Gray skies and school closures are the hallmark of February for many of us, but if you’re dreaming of spring—or even just a fresh perspective—don’t miss the 11th annual InterAct CLASS® Summit, April 27–29, 2026, in Chicago.
Whether you're just getting acquainted with CLASS or you’ve been part of the CLASS community for years, our agenda is packed with inspiration from experts across the field. It's the perfect spring refresh we all need.
Here are three of our favorite “how-to” learning opportunities for creating more meaningful interactions in the classroom.
1. How to turn information into impact
We all know that data is only as good as what we do with it. Are you a leader or coach looking to make data feel more actionable and less intimidating for educators? These two sessions will show you how:
- Discover how Teach For America utilizes CLASS dashboards and "Meaning-Making Stepbacks" to drive continuous improvement.
- Dive into research-based coaching models, including a randomized control trial on the efficacy of sharing CLASS scores directly with teachers during coaching conversations.
2. How to turn every moment into magic
High-quality interactions don't just happen during structured lesson times. Challenge yourself to think beyond the four walls of the classroom with inspiration from sessions that:
- Reimagine the playground as a powerful learning environment. Drawing from field work in Puerto Rico, we’ll also see how improvements in outdoor interactions can strengthen what happens inside the classroom too.
- Transform meal times from “get through it" moments into intentional opportunities for language modeling, concept development, and relationship building.
- Explore how the ECE Resource Hub can help us embed meaningful interactions into gross motor activities and movement moments throughout the day.
3. How to build sustainable systems for quality
See how your peers are scaling quality efforts through statewide partnerships. Learn from sessions featuring:
- Leaders in Tennessee who’ve created a “Dynamic Duo” of CLASS and a no-cost CDA pathway
- Mississippi’s innovative ELEVATE Quality Support System—a collaborative approach bringing together state agencies, higher education, and community organizations to support providers across the state.
- Arkansas’s transformation from pilot program to statewide practice by empowering program directors to become Affiliate Trainers.
Let's Celebrate Together!
The InterAct Summit has always been about more than learning—it’s about community, shared purpose, and remembering why interactions matter so much. Kick things off by joining us at our Welcome Reception on Monday evening, April 27, from 4:30–6:30 p.m. at the stunning Chicago Cultural Center. We'll gather in the iconic Preston Bradley Hall on the top floor for light bites, beverages, and the chance to connect with colleagues and meet new faces before the Summit officially begins.
Ready to join us in Chicago? Register for the 2026 InterAct CLASS® Summit and be part of the conversation.
