2026 AESD Annual Conference
Where
culture teaches,
service leads,
education empowers
April 15-17, 2026
Clearwater Resort
Poulsbo, WA
Planning for the 2026 conference is underway! The conference will be collaboratively designed by the 2026 conference host ESD (Olympic ESD 114) and the AESD Executive Board. We are excited to welcome ESD board members, staff, and partners to Poulsbo on the Olympic Peninsula in April! This year’s theme, Where culture teachers, service leads, and education empowers will provide a wonderful springboard for our conference keynotes and breakout sessions.
Please reach out if you are interested in partnering as a sponsor for our 2026 conference!
In the meantime check out our 2025 Conference Highlight Reel and ESD Spotlight Videos.
Conference Agenda
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Friday, April 17, 2026
Presenters
Chan Hellman, Keynote Speaker
With more than 15 years of research into the science of hope and more than 20 years as a university professor, Chan Hellman, Ph.D., focuses on sharing the science and power of hope in our ability to overcome trauma and thrive in life. He has worked with numerous human service organizations, corporations, state agencies, school districts and national coalitions to create hope-centered strategic plans.
Dr. Hellman is widely recognized as one of the leading hope scholars in the world. Based upon his evidence-backed research in the science of hope, his Hope Centered curriculum is a registered copyright under the trademark Hope Centered and Trauma Informed®.
Chris Reykdal, State Education Updates
State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Chris Reykdal was born and raised in Snohomish, Washington, as the youngest of eight children. He has served as a high school history teacher, local school board member, state legislator, and budget and policy executive for our state’s community and technical college system. Reykdal has dedicated his entire career to public education, and he is currently serving in his first term as the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. He and his wife, Kim, live in historic Tumwater with their two children, Carter and Kennedy.
Joan Wade, National Education Updates
AESA Executive Director
Joan Wade, Ed.D. is a life-long educator with over 30 years of service in public education. She began serving as the Executive Director for the Association of Educational Service Agencies (AESA), on July 1, 2016. Dr. Wade began her career as a library media specialist in Montello, Wisconsin. After attending graduate school, she served in various administrative capacities in Wisconsin school districts including as Technology Coordinator for Portage Community School District, and Distance Learning Director for CESA 5.
How to Register
Please contact Shayna Burmeister, AESD Administrative Specialist or your local ESD’s executive assistant for more information.
Conference Venues
Clearwater Resort
Our main conference program will be hosted at the Clearwater Resort in beautiful Poulsbo, WA.
Kiana Lodge
Our annual AESD award and recognition dinner will be hosted nearby at the Kiana Lodge.
Photo Credit: Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort
Sponsors
Diamond Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
If you’re interested in partnering with us as a sponsor in 2026, please reach out to communications@waesd.org.
