Be GLAD Conference 2026
Be GLAD Conference 2026- Building Bridges & Reaching New Heights September 24-25, 2026 Hyatt Centric Chicago O’Hare, Chicago, Illinois
Register here for the upcoming Be GLAD Conference!
Join educators, instructional coaches, and leaders from across the country for two days of practical learning, meaningful connection, and classroom-ready strategies that accelerate language development and academic achievement for all learners.
This year’s conference features keynote speaker Michael Hernandez, an award-winning educator and advocate for student voice, authentic learning, and purposeful storytelling.
As an added benefit, every conference registration includes complimentary one-year access to a self-paced Be GLAD Online Training course (a $1,400 value), allowing participants to deepen their understanding of Be GLAD strategies before the conference and continue their learning afterward. Attendees may choose from PreK, Elementary, Secondary, or K-12 Spanish.
Optional School Visit: Experience Be GLAD strategies in action at a Be GLAD model site on September 23, 2026.
Register now, early bird pricing ends June 30th!
Tentative Conference Agenda
(Conference Days Only – School Visit Held Separately)
Day 1 – Thursday, September 24, 2026
6:30 AM – Registration & Check-In
7:00–8:00 AM - Continental Breakfast
8:00–9:30 AM - Opening Session & Keynote
9:45–10:45 AM - Breakout Session Block 1
11:00 AM–12:00 PM - Breakout Session Block 2
12:00–1:00 PM - Lunch Buffet
1:00–3:00 PM - Breakout Session Block 3
3:30–8:00 PM - Optional Excursion to Downtown Chicago
Day 2 – Friday, September 25, 2026
7:00 AM – Registration & Check-In
7:00–8:00 AM - Continental Breakfast
8:00–9:00 AM - Breakout Session Block 4
9:15–10:15 AM - Breakout Session Block 5
10:30 AM–11:30 PM - Breakout Session Block 6
11:30–12:30 PM - Lunch Buffet
12:30–2:15 PM - Breakout Session Block 7
2:30–3:00 PM - Closing Session
Venue and Lodging
Hyatt Centric Chicago O’Hare: 6350 N. River Rd, Rosemont, IL 60018
We’ve secured a room block at the Hyatt Centric Chicago O’Hare at $219/night for single or double occupancy, with adjusted rates for additional guests. Booking information will be provided after registration.
Featured Keynote Speaker: Michael Hernandez
Michael is an award-winning former teacher, author, and international speaker in Los Angeles whose work focuses on inquiry, digital and civic literacy, and student-centered learning experiences. He has been featured in Forbes, NPR, and the Los Angeles Times, and has been invited to speak at SXSW EDU, and conferences around the world. His book about authentic learning, Storytelling With Purpose: Digital Projects To Ignite Student Curiosity, endorsed by Ken Burns and Seth Godin, leverages student curiosity and passion to solve some of the biggest challenges in education today, like low student engagement, chronic absenteeism and academic integrity in the age of AI. His work helps educators and policy makers rediscover the secrets to designing engaging, meaningful curriculum that fosters cultures of integrity and brings purpose and joy back to learning.
As a trusted expert, Michael has worked with schools, tech startups, and organizations like Apple, Adobe, PBS, and National Geographic to develop their brand and engage their stakeholders. His podcast and monthly newsletter about innovation, Change The Narrative, has a global audience of thousands. Michael is an Apple Distinguished Educator, PBS Digital Innovator, Adobe Education Leader, and Lindblad/ National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow.
Optional Add-On Pre-Conference Experience: Be GLAD School Visit
September 23, 2026
Experience Be GLAD in action! This optional pre-conference school visit is designed for teachers, instructional coaches, site and district administrators, and educational leaders who want to see Be GLAD strategies implemented in authentic classroom settings.
Participants will visit a Be GLAD model site in downtown Chicago to observe effective instruction, engage in professional dialogue, and explore how Be GLAD supports school-wide coherence, language development, and instructional excellence across grade levels.
This immersive experience connects classroom practice with leadership and implementation, offering opportunities to collaborate, reflect, and plan next steps at both the classroom and system levels.
School Visit Registration Includes:
All scheduled activities
Lunch
Round-trip transportation to and from the Hyatt Centric Chicago O’Hare
Tentative Agenda
7:15 AM - Depart Hyatt Centric Chicago O’Hare 8:00–9:00 AM - Welcome 9:00–11:30 AM - Classroom visits (PreK–8) 11:30 AM–12:30 PM - Lunch 12:30–3:00 PM - Reflection, coaching, and planning for classroom and schoolwide implementation 3:45 PM - Return to Hyatt Centric Chicago O’Hare
Departure and return times are approximate and will be confirmed before the event.
Early Bird Pricing
$850 - Be GLAD Early Bird Both Days, Sept. 24-25, 2026
$450 - Be GLAD Early Bird 1-Day, Thurs or Friday only
$50 - Optional Add-On Be GLAD School Visit
Registration rates increase July 1st, register now to reserve your spot!
Questions? Contact us .
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