CEC 2026 Keynote Sessions
| Date: | Wednesday, March 11, 2026 |
| Time: | 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm |
As we mark the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), we are called not only to honor its legacy but to reimagine what comes next. In this timely and strategic keynote, Dr. Jody Britten invites educators, administrators, and faculty to see disruption as a doorway—an opportunity to rethink what inclusion, innovation, and impact must look like in today’s classrooms and tomorrow’s workforce, especially with the rapid advancement of AI. With change comes opportunity, and the future will be shaped by those who act. Through powerful insights and practical strategies, Jody challenges the way we define readiness, reframe our roles, and redesign learning environments that prepare every student to thrive. Whether you teach, lead, or prepare the next generation of educators, you will leave with concrete actions and renewed momentum to lead from where you are and shape the future all learners deserve (plus she will probably make you laugh at some point).
OPENING KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Dr. Jody Britten
With a career rooted in classrooms and shaped by decades of work across nonprofits, global education networks, philanthropic institutions, schools, districts, states, ministries, and research centers, she brings a unique lens to the intersection of education equity, technology, and impact.
Keynote
| Date: | Thursday, March 12, 2025 |
| Time: | 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
In this thought-provoking and compelling keynote, Kim shares how we can reprogram our brains to become more positive and step into our power. When our happiness and well-being are at the forefront, employees are ten times more engaged, 31% more productive, and three times more creative.
Emotions are at the heart of what many employees do and why they do it. Educators come to teaching with dreams of changing the odds for disadvantaged children and inspiring a love for learning. Nurses come to work with aspirations of caring for and healing others. Lawyers find themselves in the courtroom because of their passion for justice and advocating for others. Unfortunately, research shows that about 52% of employees are unhappy at work. Disengagement and dissatisfaction among workers have reached unprecedented levels.
There are many professions that involve an emotional practice, and employees need support in strengthening their social and emotional skills to manage the stress that comes with their careers so they stay in the profession for the long term.
“Well-being” takes the stage front and center, and how we can create fulfilling lives while also working to improve performance in life and workplace success.
Kim unpacks the positive psychology science and research that pivots the crowd towards optimism. She asks, “Would you press a button to increase your happiness levels by 40% and your productivity levels by 31% while also having 300% more creativity on a Monday morning? When people respond, “Yes!” she explains how to achieve this.
Her inspiring stories and practical tips for well-being leave the audience feeling inspired and full of hope for creating their own happiness within their profession and their personal lives.
When you reset your brain toward positive, you become more engaged, creative, motivated, energetic, resilient, and productive in life—including your work life.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Kim Strobel
Former teacher and curriculum director who has become an internationally known motivational speaker, dynamic powerhouse, and leading happiness coach. Drawing on positive psychology research, she teaches practical, science-backed strategies that help you achieve transformative results.