Family Engagement in Special Education - Tennessee

February Monthly Office Hours for Educators
2026-02-04 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual Office Hours – Zoom
Family Engagement in Special Education Monthly Office Hours for Educators –

Have questions about Family Engagement in Special Education (FESPED) training? Want to connect with a specialist to talk about increasing family engagement to improve outcomes for students with disabilities? Join FESPED’s office hours on the first Wednesday of each month from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. CT.

Southwest Tennessee Region - Community of Practice
2026-02-05 15:00 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) | Millington Performing Arts Center, 8057 Wilkinsville Road, Millington, TN, 38053
Join Family Engagement in Special Education for a Community of Practice event focused on avoiding conflict and ensuring positive outcomes for students. Educators and administrators from the Southwest Tennessee region will connect and learn proactive communication and conflict resolution strategies to strengthen relationships with families and students.
This event will be offered in both in-person and virtual formats. A Zoom link will be provided upon registration.
Certificates of attendance will be available.
Register Here

Lincoln County Schools Resource Fair
2026-02-05 16:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Lincoln County High School, 1233 Huntsville Highway, Fayetteville, TN, 37334, United States
Join Us for the Lincoln County Schools Resource Fair! Local and statewide organizations will be available to:

provide information about programs and supports for students with disabilities;
help students and families plan for a successful transition after high school; and
connect students and families with community resources, education, and employment services.

Register Today!

Upper Cumberland - Overview of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) for Families
2026-02-07 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Cumberland Fellowship Church, 1640 West Ave, Crossville, TN, 38555
Join Cumberland County and the Family Engagement in Special Education team for a helpful session all about individualized education program (IEP) meetings for families.
We’ll talk about common questions like:

What is an IEP?
What happens in an IEP meeting?
How can families take part and make a difference?

Whether you are new to special education or just want to learn more, you’ll leave with easy-to-use tips to help your child succeed.
Community breakfast provided.
Register Today!

First Tennessee Region - Community of Practice
2026-02-10 09:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | McPheeters Bend Elementary School, 1115 Goshen Valley Road, Church Hill, TN, 37642
Join Family Engagement in Special Education for a Community of Practice event focused on Avoiding Conflict and Ensuring Positive Outcomes for Students.
Educators and administrators from the First Tennessee region will connect and learn proactive communication and conflict resolution strategies to strengthen relationships with families and students.
This event will be offered in both in-person and virtual formats. A Zoom link will be provided upon registration.
Certificates of attendance will be available.
Register Here

Grundy County Schools - "Working with Families in Special Education"
2026-02-13 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Chicago) | Zoom
Join The Arc Tennessee’s Family Engagement in Special Education Team with Grundy County Schools for “Working with Families in Special Education.”
Educators and administrators from Grundy County Schools will have the opportunity to network and learn more about “Working with Families in Special Education.” This professional development session supports building strong partnerships with families through effective communication, collaboration, and strategies to prevent or resolve conflict in support of positive student outcomes.
Certificates of attendance will be available!
Register Here

Northwest Tennessee Region - Community of Practice
2026-02-19 15:30 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) | Jackson Madison County Schools – Board Room, 310 North Parkway, Jackson, TN, 38305
Join The Arc Tennessee’s Family Engagement in Special Education team for a community of practice event focused on avoiding conflict and ensuring positive outcomes for students!
Educators and administrators from the Northwest Tennessee region will connect and learn proactive communication and conflict resolution strategies to strengthen relationships with families and students. Certificates of attendance will be available.
Register Here

East Tennessee Region - Community of Practice
2026-02-20 10:45 - 12:15 (America/New_York) | Cedar Bluff Branch Library, 9045 Cross Park Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37923, United States
Join Family Engagement in Special Education for a Community of Practice event focused on avoiding conflict and ensuring positive outcomes for students. Educators and administrators from the East Tennessee region will connect and learn proactive communication and conflict resolution strategies to strengthen relationships with families and students.
This event will be offered in both in-person and virtual formats. A Zoom link will be provided upon registration.
Certificates of attendance will be available.
Register here

Mid Cumberland Tennessee Region - Community of Practice
2026-02-23 16:30 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | Williamson County Professional Development Center, 1761 West Main Street, Franklin, TN, 37064
Join Family Engagement in Special Education for a Community of Practice event focused on avoiding conflict and ensuring positive outcomes for students. Educators and administrators from the Mid Cumberland Tennessee region will connect and learn proactive communication and conflict resolution strategies to strengthen relationships with families and students.
This event will be offered in both in-person and virtual formats. A Zoom link will be provided upon registration.
Certificates of attendance will be available.
Register Here

South Central Tennessee Region - Community of Practice
2026-02-24 16:00 - 17:30 (America/Chicago) | Tullahoma City Schools- CSS Building, 301 W. Decherd Street, Tullahoma, TN, 37388
Join Family Engagement in Special Education for a Community of Practice event focused on avoiding conflict and ensuring positive outcomes for students. Educators and administrators from the South Central Tennessee region will connect and learn proactive communication and conflict resolution strategies to strengthen relationships with families and students.
This event will be offered in both in-person and virtual formats. A Zoom link will be provided upon registration.
Certificates of attendance will be available.
Register Here

Southeast Tennessee Region - Special Education 101
2026-02-26 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Siskin Children’s Institute, 1101 Carter Street, Chattanooga, TN, 37402
Join the Family Engagement in Special Education team for an informative “Special Education 101” session designed to support families.

Families will:

learn how parent involvement positively impacts student outcomes,
review family rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and
gain a clear understanding of the basics of an Individualized Education Program (IEP), including the initial eligibility process.

Whether you are new to special education or looking to strengthen your knowledge, you’ll leave with clear, easy-to-understand information to help you better support your child.
Register Here

Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools Parent Night
2026-02-26 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual – Zoom
Join Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools and the Family Engagement in Special Education team for a Parent Night. We will have a “Special Education 101” session to help families learn and feel more confident.

Families will:

learn how parent involvement positively impacts student outcomes,
review family rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and
understand the basics of an Individualized Education Program (IEP), including the initial eligibility process.

If you are new to special education or just want a refresher, this session will give you clear, easy-to-understand information to help you support your child.
Register Here

March Monthly Office Hours for Educators
2026-03-04 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual Office Hours – Zoom

First TN Regional Miniconference and Resource Fair
2026-03-07 12:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Daniel Boone High School, 1440 Suncrest Dr., Gray, TN, 37615
Join The Arc Tennessee’s Family Engagement in Special Education team and Washington County Schools for a regional miniconference and resource fair!
The Arc TN Family Engagement in Special Education and Washington County Schools are hosting a regional resource fair and miniconference to support families of students with disabilities. The event will feature community organizations as well as breakout sessions on conservatorship, transition services, and more. Snacks will be provided.
In case of inclement weather, visit the Washington County Schools website at www.wcde.org for updates or rescheduling information. The inclement weather date is March 28, 2026.
Register Here

Southeast Tennessee Region - Community of Practice
2026-03-11 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Siskin Children’s Institute, 1101 Carter Street, Chattanooga, TN, 37402
Join Family Engagement in Special Education for a Community of Practice event focused on Avoiding Conflict and Ensuring Positive Outcomes for Students.
Educators and administrators from the Southeast Tennessee region will connect and learn proactive communication and conflict resolution strategies to strengthen relationships with families and students.
This event will be offered in both in-person and virtual formats. A Zoom link will be provided upon registration.
Certificates of attendance will be available.
Register Here

Johnson City Schools Spring Transition Fair
2026-03-12 12:30 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Freedom Hall Civic Center, Auxiliary Gym, 1320 Pactolas Road, Johnson City, TN, 37604
Join The Arc Tennessee’s Family Engagement in Special Education team for the Johnson City Schools Spring Transition Fair!
Are you looking for resources and support to help prepare your student for life after high school? This transition fair is a great way to explore college and career readiness programs, ask questions, and connect with other families on a similar special education journey. Come discover opportunities, meet experts, and find the tools your family needs to support your student’s transition into higher education, employment, and independent living.
Don’t miss out—join us and start planning for the future today!
Register Here

Polk County Schools Family Resource Fair
2026-03-19 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Copper Basin High School, 300 Cougar Drive, Copperhill, TN, 37317, United States
Join The Arc TN Family Engagement in Special Education and the Polk County Schools Resource Fair!
Local and statewide organizations will be available to:
– Provide information about programs and supports for students with disabilities.
– Help students and families plan for a successful transition after high school.
– Connect students and families with community resources, education, and employment services.
Register Today!

Upper Cumberland Tennessee Region - Community of Practice
2026-03-20 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Putnam County Board of Education, 1400 East Spring Street, Cookeville, TN, 38506, United States
Join The Arc Tennessee’s Family Engagement in Special Education for a community of practice event focused on avoiding conflict and ensuring positive outcomes for students!
Educators and administrators from the Upper Cumberland region will connect and learn proactive communication and conflict resolution strategies to strengthen relationships with families and students. Certificates of attendance will be available.
Register Today

Special Education 101 Virtual Series for Families
2026-03-26 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual – Zoom
Join the Family Engagement in Special Education team for an informative Special Education 101 virtual session designed to support families.
Participants will:

Learn how parent involvement positively impacts student outcomes.

Review family rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Gain a clear understanding of the basics of an Individualized Education Program (IEP), including the initial eligibility process.

Whether you are new to special education or looking to strengthen your knowledge, you’ll leave with clear, easy-to-understand information to help you better support your child.
Register Here

West Tennessee Family Expo
2026-03-28 11:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | The STAR Center, 1119 Old Humboldt Road, Jackson, TN, 38305
The Arc Tennessee Family Engagement Project, in partnership with the Jackson-Madison County School District and The STAR Center of Jackson, Tennessee, invites families to the West Tennessee Family Expo.
This event is designed to engage, empower, and unite families of students with disabilities by connecting them with helpful resources, practical strategies, and community supports. Families will have the opportunity to learn, ask questions, and build connections with local organizations and other families.
Special presentations will be provided by The STAR Center, Employment and Community First (ECF) CHOICES, Respite Care, Medicaid Alternative Pathways (MAPs), and Jackson-Madison County School District.
Refreshments will be provided. We will have activities for school-age children, pre-K-5.
Register Here

Metro Nashville Public Schools Parent Night- Overview of the Individualized Education Program (IEP)
2026-03-31 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | John Overton High School, 4820 Franklin Road, Nashville, TN, 37220
Join Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools and The Arc Tennessee’s Family Engagement in Special Education team for a Parent Night focused on understanding the individualized education program (IEP) process and how it supports your child.
Families will:
– Learn the basics of an IEP and how students become eligible.
– Review parent and student rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
– Explore how parent involvement supports strong IEPs and positive student outcomes.
This session will help families feel informed and prepared to participate as active members of their child’s IEP team.
Register Here

April Monthly Office Hours for Educators
2026-04-01 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual Office Hours – Zoom

Middle Tennessee Spring Special Education Advocacy Networking Group (SPEDANG)
2026-04-15 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual – Zoom
Join us on Zoom for the 2026 Spring Special Education Advocacy Networking Group (SPEDANG).
Advocacy groups that work with school-aged children receiving special education services are invited to an open discussion about special education in Tennessee. A Tennessee Department of Education representative will provide updates and answer questions. Feedback from these events is shared with the state.
Register Here

Rhea County Family Resource Fair
2026-04-15 15:30 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | Rhea County High School, 885 Eagle Lane, Evensville, TN, 37332, United States
Join The Arc Tennessee’s Family Engagement in Special Education team for the Rhea County resource fair!
Local and statewide organizations will be available to:
– Provide information about programs and supports for students with disabilities.
– Help students and families plan for a successful transition after high school.
– Connect students and families with community resources, education, and employment services.
Register Here

May Monthly Office Hours for Educators
2026-05-06 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual Office Hours – Zoom
