February 2026
At a pivotal moment for education research, the 2026 AERA Annual Meeting will feature 44 presidential sessions curated by AERA President Maisha T. Winn and the 2026 Presidential Program co-chairs. Aligned with the meeting’s theme, “Unforgetting Histories and Imagining Futures: Constructing a New Vision for Education Research,” the sessions will explore pressing issues shaping the future of education.
Attendees can expect robust discussions on topics ranging from educational responses to the climate crisis and the implications of artificial intelligence in learning, to youth activism and strategies for systemic change in teaching and learning.
Several panels will explore the evolving state of the teaching profession, focusing on recruiting and retaining a diverse, high-quality workforce, advancing teacher preparation, and rethinking systems of accountability. These conversations will highlight innovative policies and practices designed to strengthen teaching, promote equity, and support a sustainable future for educators.
The presidential program also embraces the power of culture and the arts in education. A session featuring Public Enemy’s Chuck D will explore the social, cultural, and educational significance of Hip Hop, examining its impact on youth activism, Black Studies, and educational practice. Another session will blend music and scholarly reflection, featuring eight prominent scholars who will appear in pairs. AERA Past President Shaun Harper will spin five songs selected by each duo, will connect the music’s titles and lyrics to pivotal career moments, major research contributions, and their broader philosophies of education and education research.
Additional sessions explore the intersections of neuroscience, the learning sciences, and policy, exploring how cognition, identity, emotions, and relationships shape instruction and learning environments. Panelists will examine how insights from developmental science can re-envision human potential and guide education systems toward equity and empowerment. Sessions on AI will consider ethical, social, and policy implications, highlighting both risks and opportunities for effective and equitable teaching and learning.
Justice is a central focus of the program, with a town hall session giving attendees the chance to engage with leading scholars, funders, and community leaders to reflect on past struggles and shape collective strategies for educational equity. Another panel will examine how exclusionary policies impact immigrant-origin students and highlight asset-based approaches that foster belonging, resilience, and inclusive learning environments.
Taken together, these sessions reflect the program’s wider commitment to reimagining education across contexts and disciplines. A session on mathematics education, for example, will explore intersectional approaches to teaching, inviting educators to draw on historical knowledge, research, and collaborative learning to imagine more just futures. Collectively, the presidential sessions emphasize learning from history, amplifying marginalized voices, and fostering collaboration to expand possibilities for education research, policy, and practice.
Complete session descriptions and additional details are available on the AERA website and in the 2026 program, offering attendees a comprehensive guide to the rich, wide-ranging conversations shaping the future of the field.