Theme

From Ideas to Impact: Advancing Education for the Gator Good

Areas of Interest

We welcome submissions from all areas of educational research. Submissions may focus on but are not limited to:

• Teaching and Learning

  • Instructional strategies, curriculum development, teacher preparation, and classroom practices

• Educational Policy and Leadership

  • Policy analysis, school leadership, systemic change, and finance

• Student Learning and Development

  • Cognitive, social, and emotional development, motivation, engagement

• Technology in Education

  • EdTech tools, digital learning environments, AI in Education, Learning Analytics, CS Education

• Assessment, Measurement, and Evaluation

  • Student learning assessment, program evaluation, data-informed decision-making

• Community and Informal Learning

  • Learning outside traditional classrooms, partnerships between schools and communities

• Interdisciplinary and Emerging Research

  • Research that bridges education with psychology, sociology, public health, STEM, and other fields

We strongly encourage a wide range of research approaches: qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, case studies, and theoretical explorations are all welcome. Both empirical studies and review-based work (e.g., systematic reviews) are welcome, and submissions are not restricted by study type.

Proposal Submission Guidelines

Proposals may address some of the following elements, as appropriate to the stage and nature of the work (recommended but not required):

• Title of research project (required)

• Author(s) information (required)

• Objectives or purposes

• Theoretical/conceptual framework or perspective(s)

• Methods, techniques, or modes of inquiry

• Data sources, evidence, objects, or materials

• Results, findings, and/or substantiated conclusions

• Limitations

• Implications

Submissions should adhere to the following guidelines based on the presentation format:

Paper Presentations (500 words max, excluding references and acknowledgments)

• This presentation format provides an opportunity to present an abbreviated version of a scholarly paper (it does not have to be published). Accepted paper presentations will be given a 15-minute time slot to present. Authors are encouraged to use the symposium formatting template as a guide for structure. The formatting template can be accessed here.

Roundtable Presentations (500 words max, excluding references and acknowledgments)

• Roundtable presentations are designed for discussion of research that may be in progress and are presented to a smaller group. This format emphasizes feedback and dialogue around ongoing work and shared research interests. Roundtable presentations will be given a 20-minute time slot and are typically scheduled during the later portion of the symposium program, prior to awards and closing remarks. Authors should consider this timing when selecting this format. Authors are encouraged to use the symposium formatting template as a guide for structure. The formatting template can be accessed here.

Poster Presentations (PDF submission)

• As part of a poster session, this presentation format provides experience in presenting to and interacting with others about your research. Poster presenters should submit a PDF of their poster (a proposal abstract is not required). Poster formats may vary, but should summarize your research in a concise and attractive manner. Poster presentations are not required to follow the symposium formatting template. Poster presenters may use any format or design of their choosing. Optional poster templates provided by the College of Education design team are available here: https://education.ufl.edu/helpdesk/brand. Accepted posters will be displayed in the Norman Hall Conference Center in an open poster session where attendees can view the posters at their own pace and engage directly with the presenters in discussion.

Important Dates

• Call for Proposals Opens - January 29, 2026

• Proposal Submission Deadline - March 3, 2026 March 10, 2026 (11:59 PM ET) (Final Extension)

• Proposal Review Period - March 10 to March 13, 2026

• Notification of Acceptance - March 13, 2026

• Schedule Release - March 24, 2026

• Symposium Date - April 2, 2026 (2:00 - 6:00 PM)

• Awards Announcement - April 2, 2026 (End of Symposium)

Awards & Recognition

We are excited to announce prizes for outstanding research presentations at the symposium. Awards will be given in the following categories:

• Best Graduate Paper

• Best Graduate Poster

• Best Undergraduate Paper

• Best Undergraduate Poster

Awards will be determined based on feedback from faculty judges. Winners will be announced at the end of the symposium on April 2, 2026.

For additional information, contact:

Kayla Sutcliffe (kaylajsutcliffe@ufl.edu)

Chip Li (hli3@ufl.edu)

This symposium serves as an opportunity to engage in academic discourse, refine presentation skills, and contribute to meaningful conversations in education. We look forward to your participation.