2025 Model Schools Conference

Leading a System that Learns

Karen Cagle, Former Assistant Superintendent, Instructional and Leadership Coach and Motivator, Center for Model Schools

Effective leaders live by this truth: If you want to solve a problem in your organization, examine the systems that cause it. In this collaborative, action-oriented pre-conference experience, we zero in on leaders’ primary role in elevating learning for all students as we investigate the systems of assessment and instruction. This session is designed to meet role-specific needs for creating lasting impact in schools, as we:

• Define leadership values that match your school’s vision and mission.

• Visually map how teaching and assessment systems affect student results.

• Plan how to distribute leadership to ensure consistent teaching practices.

Audience*: Superintendents/Asst. Supts.; Principals/APs; all other district and building instructional leaders; aspiring leaders.

*groups of 5+ are eligible for an hourlong consultant-led pre-conference debrief to help synthesize learnings and solidify a plan for making the most of MSC.

Strategies to Engage All Learners

Stascia Hardy, Instruction and Leadership Coach, Center for Model Schools

Let's captivate the diverse minds in our classrooms by enhancing our instructional toolboxes. In this interactive pre-conference, we’ll dive into engagement strategies that lay the foundation for learning based on high expectations, critical thinking, deep understanding, and real-world relevance. Join us for an immersive experience that places student learning at the heart of professional practice and reinvigorates our ideas around instructional excellence, as we:

• Get clear about what student engagement is and isn’t, to focus energy on what matters.

• Learn strategies that meet students (and teachers) where they are.

• Connect new learning with existing practices to seamlessly enhance student learning.

Audience*: Classroom teachers; support staff; special education teachers; guidance counselors, principals and other instructional leaders.

*groups of 5+ are eligible for an hourlong consultant-led pre-conference debrief to help synthesize learnings and solidify a plan for making the most of MSC.

Energize Your Passion

Dr. Adam Drummond, Author and Senior Director, Center for Model Schools

Kick off your conference experience with an energizing and inspiring opening session designed to set the stage for an unforgettable event. During this dynamic hour, we’ll provide an engaging orientation to help you navigate the conference and make the most of your time. The session will delve into this year’s theme, “Energize Your Passion, Fuel Your Momentum,” showing how educators across the country are reigniting their purpose and driving transformative change. You'll hear powerful stories from Model Schools, Innovative Districts, and Epic Educators who are breaking barriers and leading the way in education. To build connections, you’ll participate in an interactive networking experience, allowing you to meet and exchange ideas with fellow attendees from our vibrant 5,000+ community of educators. Leave this session inspired, connected, and ready to embrace the momentum of the conference!

Fueling Your Momentum: You Owe You

Eric Thomas, Ph.D., Author, World-Renowned Speaker and Educator, Eric Thomas & Associates

Eric Thomas will energize you to break through your limitations and reach your highest potential. In this powerful, no-nonsense keynote he will draw from his own journey as he reveals how to tap into your real motivation and achieve lasting success. With his unique ability to connect with diverse audiences, from corporate boardrooms to classrooms and beyond, ET shows that success isn't reserved for the few, but for anyone willing to take ownership of their life. In this keynote, he shares the key steps to rewriting your life’s script, including embracing your strengths, finding your "why," and committing to constant growth. No matter where you are in your journey, this keynote experience will fuel your momentum well beyond the Model Schools Conference.

Stories as Catalysts: Transforming Education Through the Currency of Connection

Dr. Mary Hemphill, Senior Fellow, Center for Model Schools; CEO & Founder, The Limitless Leader

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, stories remain our most powerful tools for connection, transformation, and innovation. As educators, leaders, and visionaries, the stories we tell—and the ones we choose to hear—become the currency that fuels progress and ignites change. This compelling closing keynote will weave together the themes and insights from the Model Schools Conference, highlighting how storytelling serves as the cornerstone of impactful leadership and meaningful transformation. Reflecting on the narratives shared throughout the conference, this session will challenge participants to see themselves as curators of the stories that will reshape schools, districts, and communities. Be energized and equipped to embrace storytelling as a transformative leadership strategy—one that ignites possibility, amplifies student voices, and propels education into a bold new future.

Act on Evidence: Bring Your Data, Plan Your Future (Double Session)

	Dr. Adam Drummond, Author and Senior Director, Center for Model Schools
	Marc Cohen, Instruction and Leadership Coach, Center for Model Schools

Disparity among our subgroups continue to grow. This continues to create a gap in our students ability to thrive, our ability to demonstrate achievement and growth, and creates challenges in teaching and learning. This two-hour session is designed specifically for district leaders to dig deep into their key data points to prioritize areas of growth for vision and strategy, culture, and teaching and learning. What data to bring? All of your data is pertinent for plan execution. Data can include: state assessment data, attendance data, discipline data, EL data, MAP data, 5Essentials data, culture/climate data, stakeholder survey data, teacher retention data, graduation data, and others. This interactive double-session ensures you will leave with actions steps to address the gaps that exist in our student population. Audience: Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, Director of Federal Programs, Special Education Directors, Curriculum Directors

Applying Classroom Assessment Standards

Dr. Beth Praska, Sr. Implementation Manager, NWEA Division of HMH and Former Consultant and Literacy Specialist for the Minnesota Department of Education and the University of Minnesota

Are your classroom or common assessments evaluating what you intend for them to evaluate? Explore and practice applying standards that guide sound classroom assessment, issued by the Joint Committee on Standards for Educational Evaluation (JCSEE). Examine the assessment standards around purpose, alignment, feedback, and possible bias and how utilizing these standards can positively impact the learning culture in your classroom and school.

Breaking Barriers, Lighting the Way: Seeing the Potential in Every Student

Kyle Greene, The Mentality Changer, Author, and Keynote Speaker, KyleGreene.Com

Let's light up the room with glow sticks! In this high-energy and impactful keynote, Kyle will inspire educators and school leaders to see the hidden potential in every student. By blending an understanding of Funds of Knowledge and Funds of Identity, Kyle will share actionable strategies to help students break barriers, unlock their inner strengths, and shine. This session will empower you to build capacity in your students, fostering resilience, confidence, and self-awareness that lead to better classroom engagement and academic success. Join Kyle for an unforgettable moment of unity and inspiration as participants break glow sticks together, symbolizing the transformative light that educators bring to their students’ lives. This is more than a keynote; it’s a call to action to illuminate the path for every student and lead them toward a brighter future. *please be sure to grab one glow stick before taking your seat. And don’t break it (yet).

Connecting Ideas with Action (Strategic Planning Before You Go)

	Dr. Adam Drummond, Author and Senior Director, Center for Model Schools
	Dr. Chris Price, Senior Director, Center for Model Schools

Consider this: Incoming kindergarteners will be the graduating class of 2035 (gasp). We cannot predict what 2035 will look like; who knew that education would be fundamentally changed just 18 months ago? But, here we are. During the first three days at MSC, you've heard from Innovative Districts, Model Schools, Epic Educators, and visionary experts in the field. You've heard and seen the extensive possibilities within education - the "what ifs" that could be replicated and drive future progress within your own organization. Now, bring your ideas, thoughts, and dreams to this session as we create a vision match for your school's/district's future. Spend time outlining what the next three years look like as you grow tomorrow's leaders, and prepare to take action on your vision for student success.

From 'Help!' to 'I've Got This!': 1 Framework and 10 High-Impact Strategies to Empower New Teachers

Berit Gordon, Teacher, Author, and Consultant

From my own early teaching struggles to now guiding new teachers across North America, I know the challenges that make or break the first years. In this fast-paced session, you'll learn ten innovative strategies that target these common hurdles - practical techniques you can implement immediately to help new teachers thrive. Whether it's a quick routine that builds student independence, a time-saving approach to lesson planning, or a proven method for maintaining energy throughout the day, each strategy offers a concrete step toward success. These aren't just theoretical solutions - they're field-tested techniques that work in real classrooms, right now. Whether you're supporting new teachers or are one yourself, you'll walk away with specific tools to begin addressing the challenges that matter most: staying energized, fostering engagement, and building sustainable teaching practices that last.

From Hand-Holding to High-Fives: How to Turn "What Do I Do?" into "Look What I Did!"

Berit Gordon, Teacher, Author, and Consultant

When students take ownership of their learning and work independently, they progress in reading, writing, problem-solving, and other skills. However, many students struggle with confidence, stamina, or independence, leading them to avoid essential practice. Teachers often find themselves exhausted from constant intervention and support. Drawing from research-backed approaches, this workshop provides practical strategies to help students become capable, independent learners who engage confidently in their work.

Keeping the Vision in Tune: Aligning Culture with Action

Karen Cagle, Former Assistant Superintendent, Instructional and Leadership Coach and Motivator, Center for Model Schools

Let’s dive into what it means to have a school culture that’s totally in sync with the district vision—where what we say and what we do are always on the same wavelength. We’ll explore fun and practical ways to make sure every move we make gets a resounding YES to the ultimate question: Does this serve the vision of our schools?

Make an Impact: Inspire Growth and Plant Positive Seeds

Robert Jackson, National Education Consultant, Robert Jackson Consulting LLC

Let's focus on how educators and school leaders can inspire growth while building themselves through influence, affirmations and healthy engagement. Planting seeds of positivity through education is essential for the growth of low-income students. Growth also occurs when an individual masters the ability to find peace through tough times and life changing occurrences. This often requires a self-examination of ideas and thoughts. Life changing impact requires compassion, compliance and empathy. Join this interactive session and learn how to make a significant impact right away.

Navigating the Future of Education: A Superintendent Strategy Forum

	Dr. Adam Drummond, Author and Senior Director, Center for Model Schools
	Dr. Chris Price, Senior Director, Center for Model Schools

With constant changes in federal and state education policies, superintendents and district leaders face challenges in shaping a clear vision for the next three years. Join this Superintendent Strategy Forum at the Model Schools Conference to discuss pressing issues such as teacher shortages, attendance concerns, AI, administrative turnover, funding challenges, and community relations. Walk away with an actionable plan to become the change agent your district needs to thrive in an evolving educational landscape.

Personal Climate and Culture...It's Up to You

Gerry Brooks, Former Teacher and Adminstrator, Lexington, KY

Gerry uses his videos to develop a strategy for making the workplace a pleasant place where faculty, administrators, and support staff all maintain mutual respect, regardless of personal differences, resulting in more efficient and fulfilled workers. Gerry will share policies that he has incorporated that promote a healthy respectful working relationship even when opinions differ. He will also share ideas that maximize opportunities to get to know staff members and create camaraderie, taking advantage of 15 seconds here and there throughout the day.

Reflect to Connect: Strengthening Relationships from Within

Dr. Chris Price, Senior Director, Center for Model Schools

Unlock your leadership superpower! Great adaptive leaders know that true growth starts from within. Explore exciting ways to be intentional, objective, and consistent through reflective practices that build meaningful relationships and create a vibrant healthy school culture. Join Dr. Chris Price for this fun interactive journey.

Science of Reading Essentials

Tiffany Peltier, NWEA Director Professional Learning, HMH

The science of reading is the converging evidence of what matters and what works in literacy instruction, organized around models that describe how and why reading instruction works. Attendees will gain an understanding of the science behind teaching early and advanced word recognition, reading fluency, vocabulary and morphology, and writing. This session will help you to answer the question: “What do I do in the classroom tomorrow?”

Student Engagement: More than Buzz

Stascia Hardy, Instruction and Leadership Coach, Center for Model Schools

Engagement is...everything. We know it, we feel it, and yet our definition of it often lacks substance, clarity, and accuracy. Let’s do something about that, and sharpen our lens to what real, active engagement is and isn’t, and what we can do to hone this essential element of student learning.

Supercharge Your Classroom with ProSocial Learning

	Robert Rosenheim, Learning Experience Coordinator, Meteor Education
	Bryan Wimmer, Learning Experience Coordinator, Meteor Education

According to a 2024 survey (Springboard), the top skills needed in the workplace as reported by business leaders include critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, adaptability, and emotional/interpersonal intelligence. To effectively prepare our students, we must understand their preferences and learning processes to engage them in ProSocial behaviors and develop their ability to collaborate, communicate, and solve problems. Are our classrooms designed to effectively provide students with the experiences they need to build and practice these skills? What specific types of experiences foster learning that are social, collaborative, and communicative? Join us and experience ProSocial activities that activate the power of the social brain. Learn how designing a dynamic space that is organized with intention creates an environment that develops ProSocial learners, ready to take on the challenges the world needs them for.

The Secret Menu of Teaching: Unlocking Hidden Ingredients for Dynamic Instruction

Leah LeComte, Instruction and Leadership Coach, Center for Model Schools

Have you ever heard someone order from Starbucks' "secret menu"? It’s impressive! Well, think of this session as the educational equivalent. Have you ever watched a teacher and thought, They just have 'it'"? When a teacher brings dynamic energy to a positive and productive learning environment, it's truly inspiring to witness. But is that presence innate? A natural talent? Or is there a secret recipe—the “special sauce” that makes their instruction stand out? Sure, there’s a standard list of qualities that make a teacher engaging and effective—but this session isn’t about the usual answers. We’re diving into the secret menu of instructional moves—the ones we don’t always talk about. Join us as we mix up fresh insights and coaching strategies to craft powerful teaching moments that aren’t always on the menu!

Academy of Innovation at Remington, Maryland Heights, MO: Learning Reimagined: A School's Journey to Learner Led

	Odetta Smith, Director of Innovation & Life Readiness
	Don Furjes, Principal
	Leah Schnatmeier, Instructional Specialist
	Lisa Kraemer, 7th ELA/Social Studies Teacher
	Alyssa Lipson, 4th Grade Co-Teacher

Located in a highly diverse St. Louis suburban school district, the Academy of Innovation at Remington (AIR) is a learner-centered K-8 school. In this session, we will explore how we shifted the focus from teacher-driven to learner-led experiences to empower our students by placing them at the center of their learning. We will share our strategies for engaging stakeholders to develop the best innovative model, crafting whole group and personalized professional development, and fostering a model that promotes learner-led projects. As we share our journey, participants will engage in the Launch Cycle and craft takeaways to use at their buildings to promote a learner-centered environment.

Arcadia Elementary School, Tuscaloosa, AL: Transforming Obstacles into Opportunities

	Gladys Wright, Principal
	Shalonda Reed, Assistant Principal
	Julia Thomas, Literacy Coach
	Marsha Brook, School Counselor

Get ready for an inspiring and action-packed session that will transform your learning environments! By the end of our time together, you’ll gain powerful, relationship-centered strategies that not only boost academic success but also create a thriving, dynamic school culture. Walk away with practical tools, fresh insights, and game-changing techniques you can immediately put into action to turn everyday challenges into opportunities for growth. Discover how to build deep, meaningful connections, supercharge student engagement, and cultivate a school environment where everyone—teachers, students, and administrators—feels valued, supported, and empowered. Let’s reimagine what’s possible and create schools where success and positivity go hand in hand!

Brock Road Elementary School, Spotsylvania, VA: Creating a Culture of Learning

	Kristen Steis, Assistant Principal
	Nicole Ochs, Principal

At our school, we’re all about getting students in the building and making learning an interactive, engaging experience that drives real results! Our mission is simple: boost student performance, build an incredible school culture, and keep our amazing staff feeling supported and valued. And guess what? It’s working! We’ve slashed chronic absenteeism by more than half and maintained a 96% staff retention rate—even during a nationwide teacher shortage and high turnover. How? By focusing on what truly matters including, high-impact instructional strategies, dynamic student engagement, ongoing, personalized support and training for new teachers and holding high expectations for all, paired with strong community connections. We believe in creating an environment where students want to be, where teachers love to teach, and where everyone—students, staff, and the community—feels empowered and inspired.

Compass Elementary, Kansas City, MO: The Relentless Pursuit of Student Success: Lessons Learned from an Urban Elementary Principal

	Erica Hoard, Elementary Principal
	Smokey Graff, Instructional Coach

Leadership is all about learning, growing, and leading with love! Join the Compass Elementary Building Leadership Team as we dive into the transformational strategies that have propelled our school to Model Schools and Gold Ribbon success! We’ll share powerful student success stories—not just in academics, but in engagement, behavior, and creating a school culture where everyone thrives. Our journey began by building a staff family—one that holds each other to high expectations because we believe the best way to close the equity gap is through high-quality instruction fueled by love, support, and a shared commitment to excellence. Come ready to be inspired, learn actionable strategies, and walk away with fresh ideas to ignite change in your own school community!

Dannelly Elementary School, Montgomery, AL: Raising the Roof: Building Together, Growing Strong

	Aundria Sewell, Principal
	Kenya Weary, Math Instructional Coach

Unlock the power of vision, focus, collaboration and collective growth in this engaging and interactive professional development session, "Raising the Roof, Building Together, Growing Strong". Find out how Shared-Visionary Leadership, Data-drive Decision Making and a Focus on Instructional Practices can help you turn your school’s academic status around. Participants will explore strategies to strengthen teamwork among staff, foster community partnerships, and implement growth-oriented practices that enhance academic outcomes. Using practical tools, and demonstrations, attendees will leave equipped with actionable steps to "Raise the Roof" of SUCCESS!! Whether you're a classroom teacher, administrator, or support staff, this session will inspire you to embrace the power of collaboration to achieve EXTRA- ORDINARY results.

Dover Elementary School, North, SC: Proven Growth Strategies, Our Journey from Unsatisfactory to Excellent

Sylvia Williams, Principal

Get ready for an inspiring story of transformation. In this session, hear how a rural school skyrocketed its academic rating from unsatisfactory to excellent—and how you can apply the same impactful strategies in your own school. We’ll break down the key moves that made it happen, from data-driven decision-making to tiered professional development and the power of CSI Teams in reshaping student success. You’ll walk away with practical insights, creative strategies, and access to the school’s Padlet, packed with resources to help you drive real, lasting change. If you're ready to rethink, re-energize, and revamp your approach to school improvement, this is a session you won’t want to miss!

Glenn Duncan Elementary School, Reno, NV: Must Be Present to Win: Strategies for Turning Around Chronic Absenteeism

	Ryan Smith, Principal
	Jade Hinds, Teacher
	Adam Inglis, Teacher
	Holly Bennett, Teacher
	Lori Perez, Teacher
	Alex Woodley, School Board Trustee

Struggling with chronic absenteeism in your elementary school? In this engaging session, discover how Glenn Duncan Elementary School tackled attendance challenges head-on, reducing chronic absenteeism by 15%. Administrators and teachers will explore practical, research-backed attendance incentives and interventions that you can start using right away to boost student presence. We'll share key strategies that underscore a vital truth: it’s never too late—or too early—to focus on student attendance. Participants will leave equipped with immediate, actionable approaches to build positive attendance habits. From incentive-based programs to fostering a school culture that values regular attendance, you'll gain insight into how decreased absenteeism positively impacts student growth and school success.

Hamilton Elementary School, Moline, IL: Driving School Improvement Through the 5 Essentials Framework and Ambitious Instruction

	Lynsy Oswald, Principal
	Sarah Teed, School Counselor
	Abigail Clifford, Instructional Coach
	Ryan Rosethal, PE Teacher

Discover how to leverage the 5 Essentials framework to transform school culture and drive academic success. This session begins by introducing our school and what makes it a Model School. We will then dig in to the 5 Essentials survey, highlighting the research-backed connection between strong scores in three or more essentials and a 10x higher likelihood of school success. Learn how to embed the 5 Essentials into your school improvement plan, ensuring they remain a central focus throughout the year. Dive into strategies for building trust—a cornerstone of the framework—by fostering stronger teacher-to-teacher and principal-to-teacher relationships to enhance collaboration and culture. Explore our approach to ambitious instruction, including the use of rigor and relevance rubrics in district learning walks and the development of a building-level plan for learning walks. Leave with actionable strategies to apply in your own school community!

James Avant Elementary School, East St. Louis, IL: Systems for Social Emotional Learning and Behavior Management

	Dr. Antaniece Carter, Social Emotional Learning Specialist
	Quanshanda Nicholson, School Principal
	Audrey Jackson-Luster, Assistant Principal
	Tanika Scott, Behavior Intervention Specialist
	Barbara Outten, Academic Instructional Teacher

As a school leadership team, the essential question traditionally is: Where do we start to see rapid school improvement? From targeted in 2019 to highly commendable in 2024 by the Illinois State Board of Education, James Avant Elementary School has made data driven strides of change. Within this school community there has been great emphasis on meeting the needs of the whole child. This change has been rooted from systems that have been put into place targeting tier 1-3 student/teacher academic, social emotional and behavioral needs. These communicated systems have improved the culture and climate within this community school that is riddled with poverty and historical violence and negative life outcomes. This interactive session will provide attendees with detailed strategies on how to utilize systems and data to guide strategic change within a school community with limited amounts of resources.

Matilda Hartley Elementary, Macon, GA: A Blueprint for Success: Transformative Strategies for Student Achievement and Engagement

	LaQuonta Williams-Smith, Principal
	Monica Harris, Instructional Coach
	Kristal Johnson, Counselor
	Charmeka Sanders, SAMS Secretary

Step into this dynamic session and unlock a blueprint for success that will transform student engagement, boost attendance, and elevate academic achievement. Discover powerful, proven strategies that bring together parents, teachers, and students to create a thriving school culture. We’ll dive into actionable approaches for data-driven instruction, meaningful parental involvement, and high-impact collaborative planning. From student self-tracking and reflection to small-group instruction and structured progress monitoring, you’ll leave with fresh ideas and practical tools to ignite learning, inspire growth, and drive real results in your school. Get ready to reimagine what’s possible!

Midway Elementary School, Blackshear, GA: From Data to Action - Empowering Teachers and Leaders to Optimize Instructional Practices

	Dr. Brandi Todd, Principal
	Cole Walsh, Assistant Principal
	Theresa Alonso, Instructional Coach

Embark on a journey through the story of Midway Elementary School, a Title I school with national recognition as a Model School as well as a National Blue Ribbon School and 2023 National ESEA Distinguished School. Follow the path of Midway’s data-driven success where you will uncover actionable insights for pushing all students to excel. This session is designed for teachers and leaders who are committed to student achievement and offers essential strategies for leveraging data effectively. Discover how a culture of excellence transforms outcomes and leave with practical tools, ideas, and a roadmap for implementing data-driven decisions in your own district.

Ricardo Richards Elementary School, St. Croix, USVI: Building a Blueprint for Success: Using Data to Close the Achievement Gap

	Natasha OHalloran Smith, Principal
	Valda Austrie, Assistant Principal
	Sonia Antoine-Florence, Teacher
	Zahra O'Reilly-Bates, Teacher
	Xiomara Garcia, Teacher

Join us for an in-depth exploration of the strategies and systems implemented by a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, recognized for its success in closing the achievement gap. Ricardo Richards Elementary School, where all students qualify for free or reduced lunch, has effectively utilized data-informed instruction, intentional leadership, and strategic resource allocation to drive academic growth and equity. In this interactive session, school leaders and lead teachers will share how they designed and executed diagnostic screening cycles, engaged students in meaningful goal-setting, and optimized staff capacity to ensure every learner is supported. Participants will leave with practical strategies and a personalized blueprint for addressing achievement gaps in their own schools—regardless of size, location, or student demographics.

Rich Pond Elementary, Warren, KY: Leading By Letting Go: Building Systems for Shared Leadership

	Derick Marr, Principal
	Lori Tabor, Dean of Students

Everyone can be a LEADER and has GENIUS! Does your school have an established framework that can create shared leadership among staff and students. School administrators cannot do the work alone. It takes a culture of inclusiveness to establish a school where everyone feels valued and has a voice at the table. With all the different initiatives that come along, how can you divide and conquer to provide students and staff with all the tools required to be successful? Learn ideas on how to create a cadence of accountability among all staff members to drive leadership, academics, and culture.

Rozelle Elementary School, Memphis, TN: Creating an Artistic Culture in Academic Relevance

Taurus Hines, Principal

Join us for a high-energy, hands-on session where we’ll dive into the power of arts integration and how it can transform learning! Creating an Artistic Culture in Academic Relevance is all about blending visual arts, music, dance, and theater with core subjects to spark creativity, boost engagement, and deepen student understanding. You’ll explore practical, easy-to-implement strategies, gain hands-on experience with interactive activities, and connect with fellow educators to share ideas, challenges, and successes. Whether you're looking to enhance critical thinking, increase student engagement, or simply bring more joy into your classroom, this session will leave you inspired and ready to take action!

Sonny Carter Elementary, Macon, GA: From Pockets to Pervasiveness: ACT Now!

	Latricia Reeves, Principal
	Shakita Grayer, Lead Kindergarten Teacher
	Geneva Brown, Lead EIP Teacher
	Jacquelin Lee, STEAM Support Specialist
	Cherene Lewis, Lead Third Grade Teacher

Transform isolated successes into a schoolwide movement of excellence! This energizing session will empower educators to cultivate a dynamic learning environment built on Accountability, Culture, and Transparency (ACT)—the foundation for lasting, transformational change. Discover powerful, actionable strategies to foster a culture where innovation flourishes, accountability fuels progress, and transparency builds trust and unity. Don’t wait for change to happen—be the catalyst. ACT Now! and lead your school to the next level!

Woodland Forrest Elementary School, Tuscaloosa, AL: The Academic Blueprint: Designing Your Path to Excellence

	Teresa Croom Bivens, Principal
	Brancie Dawson, Ed.D., Assistant Principal

Ready to take your school’s success to the next level? Join us for this must-attend session where you’ll gain a powerful, step-by-step framework to build your own academic blueprint—a personalized plan to drive student achievement and instructional excellence. Discover how data teams can pinpoint instructional needs, explore innovative ways to track progress with a digital platform, and learn how instructional rounds can revolutionize professional development, especially for new teachers. If you're looking for actionable strategies to create real, lasting impact, this session is for you! Don’t miss out—let’s build success together!

Brookland Junior High School, Brookland, AR: Building Relationships, Enhancing Learning, and Increasing Literacy Through Digital Portfolios

	Lauren Hendrix, ELA Department Head
	Kelly Elder, ELA Teacher

Get ready to bring energy, creativity, and connection into your school with digital portfolios. In this fun and interactive session, you’ll discover how to boost student engagement, seamlessly integrate technology, and strengthen relationships—all through student-created digital portfolios in Google Sites. Perfect for standards-based grading, these portfolios make literacy and reflection a natural part of every subject. You’ll leave with a step-by-step implementation guide, tons of free digital resources, and insider tips to ensure a smooth and successful first year. Let’s make learning more meaningful, personal, and exciting—together.

Dag Hammarskjold Middle School, Wallingford, CT: Creating a Strong Climate and Community to Foster a Positive Experience for All

	Frank Jawidzik, Principal
	Christine Melita, Assistant Principal

Middle school is a transformative time in the lives of students. It is during this time when positive connections to peers, adults, and the school community as a whole are more critical than ever. During the transition to middle school, students face unique challenges for the first time and require a safe and supportive environment with a focus on improved academic achievement, attendance, and discipline. With the appropriate strategies and clear vision of fostering a positive school environment that prioritizes high-quality relationships, engaging experiences, and opportunities to participate in innovative activities as a whole school community, students will achieve at high levels and will be motivated to reach their full potential as learners. In this session, administrators and teachers will learn about high-leverage, replicable strategies and procedures to immediately improve school culture and climate by unifying all stakeholders in pursuit of a common goal: creating a positive and enjoyable middle school experience for all. As a result, academic achievement and growth will increase, and discipline rates, chronic absenteeism, and truancy will decrease, thus improving student learning outcomes for all students.

Fountain Hills Middle School, Fountain Hills, AZ: From “C” to “A”: Transforming Education with Vision and Innovation

	Cain Jagodzinski, Superintendent
	Kimberly Weeldreyer, Principal

Join us for an inspiring, high-energy session as we dive into the incredible transformation of Fountain Hills Middle School (FHMS), which soared from a "C" to an "A" under visionary leadership. Packed with actionable insights and real-world strategies, this session will equip you with the tools to spark meaningful change in your own school community. Discover four replicable strategies behind FHMS’s success—from the Innovate 21 Program that accelerates student learning, to curriculum mapping that balances structure with teacher autonomy, to a reteach program ensuring every student thrives, and innovative scheduling that maximizes collaboration and student growth. Through compelling storytelling, data-driven results, and replicable strategies, the FHMS team will show you exactly how to create a culture of excellence that drives real impact. Walk away energized, inspired, and prepared with practical tools you can implement immediately—this is a session you won’t want to miss!

Green Acres Middle School; Birmingham, AL: Moving to Mastery

	Tarria Walters, Principal
	Erica Jones, Assistant Principal
	Quintin Jackson, Counselor
	Austin Brundidge, ELA teacher
	Leon Carlton, Mathematics Teacher
	Nekyia Byner, ELA Teacher
	Denesha Williams, Teacher

Ready to transform the way your students learn? This fun and interactive session dives into innovative strategies for implementing mastery-based learning in middle schools, where every student has the opportunity to do their best. Discover how to move beyond traditional whole-group instruction and shift to small group learning, personalized pathways, and strategies that nurture a growth mindset in your scholars. Through real-world examples, hands-on activities, and engaging discussions, you’ll leave with practical tools and actionable steps to foster deeper understanding, student agency, and equitable outcomes. Whether you're just starting out or looking to fine-tune your approach, this session will inspire you and equip you with the confidence to lead positive change in your school.

Huntington East Middle School, Huntington, WV: ABC, Easy as 123: Unlocking Student Success!

	Jessica Kuhn, Academic Coach
	Don Pennington, Principal
	Taneisha Sturdavent, Teacher & PBIS Team Lead

Attendance, Behavior, and Classwork, affectionately known as the ABC Framework designed to equip educators with practical strategies to create a supportive learning environment and improve student outcomes. Four years ago, HEMS was identified as a CSI (Comprehensive Support and Improvement) school due to challenges with attendance, behavior, and state testing scores. After analyzing our data, we identified attendance as the root cause of many issues, with students missing school and those present struggling to stay engaged. By focusing on attendance first, followed by behavior and classwork interventions, we were able to improve student outcomes. Attendance rates dropped from 44% chronically absent in 2021 to 27% in 2023, allowing us to implement effective behavior interventions, significantly reducing incidents in hallways and cafeterias. As a result, our school culture improved, teachers spent more time teaching, and state test scores increased by 7% in ELA and 6% in Math. In this session, we’ll explore how the ABC Goals work within the PBIS framework, provide strategies for analyzing data, and help you develop actionable plans for improving attendance, behavior, and classwork in your own school. Through small group collaboration, you’ll create a personalized action plan to implement the ABC strategies, monitor progress, and adjust as needed. Let’s share together to create a thriving school environment and ensure student success!

Irmo Middle School, Columbia, SC: Fostering Student Connectedness: Addressing Disconnection Through Intentional School Relationships

	Mansa Joseph, Principal
	Lesli Reeves, Behavior Interventionist
	Jeanna Locklair, Assistant Principal for Instruction

Feeling like some of your students are just going through the motions? You’re not alone! In this interactive and energizing session, we’ll dive into practical, research-backed strategies to turn disengagement into meaningful connections. You’ll discover fun and effective ways to build intentional, supportive relationships that help students feel seen, valued, and motivated. Through hands-on activities and real-world examples, you’ll leave with actionable techniques to create a culture of belonging, break down barriers to student inclusion, and empower every learner to achieve greatness. Get ready to refresh your approach, spark engagement - creating a safe space where every student feels at home!

Millennium Middle School, Sanford, FL: Empowering Change: Collaborative Strategies for a Healthier School Culture

	Crystal Higgs, Principal
	Rachel Allen, Executive Director
	Jania Fuller, School Administration Manager
	Adrienne Roupe, Instructional Coach
	Zuraima Bravo, Instructional Coach

Join us for an epic session empowering education leaders to cultivate a positive school culture through collaboration and community partnerships. Learn effective strategies to promote respect, empathy, and accountability among teachers, students, and families. Discover how to build whole-school resiliency to create stronger relationships and sustain meaningful change. Through interactive activities, gain practical tools to create a culture rooted in peace, justice, and mutual respect. Be part of this vital conversation and help shape a more inclusive, supportive school environment!

Putnam Academy of Arts and Sciences, Palatka, FL: School Improvement Influenced by the World's Smartest Animals

	Curtis Ellis, Principal
	Sharon Merwin, Instructional Coach
	Joani Jones, Teacher
	Candy Riley, Teacher
	Dawn Averett, Teacher

Have you ever wondered what you would do if your school demographics suddenly changed? Three years ago, we transformed from a school in which the majority of students performed on grade level to a haven for low-performing students. Our ESE student population increased by 450%, whereas the number of lower level students increased by 250%. Curriculum materials and instructional delivery methods were no longer sufficient. We explored various options and connected with a dozen schools with similar demographics, which led to the adoption of HMH's Read 180, Math 180, Florida Into Literature, and Florida Into Math. Additionally, we had to change the culture of our school and, in the process of the transformation, remembered a conversation between Winnie the Pooh and Owl about how "Lots of people talk to animals, but not very many listen, though. That's the problem." We decided to listen. By focusing on the characteristics and behaviors of the world's smartest animals and through implementation of our new curriculum, we changed our school culture and witnessed 96% of our students improve. This session will highlight our journey and, hopefully, inspire you to listen to animals as you make similar improvements in your school.

Ridgeland Secondary Academy of Excellence, Ridgeland, SC: Rapid Reading and Math Rescue

	Alexis Calloway, Instructional Coach
	Adrienne Maybank, Principal
	Martesha Laidley, Teacher
	Corey Burgess, Director of Secondary Education

Educators will explore the journey of an underperforming school that significantly improved within one academic year. The school's progress in ELA and Math received an excellent rating based on state requirements. This session will explain how a middle school team targeted ability groups, a fast-growing ML population and created a safe, nurturing learning environment that held both students and staff accountable. Attendees can expect to get strategies on how to engage in an effective PLC, use data to inform decisions and how to foster a positive school culture. It takes a collective effort to weather the storm but precise positioning to safely secure the community!

Smyrna Middle School, Smyrna, TN: Shifting the Pieces to Maximize Student Growth: Our Story of ESL Growth

	Takisha Ferguson, Principal
	Susan Russ, Instructional Coach
	Chara Webster, Instructional Coach
	Matt Brewer, Assistant Principal
	Ellie Lee, Lead Teacher

Faced with a twenty percent increase in our ESL population over the last three years, Smyrna Middle found itself with new challenges and needs. While teachers were ready to face this challenge, we found previous methods were not providing the desired outcomes of achieving student growth for special education and English as a Second Language students. If you have found yourself or your team of educators struggling with making academic gains with your ESL and/or SpEd students, then this session is for you. We invite you to participate in this session that outlines a school-wide framework for collaboration of your ESL, SpEd, and general education teachers through the varied supports and interventions provided by school instructional coaches and administration.

Bedford High School, Bedford, OH: All Data Is Good Data

	Khalisha Lewis, Principal
	Bedford High School, Leadership Team

In December 2021, Assistant Principal Khalisha Lewis was abruptly promoted to Acting Principal of Bedford High School, a school struggling with post-pandemic challenges—violence, disengagement, and a declining graduation rate. Determined to restore order and refocus on learning, Principal Lewis built a strong leadership team, coached staff, and restructured systems to create a safer, more supportive environment. In just two years, Bedford’s graduation rate surged from below 76% to 96.8%, while fighting referrals dropped from 80 to 21. Despite these achievements, the work continues. In our session, we’ll share the strategies that drove this transformation—leveraging data, refining instruction, and fostering a positive culture. Join us to gain practical insights and sustainable solutions for school improvement!

Braxton County High School, Sutton, WV: Love=Learning

	Lori Stover, Principal
	John McElwain, Assistant Principal
	Jill Lemon, Teacher
	Janis Collins, Teacher
	Shawn Crow, Teacher
	Allie Suesli, Teacher
	Erica Toler, Teacher
	Andy Shingler, Teacher

In the years preceding the 2022-2023 school year, Braxton County High School suffered from low morale, low test scores, and a lack of community support. With limited financial resources, but a dedicated staff and inspiring leadership, our small, rural high school implemented a backwards design to education by putting relationships before rigor, grace before grades, and caring before content. This unorthodox approach allowed our school to see vast improvements in climate, culture and student achievement. We will share how we rolled up our sleeves, got creative, and worked together to prove that love truly does lead to impactful and everlasting learning.

Central High School, Phenix City, AL: Maximizing the Minimum: How to Improve Student Current and Post-Graduation Success Rates By Way of Creative Goal Setting

Brandi Shoultz, Assistant Principal

What is the number one contributing factor that every high school and most districts consider themselves to be judged by as a means to a direct correlation to their overall success? Is it student attendance? Is it student participation? Could it be standardized test scores? Or perhaps, it is a combination of all of these and more. For many districts, individual school's state report cards make a world of difference in how they are viewed by others (prospective new families) and at times how leaders and teachers view themselves. For high schools, the graduation rate dictates the overall success or failure rate for an entire entity of learners and facilitators of learning. With so many areas to consider, at times we as educators and especially as administrators focus on what we "think" are the big ticket items to successful state report cards. But what if we took the time to look at what sometimes can be overlooked or viewed as the "minimum" and make strides to grow these areas. There are great opportunities that when we place attention on growing and maximizing what we have that are smaller areas, we largely increase positives that affect our overall school climate, growth, and culture. In this session, the presenter will use over twenty years experience, in all levels of education, to help attendees draw their focus on how they can look at their own schools and/or classrooms to make huge impacts on the overall school's growth. Using creative approaches can aid in students growing while still enrolled as well as aid in their growth for after they have graduated. Creative goal setting is the primary focus for this session. The presenters will share a whole school approach, per grade level approaches, and individual approaches that can be adapted to meet each school's needs.

Dougherty Comprehensive High School, Albany, GA: The Winning Formula: Aligning Academic Rigor, Innovative Strategies and School Culture through Data

Shameka Edwards-Crittenden, Instructional Technology

Get ready to dive into a real game plan for growth! In this dynamic session, you'll uncover the key ingredients of a winning strategy for school transformation. Discover how creating a positive culture and climate sets the stage for meaningful change. Explore modern resources and innovative strategies designed to keep up with the ever-evolving needs of students and educators. And finally, learn how to build intentional, effective collaboration that fuels lasting progress. Get ready to be inspired, empowered, and equipped to make a real impact!

Fountain Hills High School, Fountain Hills, AZ: Reimagining the High School Experience

	Cain Jagodzinski, Superintendent
	Barrie Pinto, Principal

Fountain Hills High School has significantly changed the student experience through bold innovations like a trimester schedule, which allows students to take more classes, earn extra credits, and receive personalized instruction. Our innovative Reteach program ensures accountability, academic success and growth. Through a partnership with a local university, students can complete a year of college credits prior to graduation. A pioneer in fostering a positive school climate, we were among Arizona’s first schools to adopt a therapy dog program. These initiatives have propelled us from a “C” to an “A” state letter grade five times and earned A+ School of Excellence recognition. Join our session to discover practical, replicable strategies for success!

Garrett Morgan School of Engineering High School, Cleveland, OH: Our ABC's - The GMSEI Story (Academics, Behavior, Culture)

	Quenton Davis, Principal
	Edmenson Suggs, Assistant Principal

Learn how Garrett Morgan School of Engineering High School has transformed student outcomes across academics, behavior, attendance, and school culture. The team will showcase practical and replicable strategies, emphasizing shared leadership practices that empower educators and improve student learning. Explore innovative approaches, practicing reviewing data/tools to make decisions, and tiered interventions and social-emotional learning examples, designed to meet diverse student needs. Real-life examples of significant student growth and achievement will illustrate the effectiveness of these strategies. To foster collaboration, the session will incorporate interactive activities, encouraging participants to share experiences and brainstorm solutions together. Leave equipped with actionable insights to enhance your practice and create a supportive learning environment for all students.

Hedgesville High School, Hedgesville, WV: From Walkthroughs to Empowerment: Creating Trust and Growth in the School Leadership Dynamic

	Angela Milliman, Principal
	Jason Haderer, Assistant Principal
	Maranda Lynch, Assistant Director of Instructional Technology

In its second year of the Model Schools Walkthrough program, Hedgesville High School has successfully focused on enhancing classroom rigor and fostering trust between administrators and teachers. Through a collaborative effort involving a mini-cohort of teachers, administrators, and central office staff, the school has implemented deliberate walkthroughs and strategic planning using a tailored rubric. This ongoing partnership has evolved into a thriving professional learning community, driving significant growth in both academic achievement and school culture. With PSAT scores now the highest in the district, Hedgesville High is well-positioned to continue its positive trajectory in instructional rigor and student success. Join us to explore how intentional collaboration and structured walkthroughs can create lasting impact on teaching and learning.

Homer High School, Homer, LA: Responding to crises: "We are still having school."

	Alexandria Feaster, Principal
	Kimberly Beavers, School Counselor

High schools present a spectrum of issues and events that can take time away from the learning process. From crushing athletic defeats, to school yard fights, or even the worst, losing a student, there are so many circumstances that occur that have the potential of taking our young learners' minds away from their most important priority, school. In this session, we will focus on how we navigated through a year of lows by creating our own "highs." Instead of allowing the trials to prevail, we saw the lasting effects of making intentional strides in improving school culture, rewarding students for their academic accomplishments, and supporting instruction through strategic, distributive leadership. These strategies were critical to our success, because even though crises occur, we still have to have school.

Innovation Academy High School, Medford, OR: Breaking Down Silos: Co-teaching strategies for truly integrated project-based learning

	Cassandra Thonstad, Principal
	Andrea Partsafas, Executive Director Federal Programs

When students struggle, leveraging all the talents in the room is essential to grow and improve student success. Learn how project-based learning through the lens of full scale implementation of co-teaching is changing the way alternative learning has improved attendance and graduation rates. Participants will get a quick hands on experience to understand co-teaching and gain insights from implementing this model in a full inclusion school leveraging best practices for students on the edge - from struggling to accelerated!

Lathrop High School, CA: Empowering Educators: How Teacher Leaders Drive Schoolwide Growth

	Melissa Beattie, Principal
	Denna Crowe, Assistant Principal
	Lathrop High, Leadership Team

Learn how Lathrop High School achieved consistent growth in MAP Reading and Math scores, along with significant gains on the Smarter Balanced assessments for English and Math. By implementing a collaborative leadership system rooted in collective responsibility, transparency, and trust, teacher leaders played a pivotal role in driving improvement. Guided by Michael Fullan’s *Coherence Framework*, the school established a guiding coalition, empowered PLC leaders, and redefined the role of department chairs to align efforts and enhance student achievement. This session will explore how Lathrop High leveraged teacher leader teams to deepen professional learning and build a culture of collaboration and accountability that strengthened both academic success and the school community. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to apply in their own schools.

NeoCity Academy, Kissimmee, FL: From Vision to Reality - Pathways for Tomorrow

	Julia Ullmann, Assistant Principal
	Yvette Ponzoa, Principal
	Veronica Rodriguez, Dean of Students
	Kristina Jasmin, Assistant Principal
	Jeremiah Swartz, Experiential Learning Coordinator

Get ready to learn the secrets behind NeoCity Academy’s incredible success! In this session, we’ll dive into the powerful instructional practices and innovative systems that have propelled NeoCity to the top—boasting stellar AP scores, impressive college acceptances, a soaring graduation rate, and outstanding teacher retention. But it’s not just about the numbers—it's about creating meaningful career and college pathways that set students up for lifelong success. Join us to explore the innovative strategies that made NeoCity the #1 school in Central Florida and learn how to bring these high-impact practices to your own learning environment!

Potomac Falls High School, Potomac Falls, VA: A Comprehensive Approach to School Support - Step by Step Playbook

	Brandon Wolfe, Principal
	RaeAnn Paolozzi, Director of School Counseling
	Clare Badgley, Student Support Advisor
	Michaela Ottenberg, Assistant Principal

How did we rise to the top despite a 36% free and reduced meal status, the highest number of IEPs in our division, and a tripling EL population in just five years? By simplifying structures, strengthening systems, and building capacity, we turned challenges into opportunities. In this session, we’ll take you through our journey—from a school on the brink of state sanctions to a model of success within our division. Learn how strategic systems, community outreach, and smarter initial instruction helped us reduce high-intensity supports and create lasting, meaningful change. If you're looking for practical, proven strategies to overcome obstacles and drive real growth, this session is for you!

Shadle Park High School, Spokane, WA: Belong, Engage, Inspire: Creating Student Connection

	Krisha Charbonneau, Assistant Principal
	Chris Dunn, Principal

This session highlights the power of engaging students through choice and relationship-building. At Shadle Park High School, traditional one-size-fits-all SEL lessons were falling short—leading to low enrollment, mental health concerns, and a lack of connection. In response, the school adopted a new advisory model: Belong, Engage, Inspire. Part one focuses on creating meaningful homeroom experiences that foster belonging, promote thoughtful projects, and encourage community service. Part two introduces Connect Time, where staff design activities based on personal interests and academic needs—giving students the power to choose. This model doesn't require large budgets, just a smarter use of time. The session will demonstrate how offering choice builds relationships, boosts engagement, meets SEL standards, and supports data-driven practices.

Aiken County Public Schools, Aiken, SC: Innovative Hands-On, Project-Based Learning to Drive Student Growth

	Kathy Langston, Director of Teaching and Learning
	Erica Millwood, Coordinator of Teaching and Learning

This session highlights our district’s innovative approach to intersession weeks and summer programming, using hands-on, project-based learning to accelerate student growth and engagement. Targeting Read to Succeed and “bubble” students in grades 4-5, we’ve transformed intervention time into immersive experiences, including a coding camp for grades 3-5. Our cost-effective, evidence-based strategies have increased participation, fostered enthusiasm, and improved outcomes. Participants will gain insights into replicable best practices that address learning gaps, boost engagement, and drive meaningful change in any school or district.

Allendale Fairfax School District. Fairfax, SC: I.N.S.P.I.R.E: 7 systems for transforming underperforming schools

	Marcus Scott, Principal/Board member
	Dr. Vallerie Cave, Superintendent

"I.N.S.P.I.R.E: 7 Systems for Transforming and Enhancing Schools" is a session designed to provide school leaders, educators, and stakeholders with a comprehensive, research-based framework developed by Dr. Marcus Scott IV for elevating school performance and creating thriving educational environments. Whether the goal is to uplift underperforming schools or enhance the performance of already successful institutions, the I.N.S.P.I.R.E model serves as a blueprint for sustained improvement and excellence.

Berkeley County Schools, WV: Empowering Excellence: Leveraging Technology to Enhance Instructional Rigor

	Maranda Lynch, Assistant Director of Instructional Technology
	Derek Oldfield , Technology Specialist

Discover how our district has transformed technology integration to empower students as creators of content rather than mere consumers. In this dynamic 60-minute session, we’ll take you on a journey through our innovative approach to elevating instructional rigor using technology. Explore the intersection of the PICRAT model and the Rigor Relevance Framework and learn how these tools have become the foundation of our district’s strategy for meaningful technology integration. We’ll share practical examples of how our district has embraced artificial intelligence to develop custom chatbots aligned with our Rigor Rubric. These AI-powered tools provide personalized, on-demand support for teachers in lesson planning, enabling them to craft engaging, rigorous, and relevant learning experiences. Whether you are an administrator, coach, or teacher, this session will leave you with actionable strategies and insights to drive excellence in your classroom or district.

Delaware Valley School District, Milford, PA: Unified Vision for District Excellence: The 1DV Initiative

	Dr. Brian Blaum, Superintendent of Schools
	Dr. Nicole Cosentino, Assistant Superintendent

The 1DV Initiative represents a transformative step toward district unity, equitable education, and a cohesive school culture. This comprehensive effort aligns academic expectations, establishes common gradebooks and assessments, builds a robust professional learning structure, and ensures equitable cultural opportunities for all students. As a result, the initiative has already led to increased academic achievement, improved attendance and graduation rates, and a stronger sense of unity across schools. In this session, attendees will gain a blueprint for replicating similar success, with actionable strategies to implement systemic change in their own districts. By reflecting on our journey, participants will explore key approaches centered on equity, collaboration, and measurable impact.

Ferris ISD, Ferris, TX: R.I.S.E: Reaching Instructional Success Everyday

	Lindsey Wood, Assistant Superintendent
	Kendra Gajdica, Director of Teaching and Learning
	Christy Murphy, Principal
	Hector Madrigal, Superintendent of Schools

In our 60-minute presentation, we will take a closer look at the transformative results on two campuses. At Lee Longino Elementary, we saw a remarkable 19% increase in overall academic performance, rising from a 63% campus rating in the 2022-2023 school year to an impressive 82% in 2023-2024, as designated by the State of Texas accountability system. Similarly, Ferris High School experienced significant growth, moving from a 73% campus rating to a 90%, earning an “A” rating from the State. By implementing a growth mindset and maintaining high expectations, we achieved substantial academic improvements. Our intentional use of common formative assessments allowed us to identify gaps in learning and provide targeted interventions, while consistently spiraling back to areas of need ensuring continuous progress and mastery.

Gilbert Public Schools: Proven Strategies for Continuous Improvement and Impact Measurement in Schools and Districts

	Dr. Krista Cox, Director of Curriculum Instruction and Assessment
	Robert Bircher, Director of Curriculum Instruction and Assessment

In this dynamic session, we will explore effective frameworks and practical strategies for fostering continuous improvement across schools and districts. Participants will discover how to implement impact checks that not only drive progress but also provide actionable insights backed by data. Through real-world examples and proven methodologies, this session will highlight how to create a culture of accountability and growth, ensuring that initiatives lead to measurable, lasting outcomes. Attendees will leave equipped with tools to monitor performance, adapt strategies, and demonstrate the tangible success of their efforts.

Moline-Coal Valley School District, Moline, IL: Building a Culture of Ambitious Instruction and Collaborative Learning Teams

	Brian Prybil, Deputy Superintendent
	Robert Beem, Director of Secondary Education
	Steven Etheridge, Director of Elementary Education

Moline-Coal Valley School District has used the 5Essentials to implement a continuous improvement process from the district level through the students' classroom experiences. Participants will learn how the district has focused on Ambitious Instruction by building the capacity of its leaders and providing opportunities for teachers to collaborate. The district implemented a series of Learning Teams that partnered two/three schools to visit each other's campuses/classrooms to provide feedback. Utilizing The Center of Model School’s Rigor/Relevance rubrics, the process includes a focus that has allowed for positive student outcomes and helped build a culture of ambitious instruction throughout the district.

School District of Indian River County FL: Wired to Lead Fast: Sustaining School Level Instructional Innovation Part 2

	Letitia Whitfield, Principal
	Ashley Kohlstedt, Assistant Principal

This session will highlight the implementation of the District’s strategic systems design through the intersection of how the school-level blueprint of Sebastian Elementary School of the Arts is implementing proven, consistent, and sustainable approaches to drive instructional excellence and optimize instruction.

School District of Indian River County FL: Wired to Learn Fast: Sustaining District Level Instructional Innovation

	Dr. David Moore, Superintendent
	Kyra Schafte, Director of Systems Improvement & Innovation

This session will provide district-level design thinking blueprints for the most improved school district in the state of Florida. The School District of Indian River County systems overview will provide attendees with high-yield instructional habits resulting in wiring the system to implement sustainable approaches to continuous improvement, while maintaining the guidepost of a resolute commitment to achieving ambitious and unprecedented student learning outcomes.

"Unbreakable Bonds": Strategies for Building Transformative Relationships with At-Risk Students in High Need Schools

Vernon Lowery, Principal, Cumberland County Schools

This breakout session invites educators to explore practical, research-backed strategies for fostering unbreakable relationships with students and staff. Drawing on Dr. Vernon Lowery's extensive experience working in "at risk/at promise" school environments, this session emphasizes the power of empathy, intentionality, and collaboration in creating an inclusive and supportive school culture. Attendees will engage in how to strengthen connections that drive academic and personal growth. Dr. Lowery believes that when a school operates as a unified body with a shared vision, it creates an ecosystem where every student feels valued, supported, and equipped to succeed. Dr. Lowery's unique experiences as a child who was also in state custody gives her an empathetic perspective that shapes her leadership approach. She recognizes that student success is deeply tied to relationships that extend beyond the classroom—relationships that offer emotional, social, and even physical support. She understands what these children are enduring as she was that child. As a leader who has spent her career in "at risk/at promise" environments, Dr. Lowery understands that addressing the whole child is critical. Academic achievements cannot thrive in isolation from efforts to meet students' basic needs, build their confidence, and nurture their aspirations. Therefore, fostering a sense of belonging and creating a culture where teachers, staff, students, families, and community members working in unison is non-negotiable. Dr. Lowery emphasizes that schools must be intentional about developing programs, practices, and partnerships that align with their vision of inclusivity and excellence. By doing so, schools can cultivate resilience and provide students with the tools they need to transcend challenges, empowering them to achieve their full potential.

Building Belonging Classrooms to Get Kids to School!

Shawn Desmond, Principal, Avon Middle High School

This session explores strategies for creating and fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity in a school. Research shows that students who feel a sense of connection and belonging are more likely to attend school, engage in their learning, and develop stronger social-emotional skills. In this session, educators will learn practical techniques to create a welcoming classroom culture that celebrates diversity, promotes student voice, builds trusting relationships, and empowers school community members to lead initiatives.

Mindful Spaces: Integrating Mindfulness into your School Culture

Courtney Jolly, Instructional Curriculum Coach, Memphis Shelby County Schools

Discover how integrating mindfulness practices in education can transform classrooms into spaces of calm, focus, and emotional intelligence. This session explores the profound impact mindfulness has on students' mental and emotional well-being, academic performance, and overall school culture. Learn practical techniques to foster self-awareness, reduce stress, and enhance student engagement, creating a learning environment that nurtures both the mind and heart. Ideal for educators, administrators, and school counselors looking to inspire positive change in their schools.

Mindmapping Math: A Transformative Strategy to Boost Achievement in Underserved Communities

	Alexis Kelly, Grade 5 Math and Science Teacher, Barack and Michelle Obama Elementary
	Ms. Loraine Foushee, Media Specialist, Barack and Michelle Obama Elementary
	Mrs. Dekesha Marshall, Grade 5 Reading and Social Studies Teacher, Barack and Michelle Obama Elementary

Discover how the innovative use of mind mapping in mathematics can drive student achievement and foster school transformation in underserved and underperforming communities. This session will highlight data-driven successes where mind mapping has increased student engagement, deepened conceptual understanding, and improved performance outcomes. This presentation will address key priorities, including creating a sense of urgency of change, success by design to experience instructional improvement, and a culture of caring. Participants will gain practical, research-based strategies to implement mind mapping as a powerful tool for supporting underperforming learners and enhancing overall instructional efficiency. Walk away with actionable insights and a clear "how-to" framework for integrating mind mapping into math instruction, designed to motivate educators to act and transform their classrooms into engaging environments of growth and achievement.

More Than Just Teaching: Why Perspectives, Teamwork, and Relationships Matter More Than Anything.

Robert Hinchliffe, Principal, CCSD

Without strong relationships, students cannot reach their highest potential. This session goes beyond instruction to explore the profound impact of connection, teamwork, and perspective in education. Through music, engaging content, and powerful stories from fellow educators, let's take an emotional journey that proves teaching is about much more than academics. Attendees will reflect on the students and teachers who have shaped their lives and leave with a renewed understanding that relationships are the foundation of student success.

Purposeful Notetaking in the Elementary Reading Classroom, Gr 3-5

Christopher Gibbs, Mr., Volusia County Schools

Step back in time and rediscover the classic art of teaching reading with a fresh twist! Are you ready to revamp your approach and unlock your students' potential? Join us for a nostalgic journey that celebrates the power of spiraling reading standards - an age-old technique that enhances understanding and fosters growth for every learner. We'll dive into a purposeful notetaking strategy that takes inspiration from retro practices, helping students engage with texts like never before. Picture a classroom buzzing with excitement, where each child is inspired to reach for their own victories, believing that everyday holds new opportunities for success. This session will showcase how two distinct student cohorts, from separate years, achieved significant gains in proficiency and learning—including students with disabilities—through the implementation of this technique. You will leave with practical insights and will be armed with a ready-to-use template to kickstart your journey! Let's bring back the best of the past and create a reading adventure that resonates for every student!

Rise and Shine: Building Resilient Educators for a Brighter Tomorrow

Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket, Principal, Howard County Public School System

Join this powerful session designed specifically for teachers and school administrators who are seeking practical solutions to prevent burnout and reignite their passion for education. In this session, you’ll learn practical and actionable strategies to maintain joy and balance in your professional and personal life. Through insightful discussions and real-life examples, you'll gain valuable tools to manage stress, prioritize self-care, and create a healthier work environment without feeling guilty! By attending, you'll connect with like-minded leaders, share experiences, and develop a personalized plan to enhance your well-being and effectiveness. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your leadership approach and rediscover your joy as a school leader!

Touchdown Teaching: Empowering Students to Take Charge

	Colleen Fitzpatrick, Curriculum Supervisor, Middletown Public Schools
	Maura Thompson, 5th Grade Teacher, Middletown Public Schools

Today’s classrooms aren’t just about delivering instruction—teachers are juggling real-world challenges, new programs, and shifting expectations. With so much on their plate, how can educators move their team to the Red Zone and score big? The answer: TRUST. COMMUNITY. PRECISION. RESPECT. PASSION. UNITY. LEADERSHIP. RESILIENCE. EXECUTION. Just like a championship team, students and teachers must work together to achieve success. And the game-changing play? The Socratic Seminar. Traditionally, teachers have been the quarterbacks, holding all the knowledge while students passively receive it. But real learning happens when students take the lead—engaging in authentic discourse, challenging ideas, and shaping their own understanding. In this session, you’ll see how structured dialogue fosters critical thinking, communication, and collaboration—skills that set students up for college, careers, and life. Join us to hear one teacher's journey of implementing a new core reading program, while maintaining effective instructional teacher moves and yielding UNBELIEVABLE student outcomes! Because in education—winning is our only option!

Charlotte County Public Schools, FL: The Triple E Highway

	Robert Bedford, Asst. Supt Learning
	Mark Vianello, Superintendent
	Brian Granstra, Director CTE
	Sheila Brown, Director, Elementary Education

Charlotte County Public Schools developed a comprehensive District Strategic Plan (DSP) to drive student success and district growth. Engaging all stakeholders—including educators, parents, students, and community members—was central to shaping the DSP, ensuring it reflected the collective vision and needs of the district. The plan focuses on four key priority areas, with the first and most critical being Students. Within this area, the district emphasizes the "3 E's" framework—Enrollment, Enlistment, and Employment—to guide post-graduation pathways. To support students in making informed career choices, Charlotte County created a detailed career planning guide and checklist, providing structured milestones throughout high school to help students explore opportunities, set goals, and transition successfully into their chosen paths. Join us to learn more about how the Triple E Highway is resulting in powerful results for students.

Leake Central Elementary School, Carthage, MS: The Building Blocks of Implementing Into Reading and Becoming a Model School

	Aimee Brown, Principal
	Laquitta Ruffin, ELA Instructional Coach
	Casey Wilberding, Content Lead and Head Coach

Regardless of your curriculum, school leaders have to have a common vision and goals, along with a strong communication plan for sharing that vision with teachers, students and other stakeholder groups. This presentation aims to provide an overview of Into Reading and how schools can successfully implement it, while also working toward becoming a Model School. It emphasizes the importance of strong leadership, data-driven decisions, teacher collaboration, and ongoing professional development. Recognize milestones and achievements to motivate students and maintain excitement about reading.

Pattie Elementary School, Dumfries, VA: Thinking or Mimicking? How to Ensure Kids are Thinking In Math

	RJ Lucciotti, Principal
	Michelle Anderson, Gifted Education Teacher

For so long, we've followed a traditional gradual release model in math instruction, but when children face problems that they've never seen before, they often shut down or report that they don't know what to do. Our typical instruction has produced children that do not know how to problem solve, persevere through challenging tasks, or even think! In this session, you'll learn about one school's journey through building "thinking classrooms" in math, and you'll learn strategies and steps for implementation to develop children into resilient thinkers and problem solvers.

Southwest Legacy High School, Von Ormy, TX: Show Up and Shine: Boosting High School Attendance Together!

	Roxie Freeman, Principal
	Michael Alfaro, Visiting Teacher

Join us for an interactive session focused on identifying key strategies to boost high school student attendance. We’ll explore innovative approaches to engage students and create a vibrant school culture where attendance is a priority. Effective Strategies: Discover proven methods to increase student attendance, including student recognition, grade level competitions, community partnerships, and targeted outreach. Funding Ideas: Learn about potential funding sources and grant opportunities to support attendance initiatives. We’ll discuss creative budgeting solutions and community sponsorships. Incentives and Prizes: Explore various incentive programs that can motivate students, from attendance rewards to recognition ceremonies. We’ll share success stories and provide literature for all participants to be able to use as a guide. Collaborative Discussion: Participate in group activities to brainstorm and share best practices with fellow educators and administrators. Together, we can foster a school environment where every student feels valued and motivated to attend. Let’s turn attendance into a celebration of success!

Township High School District 211; Palatine, IL: Innovate, Educate, Elevate: Strategically Scaling The Use Of AI In Our District

	Christina Ordonez, Technology Department Chair
	Josh Schumacher, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction

As the first K-12 school district to partner with OpenAI, we invite you to discover how our district is leading the charge in preparing students and staff for an AI-driven future. With AI tools like ChatGPT becoming essential in workplaces and higher education, this session will explore why it is critical for schools to ensure students are equipped to use AI responsibly, ethically, and effectively. Participants will learn how to strategically integrate ChatGPT across educational roles, build a tiered professional development plan, and create scalable district-wide AI initiatives. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to implement AI meaningfully, empowering their schools to unlock the full potential of AI for success in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.

Warren Easton Charter High School, New Orleans, LA: On Track from Day One: The Role of 9th Grade Academy in Student Growth & Graduation

	Korianne Juluke-Mitchell, Academic Dean
	Andre Simon, Director of Curriculum & Instruction

Ninth grade is a pivotal year in a student’s academic journey, often determining their trajectory toward graduation and post-secondary success. This session explores the transformative impact of a well-structured 9th Grade Academy, designed to foster student growth, increase engagement, and ensure graduation readiness from the very first day of high school. Participants will learn how intentional structures, stakeholder collaboration, and targeted support strategies can create a culture of success. From academic monitoring to relationship-building initiatives, we will share actionable practices that empower educators to meet students where they are and guide them toward achieving their full potential. This session is ideal for school leaders, educators, and support staff seeking innovative approaches to address the unique challenges and opportunities of the 9th-grade year. Together, let’s reimagine how to set students on track for lifelong success.

Westview Elementary School, Phenix City, AL: I am Somebody's Child

	Ayshiea Conerly, Guidance Counselor
	LaShawn Peterson-Brown , Assistant Principal
	Nicole Oliver, Lead Teacher
	Dr. Yentl Lee, Principal

I Am Somebody’s Child is more than just a presentation—it's a call to action for educators, caregivers, and leaders to create an environment where every child’s unique needs are acknowledged and met. In this engaging session, we’ll explore how to foster an inclusive learning space that prioritizes both academic achievement and the personal well-being of each student. By focusing on the whole child, we’ll discuss practical strategies for addressing social, emotional, and developmental needs, ensuring every child feels valued, supported, and empowered. Join us as we rethink education and challenge ourselves to not just teach, but to truly nurture the potential of every child—because every child deserves to know, I am somebody’s child.

All ABOARD to a Model School

Erica Grant, Board member, Tuscaloosa City Schools

A unified and supportive school board plays a crucial role in setting Tuscaloosa City Schools on the path to academic improvement. By working collaboratively with district principals and school leaders, the board helps to align goals and strategies across all schools. This strong partnership fosters a shared vision for student success. Together, they implement initiatives that prioritize student achievement and instructional quality. The teamwork between leadership levels creates a culture of accountability and support. As a result, the district sees positive strides in student outcomes.

Artificial Intelligence for Lesson Prep: How can we leverage AI to lighten our load?

Tera Gall, Professional Learning Consultant, Center for Model Schools

Let’s play with artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool for lightening your lesson planning tasks. In this hands-on 'playground' session, instructional coach Tera Gall explores how to leverage AI to create rigorous questions, generate relevant examples, and build resources for engaging lessons. To get the most out of this session, please create a free account on an AI platform ahead of time.

Centering for Successful and Engaged Communities

Jessica Alfonso , Centering for Successful and Engaged Communities, Berkeley County Schools

Where does engagement begin? It starts with meaning for students, teachers and leaders. Where does meaning begin? It’s starts with belonging – that my presence, voice and personhood matter to all. In this energetic session, participants will learn the elements, skills and strategies to increase engagement and belonging in classroom and strengthen relationships to build a community through check-ins, circles and mindfulness.

Channeling A Student

Derek Pitts, Instruction and Leadership Coach, Center for Model Schools

Learning can be messy, frustrating, and uncomfortable. For many, learning is hard work, but when obstacles are overcome, there’s nothing like that feeling of accomplishment. Join Derek for some uncomfortable, awkward, nerve-racking, and even cringe-worthy experiences where he models what it is like from the eyes of a student. He will share the story of his journey, what he learned, and new insights and ideas to use in your classrooms and schools that will lead to deeper understanding and greater growth.

Connecting to the Needs of Generation Z

William Anderson, Assistant Principal, Columbus City School, Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center

Introducing the new kids on the block; the self proclaimed ”Not Like Us” learners labeled as Generation Z or IGen, and their non-traditional needs to benefit from K-12 education. Traditional methods in education do these customers injustice. Let's make learning more relevant to build connections and engage learners of today.

Cultivating Authentic Writing in the Age of AI

	Misty McClain, AI Enthusiast, Wordie, Ed Tech Evangelist and Segment Director, HMH
	Naomi Discepola, AI Enthusiast, Wordie, True Heart Writer and Account Manager, HMH

Educators, especially those in the secondary grade levels, are highly concerned about students using generative AI in completion of writing assignments. Students also have unease and confusion about how AI can and should be used. In this session, we examine an opinion piece written by ChatGPT with the lens of 5 discernment questions. Through a structured, collaborative conversation, the opinion piece is analyzed by groups before each individual is afforded the opportunity to revise the piece to make it his/her own. Bring your laptop or tablet for an optimal experience! (This session is limited to 60 people.)

Deepening Student Discourse

Denise White, Instruction and Leadership Coach, Center for Model Schools

Plan for and facilitate high-impact classroom discourse that empowers all students—regardless of their skill or confidence level—to actively engage in meaningful conversations about their learning. Discover easy-to-implement, low-prep strategies that spark curiosity, sustain engagement, and drive deeper academic discourse.

Empowering Multilingual Learners in Evolving Educational Environments

	Lauren Black, Product Enablement Director, HMH
	Leyla Bravo, Vice President, Strategic Sourcing, & Multilingual Learner and Translations Services

In the face of rapid demographic shifts, technological advancements, and policy changes, educators are tasked with creating learning environments where multilingual students can excel. This session provides participants with practical strategies to cultivate a classroom culture that honors linguistic diversity and harnesses the power of students' multilingual skills, navigate the challenges of supporting multilingual learners during periods of institutional transformation, and advocate for and implement systemic supports that prioritize the success of multilingual learners. Join us to explore actionable insights and foster an inclusive, dynamic educational experience for all students.

Fostering a Culture of Ambitious Instruction

Robert Thornell, Instruction and Leadership Coach, Center for Model Schools

Instructional leadership is certainly not the only role of a principal, but it is possibly the most critical. Fostering a learning culture of ambitious instruction requires intentional practices to support high-level teaching and learning. This session will focus on an instructional leadership cycle that includes resources to transform curriculum, instruction, and assessment on your campus. Participants will enjoy an interactive presentation that includes a portion of research on effective schools (https://consortium.uchicago.edu/surveys/5Es-FAQs), real stories of implementation of the ideas, and concepts of collaborative inquiry from campuses. Participants will also gain access to reproducible resource templates to assist them in their roles and to use with their teachers. You’ll learn to establish evidence-based systems that produce measurable growth by exploring ways in which a campus administrator can and should be involved in the curriculum and lesson design, examining the importance of high-quality teacher observation and feedback on their instruction and reviewing the importance of campus leaders in establishing a data-driven culture.

From Burned Out to On Fire! Using SEL to Re-Ignite Passion in Teachers

Rasheda Barksdale, Principal, Author, Consultant, D. M. Smith Elementary School

In this one-hour presentation, we will explore the critical issue of teacher burnout and how Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) can be a powerful tool to reignite passion and motivation in educators. We will delve into the causes and signs of burnout, discuss the importance of teacher well-being, and demonstrate how SEL strategies can support teachers in managing stress, building resilience, and fostering a positive work environment. Through interactive discussions, real-life examples, and practical tips, participants will learn how to integrate SEL practices into their daily routines to enhance their emotional intelligence, strengthen relationships with students and colleagues, and ultimately rediscover their passion for teaching. By the end of this presentation, attendees will leave with a renewed sense of purpose, equipped with actionable strategies to transform burnout into a blazing passion for education.

High Performance Under Pressure: Tales from the Hardwood

Andrew Marotta, Director, Port Jervis Schools

Meet Andrew Marotta, leader of the Surviving & Thriving movement. Andrew is an energizing & impactful speaker, author, and school leader. He lives the words on his logo & strives to positively #IMPACT all he meets. A master storyteller, Andrew engages his audiences and fellow leaders with authentic and heartfelt stories, memorable props, and collaborative, fun, &, thought-provoking activities. In this session, Andrew dives deep into powerful stories and experiences from his time as a Division One men’s college basketball official. He will take you through the ups and downs, successes and failures, and the journey of trying to be the best you can be under the spotlight and intense scrutiny.

Holistic SEL Approach – Supporting Students & Teams

Michealrose Ravalier, Director of Professional Development, Office of Insular Superintendent, USVI

Our district takes a comprehensive and heartfelt approach to Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), ensuring that both students and staff receive the support they need to thrive. From teachers greeting students at the door to daily check-ins, to counselors receiving ongoing professional development, SEL is woven into every aspect of our schools. Our dedicated SEL division provides targeted interventions that address the well-being of both students and staff, creating a culture of care and resilience. The impact of this work is best seen in the powerful stories of our students—stories of growth, transformation, and perseverance. In this session, we will share their journey, their voices, and the strategies that have made a lasting difference. Join us to explore how a truly holistic SEL approach can create lasting change in your schools and communities.

Leading Data Teams: Developing Individual Capacity and Collective Efficacy

Robert Thornell, Instruction and Leadership Coach, Center for Model Schools

Nuanced school and district leaders serve as change agents, creating and sustaining a culture to build teacher efficacy and live in a model of continuous improvement. Participants will learn about the importance of defining data team expectations, protocols and processes of data team work, and most importantly why you are committed to it. Using data sources such as MAP Growth, 5Essentials, state and local assessments, student work, student feedback and many others are all important. Discover ways leaders at campus and district levels have important data conversations and strategies for sustaining data work over time.

Leading Fast: Data Insights & Improvement Cycles

Heather Davis Schmidt, Instruction and Leadership Coach, Center for Model Schools

Try, try, try again—but with a method! Evaluate the impact of your team’s efforts using metrics that gauge instructional effectiveness, student achievement, and well-being, and learn how defined cycles of improvement ensure progress is focused, manageable, and measurable.

Leading with Purpose: A Real-world guide to school leadership

Marc Cohen, Instruction and Leadership Coach, Center for Model Schools

This session is designed for teachers aspiring to become school leaders, offering both motivation and a realistic glimpse into the roles of assistant principals and principals. Participants will explore the critical impact school administrators have on student and teacher success, with a focus on instructional leadership, vision for teaching and learning, and strategic planning. Through research-backed insights and practical discussions, this session will reinforce the importance of strong leadership in shaping school culture and driving continuous improvement. Attendees will leave inspired and better prepared to take the next step in their leadership journey.

Low-prep, High-yield Formative Assessment Strategies

Alisa Braddy, Instruction and Leadership Coach, Center for Model Schools

Discover fun and easy formative assessment techniques to instantly gauge student learning and adapt your teaching on the fly. This session will equip you with practical tools to keep your students engaged and on track. Join us for an interactive experience to enhance your formative assessment mojo!

MAP Growth for Advanced Users

Dr. Beth Praska, Sr. Implementation Manager, NWEA Division of HMH and Former Consultant and Literacy Specialist for the Minnesota Department of Education and the University of Minnesota

Are all students in your school making growth gains academically? Is it growth that will move them to higher achievement levels next year? In this session we will use our MAP Growth reports to look at growth trends first across the school and then dive deeper into growth at the classroom level, subgroups level, and then at the individual student level. After this deep data dive, we will develop action plans to focus and maximize student growth. Audience: Advanced MAP Users, Building Level Leaders, Instructional Coaches, Teachers

MAP Growth for Beginning Users

Dr. Susan Price, Director of Professional Learning, NWEA

Developing a community of engagement and empowering students to demonstrate their learning is a foundation of MAP Growth. We will practice using MAP Growth to support a goal-setting process with students. Explore ways to involve students in the process to increase their motivation, sense of ownership, and likelihood of successful academic growth. We will also identify reports and resources to share with students and families.

Old School Love New School Vibes

Dr. Phyllis Harris, Gifted Specialist , Atlanta Public Schools

This session takes you back via Old School Love Songs while focusing on New School Vibes using research-based and classroom-originated interventions, lessons and curriculum that will help students manage their emotions and achieve goals. This Brain-Based Learning approach focuses on teaching methods and lesson designs based on scientific research about how the brain learns, aiming to optimize learning by understanding the brain's natural processes for receiving, processing, and storing information, including factors like cognitive development and individual learning styles; essentially, it's about tailoring teaching strategies to how the brain naturally learns best. Experience how this highly effective teaching model promotes rigor, engagement and student discourse through use of music, movement, environment, humor and more.

SOR in action: Enhancing Literacy through Multisensory Engagement

	Laura Gerace, Master Teacher, Ascension Parish School Board
	Elise Tureau, 2nd Grade Teacher, Ascension Parish School Board
	Aubrun Cain, PE Teacher, Ascension Parish School Board

Join us for an insightful session dedicated to exploring innovative reading strategies that have significantly improved literacy outcomes among our students. This interactive presentation is tailored for teachers, administrators, teacher coaches, and district leaders seeking to enhance their understanding of effective literacy practices through multisensory engagement. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with real-life examples of successful teaching techniques from experienced educators who have implemented multisensory approaches that engage students at various levels of learning, such as integrating research-based physical activity into lessons and using multisensory boxes to reach all learners. By examining these strategies, attendees will learn how to create dynamic learning environments that foster student participation and enthusiasm for reading. Together, we will uncover the transformative power of student engagement in enhancing literacy skills and share practical tools and resources for immediate classroom application.

Straight facts on Dyslexia: What the research actually tells us

Tiffany Peltier, NWEA Director Professional Learning, HMH

NWEA literacy expert Dr. Tiffany Peltier will lead participants through an interactive and practically informative session on dyslexia. Dr. Peltier shares common myths and research findings, details how screenings can support instructional decision-making, and offers strategies for helping colleagues and caregivers better understand the most misunderstood learning disability.

Tackling Problems of Practice

	Ryan Halstead, Principal, St. Petersburg Collegiate High School North Pinellas
	Jose M. Delgado, Principal, Allentown School District
	Deanna Maguire, Principal, Allentown School District
	Kenny Fritz, Principal, Allentown School District
	Katie Gill, Principal, Union Terrace Elementary School
	Heather Davis Schmidt, Instruction and Leadership Coach, Center for Model Schools

Develop and scale solutions through inquiry and collaboration in this immersive session. Gain insights into how leadership teams at a variety of school and district levels serve as catalysts for change, modeling best practices and empowering educators to implement meaningful engagement strategies. Whether you’re from a single school or an entire district, leave equipped with a replicable framework and tools to drive improvement efforts that create lasting impact across your educational community.

Taking Special Education Beyond Worksheets And Packets

Brianna Cicero, Director of Special Education, Pennsylvania STEAM Academy Charter School

We've all seen it. Progress monitoring and special education programming is traditionally done via pencil, paper, and a worksheet. What if I told you it doesn't have to be that way? What if I told you students are reaching their goals at a more impactful rate when presented with hands-on learning opportunities and project-based learning opportunities in the special education classroom?

The Power of Radical Love in Schools

Rictor Craig, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, The National Association of Black Male Educators

Let's engage in a discussion and practice around why radical love is necessary for schools to be successful. Participants will leave with specific adaptive strategies on how adults can makes spaces physically, emotionally and psychologically safe for scholars every day.

Toolbox Envy

Theresa Atchison, Instruction and Leadership Coach, Center for Model Schools

Show up to tool up. Whether polishing your existing skills or looking for a major upgrade, these innovative, fun, engaging (and effective!) instructional strategies equip any teacher to step up their game. Don’t blame us if your colleagues get jealous.

Tools to Turn Conflict into Resolution

Danny Konopasek, Instruction and Leadership Coach, Center for Model Schools

Navigating the complexity of conflict is an inevitable aspect of leadership, and great leaders are equipped with the tools and systems to do it well. In this session, we’ll build your conflict resolution toolkit by delving into the nature of conflict and the research-backed strategies for approaching it productively. Collaboratively, we’ll review practical tools that support both technical and adaptive methods for preventing and resolving conflict consistently and fairly.

What Am I Looking For?

Glenn Ledet, Instruction and Leadership Coach, Center for Model Schools

Get granular with WHAT teaching and learning look, sound, and feel like so that leaders and teachers share a common lens and vocabulary for shaping their daily work. We’ll walk through a simulated classroom calibration using reflection techniques that lead to targeted debriefs and informed changes to practice.

What is MAP Growth?

Dr. Susan Price, Director of Professional Learning, NWEA

An introduction to MAP Growth and what makes it unique. Understand the value of the data for teacher instruction and for optimizing student growth. The computer-adaptive MAP Growth assessment responds to every student individually. Students demonstrate what they know, and teachers see specific areas where individual classes may need more support. Every educator can learn to use assessment results to personalize classroom instruction—and improve outcomes for kids. We’ve been helping educators build a culture of data for decades to foster the kind of high-quality, ambitious instruction that maximizes the capabilities of MAP Growth.

Why Do Some Schools Improve More Than Others? It Starts with the Principal

Heather Davis Schmidt, Instruction and Leadership Coach, Center for Model Schools

School Principals play a pivotal role in leading improvement for student success. Engage in this hands-on session to discover evidence-based strategies and comprehensive tools for high-impact school leadership that improves outcomes for staff and students. Join Dr. Heather Davis Schmidt as she shares insights from UChicago Impact’s 5Essentials Framework and survey data which shows how schools excelling in at least three essentials are 10 times more likely to improve student learning.

Workshop Your Words

Oatanisha Dawson, Instruction and Leadership Coach, Center for Model Schools

Most feedback could be more timely, structured, and specific. Basically, better. Engage in workshop-style scenarios to apply a protocol that ensures valuable, actionable feedback during and after your instructional walks. Develop a community of leaders through consistency and clarity to support a system of continual professional growth.

Amp Up Your Structured Literacy Lessons with Foundational Fun

Kaci Dengler, Instructional Coach, Teacher's Corner from HMH, K-5

Structured, explicit, routine… words we don’t typically associate with having fun. Being structured doesn’t mean you have to have boring lessons! Come explore effective ideas to amp up the fun during your Structured Literacy block and bring joy into your teaching and your students' learning.

An Instructional Reveal: Unbox a SOR Aligned Classroom with Into Reading

Kayla Dyer, Literacy Coach, HMH, K-5, Burrillville, RI

Let’s transform our spaces to be Science of Reading aligned. We will unbox the Into Reading components and showcase the physical spaces and instruction to design a room that showcases the literacy pillars. Design your classroom with the SOR reveals. Leave with ready-to-use essential components and instructional routines to set up and run a classroom to develop the foundational reading skills all students need K-5.

An Into Reading Must Know: Fluency Routines that Should Not Stop at Grade 2

Teresa Ranieri, School Literacy Coach, HMH

Fluency Practice and Dictation Routines are Essential not just in K-2, but across K-5. In this session, we will not only practice the routines but create a solid plan for how to implement them beginning in your kindergarten classrooms and continuing through the last week of fifth grade. You will not want to miss this session if you are looking for strategies to improve your reading and writing scores.

Developing Reading Fluency with Intermediate and Adolescent Multilingual Learners Across the School Day (4-8)

Jennifer Finney-Ellison, English 3D Author, HMH

To meet the demands of reading curricula, multilingual learners rely on all teachers to serve as informed literacy coaches. In this practical workshop, the presenter introduces evidence-based instructional routines to promote reading ﬂuency with challenge-level text through a teacher-led reading protocol followed by accountable peer reading. She models and reviews with video clips to clarify when to utilize speciﬁc routines throughout the school day, beyond text passages, including task directions, and complex word problems. Participants will receive resources for implementation.

Developing Reading Fluency with Primary Multilingual Learners Across the School Day (K-3)

Jennifer Finney-Ellison, English 3D Author, HMH

To meet the demands of reading curricula, multilingual learners rely on their teachers to serve as informed literacy coaches. In this practical workshop, the presenter introduces evidence-based instructional routines to promote reading ﬂuency with challenge-level text through a teacher-led three-read protocol followed by accountable peer reading. She models and reviews with video clips to clarify when to utilize speciﬁc routines throughout the school day, beyond text passages, including task directions, and complex word problems. Participants will receive resources for implementation.

Empowering Teachers Through AI: AI Teacher Personas

	Francie Alexander, SVP of Efficacy Research, HMH
	Amy Endo, Director Efficacy Research, HMH

The HMH Efficacy Research Team will present the findings from a new report titled Empowering Education With AI: The New Teaching Assistant. The team will summarize the results of a qualitative study conducted during the 2023-2024 school year about teachers' experiences with AI in the classroom, including teachers’ perspectives on the benefits and challenges of AI in the classroom, teacher AI personas, and areas of opportunity for HMH to support AI use in the classroom.

Enhancing Academic Writing with Multilingual Learners

Wined Negron Cruz, Senior Implementation Manager, HMH

Join us for an engaging session designed to empower educators in supporting multilingual learners with academic writing. This session will delve into best practices for sharing writing rubrics, ensuring students clearly understand expectations and criteria for success. Participants will also analyze a student writing model, gaining practical insights into effective feedback and instructional strategies.

Finding Their Happy Place: How Placement Decisions Are Made in Read 180

Leslie Claiborne, HMH Instructional Coach, HMH

Through a combination of classroom scenarios and hands-on activities, you will have the opportunity to engage in the placement process yourself. We will share practical guidance on interpreting assessment results and making informed decisions regarding student placement within the Student Application. By the end of the session, you will understand the placement assessment experience, how to locate results on Ed, and how to use those results to accurately place students in either the Code or Comprehension segments within the software. Don't forget to bring your own devices

Foster Independent Reading with the Read 180 Bookshelf

Jai Lewis, Teacher Contributor, Grade 6, HMH

Watching a striving reader discover their own love for their "first" book is often stated as one of the favorite moments of Read 180 teachers. In this session, participants will learn about the Bookshelf and plan to implement tried and true procedures that transform the most reluctant reader into a reader excitingly managing a book stack. Everyone will leave with fresh ideas to set high expectations and implement successful incentives to get and keep everyone reading. Don't forget to bring your own devices!

Get Into the Groove with Instructional Routines K-5

	Noelle Morris, Senior Director of Community & Advocacy, HMH
	Kayla Dyer, Literacy Coach, HMH, K-5, Burrillville, RI

Before you can dance, you need to know the steps, get your rhythm, and develop muscle memory. The same is true for teaching foundational reading skills. This session kicks off with two successful Learning Models to develop proficient readers. Participants will use data scenarios to make decisions on what instructional routines to use to match reading goals. Key routines will be modeled and practiced throughout the session so that participants develop their own rhythm. Whether you are more of a fan of the waltz or lindy hop, you will leave this session with a set of routines to implement in the first weeks of school to get your classrooms ready to swing into reading.

Get the 411: Discover Key Reports

Noelle Morris, Senior Director of Community & Advocacy, HMH

Get the information you need to know about key reports in Read 180. We'll share what data informs instructional decisions and how to group and differentiate on CheckPoint Days. You'll leave this session eager to dive into your students' data.

How Can I Support My Teachers with Into Reading?

	Andrea Burkiett, Director of Elementary Curriculum and Instruction, SCCPSS, HMH
	Christina Maldonado, K-5 Science Content Specialist, HMH
	Nancy Barton, K–5 Reading/ELA Content Specialist, HMH

In this session, discover the resources available to support your teachers in planning their first module, how to make rigor within reach with Into Reading, and understanding the value of a spiraling curriculum.

How Can I Support My Teachers with Into Reading?

Rowena Penn, Principal, Teacher's Corner from HMH, The Family School

In this session, discover the resources available to support your teachers in planning their first module, how to make rigor within reach with Into Reading, and understanding the value of a spiraling curriculum.

Identifying Key "Look Fors" in Structured Literacy Instruction

	Cherith Fluker, Director of Professional Learning, HMH
	Kayla Dyer, Literacy Coach, HMH, K-5, Burrillville, RI

This session focuses on the critical "look fors" that educational leaders should identify when observing structured literacy instruction. Participants will learn to recognize effective teaching practices, instructional strategies, and student behaviors that indicate successful implementation of structured literacy. By understanding these key indicators, leaders can provide targeted feedback and support to educators.
Key Takeaways:

Identify essential "look fors" in structured literacy instruction.
Learn to recognize effective teaching practices and student engagement.
Understand how to provide constructive feedback to educators.
Discuss strategies for fostering a culture of continuous improvement in literacy instruction.

Independent Reading from Z to A: Get Students to Love Reading

Jai Lewis, Teacher Contributor, Grade 6, HMH

Every reading teacher knows the joy of watching every student have the moment of loving a book. The question is, 'How can we accelerate this happening sooner rather than later?' In this session, participants will discuss successful classroom practices from A to Z that have been implemented to influence quick gratification across Gen Z and Alpha students. There will be opportunities to explore dynamic approaches to make reading relevant for today's students. Join us to learn how to foster a lifelong love of reading and begin the development of your classroom plan. Don't forget to bring your own devices!

Lesson-Aligned Interventions

Noelle Morris, Senior Director of Community & Advocacy, HMH

Join us for an interactive session designed to provide Into Reading teachers with valuable insights and practical strategies for supporting striving readers in their core reading instruction. Participants will dive into Discover and their Module Carousels to locate lesson-aligned intervention resources and work through guided planning questions to decide who, when, and where to integrate them into Small-Group Instruction or Literacy Centers so that these resources can be utilized to effectively reteach and provide targeted support to students who are facing reading challenges. Don't forget to bring your own devices!

Leveraging AI to Grow Writers: The Writable Experience

Patrice Bruny, Senior Implementation Manager, HMH

Writable (grades 3-12) guides students through the writing process with scaffolded daily practice. Get inspired and unlock your creativity with our AI-powered prompt suggestions. See how Writable delivers feedback on student responses to promote growth, save time and helps students become more purposeful, proficient writers.

Make and Take: AI Generated Vocabulary

Patrice Bruny, Senior Implementation Manager, HMH

AI has the potential to transform vocabulary instruction, but how can educators effectively leverage it? In this session, teachers will engage in a collaborative jigsaw activity to explore key strategies from the article Leveraging AI to Enhance Vocabulary Instruction by Elfrieda H. Hiebert, TextProject. Through discussion and expert group sharing, participants will uncover practical applications, address challenges, and leave with a classroom-ready activity to start integrating AI into their teaching.

Make and Take: Build a Phonics Fun Toolkit

Kaci Dengler, Instructional Coach, Teacher's Corner from HMH, K-5

Eager to enhance your K-2 foundational skills instruction? Then, keep reading. We designed this session to allow for participants to enter and exit at any time within the hour. Keep in mind, you will need at least 20 minutes to be creative and make purposeful decisions for your classroom. In this 1 hour workshop, participants will have the opportunity to create a Phonics Fun Toolkit—a versatile set of manipulatives that can be used for immediate reteach, independent practice during literacy centers, and any instructional moment that needs a boost of engagement. Join in to make and take a kit to use on the first day of school.

Mastering the Into Reading Scope and Sequence of Foundational Skills

Kayla Dyer, Literacy Coach, HMH, K-5, Burrillville, RI

Dive into the comprehensive scope and sequence of foundational skills within the Into Reading program. This session will guide educational leaders through the structured literacy framework, emphasizing the progression of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Participants will explore how these foundational skills are systematically introduced and built upon to ensure student success in reading.
Key Takeaways:

Understand the scope and sequence of foundational skills in the Into Reading program.
Learn how to effectively implement and support these skills in the classroom.
Gain insights into aligning instruction with the structured literacy framework.
Engage in discussions on best practices for monitoring and assessing student progress.

Most Research Based Intervention: The Read 180 Experience

Leslie Claiborne, HMH Instructional Coach, HMH

See how Read 180’s alignment to the 5 Pillars of Reading accelerates students to proficiency, whether they need support in foundational reading skills or in building knowledge, vocabulary, and comprehension. Read 180 also includes NWEA MAP Growth for automatic placement and progress monitoring, along with embedded supports for multilingual learners, including teacher-led curriculum for emerging English speakers. And now more flexible than ever, Read 180 can be effectively implemented in as little as 20 minutes a day. With its age-appropriate, high-interest content Read 180 will keep students engaged as they embrace a Growth Mindset to become successful readers, gaining up to two years’ growth in one year. Don't forget to bring your own devices!

Most Research Based Intervention: The Read 180 Experience

Cherith Fluker, Director of Professional Learning, HMH

See how Read 180’s alignment to the 5 Pillars of Reading accelerates students to proficiency, whether they need support in foundational reading skills or in building knowledge, vocabulary, and comprehension. Read 180 also includes NWEA MAP Growth for automatic placement and progress monitoring, along with embedded supports for multilingual learners, including teacher-led curriculum for emerging English speakers. And now more flexible than ever, Read 180 can be effectively implemented in as little as 20 minutes a day. With its age-appropriate, high-interest content Read 180 will keep students engaged as they embrace a Growth Mindset to become successful readers, gaining up to two years’ growth in one year. Don't forget to bring your own devices!

Multilingual Learners Master How English Works: The English 3D Experience

Wined Negron Cruz, Senior Implementation Manager, HMH

Learn more about English 3D's approach to accelerate English language proficiency for multilingual learners in grades K-12. The curriculum builds on existing linguistic skills, focuses on academic language, and supports the acquisition of English proficiency across reading, writing, speaking, and listening domains. English 3D provides engaging content, consistent instructional routines, and daily practice opportunities that help students acquire the language skills necessary for academic achievement.

Observing a Model Lesson in Structured Literacy

	Kayla Dyer, Literacy Coach, HMH, K-5, Burrillville, RI
	Kaci Dengler, Instructional Coach, Teacher's Corner from HMH, K-5

Experience a live demonstration of a model lesson in structured literacy. This session offers educational leaders the opportunity to observe best practices in action, from lesson planning to execution. Participants will see how foundational skills are taught, reinforced, and assessed in a real classroom setting. The session will conclude with a debrief and discussion on key takeaways and implementation strategies.
Key Takeaways:

Observe a model lesson demonstrating structured literacy best practices.
Understand the components of effective lesson planning and delivery.
Learn how to reinforce and assess foundational skills in the classroom.
Participate in a debrief and discussion to reflect on key insights and strategies.

Prepare for Your First Three Weeks in Read 180

Michaele Teague, Teacher, Grade 6-8, HMH

Prepare for a successful start with Read 180. Receive guidance on setting up and managing your classroom, establishing clear procedures, and introducing instructional routines with the Getting Started Workshop.

Ready, Set, Differentiate to Get Students INTO Reading

Kayla Dyer, Literacy Coach, HMH, K-5, Burrillville, RI

Are you accidentally guilty of thinking I don’t have time to differentiate? Then this session is for you. As a collective group, participants will discuss obstacles and how to remove them. Once we unpack the blockers, we'll practice making targeted instructional decisions for small-group instruction to meet the needs of each learner. Planning for small-group differentiation will feel much lighter after engaging in this session.

Shift Students from Self(ish) Connections to Globally Confident Ones

Patrice Bruny, Senior Implementation Manager, HMH

In this session, participants will make the connection between Close Reading instruction and routines in Into Literature®, or any core ELA class, to engage students in successfully responding to Text Dependent Analysis prompts. We’ll share strategies to support students in making strong evidence-based inferences, shifting your students’ language from “I think because..." to "According to," or "As stated in..." You’ll leave this session with engagement routines for text annotation, academic discussions, and Quick Writes.

So, You Want Me to Differentiate in My Secondary Classroom?

Leslie Claiborne, HMH Instructional Coach, HMH

Participants will have an opportunity to learn and practice engagement/instructional routines to better support the needs of students who require reading intervention with their core ELA program. We’ll identify where these routines will “fit” within their daily instruction and how students can use these routines as strategies when working in small groups or independently.

The Art and Science of Timely Correct and Redirect Instructional Feedback

Teresa Ranieri, School Literacy Coach, HMH

Let’s learn from our mistakes. Throughout this session, we will identify some common misconceptions we hear our students make. Then discover how to make on-the-spot adjustments to your instruction to fix these misconceptions in minutes. Leave this session with ‘look and listen fors’ and tips to correct and redirect on the spot in your classroom.

The Must Dos for Every Foundational Skill K-2 Into Reading Lesson

Kaci Dengler, Instructional Coach, Teacher's Corner from HMH, K-5

So much to do, so little time. So what do you do when you are short on time or have unexpected interruptions? Participants will discuss how to prioritize must-dos that they don't want to skip in their K-2 Structured Literacy block and explore options for incorporating the Can-Dos in Literacy Centers or WIN, What I Need or intervention time.

The Real Deal of Planning for the ReaL Book Workshop Lessons

Cherith Fluker, Director of Professional Learning, HMH

Join us for an insightful and practical session focused on planning the ReaL Book lessons to effectively support the needs of each student in the class. This session will begin with navigating the flow of a workshop– reading comprehension, vocabulary, writing, and knowledge building. We will explore the must dos for each lesson and practice the seamless inclusion of instructional routines to boost engagement and provide the needed scaffolding. Participants will learn how to plan and implement engaging and intentional instructional moments that cater to diverse learning needs as they develop a lesson plan for their next class. Don't forget to bring your own devices!

Toolbox Talks: Elevating Collaborative Learning and Discussion with the Right Tools in Into Literature

Leslie Claiborne, HMH Instructional Coach, HMH

We'll guide you through the world of effective collaboration that will elevate student understanding of complex texts. Discover how to foster a dynamic and interactive learning environment with Into Literature resources and instructional best practices. Leave this session with inspiration to enhance student engagement and teamwork in the classroom.

Transition Your Young Writers from Formulaic Writing to Evidence-Based Responses

Patrice Bruny, Senior Implementation Manager, HMH

In this Into Reading session, participants will make the connection between Close Reading instruction and routines in Into Reading®, or any core reading and ELA class, to engage students in successfully responding to Text Dependent Analysis prompts. We’ll share strategies to support students in making strong evidence-based inferences, shifting your students’ language from “I think because..." to "According to," or "As stated in..." You’ll leave this session with engagement routines for text annotation, academic discussions, and Quick Writes.

Unlock the Power of Multilingualism! Making Connections Between Home Languages and English

Wined Negron Cruz, Senior Implementation Manager, HMH

Students who speak a language other than English bring with them a wealth of linguistic knowledge that can serve as building blocks for mastering English. By understanding the similarities and differences between a student’s first language and English, educators can tailor their instruction to meet each student’s unique needs. Dive into English 3D's Contrastive Analysis chart and discover how to make meaningful connections between English and the top 11 languages spoken by multilingual learners in the United States.
Don't miss out! Join this exciting session to engage with program experts, participate in dynamic discussions, and enhance your proficiency in contrastive analysis between languages. Let's empower our multilingual students together!

Using AI to Support Multilingual Learners

Amy Endo, Director Efficacy Research, HMH

Decision making, preparing for language scaffolds, and thinking through the various shades of meaning is not just a planning move for ELD teachers. Rather, it is an always ready mode of operating. Discover ways to leverage AI to support your planning, lessons and multilingual learners in your ELD classroom and beyond. Participants will leave equipped with a few strategies ready to refine their practice for the new year.

You Don't Have to Forget About Science and Social Studies to Improve Literacy Results

	Andrea Burkiett, Director of Elementary Curriculum and Instruction, SCCPSS, HMH
	Christina Maldonado, K-5 Science Content Specialist, HMH
	Nancy Barton, K–5 Reading/ELA Content Specialist, HMH

Andrea Burkiett, like many Curriculum Directors, has a focus on improving reading results across the district; however, because of the important pillar of Knowledge Development, she knew that science and social studies could not be left out of the instructional time. Join this session to learn how she approached planning for the implementation of Into Reading and ensured elementary students get time for two disciplines that directly impact developing knowledge. As a leader in your district, you will enjoy learning from Andrea and take away ideas that may work for your needs.

Coming Soon!

2025 Model Schools Conference Sessions