This conference is a premier opportunity for those ready to learn, lead, and inspire positive change within their districts. Join us for an experience packed with intentional networking and professional growth tailored specifically for your role.
If you lead learning, this is for you. We invite all Curriculum Leaders—from district-level directors and campus administrators to instructional coaches and teacher-leaders—across every subject area and grade level. Join a community dedicated to instructional excellence and systemic growth.
Kerry Gain is currently the Deputy Executive Director of Academic Services at the Region 13 Education Service Center. In a career spanning 30 years, Kerry has experience in the roles of teacher, campus administrator, and district administrator and has served the communities of DeSoto ISD, Wylie ISD, Comal ISD, and Del Valle ISD. Before joining Region 13, Kerry was the Chief Academic Officer in Del Valle ISD. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, both from the University of Texas at Arlington. She is the proud mother of an Auburn University junior (War Eagle!) and a Canyon High School junior (Go Coogs!), and the proud wife of a Texas Ex. Kerry and her family make their home in New Braunfels.
The Life of the CAO
In this keynote presentation, Kerry Gain, a former Curriculum Director, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, and Chief Academic Officer, will share lessons learned, practical advice, and a little humor from the life of a CAO.
The reality of public education in Texas today is that much is expected while very little is given. Expectations continue to rise, resources continue to tighten, and the scrutiny placed on school leaders is often intense and unrelenting. For Chief Academic Officers, the challenge is not simply managing initiatives, accountability systems, and instructional programs—it is leading through uncertainty while keeping students at the center of every decision.
Through a blend of funny stories, difficult lessons, and candid reflections from years in district leadership, this session will explore what it truly means to serve in the CAO role. Participants will gain practical insights on navigating pressure, building trust, maintaining focus on what matters most, and leading with integrity when competing priorities threaten to pull attention in every direction.
Whether you currently occupy the CAO chair or aspire to sit in it one day, this session is designed to encourage, challenge, and equip you for the journey ahead. Most importantly, it will offer perspective on how to do the work well without sacrificing your values, your family, or yourself in the process.
Call for Presenters
Share Your Expertise at the Chief Academic Officer (CAO) Conference
Education Service Center Region 13 invites curriculum and instructional leaders to submit proposals for the inaugural Chief Academic Officer (CAO) Conference, taking place October 15–16, 2026, at the Sheraton Austin Georgetown Hotel & Conference Center.
We are seeking engaging presentations that support curriculum leadership and align with one or more of the CAO Framework Learning Strands:
Communication
Knowledge
Systems
Collaboration
Selected presenters will lead one of 20 breakout sessions designed to inspire and support educational leaders across Texas.
Audio Visual: Rooms will include a screen or large monitor and LCD projector. Presenters are responsible for bringing their own laptop, dongles, and any additional required equipment.
Proposal Timeline
Date
Milestone
July 15, 2026
Proposal Submission Deadline
July 27, 2026
Presenter Notifications Sent
September 25, 2026
Final Presentation Materials Due
October 15–16, 2026
CAO Conference
Presenter Benefits
Selected presenters (maximum of 2 per session) will receive:
A $100 discount on the conference early-bird registration rate
The opportunity to share innovative practices with curriculum leaders from across the state
Recognition as a conference presenter
Important Presenter Information
Registration: All presenters must register for the conference. Presenter discounts will be applied after acceptance.
Travel & Lodging: Presenters are responsible for their own travel and hotel accommodations.
Presentation Materials: Presentation materials will be shared digitally with attendees through Canvas and may remain available for up to 90 days following the conference.
Proposal Requirements
Successful proposals should:
Align with one or more CAO Framework Learning Strands
Focus on practices that support student learning
Reflect current educational leadership priorities
Be informative, practical, and applicable for curriculum leaders
Presentation Guidelines
To ensure sessions meet conference expectations:
Content should support student learning and educational leadership.
Presentations should align with Texas Education Agency guidance and comply with all applicable state requirements.
Presentations must be strictly informational. Commercial influence, bias, or the promotion/sale of products and services is strictly prohibited. Presentations that solely describe or advertise a program, publication, or product will not be considered.
ESC Region 13 may request presentation materials for review before the conference.
Presenter Limits
Each session may include:
One Lead Presenter
One Co-Presenter
All conference communications will be sent to the lead presenter.
We encourage educational leaders, practitioners, and experts to submit a proposal and contribute to a meaningful learning experience for curriculum leaders across Texas.
State per diem rate: $173.00 (The prevailing government per diem is currently $173.00. Rates will be automatically adjusted to the updated state per diem once released in August 2026.
Make your reservations before 6:00 pm, Wednesday, September 23.
The hotel requires that all reservations be guaranteed either by credit card or check deposit for one night’s room and applicable taxes. Guarantee/Deposits will not be refunded unless the individual reservation is canceled 48 hours in advance of check-in.
To change or modify your reservation please call reservations at 800-477-3340.
Check-in: 3:00 pm
Check-out: 12:00 pm
Parking
Overnight garage self-parking is $10 per night.
Off-site Parking is available in the open lot on the NW corner of Rivery/Wolf Ranch (0.3 miles)
Street parking available on a first come basis for high profile vehicles.
Secure your spot
Join a community dedicated to learning, leading, and inspiring positive change
