Governance Camp Session Proposal Guide and Requirements

Your Voice Belongs at Camp!

We’re looking for sessions and demos that highlight what’s working in Texas Public Schools, specifically policy and programs that elevate Student Voice, strengthen student achievement, and inspire action through innovative governance practices. Share your success stories, real-world lessons, and new ideas that can spark fresh thinking that helps boards lead with the purpose of shaping the next chapter of public education.

This resource outlines the information and materials you’ll need to complete your formal session submission.

Submission Window Oct. 1, 2026-Nov. 1, 2026, midnight (CT)

Conference Dates March 3-6, 2027

Submit Session Proposal

Leadership & Governance Sessions

Scheduled for Thursday after lunch & Friday (March 4-5, 2027)

• Purpose: These are the educational backbone of Governance Camp. Showcase strategies, innovations, and lessons that drive student success and amplify student voice. 
• Presenters: Consist of Trustees, District leadership, TASB experts & other K-12 thought leaders, including at least one (1) TEA Registered Provider 
• Length: 60 minutes; including interactive engagement with attendees and Q&A. Sessions ending more than 5 minutes early may not be considered for future events. 
• Formats: Panel, presentation, open discussion
• Content: Should reflect TASB’s mission and Cornerstone Principles
• Standard Room Set & AV: Theater seating, projector, laptop connected to Wi-Fi, two (2) wireless handheld microphones, and clicker

*Looking for Student Voice & District Demo Details?

Submission Topics

• Showcase innovation and evidence-based practice.
• Encourage dialogue, engagement, and actionable outcomes.
• Present ideas supported by data, research, or real-world results.
• Address issues important to Texas trustees and public education.
• Challenge attendees to explore new perspectives or solutions.
• Elevate student voice and connect learning to student achievement.
• Offer inclusive approaches that reach diverse learning styles.
• Demonstrate relevance through practical examples or case studies.

Leadership and Governance Session Content Categories

Content should focus on developing the knowledge or skills of trustees in any of the themes of the Framework for School Board Development.

• Vision and Goals 
• Systems and Processes
• Progress and Accountability
• Advocacy and Engagement*
• Synergy and Teamwork

*Must meet the Best Practices for Meeting SBOE Training Content Requirements

Leadership and Governance Session Formats

Adult learners prefer to engage in self-directed learning, and that philosophy drives the Governance Camp approach to conference programming.

• Open Discussion: Moderator-facilitated, in-depth conversation with participants serving as key contributors around a specific issue or topic concerning education.
• Panel: Moderator-led discussion with experts in the field with an opportunity for audience Q&A.
• Presentation: Formal presentation by an expert, often featuring a visual component (e.g., PowerPoint) designed to inform the audience about a specific issue or topic and demonstrate key components of a particular education approach.

Submission Guidelines

• No more than two (2) applications per school district or organization will be eligible for consideration, per session type.
• Educational, neutral, and free of commercial motivation or intent.
• All proposed content leaders must be listed. "To Be Determined" or blank placeholders for panelists or co-presenters will not be accepted. (Student Names Not Collected)
• Sales and/or vendor submissions will NOT be accepted.
• Include at least one (1) TEA Registered Provider. * 

*Submissions without a provider may receive lower priority for acceptance. If accepted, session will not be eligible for credit and may impact session attendance.

Presenter Agreement and Reminders

• Submitting a session(s) does not guarantee acceptance.  
• TASB will not contact co-presenters, it is Submitter/Primary Contact’s responsibility to relay all session guidelines and information to the primary presenter/co-presenters, including: 
  • Primary Presenter: must sign Presenter Agreement  
  • All presenters must agree to Event Terms and Conditions during registration (Payments and Refunds, Cancellation, Civility, Consent to Photography and Recording, Non-Endorsement, and Marketing/Solicitation) during registration (Payments and Refunds, Cancellation, Civility, Consent to Photography and Recording, Non-Endorsement, and Marketing/Solicitation).
• All presenters, co-presenters, support staff and chaperones must register for the conference, including paying the appropriate fee to attend.

Complimentary Registration Exceptions

• TASB Member Districts, with an accepted ISD session, are eligible to receive a maximum of two (2) complementary full-conference registrations, intended for the Superintendent and Board President.
  • The total number of complimentary full registrations is limited to two (2) per district, regardless of how many sessions or presentation category types are accepted. (Non-ISD presenters, including companies, organizations, and consultants, are not eligible for complimentary registration.)
• First two (2) chaperones for each Student Voice Accepted Session. (Student Voice Presentations and/or Student Inspired District Demonstrations)

Leadership & Governance Session Submission Requirements 

Session Title

• 100-character limit including punctuation and spaces.
• Aim for a concise, engaging title between 6 and 12 words.
• Use AP Style title case (capitalize principal words and proper nouns).

Session Descriptor

• 700-character limit including punctuation and spaces.
• Craft a clear and compelling description between 65-100 words. 
• Highlight the session’s focus, key takeaways, and relevance for a board audience.

Session Submission Type, Format and Content Categories

Select the appropriate session type, format, and content categories for each submission.

Available Submission Types:

• Leadership and Governance 
• Student Voice Presentation*
• Student Inspired District Demonstration*

*Looking for Student Voice & District Demo Details? 

Standard Set & AV

• List any special setup or AV requirements that differ from the standard set. (requested changes not guaranteed)

Submitter Contact Information

• Company/Organization/ISD
• Job Title
• Phone Number and extension

Presenter Agreement Signature

• Confirm that you have read, understand, and accept the Presenter Agreement.
• If multiple presenters are listed, select one Primary Presenter.

Presenter Information

Provide the following information for each person added:

• Governance Sessions: Maximum of five (5) presenters in program.
• Required Information:
  • First and Last Name
  • Email Address
  • Direct Phone Number (including extension)
  • Mobile Phone (for onsite communication only)
  • Company Type (select one):
    • Texas Public School District
    • TASB Employee
    • Organization/Company
  • Job Title [Rank or Role] of [Department or Function] ex. Director of Education, Chief Advisor of Accountability
• Is this individual a TEA Provider? (Not Applicable to District Demonstrations)
  • If yes, provide the TEA provider number and expiration date.

Student Voice and District Demonstration Sessions

Districts may submit for one or both types through multiple submissions. Please carefully review the different session types.

*Looking for Leadership & Governance Session Details?

Attendance Expectations: Students are expected to attend and participate in the entirety of Thursday Student Voice activities, including the Opening General Session through lunch. View Conference Agenda

Student Inspired District Demonstration 

Date: Thursday, March 4, 2027, between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Setup: Wednesday, March 3, 2027, between 5-6:30 p.m. and/or Thursday, March 4, between 7-7:30 a.m.

Breakdown: Thursday, March 4, between 10–10:45 a.m.

Purpose: Give students the platform to lead hands-on, interactive experiences in an “exhibit” style setting.

Presenters: Demonstrations should be led or co-led by students. 

Length: 5-15 minutes demos *repeated before before/after breakfast

Format: Mini demonstrations where students preview their project, to all attendees on a flow.

Content: Projects or programs that demonstrate student innovation, creativity, leadership and real-world learning. 

     Examples: 

• Emerging technology such as augmented reality, esports, or interactive EdTech tools.
• STEM innovations like robotics, aerospace builds, or renewable energy systems.
• Health and safety initiatives that promote student well-being and community impact.
• Entrepreneurship and media ventures such as student-run businesses, product design, or digital storytelling.
• Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs showcasing the breadth of local pathways.

Standard Set & AV: Shared open area, two (2) display tables and access to power.

Student Voice 45-Min. Session

Date: Thursday, March 4, 2027, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Purpose: Highlight the authentic experiences of Texas public school students that reveal how policy, practice, and personal agency intersect to influence achievement and educational outcomes.

Presenters: Sessions should be presented or co-presented by students, and preferably with at least one (1) TEA Registered Provider*

Length: 45 minutes; including interactive engagement with attendees and Q&A.

Formats: Panel, presentation, open discussion.

Content: Showcase initiatives and stories that amplify student leadership, advocacy, and collaboration with educators or policymakers to improve learning and school culture.

Standard Room Set & AV: Theater seating, projector, laptop connected to Wi-Fi, two (2) wireless handheld microphones, and clicker.

Student Voice Session Content Categories

Content should focus on developing the knowledge or skills of trustees in any of the themes of the Framework for School Board Development. View the Standard Session Categories for definitions and examples. 

• Vision and Goals
• Systems and Processes
• Progress and Accountability
• Advocacy and Engagement*
• Synergy and Teamwork

*Must meet the Best Practices for Meeting SBOE Training Content Requirements

Student Voice Session Formats

Adult learners prefer to engage in self-directed learning, and that philosophy drives the Governance Camp approach to conference programming.

• Open Discussion: Moderator-facilitated, in-depth conversation with participants serving as key contributors around a specific issue or topic concerning education.
• Panel: Moderator-led discussion with experts in the field with an opportunity for audience Q&A.
• Presentation: Formal presentation by an expert, often featuring a visual component (e.g., PowerPoint) designed to inform the audience about a specific issue or topic and demonstrate key components of a particular education approach.

Submission Guidelines

• No more than two (2) applications per school district or organization will be eligible for consideration.
• Educational, neutral, and free of commercial motivation or intent.
• Include at least one (1) TEA Registered Provider* (Not applicable for District Demonstrations) 

*Submissions are strongly encouraged to include at least one TEA Registered Provider. Submissions without a provider may receive lower priority for acceptance. For accepted Student Voice 45-minute sessions, TASB may be able to pair the district with a registered provider if the session meets SBOE requirements. Provider pairing and credit are not guaranteed, and sessions that do not offer credit may have lower attendance.

Important Notes for Accepted Student Voice Submissions

• TASB will cover a maximum of four (4) total hotel rooms for a Wednesday, March 3, 2027, check-in.
• The district is responsible for any additional required rooms, or nights, required for chaperones and students.
• The district is responsible for transportation to/from Galveston, TX for all chaperones and students.
• Meals provided by TASB during the conference: Breakfast and lunch on Thursday, March 4, 2027

Student Voice & District Demonstrations Session Submission Requirements 

Session Title

• 100-character limit including punctuation and spaces.
• Aim for a concise, engaging title between 6 and 12 words.
• Use AP Style title case (capitalize principal words and proper nouns).

Session Descriptor

• 700-character limit including punctuation and spaces.
• Craft a clear and compelling description between 65-100 words. 
• Highlight the session’s focus, key takeaways, and relevance for a board audience.

Session Submission Type, Format and Content Categories

Select the appropriate session type, content categories, and format each submission.

Available Submission Types: 

• Student Voice Presentation
• Student Inspired District Demonstration
• Leadership and Governance

Content Categories, and Format

Has this session been presented before?

• If yes, which event(s) and what years?

How are students involved in this session or demo?

• Clearly describe how students will lead, co-present, or play an active role in the session.
• Be specific about what students will do during the presentation or demo and explain how their participation and perspectives will strengthen the topic and its impact on School Board Trustees.

Standard Set & AV

• List any special setup or AV requirements that differ from the standard set. (requested changes not guaranteed)

Student Inspired District Demonstration Example

• Be prepared to upload any photos, videos, or supporting files that showcase the project or program. 
• Accepted Files: PDFs, Videos, Images, PNG, ZIP, PowerPoint, JPEG, and MP4 accepted (up to 5 GB).

Submitter Contact Information

• Company/Organization/ISD
• Job Title
• Phone Number and extension

Submitter Agreement Signature

• Confirm that you have read, understand, and accept the Presenter Agreement.
• If multiple presenters (chaperones) are listed, select one Primary Chaperone.

Chaperone Information

Provide the following information for each person added:

• Student Voice Sessions and Demonstrations: Maximum of two (2) chaperones (not listed in the program; do not include student information).
• Required Information:
  • First and Last Name
  • Email Address
  • Direct Phone Number (including extension)
  • Mobile Phone (for onsite communication only)
  • Company Type (select one):
    • Texas Public School District
  • Job Title [Rank or Role] of [Department or Function] ex. Director of Education, Chief Advisor of Accountability

Contact Definitions

Submitter/Primary Contact: The individual completing the application. Responsible for communicating session details and updates to all presenters. This person is the main contact TASB will communicate with and may or may not be a presenter.

Primary Presenter: The individual responsible for leading the presentation, moderating a panel, or delivering the core content and engaging with the audience during the session.

TEA Provider: An individual approved as a registered provider for CEC through the TEA. May also serve as the primary presenter or a co-presenter. *Must be present during session

Co-presenter: An individual or team of supporting speakers or panelists who contribute to the presentation by sharing specific insights, examples, or sections of content alongside the primary presenter.

Chaperones: Accompanies and supervises student participants during the conference, ensuring their safety, appropriate conduct, and active engagement in conference activities.

Tips and Important Notes

• TASB Members log in with their TASB credentials.  
• Non-TASB Members / First-time users will set a permanent password during login.  
• Click Save Draft to ensure progress is saved.
• Only one draft submission in progress.
• Click Complete to submit. You will receive a confirmation e-mail if submission is successful.
• Edits accepted until November 1, 2026 - midnight via the speaker portal.
  • Select the session to edit.
  • Select View Submission at the very bottom.

Visit tasb.org/gov-camp to access:

• Session Submission Link
• Presenter Agreement 
• Best Practices for Meeting SBOE Training Content Requirements 
• TASB’s TEA Provider Application Guide 
• TEA Provider Application
• Event Terms and Conditions  

Accepted submissions notified via email in early January 2027.

Submission questions: email events@tasb.org.