Save the date for the THRIVE 2026 conference set for Sept. 16-17 in Jackson, Mississippi. This dedicated two full days of professional learning will feature targeted sessions for instructional staff, principals, district level administrators, parents, and other stakeholders across Mississippi to that support the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) Programs. There will be mandatory sessions for English Language (EL) Coordinators, Homeless Liaisons, Juvenile Detention Centers (JDCs) directors, and Foster Care Points of Contacts.
Full day pre-conference sessions will be offered on September 15:
- EDGAR 101 is a full day session for brand new Federal Programs Directors, CTE Directors, SPED Directors, and Business Managers with the fundamentals of federal grant compliance, fiscal requirements, and best practices for successful program administration under the Education Department General Administrative Regulations.
- EL Combine is a full day session that will focus on outlining the components of the five Language Instruction Education Programs (LIEP) that can be implemented in the State of Mississippi. EL instructional staff and leaders will have a deeper understanding of how the LIEP should be implemented.
Call for Proposals
The 2026 THRIVE Conference Call for Proposals is now open. Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) Office of Federal Programs is seeking qualified presenters, consultants, institutions of higher education, educational organizations, and subject-matter experts to provide professional learning opportunities for educators and school leaders across Mississippi.
Proposals should support the effective implementation of ESEA-funded programs and focus on practical application, evidence-based practices, and tools participants can use in schools and districts. Session topics may include STEAM, social emotional learning, mental health, family and community engagement, English learners, trauma-informed care, academic interventions, artificial intelligence, workforce development, and more.
Proposals may be submitted through noon on July 31, 2026. Submit proposals here.
Submission of a proposal does not guarantee selection as a conference presenter.