Welcome to the Washington Educational Research Association 

WERA is a not-for-profit organization of professionals working at all levels of education dedicated to improving the practice of instruction, assessment, evaluation, conducting and applying educational research, and using data to inform instructional decisions. Our services include conferences, topical webinars, publications, networking, and training for our members.

WERA's Annual Conference 2026

December 9-11, 2026 at the Tacoma Downtown Marriott Hotel
Theme:  "Rigorous & Responsive Research in Times of Change"

Call for Proposals!

We are looking for a variety of presentations that meet the diverse needs of WERA members. Educators, researchers, and evaluators are invited to submit proposals for our annual conference centered on the theme Rigorous & Responsive Research in Times of Change. Submissions may include academic or applied research that leads to actionable outcomes. We are particularly interested in research that is done in partnership and is designed to be responsive to navigating a changing world. Proposals focused on early learning, K–12, and postsecondary teaching and learning are all encouraged.

Our pre-conference will be held on Wednesday December 9.  Pre conference sessions are three hours in length (with a 15 minute break), either from 9:00 to noon or from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.  Pre-conference sessions provide an opportunity to explore an area of interest in-depth.  Propose a pre-conference session.

For breakout sessions on December 10th and 11th, we are inviting 75-minute presentation proposals.  WERA breakout sessions typically focus on one topic, issue, or problem of practice that is of particular interest to a specific group of WERA participants.  Feel free to propose an alternative format (e.g., a panel or poster presentation).  Propose a breakout session.

Proposals must be submitted by July 17, 2026.

Questions? Contact Paul Stern, Executive Secretary, [email protected]