2026 Conference Info

Keynote Speaker

MR. TODD WILLIFORD, Director of Student Services, Grades K-5, Bryan County Schools

4TH ANNUAL GaCLD EMPOWERING EDUCATORS CONFERENCE INFORMATION

Date: Friday, February 27, 2026

Time: Registration begins at 8:00 a.m.

Awards begin at 8:45 a.m.

   Keynote Address begins at 9:00 a.m. 

   Sessions from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Location: Georgia Southern University 

   Statesboro Campus, 

   COE Classroom Building, 

   Statesboro, Georgia (Please note this is a change from previous years' location)

Attendee Information:

• Link to present at the 2026 Empowering Educators Conference: https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/gcld/

• Link to nominate a colleague for the GaCLD 2026 Teacher of the Year Award: https://forms.gle/MPwzKWJggiR4ECfMA 

• Link to register for the 2026 Conference:  https://www.eventzilla.net/e/gacld-empowering-educators-conference-2026-2138654636 

• Link to the 2026 conference program: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG9aUnkTH0/gnTkvkPW_AvLdRnEAzKZbQ/edit?utm_content=DAG9aUnkTH0&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton 

Registration Fees:

University Faculty Attendees before 1/31: $50

P-12 Educators $35

Preservice Teachers $10

Paraprofessional: $10

Vendors: $75

University Faculty Attendees after 1/31: $60

P-12 Educators after 1/31: $45

This year, the conference will focus on several key strands:

• Effective co-teaching strategies and the implementation of specially designed instruction.

• Enhancing student skills in mathematics and reading.

• Strategies for working with students identified with dyslexia, applicable to both elementary and secondary grades.

• Increasing student engagement and fostering self-determination.

• Best practices in delivering effective teaching instruction.

Map of the STATESBORO Campus:

https://ww2.georgiasouthern.edu/map/?id=229