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The International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership (ICPEL) will convene in Las Vegas, Nevada, July 27–29, 2026, and we’re thrilled that you’re interested in playing a key role in this year’s conference experience. Consider this your official “Call to the Post”—your signal that it’s time to step up and lead the conversation in educational leadership! |
Here’s what you need to know before submitting a proposal to present your ideas at our event.
We hope the following theme ignites your interest in joining us at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2026 and encourages you to submit a proposal.
We hope the following theme ignites your interest in joining us at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2026 and encourages you to submit a proposal.
General Proposal Guidelines
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Scope & Topics
Presentations are invited from participants with interest in educational areas such as the topics below.
Teacher Development & Retention
Example Research Topics May Include:
- Teacher Preparation Pathways and 21st-Century Readiness
- Comparative analysis of alternative certification programs versus traditional teacher preparation pathways in effectively equipping teachers for 21st-century classrooms, examining which models best develop the competencies needed for contemporary teaching challenges.
- Leadership Influence on Teacher Retention and Development
- Examining the relationship between principal leadership styles, organizational factors, and teacher retention rates across different district contexts (urban, suburban, rural), with particular focus on high-need schools and how leaders create cultures that sustain teacher motivation and professional growth.
- Professional Development Models and Their Impact on Teaching Practice
- Analysis of different professional development approaches—including job-embedded professional learning communities, instructional coaching strategies across career stages, and structured induction programs—and their longitudinal impact on teaching effectiveness and teacher retention beyond five years.
- Educator Wellbeing and Career Sustainability
- Investigation of how educator wellbeing influences classroom effectiveness and career longevity, including the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions on teacher stress and burnout, and how schools can systematically support teacher wellness to improve retention.
- Mentoring and Support Structures for Early-Career Teachers
- Examination of mentoring structures and induction program components that best support early-career teachers, including the optimal combination of formal mentoring, peer support, and coaching that predicts successful teacher development and long-term retention in the profession.
Principal & Superintendent Development
Example Research Topics May Include:
- Leadership Development & Preparation
- This category explores pathways that transform educators into effective administrators. Research examines preparation programs, mentorship models, and strategies for identifying leadership potential within schools. Studies focus on building robust pipelines that prepare leaders for the complex demands of modern educational environments.
- Policy Navigation & System Management
- Educational leaders must balance policy compliance with educational vision while managing diverse stakeholder interests. This category investigates how administrators navigate accountability systems, implement mandates, and maintain focus on student success despite competing pressures and political complexities.
- Instructional & Organizational Leadership
- Research in this area identifies specific practices that improve teaching quality and transform school culture. Studies explore how leaders create conditions for continuous improvement, foster collaboration, and implement sustainable change that directly impacts student learning outcomes.
- Leadership Competencies & Context
- Effective leadership varies across urban, suburban, and rural settings. This category examines core transferable competencies alongside context-specific skills needed in diverse districts, helping inform more nuanced approaches to leadership development and selection.
- Sustainability & Succession Planning
- This category addresses leadership continuity through succession planning and transition management. Research explores how districts build bench strength, manage leadership changes smoothly, and create organizational cultures that sustain improvement efforts beyond individual administrators' tenures.
Student Success & Assessment
- Assessment Innovation and Accountability for Equity
- Examining what assessment practices provide actionable data while minimizing testing burden, including the effectiveness of competency-based assessment versus traditional grading on student learning and motivation, and how different accountability frameworks influence student outcomes and educational equity across diverse student populations.
- Multi-Tiered Support Systems for Vulnerable Students
- Investigation of how schools can effectively support students experiencing trauma, poverty, or displacement through multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) implementation and outcomes in diverse school contexts, impact of trauma-informed practices on attendance and achievement for students in foster care, and what early warning systems effectively identify and support at-risk students.
- Inclusive Practices and Special Education Integration
- Analysis of what inclusive practices improve outcomes for students with disabilities in general education settings, including comparative studies of inclusion models for students with autism in elementary settings, and how specialized support can be embedded within general education classrooms to benefit all learners.
- Culturally Responsive Practices and Closing Opportunity Gaps
- Examining what interventions narrow opportunity gaps for historically marginalized student populations, including analysis of culturally responsive teaching practices and their effect on achievement gaps, longitudinal study of early literacy intervention programs and reading proficiency outcomes, and the role of family engagement in improving outcomes for English language learners.
- Social-Emotional Learning: Measurement and Implementation
- Investigation of how social-emotional learning can be authentically measured and supported within comprehensive student success frameworks, including its integration with academic interventions and how SEL supports contribute to improved outcomes for diverse learners, particularly those facing systemic barriers to success.
Technology, AI, and Digital Innovation in Education
- AI Integration in Teaching and Learning: Enhancement vs. Replacement
- Examining how artificial intelligence tools can enhance rather than replace human teaching and leadership, including case studies of districts implementing AI-powered tutoring systems with focus on equity and effectiveness outcomes, principal perceptions and practices regarding ChatGPT and generative AI in secondary education, and evidence of AI-powered assessment, feedback, and personalized learning systems.
- Ethical Frameworks and Data Privacy in AI-Enhanced Education
- Investigation of what ethical frameworks should guide AI implementation in educational settings, including ethical considerations and policy development for student data privacy in AI-enhanced learning environments, and how educational leaders can balance innovation with protection of student rights and information security.
- Digital Learning Platforms and Their Impact on Student Outcomes
- Analysis of how digital learning platforms—including learning management systems and adaptive learning platforms—affect student engagement, achievement, and equity, with specific examination of adaptive learning platforms for mathematics instruction in middle schools and their differential impact across student populations.
- Leadership for Equitable Technology Integration
- Examining what leadership competencies are required to effectively guide technology integration, how schools can bridge digital divides while implementing innovative technologies, and leadership strategies for equitable technology access in rural and under-resourced districts, ensuring all students benefit from digital innovation.
- Preparing Students for an AI-Influenced Future
- Investigation of how educational leaders should prepare students for an AI-influenced future workforce, including the implementation and effectiveness of digital citizenship curriculum on cyberbullying and online safety, and developing student competencies for ethical and effective technology use in their academic and professional lives.
Higher Education Faculty and Leader Development
- Transitioning to Faculty Life: Preparation, Support, and Role Navigation
- Examining what preparation and support structures help doctoral students transition to faculty roles, how pre-tenure faculty navigate expectations for research, teaching, and service effectively, and comparing the transition experiences from practitioner to scholar for EdD versus PhD graduates in educational leadership positions.
- Mentoring Models and Their Impact on Faculty Success
- Comparative analysis of structured versus informal mentoring programs for assistant professors and how different mentoring relationships influence pre-tenure faculty productivity, satisfaction, and retention, including the role of departmental culture and leadership in supporting early-career faculty success.
- Research Productivity Strategies and Institutional Support
- Investigation of what professional development opportunities best support scholarly productivity, including the impact of writing groups and accountability structures, publication strategies and collaborative research networks, and the effectiveness of course release policies versus summer research stipends on scholarship output for emerging educational leadership scholars.
- Identity and Belonging in the Tenure Process
- Examining how issues of identity, representation, and belonging affect pre-tenure faculty experiences, with particular focus on the experiences of faculty of color navigating predominantly white institutions during the tenure process and factors contributing to successful tenure attainment across institutional types and faculty identities.
- Work-Life Integration and Faculty Wellbeing
- Analysis of what institutional practices promote work-life balance and wellbeing for early-career faculty, including work-life integration challenges for pre-tenure faculty with caregiving responsibilities, and how teaching evaluation practices influence pre-tenure faculty pedagogical risk-taking and overall job satisfaction.
Session Formats
Poster Presentation Description: Poster sessions transform research into engaging visual narratives that spark meaningful dialogue. Through carefully designed displays, presenters communicate complex ideas, innovative practices, and research findings in accessible formats that invite interaction. These sessions create unique networking opportunities as presenters engage in focused conversations with individuals and small groups, tailoring discussions to attendees' specific interests and contexts. Participants leave with actionable strategies, expanded professional networks, and collaborative possibilities that extend well beyond the conference walls. The informal yet intellectually rich atmosphere encourages deeper exploration of ideas than traditional presentation formats often allow.
Time: from 5:00 - 6:30pm on July 28, 2026
To be held during the President's Reception
Proposal submission should include:
Time: from 5:00 - 6:30pm on July 28, 2026
To be held during the President's Reception
Proposal submission should include:
- Title: A concise and descriptive title that reflects the topic (12 words max).
- Abstract: A concise summary outlining the proposal's main concepts, arguments, and significance. (200 words max).
- Introduction: An overview of the research problem or concepts being addressed, including the context and relevance of the discussion in educational leadership. (minimum 100 words).
- Literature Review: A brief review of relevant literature that situates the proposal within existing scholarship, highlighting key theories, models, or conceptual frameworks. (minimum 100 words).
- Main Arguments/Concepts/Findings: A detailed presentation of the primary arguments or concepts to be discussed. This should include definitions, explanations, theoretical propositions, or study findings. (minimum 100 words).
- Implications: An exploration of the implications of the insights for educational practice, policy, or future research. Discuss how concepts contribute to understanding relevant issues in educational leadership (minimum 100 words).
- Visual Elements: An outline of techniques that will be used to communicate content clearly and concisely to participants visually. (minimum 100 words).
- Connection to Conference Theme: A brief summary of the main points and the proposal's significance, emphasizing how they advance knowledge in the field as they relate to the conference theme (minimum 100 words).
- References: A list of scholarly sources cited in the proposal, following APA format.
Paper Presentation Description: These interactive 50-minute sessions enable presenters to deliver actionable strategies, proven methodologies, cutting-edge approaches, and lessons learned from the field to engaged participants. Each session combines practical frameworks with authentic experiences, ensuring attendees leave equipped with implementable solutions, evidence-based practices, and renewed motivation for their professional contexts. Dedicated Q&A time fosters meaningful dialogue between presenters and participants.
Time: 20-25 minutes - 2 papers shared in a 50-minute session
Type: Research papers and conceptual papers may be submitted
Submission proposal should include:
Research Paper: Formal presentation of completed empirical research or research that will be completed before the conference.
Conceptual Paper: Formal presentation of theoretical or conceptual work.
Time: 20-25 minutes - 2 papers shared in a 50-minute session
Type: Research papers and conceptual papers may be submitted
Submission proposal should include:
Research Paper: Formal presentation of completed empirical research or research that will be completed before the conference.
- Title: A concise and descriptive title that reflects the topic (12 words max).
- Abstract: A brief summary of the proposal, highlighting the main objectives, methods, findings, and significance of the study (200 words max).
- Introduction: An overview of the research question or problem being addressed. This section should establish the context and importance of your work within the field of educational leadership (minimum 100 words).
- Literature Review: A summary of relevant research and theoretical frameworks that support the study (minimum 100 words).
- Methodology: A description of the research design, methods, and procedures used in the study. This may include sampling techniques, data collection methods, and analysis strategies (minimum 100 words).
- Findings: A summary of key findings or results, if applicable. This section should highlight the main contributions of your research. Studies in progress should summarize initial or anticipated findings (minimum 100 words).
- Implications: An exploration of the implications of the study findings for educational practice, policy, or further research. This section should reflect on how your work contributes to the field (minimum 100 words).
- Connection to Conference Theme: A brief summary of the main points and a reiteration of the significance of the study as they relate to the conference theme (minimum 100 words).
- References: A list of scholarly sources cited in the proposal, following APA format.
Conceptual Paper: Formal presentation of theoretical or conceptual work.
- Title: A concise and descriptive title that reflects the topic (12 words max).
- Abstract: A concise summary outlining the proposal's main concepts, arguments, and significance. (200 words max).
- Introduction: An overview of the theoretical framework or concepts being addressed, including the context and relevance of the discussion in educational leadership. (minimum 100 words).
- Literature Review: A brief review of relevant literature that situates the theoretical exploration within existing scholarship, highlighting key theories, models, or conceptual frameworks. (minimum 100 words).
- Main Arguments/Concepts: A detailed presentation of the primary arguments or concepts to be discussed. This should include definitions, explanations, and any theoretical propositions. (minimum 100 words).
- Implications: An exploration of the implications of the theoretical insights for educational practice, policy, or future research. Discuss how concepts contribute to understanding relevant issues in educational leadership (minimum 100 words).
- Connection to Conference Theme: A brief summary of the main points and the significance of the theoretical contributions, emphasizing how they advance knowledge in the field as they relate to the conference theme (minimum 100 words).
- References: A list of scholarly sources cited in the proposal, following APA format.
Pre-Recorded Paper Presentation Description: Pre-recorded presentations offer flexibility for researchers unable to attend in person or those preferring a polished delivery format to present research and conceptual papers. These 20-minute video presentations allow scholars to share empirical research or conceptual work with the same rigor as live sessions. Videos are broadcast at scheduled times during the conference and remain available in the on-demand library for continued access. This format enables global participation while maintaining the high academic standards expected at ICPEL, making cutting-edge research accessible to all attendees regardless of time zone or schedule constraints. Live Q&A sessions following scheduled broadcasts foster the interactive dialogue essential to academic conferences.
Presentation time: up to 20 minutes
Pre-recorded videos must be submitted by July 15th, 2026.
Submission proposal should include:
Research Paper: Formal presentation of completed empirical research or research that will be completed before the conference.
Conceptual Paper: Formal presentation of theoretical or conceptual work.
Presentation time: up to 20 minutes
Pre-recorded videos must be submitted by July 15th, 2026.
- All presenters will be responsible for uploading his/her own videos in the presenter video sharing center of the conference app/website. Instructions will be provided.
- Although pre-recorded, all videos will have a scheduled start time.
- All videos will be provided to participants in the conference website's on-demand library.
- All videos will be broadcast during the conference week
Submission proposal should include:
Research Paper: Formal presentation of completed empirical research or research that will be completed before the conference.
- Title: A concise and descriptive title that reflects the topic (12 words max).
- Abstract: A brief summary of the proposal, highlighting the main objectives, methods, findings, and significance of the study (200 words max).
- Introduction: An overview of the research question or problem being addressed. This section should establish the context and importance of your work within the field of educational leadership (minimum 100 words).
- Literature Review: A summary of relevant research and theoretical frameworks that support the study (minimum 100 words).
- Methodology: A description of the research design, methods, and procedures used in the study. This may include sampling techniques, data collection methods, and analysis strategies (minimum 100 words).
- Findings: A summary of key findings or results, if applicable. This section should highlight the main contributions of your research. Studies in progress should summarize initial or anticipated findings (minimum 100 words).
- Implications: An exploration of the implications of the study findings for educational practice, policy, or further research. This section should reflect on how your work contributes to the field (minimum 100 words).
- Connection to Conference Theme: A brief summary of the main points and a reiteration of the significance of the study as they relate to the conference theme (minimum 100 words).
- References: A list of scholarly sources cited in the proposal, following APA format.
Conceptual Paper: Formal presentation of theoretical or conceptual work.
- Title: A concise and descriptive title that reflects the topic (12 words max).
- Abstract: A concise summary outlining the proposal's main concepts, arguments, and significance. (200 words max).
- Introduction: An overview of the theoretical framework or concepts being addressed, including the context and relevance of the discussion in educational leadership. (minimum 100 words).
- Literature Review: A brief review of relevant literature that situates the theoretical exploration within existing scholarship, highlighting key theories, models, or conceptual frameworks. (minimum 100 words).
- Main Arguments/Concepts: A detailed presentation of the primary arguments or concepts to be discussed. This should include definitions, explanations, and any theoretical propositions. (minimum 100 words).
- Implications: An exploration of the implications of the theoretical insights for educational practice, policy, or future research. Discuss how concepts contribute to understanding relevant issues in educational leadership (minimum 100 words).
- Connection to Conference Theme: A brief summary of the main points and the significance of the theoretical contributions, emphasizing how they advance knowledge in the field as they relate to the conference theme (minimum 100 words).
- References: A list of scholarly sources cited in the proposal, following APA format.
Roundtable Discussion Description: Interactive discussions of research (completed or proposed) or concepts that allow feedback to promote further development and collaboration.
Time: 50 minutes shared between 2-3 presentations
Submission proposal should include:
Time: 50 minutes shared between 2-3 presentations
Submission proposal should include:
- 1. Title: A concise and descriptive title that reflects the topic (12 words max).
- 2. Abstract: A concise summary outlining the proposal's main concepts, arguments, and significance. (200 words max).
- 3. Introduction: An overview of the research problem or concepts being addressed, including the context and relevance of the discussion in educational leadership. (minimum 100 words).
- 4. Literature Review: A brief review of relevant literature that situates the proposal within existing scholarship, highlighting key theories, models, or conceptual frameworks. (minimum 100 words).
- 5. Main Arguments/Concepts/Findings: A detailed presentation of the primary arguments or concepts to be discussed. This should include definitions, explanations, theoretical propositions, or study findings. (minimum 100 words).
- 6. Implications: An exploration of the implications of the insights for educational practice, policy, or future research. Discuss how concepts contribute to understanding relevant issues in educational leadership (minimum 100 words).
- 7. Interactive Elements: An outline of strategies that will be used to encourage dialogue and interaction among roundtable participants to foster connections and collaborations. (minimum 100 words).
- 8. Connection to Conference Theme: A brief summary of the main points and the proposal's significance, emphasizing how they advance knowledge in the field as they relate to the conference theme (minimum 100 words).
- 9. References: A list of scholarly sources cited in the proposal, following APA format
Living Legend Presentation Description: These distinguished 20-minute sessions provide an extraordinary opportunity to learn directly from iconic figures who have fundamentally shaped the field of educational leadership. Living Legends—whether currently active or recently retired—share their transformative journeys, pivotal decisions, and hard-won wisdom accumulated over decades of groundbreaking work.
Time: 20 minutes
Type: Presentation
Time: 20 minutes
Type: Presentation
Proceedings Info: ICPEL does not publish proceedings, but we encourage presenters to submit their papers for consideration to one of our three peer-reviewed journals: International Journal of Educational Leadership Preparation, Education Leadership Review, or Education Leadership Review of Doctoral Research.
For questions, contact [email protected]
For questions, contact [email protected]