One Big Union: Learning, Advocating, and Empowering
2026 IPD Conference
Come inspire and empower fellow educators at MSEA’s IPD Conference. The IPD Committee, led by member experts, develops strands of workshops designed to meet the professional needs of MSEA members. The theme for our 2026 conference is “One Big Union: Learning, Advocating, and Empowering.” From keeping up with the demands of an increasingly challenging education environment to meeting the needs of a diverse range of students, the IPD Conference will prepare members to deliver the best possible outcomes for students. Participants will leave with strategies that can be implemented immediately.
Event Agenda:
Continental Breakfast and Registration: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. (Lunch Provided by MSEA)
Welcome/MEGA Conference Keynote: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Session 1: 10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Session 2: 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch: 1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. (Lunch Provided by MSEA)
Break: 1:45 p.m. – 1:55 p.m.
Session 3: 2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Closing: 3:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Raffle, feedback, certificate)
The first 30 registrants will be entered to win a door prize valued at over $100.00.
DEADLINE: Registration closes January 22, 2026, or when seats are filled.
Conference Strands
1) Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners
2) Leading Our Professions Forward
3) Advancing Racial, Social, and Economic Justice in Our Schools
NOTE: This conference is for MSEA members only. If you are not yet a member and would like to attend, please contact the local association in the county where you work for information on how to become a member. OR Click here for information to join and email a copy of your application to Jennifer Shreve at [email protected].
QUESTIONS: Email Jennifer Shreve at [email protected] with SUBJECT LINE “IPD Conference”.
As part of MSEA’s “One Big Union: Learning, Advocating, and Empowering” event taking place that day, IPD Conference participants will get to hear a special keynote address from Dr. Cierra Kaler-Jones, a social justice educator, writer, scholar, and artist. Her research focuses on how to create and sustain educational spaces rooted in joy and love, while refuting control and management tactics in school that deny young people opportunities for creativity and critical consciousness-building. Dr. Kaler-Jones serves as the Director of Storytelling for Communities for Just Schools Fund, a donor collaborative that resources education justice organizers across the country.