Call for Presenters - Teacher Leader Summit 2027

The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) is excited to announce the Teacher Leader Summit (TLS) 2027 session proposal window. The TLS 2027 theme will be announced soon! This annual event provides a unique platform for educators across the state to collaborate, share innovative practices, and lead the future of teaching and learning in Louisiana. We encourage educators, school leaders, and partners to submit their best ideas and strategies that promote excellence in education. Join us in shaping the future and empowering Louisiana's students to achieve their highest potential. The deadline for submissions is October 23, 2026. Don’t miss the opportunity to contribute to this dynamic professional learning experience!

Instructional Leadership Teams (ILT)

District-level ILT
School-level ILT
Long-range planning
High-quality instructional materials (HQIM) implementation
Implementing vision, mission, expectations, and a common language
Using existing plans (e.g., literacy plans, Lau plans, school system strategic plans)
Using data to inform instruction (e.g., curriculum-embedded assessments, exit tickets, formal and informal teacher observations, student work samples)
Planning and implementing strategies to improve outcomes for diverse learners
Achieving coherence in an instructional program

Teacher Collaboration (TC)

Unpacking of high-quality instructional units and lessons
Addressing the needs of diverse learners and providing targeted interventions
Using student work and data samples to inform professional learning
Reviewing and completing curriculum-embedded assessments to understand content and instructional strategies
Using data to drive high-quality instruction in elementary, middle, and high school
Includes a cycle of learning and is closely aligned to the work of the ILT

Career Pipeline

Teacher Leaders as Teacher Collaboration Facilitators
Mentor Teacher implementation
Coaching and feedback conversations
Using teacher leaders on the ILT

Career and College Acceleration

Strategies to increase student participation in work-based learning, dual enrollment, and associate’s degree opportunities
Strengthening career pathways by aligning Jump Start and TOPS University pathways to high-demand, high-wage careers
Building strong partnerships with higher education, workforce boards, and industry leaders to deliver work-based learning opportunities
Using state-published tools, templates, and frameworks
Understanding and applying Fast Forward funding guidance to scale local programs effectively
Integrating rigorous academics with technical training to prepare students for college, career, and life success

Step 2: Alignment to One of the Three Essential Professional Structures:

The High-Quality Professional Learning (HQPL) Cycle: Propose sessions that enhance professional development practices.
Observation and Feedback: Share strategies for conducting formal and informal feedback to improve teaching practices.
Professional Learning Roadmap Implementation: Provide guidance on effectively executing professional learning plans within schools and systems.

Ensure your submission tackles one or more of the LDOE’s four Trending Topics: Instructional Leadership Teams (ILT), Teacher Collaboration, Career Pipeline, and Career and College Acceleration.

Step 4: Craft Your Proposal

Consider format.
- Hands-on Workshops are HQPL outcome-focused sessions. After delivering the new learning, facilitators should allot substantial time for internalization and practice.
- Guided Applications are HQPL outcome-focused sessions that offer more time to receive new learning and less time for internalization and practice.
- Panel Discussions are HQPL outcome-focused sessions that offer more time to receive new meaning from multiple perspectives.
- Information Sessions focus on sharing new learning.
- Featured Talk sessions focus on a featured speaker sharing new learning and inspiring educators.
Once you have aligned your session topic with Louisiana’s education priorities, determine your title and session description using one of these session templates:
- For a more outcome-focused session (HQPL cycle):
  - In this session, [audience] will explore [content/topic], engage with [resource, protocol, or strategy], and leave with [tangible takeaway] for the purpose of implementing [practice] to [intended educator or student outcome].
- For an informative type session:
  - In this session, [audience] will gain insights into [topic, initiative, or innovative practice] to deepen their understanding of [key concept or challenge] and consider how these ideas can inform [future practice, leadership, or decision-making].
Clearly define your session objectives, format, and target audience.
- Be sure objectives begin with “participants will” and are clear, measurable, and observable. What should the attendees know and be able to do?
- Decide which session model, HQPL or Informational, to use for your presentation.
  - HQPL slide deck template (Preferred): In these sessions, participants will engage in new learning, collaborate to internalize and practice new skills, and develop a plan for implementation. Each session is structured to support sustained changes in educator practice and improve outcomes for students.
    - Be sure to include the first three steps in the HQPL cycle. Depending on the type of session, presenters may cycle back between steps two and three.
      - Define the purpose
      - Receive New Learning
      - Internalize and Practice
      - While steps four and five of the HQPL cycle may not occur within the session itself, presenters should be able to describe how participants will implement new learning and assess the impact of the learning once participants take the session’s information back to their system/the classroom.
  - Informational slide deck template: These sessions are designed to inspire educators with one powerful idea, practical strategy, or compelling story. Attendees will leave each session with one actionable takeaway they can use to make an immediate difference in their classrooms, schools, or systems.
All sessions should offer practical takeaways and actionable strategies that educators can implement immediately.
Ensure sessions engage participants in meaningful discussions or activities that allow for peer collaboration and feedback.
Include facilitator notes to ensure reviewers understand the intent of the presentation.
Use the Branding Guidance and one of the TLS 2027 Slide Deck Templates.
- Titles: Public Sans 28; Hex #3C1053
- General Slide Content: Public Sans 18; #4d4d4f
  - Additional acceptable font colors: #029CAA; #DC8527; #C44B27
- URLs should be linked to the website name
- Bolding and italicizing are acceptable; Underlining is reserved for URLs
- Media releases for any student photos
- Images should include Alternative Text (Alt Text) for accessibility
If media is part of the presentation, please provide and ensure all links are working.
Sessions are one hour and ten minutes to encourage more time for engagement.

Step 5: Submit Proposal Before the Deadline

Double-check all proposal requirements and ensure your submission includes all necessary materials.
Submit your proposal to the LDOE using Sessionboard by October 23, 2026. The TLS 2027 Slide Deck Templates will force you to make a copy. The first few slides provide detailed instructions, including branding information. Please remove those slides before uploading.
- It is preferred that the shared link be in Google Slides, which is set to “Anyone with the Link” can view.

Step 6: Notification of Acceptance

All applicants will receive notification of their application status via email from ldoeevents@la.gov by February 15, 2027, before the official registration period for TLS 2027 opens on February 16, 2027.
If selected to lead a session, an LDOE liaison or point of contact will work with presenters to communicate any edits needed. Revisions must be completed by March 12, 2027. Please note that, after initial revisions, there will be final copyedits. In order to present, all copyediting requests must be completed by April 23, 2027.

Proposal submissions for Teacher Leader Summit 2027 will be via Sessionboard and must include:

All presenter(s) information;
Proposed session title;
Session description;
Target audience/Grade Level(s);
Session objectives;
- By the end of this session, participants will be able to
  - identify processes and procedures necessary for effective implementation of the Bayou Bridges curriculum by completing the participant facilitator guide.
Alignment to Louisiana's Education Priorities;
Alignment to the LDOE’s HQPL Cycle;
Session alignment (e.g., Academic Content, Diverse Learners, CCR);
Format of session (e.g., panel, classroom);
Completed Slide Deck;
Materials or handouts for the session;
Preferences: day, rotation availability, and room size/configuration
Please be sure to note if the deck is proprietary and cannot be shared with attendees after TLS 2027.

Applications must be submitted through Sessionboard on or before October 23, 2026, to be considered.
The LDOE will waive the Summit registration fee for one presenter per session. If a session requires a co-presenter, additional presenters must purchase a ticket through the registration page.
Presenters and/or their employers are responsible for all costs associated with traveling and presenting at TLS 2027. The LDOE will not cover any costs associated with traveling and presenting at TLS 2027. These costs include, but are not limited to, travel accommodations, materials, and substitute teachers.
Presenters will be responsible for creating, printing, and purchasing all session materials, such as handouts and manipulatives.
Presenters should notify their employers before applying.
Presenters may apply to lead more than one session at TLS 2027. Each session requires a separate online application through Sessionboard.
Sessions will be 70 minutes long and offered at least two (2) times during TLS 2027.
Most rooms hold approximately 50-150 participants.
The LDOE reserves the right to cancel sessions of presenters.
By submitting the form via Sessionboard, you agree to the Terms and Conditions.

Teacher Leader Summit 2027

Three Essential Professional Structures