Illuminate: Curriculum Conference 2026
Date: July 15-16, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Region 7 ESC
Workshop: 368166
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Region 7 ESC
Workshop: 368166
Join us for the third annual Illuminate Conference, a dynamic and inclusive curriculum conference designed for educators across all grades and content areas, with a special focus on math, science, social studies, and ELAR. Illuminate 2026 brings together passionate teachers, curriculum specialists, and educational leaders to explore innovative ideas, share practical strategies, and recharge their work in classrooms and districts.
Day 1 will feature keynote speaker Gerry Brooks, bringing his signature humor and honest take on education that will have you laughing, nodding, and feeling seen. The conference also includes engaging microsessions, a lively vendor hall, and plenty of giveaways. Closer to the conference, you will receive an email with instructions for registering for breakouts.
Illuminate is where ideas come to shine. Our goal is to spotlight great teaching, spark meaningful collaboration, and inspire the kind of work that moves education forward. Join us as we learn, connect, and help shape what comes next.
This conference is a great fit for:
- Classroom teachers (all grade levels)
- Instructional coaches
- Curriculum and instructional specialists
- Campus and district leaders
Whether you are looking for new ways to engage students, strengthen instruction, or collaborate with other educators, Illuminate is built with you in mind.
Gerry Brooks
Keynote Session: Morning of Day 1
Keynote Session: Morning of Day 1
Gerry Brooks is a veteran educator in Lexington, Kentucky. His educational experience includes six years in the classroom, two years as an intervention specialist, and 12 years as an administrator.
He is a passionate public speaker whose focus is on encouraging and helping teachers improve their instructional abilities. He also has a desire to help administrators successfully lead their staff.
An encouraging speaker, he has spoken to educational groups all around the nation. His focus is on encouraging teachers to improve their instruction through personal climate and culture strategies. He desires to help administrators focus on how to lead all staff in a positive and constructive manner.
His following on social media has developed through humorous videos that focus on real-world educational experiences. He is currently followed on these social media sites by over 500,000 people.
His keynote will leave you laughing, encouraged, and reminded of the powerful impact educators have every day.
Learn more about Gerry Brooks at https://www.gerrybrooksprin.com/.
After the keynote, attendees will dive into breakout sessions for the remainder of Day 1 and throughout Day 2. Sessions will focus on practical classroom strategies, engaging instructional practices, and content-specific ideas you can use right away.
More details about session strands and presenters will be shared soon.
Illuminate 2025 was a huge success, welcoming educators from across the region for two incredible days of learning and connection.
“The presenter was engaging, relatable, and gave information that deepened my desire to educate students.”
“I learned several incredible ways to actively engage my students in learning while making it exciting for them.”
“I walked away with strategies I could use immediately in my classroom.”
We are so proud of the energy, collaboration, and growth that happens when educators come together at Illuminate.
Take a look back at moments from last year’s conference. From powerful sessions to meaningful conversations in the hallways, Illuminate 2025 was filled with learning, laughter, and connection.
We are grateful for the sponsors who help make Illuminate possible. Their support allows us to provide a high-quality experience for educators across the region.
Platinum Sponsor
Diamond Sponsor
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Diamond Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
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Gold Sponsor
Twinnovations
Gold Sponsor
Shine
On
On
Gold Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Interested in becoming a sponsor? We would love to partner with you. Sponsorship opportunities help support professional learning for educators while connecting your organization with school and district leaders. Find out more about sponsoring Illuminate!
QUESTIONS? CONTACT A MEMBER OF OUR TEAM!
