More than 900 educators gather in Wenatchee for statewide conference

WENATCHEE — More than 900 educators and education partners from across Washington gathered at the Wenatchee Convention Center July 28-30 for the annual Multi-Tiered System of Supports Integrated Conference.

Hosted by the North Central Educational Service District in partnership with the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, the conference brought together teachers, school leaders, specialists and support teams for training focused on academic, behavioral and other student supports.

The event began July 28 with a pre-conference offering specialized training for special education directors, school psychologists and threat assessment teams. The main conference included keynote presentations and more than 90 breakout sessions led by educators, practitioners and other experts from across the state.

“Participants had access to more than 90 breakout sessions led by educators, practitioners, and experts from across Washington,” NCESD Executive Director of Student Success Darcy Johnson said. “The energy, collaboration, and commitment we saw at this year's MTSS Integrated Conference gives me great hope for what's happening in Washington's schools.”

Multi-Tiered System of Supports, or MTSS, is a framework schools use to coordinate academic and nonacademic support for students. The approach combines several systems and practices, including academic intervention, behavioral supports and social and emotional learning, with the goal of identifying and addressing student needs through different levels of support.

Washington's MTSS framework is organized around five core components: team-driven shared leadership, data-based decision making, family, student and community engagement, a continuum of supports and evidence-based practices.

“The turnout at this year's conference reflects the growing commitment across Washington to ensure every student has access to the support they need to succeed,” Johnson said. “We hope to have the same great turnout and learning sessions for 2027.”

The conference will return to the Wenatchee Convention Center July 27-29, 2027. More information is available at www.ncesd.org.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media