MCIE Summer Institute 2026
June 23–24, 2026
Westin Baltimore Washington Airport – BWI
Linthicum Heights, Maryland
Some barriers are visible. Others aren’t.
The ones embedded in schedules, in belief systems, in the way a school or system has always done things. Those are the ones that quietly determine which students truly belong and which ones are simply present.
That’s the work of this year’s Summer Institute.
Breaking Barriers for Authentic Inclusion is a two-day, in-person inclusive education summer institute for district and school leaders who know inclusion is more than placement. It’s for the people doing the hard, structural work of building schools where students with disabilities, multilingual learners, and other historically marginalized students are valued, supported, and genuinely part of the community.
This isn’t a conference where you sit and listen. It’s a learning experience built for collaboration. You’ll work alongside peers, dig into what’s getting in the way in your own context, and leave with practical strategies you can actually use.
If you’re ready to move from intention to action, this is where that work happens.
Speakers
Keynote Speakers
We are excited to welcome Keith Jones and Margo Gross as keynote speakers for the 2026 Summer Institute. Their messages will anchor the event and connect directly to the theme of inclusive leadership, systems change, and belonging, helping frame learning across both days.
Keith Jones
Margo Gross
President and CEO at SoulTouchin’ Experiences, a community advocacy and consulting organization focused on disability inclusion, empowerment, and systemic policy change.
A national public speaker, educator, certified life coach, and Amazon bestselling author. Her work focuses on DEI, belonging, equity, and culturally responsive teaching. Listen to a recent episode of Think Inclusive she appeared on.
Other confirmed speakers:
- Emily Kircher Morris (podcast episode with Emily)
- Carly Epstein
- Beckie Gladfelter
- Lisa Michalich Quin (podcast episode with Lisa)
- Cliff Mason
- Carolyn Teigland (Bio for Carolyn)
- Brittni Sammons (Bio for Brittni Sammons)
- Nicole Geiger (Bio for Nicole Geiger)
- Tim Villegas (Bio for Tim Villegas)
With special virtual appearances by Julie Causton and Kristie Pretti-Frontczak from Inclusive Schooling
Who Should Attend
- District leaders and central office administrators
- School leaders and instructional leaders
- Special education and general education leaders
- Coaches, supervisors, and systems‑level decision‑makers
- Anyone responsible for designing, supporting, or leading inclusive systems
What You’ll Experience
The Summer Institute will include keynotes, interactive sessions, and facilitated conversations that will explore the leadership practices that build belonging, the evidence-based instructional strategies that work for all learners, and the systems-level decisions that make or break inclusion in practice. Topics includes co-planning and co-teaching, specially designed instruction, math for all learners, communication supports, scheduling, coaching, and building the shared understanding that sustains this work over time. Sessions are designed for the range of students your schools serve: students with disabilities, multilingual learners, neurodivergent students, and students with complex support needs.
Hotel Information
A room block is available at the Westin Baltimore Washington Airport – BWI for Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
1110 Old Elkridge Landing Road
Linthicum Heights, MD
443‑577‑2300
Learn more about this inclusive education summer institute and register at go.mcie.org/register-2026