Highlights from the 2025 KSDE SETS Leadership Conference

I attended the 2025 KSDE SETS Leadership Conference in Wichita, and it was nothing short of energizing. Designed for Kansas educational leaders focused on special education, school improvement, and early childhood programs, the two-day event brought together professionals from across the state with one mission: improving student outcomes through collaboration and innovation.

The sessions were packed with up-to-date information on district-level requirements, Title programs, and the latest in evidence-based practices. I appreciated how practical and actionable the presentations were—especially those around staff support and strategic planning for the upcoming academic year.

What I loved most was the opportunity to network with like-minded leaders and decision-makers who are as committed to equity, inclusion, and progress as I am. From hallway conversations to breakout discussions, I found myself constantly learning from others' experiences and perspectives.

A big highlight for me was a session on early childhood program integration. It gave me new ideas on how to better align our day-to-day practices with state and federal expectations without losing the heart-centered focus of child development.

The timing of this conference—especially back-to-back with the All In For Kansas Kids Roundtable—was perfect. It was a reminder that leadership isn’t about knowing all the answers; it’s about listening, learning, and adapting together.

If you’re in the field and haven’t attended this conference before, I can’t recommend it enough. The connections made and insights gained were well worth the time. I left feeling inspired, organized, and ready to take on the school year ahead.