Creating Community for Diverse Learners: How Teacher-Student Connections Help Build Equity-Centered School Culture

Presented by Tanis Griffin, Principal, Thompson Intermediate School, Pasadena Independent School District (TX); Heather Nielson, Special Education Teacher, Thompson Intermediate School, Pasadena Independent School District (TX); Dr. Shivohn García, Director, Equity Research and Insights, Understood; and Jared B. Fries, Partnerships Lead, Along by Gradient Learning

Women in K-12 Educational Leadership: “Leaning In” and Lessons Learned

Presented by Dr. Jennifer Bessolo, Professor of the Practice, Masters of Educational Administration Program Coordinator, University of Kansas School of Education and Human Sciences; and Dr. Carrie Mugridge, Executive Director of Learning Services, Santa Fe Trail USD 434 (KS)
Moderated by Susan Hartz, Admissions Outreach Advisor, Everspring on behalf of the University of Kansas

Keep Students Committed to Graduate Through Career Exploration

Presented by DeVonté Bailey, Social Video Specialist, Oklahoma Educational Television Authority and Jobs Explained; Scott Jackson, ESL and U.S. History Teacher, Brooklyn International High School (NY); and Aaron Siegel, Project Director, American Graduate: Jobs Explained, WNET

Fostering Inclusivity: Navigating Special Education in Student-Centered Classrooms

Presented by Mark Pederson, Educational Specialist and Expert Mentor, Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (CA) and Modern Classroom; Madeline (Maddie) Richer, Ninth-Grade Special Education Teacher, NYC Department of Education; Cassie Fontaine, Special Education Teacher, Belchertown Public Schools (MA); and Toni Rose Deanon, Community Engagement Manager, The Modern Classrooms Project

How OCPS Brought Digital Reading to Their Large Urban District

Presented by Margie Wells, Digital Learning and Library Media Program Specialist, Orange County Public Schools (FL); and Allison Kibbey, Director of Instructional Technology and Library Media, Orange County Public Schools (FL)

Attendance Matters: Tackling Chronic Absenteeism Together

Presented by Dr. Joshua P. Starr, Managing Partner, The Center for Model Schools; Dr. Jessica Huizenga, Associate Partner, The Center for Model Schools; Elliot Ransom, Co-CEO, UChicago Impact; and Dr. Joe Gothard, Superintendent of Schools, Madison Metropolitan School District (WI), and 2024 National Superintendent of the Year

Dreams Take Flight with THE BLUE ANGELS

Presented by Greg Wooldridge, Executive Producer, The Blue Angels; and Lieutenant Commander Monica Borza
Moderated by Dr. Ralph K. Coppola, President & CEO, Aerospace Education Program Alliance

Foundation for Success: Early Literacy’s Impact on K-12 Learning

Presented by Alicia Atwood, Pre-K R.I.S.E. Specialist and Content Coordinator, Arkansas Department of Education (ADE); Lori Bridges, Director of Early Childhood Programs, Arkansas Department of Education (ADE); Dr. Deann Collins, Deputy State Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, Maryland State Department of Education; and Julie Sealine, Regional Partner, Really Great Reading

Boost Student Creativity and Engagement with Coding and Music

Presented by Alberto Carvalho, Superintendent, Los Angeles Unified School District (CA); Mike Tierney, Director, Global Programming, Amazon Music; Dr. James Lane, Chief Executive Officer, PDK International; Hadi Partovi, CEO and Founder, Code.org; Karim Meghji, Chief Product Officer, Code.org; and Robyn Speed, Director of Outreach and Adoption, Code.org

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