The research and higher-ed conferences on this page bridge K-12 practice with the universities that prepare teachers, the researchers who study what works, and the community colleges and workforce programs that catch students on the other side of graduation. AERA is the anchor event — thousands of peer-reviewed studies presented across five days each spring. Around it sit teacher preparation conferences like the Association of Teacher Educators (ATE), international events like the Canada International Conference on Education and Global Conference on Arts, Education and Humanities, and content-area research meetings that cross K-12 and higher ed lines. Attendees are professors, doctoral students, education researchers at nonprofits and think tanks, district research and evaluation directors, and increasingly, K-12 practitioners who present classroom action research. The sessions are dense — expect papers, symposia, roundtables, and poster sessions rather than practical workshops. If you're trying to ground a district decision in evidence, recruit a graduate student, or move between the K-12 and higher ed worlds, these are the events that connect them.
Research & Higher Ed conferences (36 upcoming)
Past events
Frequently asked questions
What is the largest K-12 education research conference?
AERA (American Educational Research Association) Annual Meeting is by far the largest, drawing 10,000+ researchers. It moves cities each spring — Denver in April 2026.
Which conferences bridge K-12 and higher education?
AERA, ATE (Association of Teacher Educators), CIC (Council of Independent Colleges) events, and international education conferences like the Canada International Conference on Education routinely cover the K-16 continuum.
Are these conferences useful for district leaders, not just researchers?
Yes, especially for district research and evaluation directors, chief academic officers, and grant-funded program leads. Many districts send teams to AERA to translate research into practice and build university partnerships.
How do I present research at these events?
Most run open calls for proposals 6–9 months in advance. AERA's call opens in the summer for the following spring's meeting. ATE and international events follow similar timelines.
Are there international research conferences on this list?
Yes — Canada International Conference on Education, Global Conference on Arts, Education and Humanities, ABED (Brazil), and similar international meetings are all included.