Learning Symposia

The Future of College & Career Readiness | 2026 Brilliant Pathways Learning Symposia | Essex, NY | Limited to 35 participants per session |The Future of College & Career Readiness | 2026 Brilliant Pathways Learning Symposia | Essex, NY | Limited to 35 participants per session |

In response to the profound changes in K-16 education and the workplace, we’re reimagining our traditional conference format this year by introducing a two-day series of intimate, hands-on learning sessions designed to meet evolving challenges and opportunities. Attendees will explore cutting-edge strategies, collaborate on real-world challenges, and return home with tools they can immediately apply.

What to Expect

Day 1:
Framing the Future of College & Career Readiness

Day 2:
Exploring Trends, Tools, and Transformative Practices

Day 3:
From Vision to Practices

Day 1
1:00 PM – Check-in Begins
5:00 PM – Welcome & Opening Remarks
6:00 PM – Dinner at Essex Inn
7:30 PM – Post-dinner Networking & Fireside Chat

Day 2
8:30 AM – Breakfast at CFES Center
9:00 AM – Welcome & Opening Remarks
9:30 AM – 2:30 PM – Conversations, Discussions, Activities
2:30 PM – Wrap-up
3:00 PM – Explore Essex!
5:30 PM – Dinner at Essex Inn

Day 3
8:30 AM – Breakfast at CFES Center
9:15 AM – 11:30 AM – Conversations, Discussions, Activities
11:30 AM – Wrap Up
11:45 AM – Farewell Lunch at CFES Center & Departure

October 6-8

Register

October 19-21

Register

October 27-29

FULL

November 17-19

Register

Ray McNulty

Tara Smith

Leroy Nesbitt

Manny Tejeda

In the scenic village of Essex, NY

Nestled between the dramatic Adirondack Mountains and the sparkling waters of one of America’s most beautiful lakes, Essex is a hidden gem brimming with character. This historic village invites you to step into a storybook setting, where centuries-old architecture, vibrant local shops, and breathtaking scenery create the perfect backdrop for connection and discovery.

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Miles from Albany, NY
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Miles from Burlington, VT
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Miles from Montreal, Canada
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Miles from New York, NY

  • Why Symposia?
    We’ve heard you loud and clear: you want more connection, more collaboration, and more focus. That’s why, this year, we’re shifting from a large conference model to intimate, topic-driven symposia. These gatherings are designed to foster deep dialogue, peer learning, and meaningful collaboration among educators, leaders, and partners. In a time when transformation is happening at warp speed in both education and the workforce—especially in the postsecondary space—many of you have asked: “How can we navigate these changes?” The Symposia are our response: a new way to gather, think together, and design the future. But it doesn’t end in Essex.
  • What makes the Symposia format special?
    We’re not just tweaking the format—we’re reinventing how we come together to learn and lead.
    Here’s how:

    ○ Expert Audience: You’ll learn alongside and from professionals in your field, leading to rich, peer-to-peer insight sharing.
    ○ Collaborative Environment: With just 35 participants, you’ll form connections and work together in a setting built for trust and creativity.
    ○ More Time for Discussion: Every moment is designed for interaction, reflection, and real-time problem solving.

  • Who will lead the Symposia?
    We’re thrilled to welcome Ray McNulty as our Keynoter in Residence. A nationally recognized thought leader in college and career readiness, Ray brings deep expertise, inspiring vision, and an infectious energy that sets the tone for meaningful learning and innovation. He’ll be with us for an entire day, helping to ensure that each Essex symposium is not only informative—but transformational.
  • How many participants can we bring from our school?
    Each CFES school is invited to bring two participants at no cost—an opportunity to invest in your team’s growth and leadership. Want to bring more? Reach out to the Brilliant Pathways office to explore additional spots.
  • Why are there only 35 participants at each Symposium?
    We’re creating a close-knit environment that prioritizes depth over scale. With just 35 participants, you’ll experience peer connections, rich collaboration, and dynamic sessions tailored to your interests and goals. It’s not a crowd—it’s a community.
  • Where will we stay during the Symposia?
    You’ll enjoy a comfortable and charming stay at the Essex Inn, Lady of the Lake, and other selected accommodations in the heart of scenic Essex, New York. With views of Lake Champlain and walkable access to historic venues, your lodging is part of the immersive experience that will make this symposium unlike any other.
  • When and how can I sign up for the Essex Symposia?
    We’ve scheduled four Symposia throughout September and October to give you the flexibility to choose the date that best fits your school’s calendar. Whether you’re planning ahead or need a specific window, there’s a session for you. Signing up is simple. On the website, you can just click on your preferred date from the options above. Once you’ve made your selection, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details you need—lodging, agenda, and prep materials—so you can focus on getting ready for a transformative experience in Essex. Spots are limited and filling quickly, so don’t wait—secure your place and join the movement toward deeper, more impactful collaboration.
  • What will it cost us to attend the Symposia?
    For CFES members, there is no cost to attend the Symposia. For non-members, the cost is $1,500 per participant (includes registration and lodging), with limited space available. Whether you’re a member or not, what you gain—ideas, strategies, and partnerships—will be invaluable.
  • What does the registration fee cover?
    Registration covers all sessions, materials, and meals throughout the event. Your registration includes everything you need to fully immerse yourself in the experience: access to all sessions and workshops, learning materials, and delicious meals that keep the conversation—and creativity—flowing. We’ve taken care of the details so you can focus on what matters: connection, collaboration, and growth.
  • Why Essex, NY?
    Educators and partners have been asking for years: “Why not hold the conference in Essex?” Now we’re answering that call. Nestled on the shores of Lake Champlain, Essex is more than a scenic village—it’s a place where history, inspiration, and community converge. Once the largest seaport on Lake Champlain and a vital Revolutionary War hub, Essex was the gateway between New York City and Montreal. Today, it offers a rich backdrop for deep conversation and connection. Just across the lake from Burlington, Vermont and two hours north of Albany. By hosting the Symposia here, we’re not just offering a location—we’re creating an experience.
  • Why meet in the early fall instead of November?
    Once again, this shift came from you. Educators asked for an earlier gathering—a chance to set the tone for the school year with fresh strategies and timely collaboration. Plus, early fall in Essex means crisp mornings and lakeside views that spark both reflection and creativity.
  • What’s the difference between Symposia and annual Planning/Training Workshops?
    The Symposia are distinct from our annual Planning & Training Workshops, which are designed for gathering whole school teams and college partners to build their yearly college/career readiness plans.

Celebrate Success

School of Distinction (SOD) is more than a milestone, it’s a testament to a school’s vision of preparing students for lifelong success. Nurturing a culture where college and career readiness based on the 10 point plan and the our core practices, is not just an initiative, but a shared value and embraced by school communities across the US and Ireland.