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AASA’s advocacy team has many great sessions planned to discuss how federal actions are impacting local districts. From vouchers to strengthening special education systems – there’s a wide range of content for those interested in how the federal government intersects with K-12 issues.

On Thursday, February 12, start your day at 9:00a.m. with a session on Reclaiming Resources: Practical Approaches to Lower Legal Risk and Strengthen Special Education Systems. This session examines the fiscal and organizational impacts of today’s dispute landscape and explains how recent legal developments have expanded district exposure. Participants will explore practical, district-level strategies that reduce litigation risk.

During the annual Federal Relations Luncheon at noon, David Hinojosa, Co-Director of Litigation at the National Center for Youth Law will discuss the history of state and district efforts to exclude undocumented immigrant children from enrolling in public schools, and how it led to the landmark Supreme Court decision in Plyler v. Doe. He will further share concerns over a potential challenge to overturn Plyler, policy implications, and what schools can do to ensure all children are welcome. Only a handful of tickets remain for this event!

At 2:15p.m., join Sasha Pudelski, AASA’s Director of Advocacy to learn about the federal education tax credit program taking effect January 1, 2027, including the structure, responsibilities, and compliance considerations for scholarship-granting organizations. Attendees will explore how to strengthen and expand education foundations so they could operate as scholarship-granting organizations under the new federal voucher law and remain agile amid political shifts affecting public education and school choice policy.

On Friday, Feb. 13 at 12:45p.m., the Âܲ·AVÊÓƵAdvocacy Team will provide our full federal update where we will cover everything that’s happening in DC that impacts education. You don’t want to miss it!

Then at 2:30p.m., give yourself a break from talking about the feds and hear from Âܲ·AVÊÓƵprofessor in residence, Dr. Chris Tienken on the findings from the 2025 American Superintendent Study, Mid-Decade Update. The role of the superintendent has grown more complex, demanding, and multifaceted than ever before. Leaders are navigating unprecedented pressures around finance, staffing, safety, and politics, all while remaining steadfast in their commitment to the growth and well-being of every student. This session will provide additional insight into the study and what this means for the profession moving forward.

In addition to the advocacy sessions, our Advocacy Center has returned to the trade floor where attendees will be able to advocate in real time with their members of Congress, underscoring the importance of public education. Visit the Âܲ·AVÊÓƵBookstore to send a letter to your electeds or chat with our advocacy team. Don’t miss it!  

Last but not least, and advocacy adjacent: join us (well, Noelle!) for the annual fun/run walk on Thursday morning. This year’s event—Together We Stride—kicks off at 6 am on Thursday morning. On the heels of IDEA turning 50, this year’s fitness event is focused on inclusion, and we welcome runners and walkers of all shapes, sizes and paces to join us for some morning movement. We’ll have a 5k guided run/walk route.

• Packet Pick Up Details: You can pick up your run/walk bib anytime between 2 and 5 pm on Wednesday February 11 at the Âܲ·AVÊÓƵInformation Kiosk (located in Hall AB on Level 3 of the Music City Center). If you are unable to pick up your race items on Wednesday, you'll be able to check-in on site starting at 5:30 am on Thursday morning.
• Together We Stride Fun Run/Walk starts and finishes at the corner of Rep. John Lewis Way and Demonbreun, facing Bridgestone Arena and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
• This year’s fitness event is hosted in coordination with , a non-profit focused on helping build inclusive communities where everyone is welcomed for the unique value and perspective they bring.
•  is also supporting this year’s fun/run walk. As our event overlaps with the 2026 Winter Olympics, we are thrilled that Classroom Champions has invited Canadian Paralympian  to lead our Together We Stride Run/Walk.
• Not yet registered? Reach out to Noelle about signing up, or stop by the information kiosk on Wednesday (details above).

You can follow the goings-on of the advocacy team and the conference’s policy sessions on the Âܲ·AVÊÓƵblog and by following  and the advocacy team on Twitter: Noelle Ellerson (), Sasha Pudelski (), Kat Sturdevant () and Tara Thomas (). Or you can always follow along by downloading the , available on the App Store and Google Play.