Free Virtual MTSS Summit 2026 to Convene K-12 Leaders for Systemic Support Strategies

Educators, administrators, and student support professionals across K-12 districts are set to gather virtually on December 3, 2026, for the annual MTSS Summit. Hosted by Branching Minds, a comprehensive data and student support platform, the free online conference aims to equip school and district leaders with actionable insights for strengthening Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). This year's theme, "Connected Systems. Confident Practice," underscores the importance of integrated approaches to student well-being and academic achievement.

The summit comes at a crucial time when schools continue to navigate diverse student needs, from academic gaps to social-emotional challenges. MTSS provides a framework for identifying students requiring additional support and delivering targeted interventions. Events like this summit offer a valuable opportunity for educators to learn from peers and experts, refining their strategies to ensure every student can thrive.

Key Insights from a National Education Leader

Headlining the 2026 MTSS Summit is Dr. James F. Lane, former Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction and CEO of Unlimited Instruction LLC. According to Branching Minds, Dr. Lane will deliver the opening keynote address, "Leading with Laser Focus," drawing on his extensive career in education leadership. His presentation is expected to provide district leaders with a "playbook" of practical strategies and resources for school improvement, focusing on developing highly effective MTSS and intervention systems.

Dr. Lane's background includes serving as Virginia's 25th Superintendent of Public Instruction, where he played a significant role in the state's pandemic response and championed the "Virginia is for Learners" initiative. His experience also includes leadership roles as superintendent in Chesterfield, Goochland, and Middlesex County Public Schools, earning him recognition as Virginia Superintendent of the Year in 2017. His insights are anticipated to be particularly relevant for leaders seeking to build resilient and responsive educational systems.

For students needing extra help, whether in core subjects or preparing for assessments, free resources like COSMIQ, a voice-driven AI tutor, can offer personalized support, complementing the systemic improvements discussed at the summit.

Summit Focus: Connected Systems and Confident Practice

The virtual summit, running from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, is structured to provide both high-level strategic guidance and specific case studies. Branching Minds states that the agenda includes two blocks of breakout sessions covering critical areas such as systems-level implementation, change management, improving reading and math outcomes, supporting multilingual learners, and ensuring student safety and wellness.

Featured sessions include "District Leadership that Supports Confident School-Level Practice: A Case Study with Cumberland County, NC" and "When Growth Isn't Enough: Understanding the Gap Between Progress and Proficiency." These sessions are designed to offer concrete examples of how districts are successfully implementing connected systems in practice, providing attendees with tangible takeaways they can apply in their own schools.

Additional presenters include Dr. Dia Bryant, Deputy Mayor for Education, Jersey City, NJ; Hillary Rinaldi, Vice President of K-12 Strategy & Research at Whiteboard Advisors; and Jemn Hershberger, Coordinator of Strategic Initiatives for Instructional Programs at Cumberland County Schools, NC. This diverse lineup of speakers aims to offer varied perspectives on the challenges and successes of MTSS implementation.

Who Should Attend and Why It Matters

The Branching Minds MTSS Summit is tailored for a broad range of K-12 district and school leaders. This includes superintendents, chief academic officers, curriculum and student services directors, MTSS/RTI coordinators, school psychologists, counselors, principals, and interventionists. The focus on "concrete examples of connected systems" and "real outcomes" highlights the summit's practical orientation, according to Maya Gat, Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Branching Minds.

For parents and teachers, understanding MTSS means recognizing the layers of support available to students. A well-implemented MTSS framework ensures that struggling learners receive timely and appropriate interventions, reducing the likelihood of academic or behavioral challenges escalating. It also promotes a collaborative approach where educators, families, and support staff work together to meet individual student needs.

Students also benefit directly from enhanced MTSS systems through more targeted instruction and support, which can lead to improved academic performance and overall well-being. Tools like COSMIQ's free practice hub can further empower students by providing accessible, personalized learning opportunities that align with their intervention plans.

Registration for the free virtual summit is open until November 30, 2026. The event offers a vital platform for education leaders to collaborate, learn, and ultimately refine the systems that support every student's educational journey.