2026 Model Schools Conference

2026 Model Schools Conference Sessions

Click the categories below for session descriptions.
Note: Program subject to change. Check back for new additions.

Looking for sessions on your focus areas? Use the drop down menu below to sort programming by topics.

HMH Literacy Strand Flyer (PDF)
Why Attend the Model Schools Conference? (PPT)

MSC Funds Request Letter Template
HMH Literacy Strand Sponsor Request Template

Pre-Conference Sessions

Coming Soon!

Keynote Sessions

Building Connections, Climate and Culture

Gerry Brooks, Educator and Author, Lexington, KY

Gerry uses his viral videos and real-world experiences to develop a strategy for making the workplace a pleasant place where faculty, administrators, and support staff all maintain mutual respect—Empowering Bright Futures for both adults and students. He will share strategies he has incorporated that promote a healthy, respectful working relationship even when opinions differ, as well as practical ideas for maximizing quick opportunities—15 seconds here and there throughout the day—to get to know staff members and build true camaraderie. By the end of the opening keynote, participants will leave with a renewed sense of excitement and concrete ways to create a culture where people feel valued, connected, and better equipped to do their best work. (This session will not be recorded.)

Empowering Bright Futures: We Need Your Light

Dr. Lucretia Prince, Principal, Author and Co-Founder, I Dream Big Academy

Empowering Bright Futures: We Need Your Light is a dynamic and energizing session designed to remind every educator, leader, and stakeholder that the future is brighter when we all show up and shine. This session challenges participants to reflect on the unique light they bring to their schools, classrooms, and communities, and the responsibility we share to create environments where students can thrive. Attendees will explore how supportive environments, effective leadership, collaborative teaching, ambitious instruction, and involved families work together to ignite student success. This is more than a presentation, it’s a call to action. Come ready to be inspired, re-energized, and reminded that your light matters, and we need it now more than ever. Because when we all bring our light, we truly Empower Bright Futures.

Featured Sessions

Connecting Ideas with Action

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

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 Insight into Action: Strengthening Instructional Systems

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

Join us for an immersive session designed for district leaders ready to tackle achievement and equity gaps head-on. This highly interactive experience will guide you through analyzing your district’s real-time data—state assessments, attendance, discipline, EL, MAP, climate surveys, and more—using proven frameworks like the 5Essentials and structured data-driven dialogue. Participants will work collaboratively in teams to dig deep into root causes, map systemic barriers, and generate actionable next steps. You’ll leave with a clear vision, practical tools, and a strategic plan to drive meaningful improvement in culture, teaching, and learning across your district. Audience: Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, Director of Federal Programs, Special Education Directors, Curriculum Directors

Learn, Experiment, Innovate: The Opportunity for Education in an AI World

Amanda Bickerstaff, Co-Founder and CEO, AI for Education

This inspiring session explores the transformative role of Generative AI in education. Participants will learn about AI's prevalence in our day-to-day existence and how its rapid advancements are transforming our lives in and out of the classroom. Get the latest developments in AI and education, from policy changes to new GenAI tools. Leave this keynote motivated to embrace the three key actions in expanding you AI expertise: build GenAI literacy, experiment with new technologies, and adopt an innovation mindset.

The Power of Procedures

Chelonnda Seroyer, Teacher, Speaker

Over 50 years of research and countless academic studies have proven that classroom management is the number one characteristic of an effective teacher. Therefore, Chelonnda Seroyer, former high school English teacher, will provide research based information that supports the need for effective management techniques to build strong relationships that will INVITE students to learn from you. She will also share powerful life lessons and experiences that have shaped her educational and personal journeys through the world of education.

“Let them. Let me… TEACH!”

Leslie Rob, M.Ed., Award-Winning, International, Comedic Motivational Speaker, Teacher & Bus Driver

Teacher burnout and emotional exhaustion are all too common. This empowering session introduces educators to Mel Robbins’ “The Let Them Theory” and explores how this mindset shift can be practically applied in the classroom. By learning to release unnecessary control, manage expectations, and prioritize what truly matters, teachers can reclaim their energy, reduce stress, and create a healthier work-life balance. Participants will walk away with strategies to transform how they respond to student behavior, parent dynamics, and workplace pressures. Discover how “letting them” can help you thrive both professionally and personally.

Model Elementary Schools

Coming Soon!

Model Middle Schools

Coming Soon!

Model High Schools

Coming Soon!

Innovative Districts

Coming Soon!

Epic Educators

From Burnout to Breakthrough: The Clarion Call for Educator Wellness

Vernon Lowery, Principal, Cumberland County Schools

As educators, we travel near and far to study processes, programs, and systems. We are intentional and committed to studying the work needed to ensure that students and communities assigned to us sustain and grow. What happens when leaders do not take care of themselves? What happens when life feels loud and overwhelming, when promotions deserved are delayed, or when we are hurt, exhausted, or desolate? We still show up for those we have been called to serve. This session reminds us that just as a lighthouse needs its light to guide, a fire needs its flame to burn, and a heart must have a steady heartbeat to live, leaders too must nurture themselves and teach those who they lead to do the same. This session is designed to empower leaders to reclaim strength, ignite resilience, and renew purpose. Through practical strategies, personal reflection, and actionable insights, attendees will learn how to prioritize their emotional well-being, and lead with renewed energy and clarity and be able to teach staff the same. By the end of this session, participants will leave equipped to rise above challenges and more equipped to inspire their teams.

Aspiring Model Schools and Districts

Coming Soon!

How-To Sessions

Leading with Purpose: A Real-world Guide to School Leadership with the 5Essentials

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.

The Power Others Miss: Unlocking Potential

Dr. Natasha Brown, Principal, Westover Middle School

Student success often depends on what—and who—adults choose to see. This session explores how intentional leadership, strong relationships, and targeted academic and social-emotional supports help unlock the potential of students who are often overlooked. Participants will examine how leading teachers, counselors, and support staff with clarity and purpose strengthens student engagement, growth, and belonging. Session takeaways include strategies for building transformative relationships with at-risk students, approaches for aligning teachers, counselors, and support staff around individual student needs and practical systems that translate adult actions into meaningful student outcomes.

This Is How We Do It: Creating Your DI Playlist

Dr. Akecia Owens-Cunningham, Educator, Academically Victorious

Join this engaging session focused on exploring how Differentiated Instruction (DI) can transform classrooms and learning environments into inclusive, responsive spaces. Participants will learn how to remix instruction to increase engagement, access, and success for every learner because one size never fits all. Using the J.A.M. framework, educators and instructional leaders will explore Just-Right, Authentic, and Multimodal learning strategies, including visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic approaches across content, process, product, and environment. Leave with practical ideas and strategies to take back and apply in classrooms, teams, and professional learning communities.

HMH Literacy

Coming Soon!

Lightning Talks

Coming Soon!