Program

SXSW EDU provides a destination for personal and professional growth with an unparalleled program featuring education thought-leaders, compelling sessions, films, and more.


The Full Spectrum: A Raccoon and Neurodivergence in Kids Media - SXSW EDU 2025 - Photo by Amanda Stronza

The Full Spectrum: A Raccoon and Neurodivergence in Kids Media - SXSW EDU 2025 - Photo by Amanda Stronza

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

 

TRACKS

 

The wide range of topics and ideas that will be explored across the SXSW EDU program are organized by 12 overarching thematic tracks that focus on timely topics in education.

Tracks

Accessibility Solutions
Exploring initiatives and programs that focus on special education, learning differences and neurodiversity, and disabilities across the learning lifecycle including adaptive instructional strategies, assistive technology, universal design, and more

Arts & Culture
Exploring arts-based pedagogies and cultural and creative practices including the performing and visual arts, arts integration, media creation, gaming, and media and entertainment initiatives as well as approaches to storytelling, branding, and world-building for teaching and learning

Community Initiatives
Programs and projects focused on empowering and connecting communities in and out of the classroom by highlighting partnerships and work organized by community spaces and groups including libraries, museums, makerspaces, community centers, after-school and summer programs, informal learning programs, outdoor education initiatives, and more

Equity & Belonging
Addressing work championing equity, justice, belonging, diversity, and inclusion in education and beyond, including social and economic disparities, culturally responsive teaching, anti-racism practice, gender and LGBTQIA+ issues, restorative justice, and more to ensure equitable opportunities and outcomes for all

Future of Tech
Exploring development and implementation of educational technology including virtual tools, generative artificial intelligence, and data interoperability, with a focus on issues surrounding equitable access to and ethical use of technology and future-forward solutions for tech integration

Global Initiatives
Programs and initiatives exploring the importance of global collaboration in education and beyond including international instructional approaches and business ventures, language learning and ESL/ELL instruction, program implementation across borders, global partnerships, issues impacting immigrant learners and international students, cross-cultural initiatives, and more

Health & Wellbeing
Furthering social emotional learning, whole-child education, and human flourishing including initiatives addressing mental and physical wellness, trauma-informed practices, digital wellbeing, sports and physical education, and health education with a focus on mental health initiatives and comprehensive wellbeing for educators, students, and families

Leadership for Tomorrow
Groundbreaking insights spotlighting work in leadership development and institutional transformation with topics including organizational management, issues impacting administration, executive leadership, systemic implementation, cultivation of youth leadership, pathway creation across the education sector, and educator development and support

Policy & Advocacy
Addressing education policy issues and legislative changes across local, regional, national, and international governance including funding, curriculum and assessment standards, student data use and privacy, school safety, and digital policies, as well as economic development, civic engagement and activism, and public-private partnerships

Startups & Investment
Content focused on the business of education with a focus on entrepreneurship and startups, with topics including investment and funding, marketing and branding strategies, corporate initiatives and partnerships, market trends and analysis, and business scalability and adaptability

Teaching & Learning
Content focused on instruction and pedagogy across the entire learning lifecycle with a focus on solution-oriented strategies, innovative teaching, learner agency, and child development, with topics including instructional best practices for all educational levels and evolving curricula, teacher and faculty support, the science of learning, creative pedagogies, and communities of practice

Work Reimagined
Programs and new approaches to professional development, upskilling, microcredentialing, corporate learning, and talent development, including workforce revitalization, training, and career transitions, as well as initiatives for adult learners, non-degree pathways, and how the future of work will impact new generations of students

FOCUS AREAS

 

The SXSW EDU program covers the entire learning lifecycle, so session focus areas highlight the level of education session content will address.

Focus Areas

Early Learning
Sessions that focus on issues impacting learning starting from birth, from child development and parenting, to child care and teaching practice and beyond

K-12 Education
From primary to secondary education these sessions focus on issues impacting the practice and administration in classrooms, as well as initiatives and work that impact learners of school age and adolescence

Higher Education
Whether discussing issues impacting universities, community colleges, or non-traditional pathways, these sessions address post-secondary learning in all of its forms

Continuing Education
From workforce upskilling and re-training to innovative approaches to adult learning, these sessions focus on learning that happens once learners leave traditional levels of schooling

Convergence
For sessions and discussions on issues that span multiple levels of education or speak to initiatives that address pathways between education levels

FORMATS

 

Whether you're looking to engage in a thought-provoking discussion, participate in a learning activity, or connect with a specific community, session formats offer various ways to engage during the event.

Formats

Conversation

(45 min, 2 speakers)
An in-depth interview, fireside chat, or debate that spotlights thought leadership and insights on a particular topic or area of expertise, followed by audience Q&A

Meet Up

(60 min, 1-2 speakers)
A speaker-facilitated networking event that encourages communities to connect around similar topics, passions, roles, or interests. Please note this is NOT a presentation-based session format.

Panel

(45 min, 3-4 speakers)
A dynamic and diverse discussion offering multiple viewpoints on a particular topic, followed by audience Q&A

Performance

(90 min, 1+ speakers)
A musical, theatrical, storytelling, dance, poetry, or other performance that includes a workshop or extended Q&A to reflect on the value of the performing arts as a vehicle for deeper learning and offer takeaways for the audience

Podcast

(45 min, 2-4 speakers)
For media organizations and existing podcasts, a conversation on topics across the education landscape, recorded in front of a live audience to be used as a future episode

Solo

(20 min, 1 speaker)
A short solo presentation highlighting new and emerging ideas, followed by audience Q&A

Workshop

(90 min, 1-3 speakers)
An in-depth, instructional program with hands-on learning activities and specific takeaways

PERFORMANCES

Adding a unique element to the program that is both educational and entertaining, performances shine a light on performing arts as a vehicle for deeper learning, including theatrical groups, staged readings, music groups, spoken word, dance, and more.

Dive In

MENTORSHIP

The SXSW EDU Mentor Program is an opportunity for education professionals, students, innovators, and entrepreneurs to connect with seasoned mentors and gain invaluable guidance through one-on-one mentor sessions or roundtable discussions.

Explore

COMPETITIONS

SXSW EDU hosts competitions that serve as a vehicle to elevate and honor the work of trailblazers in the space. The Launch Startup Competition and Student Impact Challenge showcase fresh ideas and solutions, and ultimately connect the broader community to those ideas for impact.

Learn More

FILMS

SXSW EDU celebrates the power of film to explore critical topics and issues impacting education through narratives and documentary film screenings. Many screenings conclude with a Q&A discussion featuring the filmmakers and film subjects for a deeper connection.

Browse

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION CREDITS

SXSW EDU partners with The Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE) to provide attendees with continuing professional education (CPE) credits.

Stay tuned for more information for SXSW EDU 2026.

SXSW EDU 2025 - Photo by Tico Mendoza

SXSW EDU 2025 - Photo by Tico Mendoza

DON'T MISS CROSSOVER DAY

Thursday, March 12

Make plans to stay through Thursday, March 12 to take full advantage of Crossover Day! For the first time, all four SXSW events will take place on Thursday, offering attendees an exclusive opportunity to connect with professionals across industries, collaborate on innovative ideas, and sample programming from different sectors.

SXSW EDU 2025 - Photo by Tico Mendoza

SXSW EDU 2025 - Photo by Tico Mendoza

Get Involved

Registration Opens October 1

Mark your calendars and get ready for SXSW EDU taking place March 9-12, 2026.

Learn More

Apply to Speak

Submit your session proposal to PanelPicker by July 27 for a chance to speak at SXSW EDU 2026.

Learn More

PROGRAM AT SXSW EDU