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.
Become a Partner
Topics Of Discussion
Solving the Educator Staffing Crisis: Retention, Recruitment, and Sustainable Workloads
Teacher shortages and high turnover are straining districts nationwide. Addressing the root causes, from unsustainable workloads and burnout to recruitment pipelines and compensation, is essential to building a stable, committed workforce.
Re-Engaging Students: Attendance, Behavior, and Connection to School
Chronic absenteeism and disengagement have reached critical levels in the wake of the pandemic. Rebuilding students’ sense of belonging, addressing behavioral challenges, and creating conditions where kids want to show up are among the most pressing priorities facing school leaders today.
Strategic Budgeting in Uncertain Times
With federal funding shifts, declining enrollment, and rising costs, district leaders are being forced to make difficult financial decisions while protecting core programs. Strategic budgeting means aligning resources with priorities and making tough calls with transparency and purpose.
Supporting the Whole Child: Scaling Mental Health and Student Support Systems
Student mental health needs have surged, but most districts lack the staff and systems to meet demand at scale. Building sustainable support structures, from tiered intervention models to community partnerships, is key to ensuring every student gets the help they need.
Closing Achievement Gaps in Literacy and Math
Years of unfinished learning and widening disparities have put renewed urgency on foundational skills. Districts are rethinking their approaches to literacy and math instruction, intervention, and assessment to accelerate growth for the students who need it most.
From Initiative Overload to Instructional Coherence: Making Systems Work
Many districts are running too many disconnected initiatives at once, leaving teachers overwhelmed and leaders frustrated with slow results. Coherence means making deliberate choices about what to prioritize, how systems connect, and how to create conditions where improvement actually takes hold.
From PD to Practice: Building Instructional Capacity That Sticks
Professional development is only as valuable as its impact in the classroom. Moving beyond one-time trainings to build sustained instructional capacity requires intentional coaching, collaborative learning structures, and a culture of continuous improvement.
Family Trust, Community Engagement & Public Perception
Public confidence in schools is harder to earn and easier to lose than ever before. Building authentic relationships with families, engaging the broader community, and proactively shaping the district’s narrative are critical to maintaining the trust schools need to operate effectively.
Leading Through Constant Change Without Burning Out Leaders
District and school leaders are navigating an unprecedented volume of change, from policy shifts and staffing crises to community pressures, often with little support. Sustaining leadership effectiveness over the long haul requires intentional attention to capacity, culture, and personal resilience.
From AI Awareness to Instructional Practice: Building Educator Confidence and Classroom Culture
AI is moving faster than most schools can keep up with, and the gap between awareness and actual classroom practice remains wide. Helping educators build confidence, develop practical skills, and navigate the cultural shifts that come with AI integration is the real work ahead.
Past & Current Speakers
Palo Alto Unified School District, California
Atascadero Unified School District, California
Klamath Falls City Schools, Oregon
Hamilton School District, Wisconsin
Thompson School District R-2J, Colorado
Nola Public Schools, Louisiana
Indian Prairie School District 204, Illinois
North Kitsap School District, Washington
Westminster School District, California
The Schedule
Event Registration
Opening Keynote
Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings
Afternoon Refreshments & Networking
Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings/Roundtable Discussions/Workshops
Free Time
Welcome Reception & Dinner
Networking Breakfast
Morning Keynote/Panel Session
Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings
Morning Refreshments & Networking
Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings
Workshops/Roundtable Discussions
Networking Luncheon
Roundtables/Business Meetings/Workshops
Afternoon Refreshments & Networking
Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings
Closing Day Keynote
Free Time
networking Reception & Dinner
Morning Refreshments & Networking
Workshops/Roundtable Discussions
Brunch
Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings
Closing Keynote
Why Attend?
A Community That Leads Together
Content That Moves the Needle
Solutions That Fit Your District
Delegate Testimonials
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!
It's a great way to keep up with the very quickly changing world of educational tech. I also like how the conference focuses on individualised discussions instead of a one size fits all mentality.
RTM provided a one-stop shop for me to hear about some of the latest innovations from partners and solutions that Districts have implemented to keep our students safe, engaged, and ready to learn.