,
Salina Public Schools, Kansas
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The Schedule

10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Event Registration

12:20 pm - 1:20 pm

Opening Keynote

1:30 pm - 3:15 pm

Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings

3:15 pm - 3:35 pm

Afternoon Refreshments & Networking

3:35 pm - 5:45 pm

Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings/Roundtable Discussions/Workshops

5:45 pm - 6:45 pm

Free Time

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Welcome Reception & Dinner

7:00 am - 8:00 am

Networking Breakfast

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Morning Keynote/Panel Session

9:00 am - 10:30 am

Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings

10:30 am - 11:00 am

Morning Refreshments & Networking

11:00 am - 11:45 am

Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings

11:45 am - 12:30 pm

Workshops/Roundtable Discussions

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

Networking Luncheon

1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Roundtables/Business Meetings/Workshops

3:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Afternoon Refreshments & Networking

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings

5:00 pm - 5:45 pm

Closing Day Keynote

5:45 pm - 6:45 pm

Free Time

6:45 pm - 8:30 pm

networking Reception & Dinner

8:00 am - 8:15 am

Morning Refreshments & Networking

8:20 am - 9:05 am

Workshops/Roundtable Discussions

9:10 am - 9:55 am

Brunch

10:05 am - 11:05 am

Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings

11:15 am - 12:00 pm

Closing Keynote

If you have access to the full schedule, click here. Otherwise, click here to get access.

Why Attend?

A Community That Leads Together

Connect with a curated group of K–12 leaders who are facing the same challenges—and are here to collaborate, not compete.

Content That Moves the Needle

Engage in peer-driven discussions and sessions built around what matters most now—AI, equity, mental health, and more.

Solutions That Fit Your District

Meet 1:1 with vetted providers who understand K–12 and offer real answers, not sales pitches.

Delegate Testimonials

Alicia Jacob 
Executive Director of Student Learning, Selah School District (WA)

RTM’s congress events always leave me energized through thoughtful dialogue with solution providers who share common values, innovative presenters and leaders throughout our country who are making a difference in our students lives every day. It is a unique experience that allows one to grow professionally in a variety of capacities and is a highlight to my year!

Bill Bass
Innovation Coordinator, Parkway School District (MO)

RTM provides leaders an opportunity to connect and problem solve real world issues in education and support each other in their everyday work.

Dr. Kebbler Williams
Executive Director of Elementary Education & Title I, Johnston County Public Schools (NC)
Freddie Alarcon
Director of Middle School Leadership, Chesapeake Public Schools (VA)

By far one of the most impactful conferences I have attended. I loved the ability to connect with colleagues from across the nation to learn from them and problem solve with them.

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