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The Advocacy Institute is dedicated to advancing educational equity and advocating for policies that foster inclusive learning environments for K-12 public schools. As advocacy amplifies the voices and needs of marginalized communities, equity work ensures that policies and practices are implemented to provide fair and just opportunities for all students. This event will explore the latest developments in education policy and legislation to empower school board members and education leaders with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to address barriers to equity in education.

Keynote Speakers

Keynote Speakers

Amanda Ripley

New York Times bestselling author, Washington Post contributing columnist, and the co-founder of Good Conflict

Amanda Ripley is a New York Times bestselling author, a Washington Post contributing columnist, and the co-founder of Good Conflict, a media and training company that helps people reimagine conflict. She has written three award-winning, nonfiction books about three very different subjects: High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out, The Smartest Kids in the World: And How They Got That Way, and The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes, and Why. 

 

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Dr. Joseph G. Allen

Professor, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Dr. Joseph G. Allen is a professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, director of Harvard’s Healthy Buildings Program, and co-author of Healthy Buildings: How Indoor Spaces Can Make You Sick—or Keep You Well. Dr. Allen serves on Harvard’s Presidential Committee on Sustainability and, during the COVID-19 pandemic, served as commissioner of The Lancet COVID-19 Commission and as chair of its Safe Work, Safe Schools, and Safe Travel Task Force. 

 

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Schedule-at-a-Glance (As of Sept. 30, 2025)

All dates and times are subject to change.

Sunday, Feb. 1

7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Registration
7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. NSBA Bookstore
10:30 – 11:45 a.m. Breakout Sessions
Noon – 2 p.m. Opening Luncheon & Keynote Presentation
2:15 – 3:30 p.m. Breakout Sessions
3:30 – 3:45 p.m. Coffee & Conversations
3:45 – 5:00 p.m. NSBA's Federal Advocacy 101
5:30 – 7 p.m. Welcome Networking Reception

Monday, Feb. 2

7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Registration
7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. NSBA Bookstore
8:30 – 10:15 a.m. Breakfast & General Session
10:30 – 11:45 a.m. Breakout Sessions
Noon – 2 p.m. Awards Luncheon & Presentation 
2:15 – 3:30 p.m. Breakout Sessions
3:30 – 3:45 p.m. Coffee & Conversations
3:45 – 5 p.m. Closing General Session

Tuesday, Feb. 3

7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. NSBA Day on Capitol Hill

Complimentary Advocacy Prep Series

The NSBA Advocacy Prep Series is a four-week virtual training experience designed to equip school board members with the skills, confidence, and tools needed to advocate effectively on Capitol Hill during the NSBA Advocacy Institute. Held every Monday in January, these one-hour sessions walk attendees step-by-step through the process of preparing for successful meetings with their U.S. Senators and Representatives. 

Attendees will learn how Congress works, understand NSBA’s federal priorities, craft their advocacy message, and secure meetings with their Members of Congress. Each session includes live coaching, templates, and real-time working time to support outreach and scheduling. Click below to view description for each session.

Recording

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Recording

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Recording

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Jan. 26 | 6 p.m. EST
Participants finalize schedules, rehearse their talking points, and receive practical guidance for navigating Capitol Hill during the Institute

Access the Program Guide Here

Programming

Breaking the Spell of High Conflict
Conflict, whether political or personal, can escalate and become toxic, as we keep seeing in the news, on social media, in politics, and in our communities. For school board members and education leaders, who sit at the intersection of education, governance, and public discourse, understanding how conflict transforms into “high conflict” has never been more important. At this level, known as "high conflict," we start sorting the world into good and evil, us and them. Things suddenly become very clear. Our brains behave differently. We tend to exaggerate the differences between ourselves and the other political party or racial or religious group (or sibling or co-worker), without realizing we are doing it. We believe the other side cannot change, even when it can. Eventually, everyone suffers, to varying degrees. To try to understand how people get bewitched by high conflict — and how they get out — Amanda spent four years following a politician in California, a former gang leader in Chicago, a divided synagogue in New York City, and other conflict survivors all over the world. She discovered that the secret is not to get out of conflict; conflict itself is essential, and it can be healthy and good, as well as essential to democracy and local governance. The key is to get out of high conflict. From the stories and the science of conflict, Amanda has identified the "fire-starter" forces that tend to cause high conflict — as well as the practical but counterintuitive rules of "good conflict." Her work offers surprising and ultimately hopeful lessons for leaders, advocates, and board members seeking to bridge divides, build trust, and lead productively in polarized times. 

Presenter:

  • Amanda Ripley - New York Times bestselling author, Washington Post contributing columnist, and the co-founder of Good Conflict

NSBA’s Federal Advocacy 101
Join leaders from the National School Boards Association (NSBA), the BGR Group, and Foresight Law + Policy for an in-depth exploration of NSBA’s 2026 advocacy strategy. This session will highlight key initiatives and provide actionable insights into the national efforts to advance education funding, policy, and local governance priorities.

The session will cover NSBA’s 2026 priorities, including recent engagements on Capitol Hill and in the courts. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the current federal agency policy and regulatory landscape and its influence on education and governance. Additionally, the discussion will address the congressional legislative environment and offer practical messaging strategies to enhance advocacy efforts during Hill Day, equipping attendees with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate an evolving policy landscape and drive meaningful change in education funding and local governance.

Presenters:

  • Dr. Phelton Moss - Managing Director of Government Relations, NSBA
  • Keiffer J. Mitchell, Jr. - Vice President, The BGR Group

Bridging the Aisle for America’s Students: A Bipartisan Conversation on K-12 Priorities
In a time when division often dominates the headlines, education remains one of the few areas where shared values can still unite policymakers. This closed-door, bipartisan conversation will bring together congressional staffers from both sides of the aisle to discuss the pressing K-12 issues that impact every school district in America. From full funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to ensuring safe, equitable, and high-quality learning environments for all students, this dialogue will highlight areas of collaboration that transcend politics. School board members will gain firsthand insight into how Congress works behind the scenes to advance bipartisan solutions — and how local voices can inform federal education policy.  

Join us for an honest, off-the-record exchange designed to rebuild bridges, share strategies, and reaffirm a common goal: ensuring every child has access to a great public education, regardless of zip code or political climate.

Panelists:

  • ILana Brunner - Professional Staffer, House Education and Workforce Committee (D)
  • RJ Martin - Professional Staffer, House Education and Workforce Committee (R)
  • Brianna Tibbetts - Professional Staffer, Senate HELP Committee (R)
  • Manuel Contreras - Professional Staffer, Senate HELP Committee (D)

Moderator:

  • Dr. Phelton Moss - Managing Director of Government Relations, NSBA

Building Foundations: How the School Environment Drives Student Health and Learning 

The school building has profound impacts on student health, thinking, and performance, yet it remains an overlooked foundation of student success. That's a mistake. Decades of scientific research have shown that how we design, operate, and maintain our school buildings affects brain, heart, reproductive, and immune health. Fortunately, the healthy buildings strategies needed to capture these benefits are readily achievable and affordable. The cost of inaction is high. 

Presenter:

  • Dr. Joseph G. Allen - Professor, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; Director of Harvard’s Healthy Buildings Program; and Co-author of Healthy Buildings: How Indoor Spaces Can Make You Sick—or Keep You Well

Students at the Center: Public Education, Democracy, and the Role of School Boards
Students experience national political discourse in deeply local ways—from funding and staffing to curriculum, opportunity, and civic belonging. This closing session offers a clear-eyed look at the current national landscape shaping public education and what it means for the students school boards are elected to serve.

The discussion will explore why school board members matter at this moment as frontline democratic leaders, how local governance connects to federal policymaking, and how elected officials can engage Members of Congress with clarity and purpose ahead of their Capitol Hill visits. Drawing on national trends and lived experience, the session will underscore what’s at stake for students when public education systems are supported—and what is lost when they are not.

Participants will leave with a sharper understanding of their role, their voice, and how to translate student-centered priorities into effective federal advocacy.

Presenter:

  • Richard Fowler - American Storyteller, Cable News Commentator, Journalist

Sunday, Feb. 1 | 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.

Fulfilling the Promise: Advancing Full IDEA Funding Through Advocacy & Board Leadership

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the cornerstone of special education in the United States, championing a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) for students served under this law. Yet, despite these foundational principles, many students — particularly Black students, students of color, and bilingual students — still face barriers to accessing necessary services. The persistent IDEA funding gap has deep equity implications, especially for under-resourced districts that struggle to provide adequate support. In the wake of massive personnel cuts to the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), this session will explore how educators, advocates, and community leaders can work together by partnering with state associations, national organizations, and coalitions to support full IDEA funding; how to craft and pass effective and meaningful board resolutions; and how to develop clear, compelling communication strategies to help families and the public understand what IDEA is and why full funding is essential for educational opportunity. 

 

Presenter: 

  • Dr. Ashley White - Assistant Professor of Disability & Education Policy, University of Wisconsin – Madison 

The Bridge Builders — Compassion, Community, Connection
The Bridge Builders initiative aims to “bridge” the gap between neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals in our schools and communities, while strengthening inclusion, understanding, and opportunity for all learners. This session will demonstrate how advocacy for programs like Bridge Builders aligns with a broader public education agenda to support students with disabilities, including calling for full IDEA funding and equitable access to resources and supports for every student. 

Participants will explore how the Bridge Builders model not only fosters meaningful relationships between students with and without disabilities but also serves as a grassroots advocacy tool, showcasing what can be achieved when communities invest in inclusion. Through collaboration with organizations such as The Arc and local school districts, Bridge Builders creates tangible examples of how federal and state policy priorities, such as IDEA, translate into real-world impact. 

Attendees will leave with practical strategies to bring the Bridge Builders framework to their own school districts or communities, helping to build inclusive environments, advance policy conversations, and strengthen advocacy efforts around special education funding and services. 

Session Objectives 

  • Implement the Bridge Builders Framework: Gain the tools and guidance needed to establish a Bridge Builders program in your school district or community, including partnership strategies with organizations such as The Arc. 

  • Strengthen Inclusive School Communities: Explore how Bridge Builders can enhance relationships among students, families, and educators, creating a culture of inclusion that reinforces advocacy priorities for equitable access and opportunity. 

  • Connect Local Action to Policy Advocacy: Understand how the Bridge Builders model supports the broader advocacy agenda to fully fund IDEA and advance inclusive education at the local, state, and national levels. 

  • Equip School Board Members as Advocates: Learn how to use community-based initiatives like Bridge Builders as examples in discussions with state and federal lawmakers to demonstrate the need for sustained funding and support for students with disabilities. 

 

Presenters: 

  • Wendy LaFave - High School Teacher & Co-Founder of the Bridge Builders, Carthage Central School District (Carthage, New York) 

  • Robert Miller - High School Teacher & Co-Founder of the Bridge Builders, Carthage Central School District (Carthage, New York) 

The New Fundamental: Advocating for AI Sovereignty & Infrastructure    

The signing of Executive Order 14277 in April 2025, titled "Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education," marked a clear shift in federal priorities. Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer an optional program add-on; it is now framed as essential to national economic security. While the executive order (EO) provides important political leverage, it does not, on its own, resolve the implementation challenges facing local school systems. 
 
School districts now face a complex challenge: how to advance AI in ways that are financially sustainable, protect student privacy, and do not deepen existing connectivity and access gaps. Without a clear strategy, districts risk becoming dependent on costly, short-term solutions rather than building long-term capacity within their communities. As the architects and fiduciaries of public education, school board members play a critical role in ensuring that AI investments are both equitable and sustainable. The EO defines the “why”; emerging approaches help define the “how.” 
 
This session supports school board members in advancing to the next level of legislative advocacy. Participants will gain shared language, policy context, and concrete legislative “asks” to confidently engage state and federal policymakers. Rather than simply requesting funding, attendees will be equipped to present a clear, future-ready case for infrastructure and investments that align federal mandates with local priorities — ensuring districts do not just comply with the future, but help shape it. 
Presenters:
  • Ricky Gooch - Chief Executive Officer, The National AI Academy
  • Colleen Sasser - VP AI Solutions, The National AI Academy

Sunday, Feb. 1 | 2:15 – 3:30 p.m.

Why Rural Matters 2025: People, Place, and Possibility — A Blueprint for Rural Education Advocacy
Rural schools are at the heart of their communities, yet their unique strengths and challenges are too often overlooked in education policy debates. The National Rural Education Association’s (NREA) Why Rural Matters 2025 report shines a spotlight on the realities of rural education in all 50 states, offering a powerful tool for leaders who want to make smarter, more equitable decisions for students. 

This session, hosted by NREA leadership, will unpack the key findings of this landmark report and highlight how issues of access, funding, staffing, and opportunity intersect with the lived experiences of rural families. The session will also help board members translate this knowledge into stronger advocacy, demonstrating how a deeper command of the report’s data and themes can strengthen conversations with legislators, build urgency around rural needs, and elevate local stories that too often go unheard. More importantly, the discussion will move beyond data to action, showing school board members how to leverage the report to shape district priorities, influence state policy, and advocate more effectively at the national level. 

Participants will walk away with a deeper understanding of the “people, place, and possibility” that define rural education, as well as concrete strategies to use the report as a catalyst for stronger governance, smarter resource allocation, and bold advocacy on behalf of rural students.  

Presenters:  

  • Dr. Jerry Johnson — Phoebe Moore Dail Distinguished Professor in Rural Education, East Carolina University    

  • Dr. Melissa Sadorf — Executive Director, National Rural Education Association (NREA)

Federal School Law Update

The Federal School Law Update session is designed to inform school board members, administrators, and school district personnel about the latest federal legal developments affecting public education. The session focuses on recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings and federal agency actions that influence how school districts operate. In addition to explaining these legal changes, the session offers practical strategies to help school boards remain compliant with the law while continuing to make decisions that best serve their students and communities. 

 

Presenter: 

  • Tammy Carter - Senior Director of Legal Services and NSBA Governance, National School Boards Association 

Exploring the Spectrum of High-Impact CTE: Navigating Career Pathways & Crafting Your Advocacy Efforts 

 

This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of career and technical education (CTE) models aiming to guide school board members through the various tiers of CTE, from standard career pathways used in comprehensive high schools to immersive vocational-technical environments. The overview includes practical strategies for districts looking to launch "net-new" programs, focusing on how to effectively create, fund, and grow these initiatives in ways that are adaptable to different state funding structures. The session will highlight how high-quality career pathways serve as a vital tool for economic mobility and graduation success by providing students with industry credentials and hands-on learning.  

 

Attendees will also receive critical updates on the Federal CTE Caucus Committee and current legislative funding challenges, specifically addressing NSBA's request for a significant boost to Perkins CTE State Grants.  

To prepare for "NSBA Day on Capitol Hill," we will dedicate time to helping attendees identify their own state-specific resources and refine their advocacy messaging. By the end of the session, leaders will be equipped to craft clear "asks" of their U.S. Senators and Representatives, urging them to oppose budget cuts and to prioritize modernizing CTE equipment and partnerships. This session ultimately empowers advocates to demonstrate how robust federal investment in CTE fuels a skilled workforce and drives economic growth in every community. 

Presenter:

 

  • Tracy Stewart - President, Tri-County Regional Vocational High School Education Foundation (MA); School Committee Member 2022-25

 

Monday, Feb. 2 | 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.

Work Smarter, Not Harder: Leveraging Policy and Funding to Strengthen Student Wellness 

School board members play a critical role in shaping policies and resource decisions to ensure that schools have access to the human and financial resources necessary to support student wellness. In an era of increasing student mental health needs and constrained budgets, boards must understand how to strategically leverage existing federal funding and align policies to maximize impact. 

 

Hosted by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), this session will provide an overview of key federal funding streams that can support comprehensive, equitable student wellness systems, including mental and behavioral health services. Participants will examine how key federal funding streams can be used to support student wellness and mental health services and develop an understanding of policy levers school boards can use to align resources with student needs and equity goals. 

 

This session will highlight real-world district examples and offer practical guidance to help board members ask the right questions, advocate effectively at the state and federal levels, and make informed decisions that prioritize student well-being. 

Presenter:

  • Kelly Vaillancourt Strobach, PhD, NCSP - Director, Policy and Advocacy, National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) 

Setting the Conditions: How States Support Meaningful, Affirming Grade-Level Instruction

Instruction happens in classrooms, but states play a role in shaping the conditions for learning. This session offers a high-level look at how states support meaningful, affirming grade-level instruction rooted in high-quality instructional materials. Participants will learn how state policies, guidance, and supports influence what students experience every day and how these levers can be used to promote grade-level rigor and improve instructional quality across systems.

Presenter:

  • Anne Bowles - Senior Director of Programs, Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO)

Protecting Equity: How Federal Funding Cuts Impact Schools and What You Can Do 
Over the past year, there have been numerous threats to federal education funding: from the illegal withholding of Congressionally appropriated FY25 funds, to the elimination and consolidation of programs in the FY26 budget, to the impact of Medicaid and SNAP cuts on state education budgets and school-based services. This session will provide an overview of how these federal policies and actions affect states and school districts, especially students of color and students from low-income backgrounds. The presenters will also share state and local policy recommendations to protect public investments in public schools and offer messaging and strategies for the ongoing battle over federal funding.  

 

Presenters: 

  • Qubilah Huddleston - Equitable School Funding Lead, EdTrust 

  • Reid Setzer - Government Affairs Director, EdTrust    

Monday, Feb. 2 | 2:15 – 3:30 p.m.

When Federal Policy Hits Home: Impacts Across States and Districts
Representatives from NSBA’s Conference of State Association Legislative Staff (CSALS) will discuss how recent federal policy developments translate into real impacts for states and local school districts. This session will explore how federal policy shifts, funding decisions, and regulatory changes shape state and school district priorities and influence the day-to-day work of school boards. Speakers will share insights from their states, highlighting common challenges as well as unique circumstances across the country. Join us to learn how school board members can stay informed and engaged in effective advocacy at every level—federal, state, and local.  

Presenters: 

  • Caroline Bobick - Deputy Director of Governmental and External Relations, New York State School Boards Association  

  • Jennifer Smith - Director of Government Relations, Michigan Association of School Boards  

  • Matt Cook - Director of Public Policy and Advocacy, Colorado Association of School Boards (CASB)

Moderator:

  • Jason Amos - Senior Director, Communications, National School Boards Association (NSBA)

Earn a $45,000 Grant for Your District for Protecting Student Health  

Panelists from Brown University and the Go Green Initiative (GGI) will discuss opportunities for your school district to improve academic achievement and student health through low- or no-cost methods to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) and energy efficiency. GGI has partnered with NSBA to offer $45,000 grants and in-person support that your district can apply for through a short, easy application with no matching funds or technical requirements. Dr. Georgia Lagoudas from the Brown University Pandemic Center will present the center’s new guide for improving IAQ, including an action plan specifically for school districts.   

 

Presenters: 

  • Anisa Heming - BASIC Board Chair, Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council 

  • Jill Buck, M.S., Ed. - CEO, Go Green Initiative  

  • Andrew Kamali, MPH, M.B.A. - Program Manager, Go Green Initiative  

Facts Over Fear: Understanding the Rights and Realities of Immigrant and Newcomer Students

Migratory and immigrant students and students from mixed-status families enrich our classrooms and communities, yet many school leaders struggle to navigate the complex legal landscape, dispel persistent myths, and advocate effectively for equitable support. This session, led by experts from the Learning Policy Institute and the National Newcomer Network at The Century Foundation, will equip school board members with the knowledge and tools needed to lead with clarity, compassion, and impact.
 
Participants will delve into understanding the legal framework and federal guidance that protect migratory and immigrant students and explore common myths versus facts about who these students are, what protections the law provides, and how federal and state policies influence their access to educational opportunities.
 
Drawing on research and coalition policy work, the session will highlight real-world barriers and inequities that migratory and immigrant students face, from inconsistent district practices to variations in state support and funding, and examine evidence-based strategies that promote academic, linguistic, and socio-emotional success for all learners.
 
This session will also emphasize effective advocacy around:
• How school board members can lead community conversations rooted in facts and equity
• How to partner with families, educators, and advocates to uphold students’ rights
• How to influence policy at the local, state, and national levels to ensure every student thrives
 
Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to champion policies and practices that protect the rights, well-being, and educational opportunities of migratory and immigrant students, turning knowledge into meaningful action.
Presenters:
  • Jessica Cardichon - Chief of Strategic Impact, Learning Policy Institute
  • Alejandra Vázquez Baur - Fellow, The Century Foundation

Registration Fees

Registration Registration Deadline  State Association Staff/Officers NATCON, CUBE, & COSA Districts Districts in Member State Associations  Unaffiliated School Board Member & General Public
Early  Before
November 14		  $590 $645 $775 $880
Standard  Friday, Jan. 30  $700 $775 $890 $990


*Participating Member State Association Executive Directors receive a complimentary registration. For more information, contact info@nsba.org.

Event Information

Taxicabs & Ride Sharing
Taxicabs and Ride Sharing, such as Uber and Lyft offer transportation services to passengers arriving to and departing from the airport. Download the ride sharing app of your choice and book in advance to ensure availability. Approximate rates for taxicabs and ridesharing from the nearest airports can be found below.


DC Metro System
DC Metro System serves the District of Columbia and surrounding areas. The Mt Vernon Sq./7th St-Convention Center Station on the Green and Yellow Lines is the closest (0.2 miles) Metro Station to the hotel.

Hotel Parking
Valet parking is available at the Marriott Marquis DC hotel at $65 per day.

Headquarter Hotel: Marriott Marquis Washington, DC
901 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington, DC 20001

You must be registered for the conference before you can reserve housing in the NSBA hotel block. NSBA has negotiated a special rate for conference attendees. Booking information will be provided in the registration confirmation email. All reservations should be made before Thursday, Jan. 8, 2025. Room availability and conference rates cannot be guaranteed after this date.

In the event of a cancellation, you may transfer your registration to another member of your team by Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. Simply email memberservices@nsba.org with the name of the registrant and the individual being substituted.  

Requests for refunds will be honored only if made in writing to NSBA by Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, and will be subject to a $150 cancellation fee per registrant. After that date, no refund will be issued, however, you may still transfer your registration to another district participant. 

Exceptions to the cancellation policy for medical emergencies or other significant unforeseen events may be considered. Requests must be submitted in writing to memberservices@nsba.org with appropriate supporting documentation for review. 

Please feel free to contact our registration team at memberservices@nsba.org with any questions you may have about your Advocacy Institute registration.