Special Education Directors Leadership Academy
July 22–24, 2026 | Breckenridge, Colorado
The Bresnahan-Halstead Center at the University of Northern Colorado is proud to present the 2026 Special Education Directors Leadership Academy (SEDLA), a premier professional learning experience designed specifically for Colorado special education leaders.
This year’s Academy will feature a timely, thought-provoking, and highly practical exploration of how generative artificial intelligence (AI) can support leadership in special education. As directors continue to navigate increasing demands with limited time and resources, this engaging event will provide actionable strategies, innovative tools, and meaningful opportunities for collaboration with colleagues from across the state.
With a theme of “From Lemons to Lemonade: Leveraging Generative AI in Special Education Leadership,” participants will discover how emerging technologies can help streamline communication, strengthen systems, support documentation, and enhance decision-making while maintaining ethical and human-centered practices.
Event Details:
- Dates: July 22–24, 2026
- Location: Beaver Run Resort, Breckenridge, Colorado
- Registration Deadline: July 1, 2026
Featured Keynote and Workshop Facilitator
Dr. Alecia Blackwood
Assistant Professor, Department of Education and Counseling, Longwood University
Dr. Alecia Blackwood is an author, consultant, coach, facilitator, and international speaker with more than 25 years of experience in K–12 and higher education. A former Fulbright-Hays Scholar to Namibia and Botswana, she is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading experts on Ubuntu pedagogy—a humanistic educational approach that fosters community, engagement, and meaningful learning.
In 2024, Dr. Blackwood was selected as an International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Faculty Research Fellow, where her work focused on the role of artificial intelligence in educational settings. She was also named a 2026 AI Catalyst Fellow by the EdSAFE AI Alliance in recognition of her leadership in advancing responsible and human-centered applications of AI in education.
Dr. Blackwood currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Education at Longwood University in Virginia. Her work explores the intersection of technology, leadership, and educational innovation, helping educators thoughtfully integrate emerging technologies into practice.
Event Details
From Lemons to Lemonade: Leveraging Generative AI in Special Education Leadership
Full-Day Interactive Workshop
Special education leaders face growing responsibilities while balancing limited time and resources. This full-day interactive workshop provides participants with a foundational understanding of generative AI and its relevance to educational leadership.
Through hands-on activities, discussion, and practical examples, attendees will explore real-world applications of AI within special education contexts, including:
- Streamlining communication with staff and families
- Supporting documentation and compliance processes
- Organizing and analyzing information and data
- Enhancing planning and systems-level leadership
- Developing ethical and responsible AI practices
Grounded in human-centered leadership principles, this session is designed to help participants confidently evaluate and implement AI tools that support effectiveness, efficiency, and meaningful outcomes for students and educators.
Registration Fee
$475 per participant
Registration Includes
- Breakfast and lunch on Thursday and Friday
- A complimentary book related to the Academy’s AI theme
- Lodging for July 22 and July 23 (based on availability at Beaver Run Resort)
- Admission to the July 22 networking reception, including light refreshments
- Full participation in all Academy sessions and activities
Limited Space Available
Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and early registration is strongly encouraged to ensure availability.
Cancellation Policy
Participants who cancel at least two weeks prior to the Academy will receive a refund of 50% of their registration fee.
Register Today
Professionals interested in attending the 2026 Special Education Directors Leadership Academy are encouraged to register before the July 1 deadline to secure their place.
The Bresnahan-Halstead Center looks forward to welcoming Colorado’s special education leaders to Breckenridge in July 2026 for three days of learning, collaboration, and innovation.
Thank you for your continued leadership and commitment to excellence in special education.