Call for Proposals
 
The Education Session Call for Proposal portal is now open for the 2026 Fall Leadership Summit. 
 
2026 Fall Leadership Summit
The Race for Excellence Has No Finish Line!
September 27-29, 2026
Saratoga Hilton and the Saratoga Springs City Center
Saratoga Springs, NY  
 
We invite you to deliver a one-hour session to engage education leaders in high-impact learning across six essential strands:  learning excellence, leadership, advocacy, innovation, talent development and partnerships rooted in accessibility, justice and belonging.
 
Proposals require learning objectives for attendees. There are a limited number of sessions available at this fall event and proposals will be vetted by The Council's Conference Committee members. Proposal submissions are due by Friday, June 12, 2026 by 4 p.m.
 
Priority selection is given to members and partners of NYSCOSS.
 
  • If you are not a member, please contact us at membership@nyscoss.org or by calling 518.449.1063 to join NYSCOSS.

  • Strategic Partners (companies, businesses, and organizations) may also participate and must select this option as part of their 2026-27 contracted benefits if their submission is chosen. If your company/organization did not choose this option initially and your proposal is selected for inclusion, your contract will be amended. A limited number of partner proposals will be selected.
 
If you have questions regarding your partner contract, please contact Deidre Hungerford, Associate Director for Business Development, by calling 518.694.4885 or deidre@nyscoss.org.
 
If you have questions about the proposal process, site access, or your submission, please contact Kessa Cooper, Program Coordinator at kessa@nyscoss.org or by calling 518.694.4782.

All presenters must be registered as a Summit attendee.
 
Key Dates / Deadlines
  • April 22, 2026 - Call for Proposal opens.
  • June 12, 2026 - Call for Proposal closes.
  • August 2026 - Notification of Acceptance or rejection for the Fall Leadership Summit.
  • August 28, 2026 - Deadline for Memo of Understanding from presenters due for Fall Leadership Summit.
  • September 4, 2026 - Deadline for presenters to upload and submit slides and handouts for mobile app and presentation room for Fall Leadership Summit.
 
Strands
 
 Please submit a proposal focused on one of these six content areas:
 
  • Strand 1: Learning Excellence in a Changing World
    In an era of rapid technological, social, and economic change, school systems must continuously redefine what excellence in learning looks like. This strand explores how to design future-ready learning environments that equip students with critical thinking, adaptability, and real-world skills.
  • Strand 2: Leadership for Sustained Improvement
    Sustainable excellence requires leadership that is strategic, resilient, and systems-oriented. This strand focuses on how superintendents can build cultures of continuous improvement and lead through complexity and change.
  • Strand 3: Advocacy
    Superintendents play a critical role as advocates for students, educators, and communities. This strand highlights strategies for influencing policy, securing resources, and effectively communicating the needs and successes of public education.
  • Strand 4: Continuous Innovation
    Excellence is fueled by commitment to innovation that is purposeful, scalable, and responsive. This strand examines how districts can foster a culture of experimentation and continuous evolution.
  • Stand 5: Talent Development
    People are the most important drivers of excellence. This strand focuses on attracting, developing, and retaining high-quality educators and leaders while creating pathways for growth and fulfillment.
  • Strand 6: Partnership and Engagement
    Excellence cannot be achieved without strong partnerships and a deep commitment to outcomes focusing on accessibility outcomes, justice and belonging. This strand explores how districts can collaborate with families and communities while ensuring every student has access to high-quality opportunities.