ISBE and ISELA Statewide Special Education Directors' Conference

As the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) marks its 50th year, the Illinois Special Education Leadership Academy (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.

In past years, conferences have understandably focused heavily on compliance. The technical demands of special education leadership are real, complex, and unrelenting. At the same time, leaders have shared that compliance alone does not sustain those navigating the human complexity of this work. Building What Works: 50 Years of IDEA honors both realities. While essential technical updates and evidence-based practices remain a core component, this year’s conference intentionally creates space for what makes effective special education leadership truly possible: building trust, leading through change, and sustaining yourself and your teams.

The conference focuses on collaboration, continuity, and capacity as essential elements of long-term systems building, shared responsibility, and sustainable progress. Emphasis is placed on 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. Participants will engage in thought-provoking keynotes, leader-focused breakout sessions, and practical, transferable tools grounded in both evidence and real-world application. Dedicated time for collaboration and networking will allow leaders to connect with colleagues from school districts, cooperatives, Regional Offices of Education, and state partners to share challenges, strategies, and promising practices.

Together, we will honor the legacy of IDEA while building clarity, confidence, and momentum for the future of special education leadership in Illinois.

This is a two-day conference taking place at the Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel & Conference Center (201 Broadway, Normal, IL 61761).

The conference will be held on the following dates:

June 22, 2026--8:00 am -3:30 pm

June 23, 2026--8:00 am-2:30 pm

Registration for the conference is capped at 400 participants and will be offered at no cost to participants. 

To register for the conference, please click register at the bottom of this page.  

Please utilize the hotel booking links below to reserve rooms.

Marriott Booking Link

Hyatt Booking Link