Educators are invited to submit proposals to present at the 2026 National Education Summit, with new streams and opportunities to share innovation, research, and classroom practice.
For more than a decade, the National Education Summit has been a gathering place for Australia’s educators to exchange ideas, reflect on best practice, and look ahead to the future of schooling. Now, with applications officially open for 2026 presenters, school leaders and teachers are being called to the stage to share their insights.
The 2026 Summit will once again take place at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (14-15 May) and the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (3-4 September), bringing together educators from across the country for two days of professional learning, collaboration, and inspiration. With themes that speak directly to the challenges and opportunities facing schools today, the program is designed to be both practical and forward-looking.
Expanding horizons: new streams for 2026
Next year’s Summit continues to build on its established key pillars, including:
- AI in the Classroom
- Capacity Building in School Libraries
- Diverse Learners
- Wellbeing
- Classroom of the Future
New for 2026 are two additional streams: Early Learning and Early Career Educators. Both have been introduced in response to feedback from participants and the sector, ensuring that voices from across the entire P–12 continuum are represented.
“This is about creating space for educators at every stage of their career to share what they’re learning and trialling,” says National Education Summit Creative Director, Mrs Margo Metcalf. “We want to celebrate innovation in classrooms, whether it’s happening in Prep or in Year 12.”
Why present?
Presenting at the National Education Summit is more than a professional development opportunity – it’s a chance to contribute to the collective growth of Australian education. Each accepted presenter receives complimentary registration for the two-day event (including catering) and a Certificate of Recognition. Co-presenters are also welcome and offered a discounted registration.
Perhaps most importantly, presenting allows educators to amplify the impact of their work, extend their professional networks, and position themselves as thought leaders within the sector.
As one past presenter reflected, “It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the strategies we trialled in our school are now being adapted and used by colleagues in other states.”
What are organisers looking for?
Submissions will be reviewed based on three key criteria:
- Relevance to P–12 education
- Potential to engage a professional audience
- Practical application and/or research connections
While school-based educators and researchers are encouraged to apply, consultants and companies will only be accepted in partnership with sponsorship arrangements.
With speaking positions filling quickly in previous years, educators are encouraged to act early. The first round of submissions close on Wednesday 22 October 2025, with a second round closing on Wednesday 3 December 2025. A draft program will be published before the end of the year.
National Education Summit – Save the date
Brisbane: 14-15 May 2026
Melbourne: 3-4 September 2026
How to apply
Expressions of interest can be submitted online at www.nationaleducationsummit.com.au/call-for-presenters
Reflections on 2025: collaboration at its best
The 2025 National Education Summit in Melbourne reinforced why it has become a fixture on the professional learning calendar. Dynamic sessions showcased evidence-based strategies, inclusive practices, and future-focused innovations – empowering educators with practical tools, inspiring ideas, and collaborative energy to transform learning for diverse students. Here they share their learnings in their own words.
“I particularly enjoyed the session by Mali Jorm from Bacchus Marsh Grammar. Her presentation was engaging, informative, had evidence-based strategies and practices to use straight away, and a connection to her website with loads of sharing for free.” – Elisa C., Ivanhoe Grammar School
“Brett Salakas’s session was very insightful and provided some great strategies and insights into the benefits and possibilities for the use of AI in school.” – Robert M., Department of Education, Victoria
“Attending the Diverse Learners Symposium at the National Education Summit for the first time was an incredibly enriching experience. The event offered a wealth of insights into inclusive education practices, with expert-led sessions that were both thought-provoking and practical. I came away with a deeper understanding of how to better support diverse learners in my classroom, as well as a toolkit of resources that I can immediately apply and share with colleagues. The atmosphere was collaborative and inspiring, and I truly appreciated the opportunity to connect with passionate educators from across the country. I’m already looking forward to the next summit!” – Vanessa F., Canberra Institute of Technology
“I absolutely loved the presentation by Ros Lugg. She presented scientifically grounded, real-world research on the learning challenges faced by students with dyslexia. In highlighting these challenges, she introduced an individualised program that has been shown to make a genuine difference for students. At last, a program that not only works but can also be effectively monitored and tracked.” – Sally-Ann W., Victory Lutheran College
“The practical activities that Dale Sidebottom from School of Play involved us in were fantastic. I love PD that’s hands on, practical PD that I can take back to school and use straight away and share with my colleagues.” – Robyn, Keilor Heights Primary
“The conference was an inspiring and energising experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the diverse discussions and the wide variety of presentations from Teacher Librarians, all of which were pertinent and highly relevant to our work. The program offered a fantastic array of up-to-date, future-ready initiatives that are exciting for our learners, and I greatly valued the opportunity to engage with vendors who showcased innovative and current educational resources. The welcoming and engaging atmosphere created such a positive vibe, leaving me motivated and encouraged.” – Virginia H., Shellharbour Anglican College
