ISBE and ISELA Statewide Special Education Directors' Conference

The ISBE and ISELA Statewide Conference brings together special education leaders from across Illinois to reflect on progress, learn from one another, and strengthen the systems that support students with disabilities. It acknowledges the technical demands of special education leadership while also creating space for building trust, leading through change, and sustaining teams. The conference focuses on collaboration, continuity, and capacity as essential elements for long-term systems building, shared responsibility, and sustainable progress, emphasizing leadership development, infrastructure, and practices that move special education beyond compliance toward lasting, meaningful impact. This two-day professional learning experience is designed specifically for special education directors and leadership teams, featuring thought-provoking keynotes, leader-focused breakout sessions, and practical, transferable tools. Dedicated time for collaboration and networking is included to connect leaders from school districts, cooperatives, Regional Offices of Education, and state partners.