BLUEPRINTS FOR TOMORROW
Designing the Next Era of Learning
A two-day virtual convening held on February 18 & 19, 2026
The Exchange is going virtual.
At its core, education requires connection. But with educators facing funding disruptions and travel restrictions that are keeping them from gatherings like ours, we want to ensure that everyone can take advantage of the amazing content and learning we’ve curated from across the education practice, research, and policy landscape.
The virtual event showcases content originally planned for the in-person event, including keynotes, featured sessions, fireside chats, plenaries, and breakout sessions.
As we explore the theme Blueprints for Tomorrow, you’ll gain insights into how to create the learning environments and opportunities that take students to successful futures. We hope you’ll join us on February 18 & 19, 2026, because what we design today will define what’s possible for generations to come. Come explore the future with us!
Full agenda coming soon!
What We’re Talking About
Our conversation at the Exchange will explore four critical areas shaping the future of learning:
Student Engagement
How do we foster student engagement that sparks academic achievement, creativity, joy, and meaningful learning?
AI/Technology
How can we harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology in ways that expand opportunities for all young people?
Mental Health & Well-being
How can we understand and promote mental health and well-being as critical for student success and future readiness?
Learning Pathways
How do we build flexible learning pathways that connect young people to their multi-faceted goals for career, civic life, and lifelong growth?
Watch Our Kick-off Conversation
Wired for Connection: Reimagining Engagement in a Digital World
This virtual presentation by Dr. Andreas Schleicher of OECD explored the science behind motivation and connection, and how emotional intelligence and the smart, ethical application of technology can fuel each student’s journey to a successful future.
“On Tuesday evening, I attended a webinar hosted by Dr. Aaliyah A. Samuel, President and CEO of CASEL. The keynote speaker was Dr. Andreas Schleicher, director for education and skills at the OECD. I have to say, it was one of the best, if not the best, webinars I have ever attended. I left feeling deeply inspired and reminded that my daily work with children truly matters.”
– Wired for Connection attendee
Dr. Andreas Schleicher
Keynote
Director for Education and Skills, OECD
Dr. Aaliyah A. Samuel
Moderator
President and CEO, CASEL
Our Expert Lineup
Across three full-conference plenaries, four featured sessions, four fireside chats, and dozens of presentations on the topics of today – the Exchange is powered by presenters who lead the field.
David Adams
Featured Session on AI & Technology
CEO,
Urban Assembly
Hedy Chang
Fireside Chat on Student Engagement
Founder and Executive Director,
Attendance Works
Marc Brackett, Ph.D.
Featured Session on Student Engagement
Founding Director,
Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence
Sara Rimm-Kaufman
A Candid Conversation on SEL’s Role in Education
Commonwealth Professor of Education,
UVA
Michael Strambler
A Candid Conversation on SEL’s Role in Education
Associate Professor,
Yale School of Medicine
Dr. Ann Masten
CTRL+ALT+SEL: Programming for Resilience in a Digital World
Regents Professor Emerita,
University of Minnesota
Michael J. Petrilli
A Candid Conversation on SEL’s Role in Education
President,
Thomas B. Fordham Institute
Dr. Kimberly Schonert-Reichl
CTRL+ALT+SEL: Programming for Resilience in a Digital World
NoVo Foundation Endowed Chair in SEL,
University of Illinois Chicago
Tommy Chang
Fireside Chat on
Student Engagement
CEO,
New Teacher Center
Dr. Barbara Mullen
CTRL+ALT+SEL: Programming for Resilience in a Digital World
Superintendent, Rush-Henrietta
Central School District (NY)
Dr. Doug Bolton
Featured Session on
Mental Health
Director of School Consultation,
Formative Psychological Services
Dr. Kevin Armstrong
Fireside Chat on
Student Engagement
President,
NAESP
2024 Exchange On-Demand
Get ready for the upcoming Exchange by revisiting the impactful plenary sessions from 2024!
Do not miss this opportunity to catch up on insightful discussions and presentations before the next conference! For just $75, you will have unlimited access to the full plenaries available to watch at your convenience for 6 months. Click here to unlock your access!
Hosted by CASEL, the Exchange is a one-of-a-kind annual forum that brings together innovators and leaders from around the world to gain strategies, make connections, and spark ideas that shape the future of social, emotional, and academic learning.
