2026 KATE Conference

Conference date: September 25th, 2026

Location: The Club at UK's Spindletop Hall, University of Kentucky

Call for Proposals: 2026 KATE Conference

Empowering the Next Generation of Educators

The Kentucky Association of Teacher Educators (KATE) invites educators, researchers, and practitioners to submit proposals for our 2026 annual conference. As the landscape of education continues to evolve, our mission is to equip the next generation of teachers with the tools, resilience, and innovative spirit necessary to thrive.

This year’s conference focuses on the intersection of cutting-edge instructional design, targeted interventions, and the collaborative networks that sustain our profession.

Conference Strands & Suggested Topics

We welcome proposals that align with our core themes, including but not limited to:

Strand 1: Innovation in Teaching & Learning

• Credentialing Success: Strategies and best practices for preparing candidates for the PRAXIS CASE, Content, and PLT exams.

• Next-Gen Pedagogy: Implementing High Leverage Practices (HLPs) to foster deep classroom engagement.

• Instructional Design: Practical techniques for building lessons that inspire, motivate, and adapt to diverse learner needs.

• Resource Mastery: Best practices for integrating High-Quality Instructional Resources (HQIRs) into teacher prep curricula.

• Assessment for Growth: Strategies for utilizing key assessments for accreditation and continuous program improvement.

Strand 2: Targeted Interventions & The Teacher Pipeline

• Specialized Instruction: Evidence-based math and behavior interventions designed specifically for exceptional learners.

• Exceptional Education: Strategies for supporting diverse learning needs within inclusive and specialized settings.

• Pipeline Development: Innovative approaches to recruiting, retaining, and supporting the next generation of educators.

• Intervention Models: Data-driven practices for closing achievement gaps through intensive support.

Strand 3: Meaningful Partnerships & Practice

• Clinical Collaborations: How institutions and P-12 schools can co-create impactful student teaching experiences.

• Community Ecosystems: Building sustainable partnerships with local organizations to support holistic student learning.

• Standards in Action: Innovative implementation of the Kentucky Teacher Performance Standards in real-world settings.

• Mentorship Models: Strengthening the pipeline from pre-service candidate to classroom leader.

Presentation Formats

When submitting your proposal, you may choose one of the following formats:

• Individual Presentation: A deep dive into a specific topic. One presentation per 50-minute session.

• Panel Presentation: A collaborative session featuring 2–3 presentations. Each presenter will be allotted 15–30 minutes within the 50-minute block.

Event Details

• Conference Date: September 25th, 2026

• Location: The Club at UK's Spindletop Hall, University of Kentucky

• Submission Deadline: June 30, 2026

Join us in Lexington to collaborate and learn as we work to shape the future of teacher preparation across the Bluegrass!