SUMMARY

The Tennessee Department of Education Division of Special Education & Student Supports is proud to host the 2026 Statewide Special Education & Student Support Access Conference.

The 2026 Statewide Special Education & Student Support Access Conference will be held at the Chattanooga Convention Center, September 1-3, 2026.

This conference welcomes Tennessee educators and leaders across all student support areas, including special education and related services, tiered interventions, English Learners, and Early Learning to attend for free.

Conference content will include informative and practical sessions led by department specialists and outstanding administrators and educators across Tennessee. 

"Thank you for your continued partnership in advancing outcomes for all students. Together, we ensure every learner has the opportunity to thrive!"

-Jennifer Jordan, Ed.D.

Assistant Commissioner of Special Education and Student Supports

Conference registration closed on August 23. Late registration is open now through September 3.

Register By
September 3, 2026 12:00 PM

CONFERENCE AGENDA & FOCUS AREAS

Conference Agenda: Click here to access the agenda*. *subject to change

Session Listing: Click here to view the list of conference sessions.

Session Schedule: Click here to view the conference schedule.

September 1-2, 2026

  • September 1 and 2 will feature general sessions on a range of special education and student support topics supporting students ages 3-22.
  • Following the success of the 2025 conference, we will once again feature sessions from multiple teams across the department, as well as accept proposals from LEAs on successful practices that have been implemented in classrooms or at the district level.
  • Sessions presented on these days are applicable to all attendee types. Sessions will focus on high-quality and effective instructional and intervention practices that lead to improved outcomes for students. Content featured will include:
    • Behavioral Supports for SWD
    • English Learners
    • Ensuring High Quality IEPs
    • Intellectually Gifted
    • Low Incidence Disabilities
    • Postsecondary Transition
    • Related Services
    • RTI2 A + B
    • Specially Designed Instruction (SDI)
    • Special Education Evaluations & Eligibility

September 3, 2026

  • September 3 will be reserved for district and building administrators and will feature sessions from the Office of General Counsel with content applicable to administrators and building leaders (only).
  • September 3 will also be reserved for Title III/ESL directors, with a focus on leadership and language.
Image with TN Department of Education Special Education & Student Supports summary & photos of kids

SPECIAL EDUCATION & STUDENT SUPPORTS

The Special Education & Student Support division of the Tennessee Department of Education leads the state’s efforts to ensure every student — including those with disabilities and those learning English — receives the high-quality instruction, services, and support they deserve. We set the vision, build the capacity, and equip districts and educators with the tools and knowledge to drive meaningful outcomes for all learners.

The beliefs that drive our work:

  • Every student can learn, grow, and achieve postsecondary success.
  • All students are general education students first — inclusion and high expectations are non-negotiable.
  • Special education, language services, and intervention are a continuum of support, not a destination.
  • Educators are professionals who deserve sustained, high-quality support to do their best work.
  • Strong leadership at every level creates the conditions where all students thrive.

Click here to sign up to receive the Special Education and Student Supports Update: A monthly newsletter for Directors of Special Education with updates surrounding special education and supports and resources for students.