Overview

The Annual Conference of the Tennessee Association of Independent Schools is the organization's signature opportunity for educators to grow together. The 2026 TAIS Annual Conference will be held at Presbyterian Day School in Memphis, Tennessee, on November 8th and 9th. Presenting or not, we hope you'll join us!

In 2025, the Annual Conference brought together nearly 600 teachers, leaders, visionaries, and resources from across Tennessee and the Southeast. Over 180 presenters led 100+ sessions highlighting the robust work of TAIS teachers and leaders. Will you join this inspiring group in 2026? Read on to learn how.

Conference Theme - Focus & Form

See What Matters. Create What’s Next.

In a fast-paced world saturated with 10-second clips and automated solutions, attention is fragmented, human connection is strained, and clarity in decision-making is diminished at every level. The 2026 TAIS Annual Conference invites educators and school leaders to look more closely, practice discernment and articulation, and shape learning and leadership with greater purpose. Join us in looking to art and innovation to build the skills needed to lead our school communities with vibrancy and greater intention.

What We're Looking For 

We request proposals from TAIS Members that emphasize teacher and student voice and offer development on all aspects of school life. Proposals will be framed within a 1) content strand and 2) engagement format.

About Our Strands     |     About Our Formats

Five content strands will thread throughout our Annual Conference programming, tying each session back to our broader theme of Focus & Form. As part of the proposal process, submitters will select one strand for which their proposed session will be evaluated. Click "About Our Strands" below to learn more.

• Classroom Toolkit
• Whole-Child Communities
• Unexpected Collaborations
• Strategic Directions
• Emerging Research

Sessions will be offered in a variety of formats. Submitters will indicate their preferred session format in the proposal form. Click "About Our Formats" below to learn more.

• Traditional Lecture or Demonstration
• Single-Block Workshop
• Double-Block Workshop*
• Panel
• Roundtable
• Ignite Talk

Birds of a Feather gatherings will be offered again this year as informal, peer-led conversations. However, these gatherings are not part of the Call for Sessions and will not be submitted for review as part of the formal conference program. Information on how to facilitate a Birds of a Feather gathering will be shared in late summer—please keep an eye out for details.

 About Our Strands     |     About Our Formats

Presenter Eligibility & Commitment
TAIS Annual Conference session presentations are reserved for TAIS Members, TAIS Corporate Partners, or invited guest speakers. Proposal submitters must be (a) employed by a TAIS Member School, (b) explicitly invited by TAIS staff to propose a session, or (c) representing an organization that intends to become a TAIS Corporate Partner for the 2026–2027 year.

Proposals accepted under option (c) are contingent upon the presenting organization formally committing to a 2026–2027 Corporate Partnership by July 1. Sessions will not run without this confirmed commitment.