Temple University’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) faculty, staff and students will be attending the 2026 American Educational Research Association (AERA) annual meeting in Los Angeles, California, April 8-16, 2026.

The annual meeting is the world’s largest gathering of education researchers, convening thousands of scholars, practitioners and policymakers from around the globe. The schedule includes more than 2,500 sessions to choose from, with over 40 presentations featuring CEHD faculty, staff and students centered around this year’s theme, “Unforgetting Histories and Imagining Futures: Constructing a New Vision for Education Research.”

“My journey with AERA began as a doctoral student presenting my first paper session on disrupting systems that have historically failed to serve Black and Brown students living in poverty and receiving services in special education,” said Monika Williams Shealey, dean of Temple University’s College of Education and Human Development. “After moving from faculty positions into leadership, AERA continued to play an integral role in my development as a scholar and leader. The AERA community is expansive, and today, more than ever, represents the lifeline for critical scholars.” Shealey added she looks forward to attending this year's AERA, supporting graduate students and faculty and participating in sessions led by Temple CEHD’s outstanding faculty and students.

The AERA Annual Meeting offers a dynamic professional experience, allowing participants to learn from prominent scholars, discover the latest research findings, engage in thought-provoking dialogue and build lasting professional relationships that help shape the future of education research and practice. The CEHD’s participation underscores its mission to educate, support and prepare learners and leaders who advance equitable systems and practices in schools and communities.

“I am very excited about the theme of the conference this year,” said Molly Siuty, associate professor of special education and disability justice. “Unforgetting histories and imagining futures is very timely and relevant to our work in education as we dream collectively of future possibilities that build on the wisdom of past education movements and advocates, while also highlighting the historically marginalized voices whom educational research has not always served.”

A comprehensive list of all sessions featuring CEHD faculty, staff and students is available on the CEHD website.

AERA participants are also invited to join CEHD at its annual reception, where faculty, alumni, students and friends of the college can connect, celebrate scholarship and strengthen the Temple community during the conference.

Saturday, April 11
6:00-8:00 p.m.
The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites Los Angeles
Hollywood Ballroom, Level 3
404 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071

Registration is not required for this event. Contact Assistant Dean of Development and Alumni Relations David Leach at leach@temple.edu with any questions about the reception.