2026 Model Schools Conference

Building Trust and Navigating AI in K–12 Leadership

Coming Soon, TBD, TBD

In this immersive pre-conference session, K–12 leaders will explore how to cultivate trust—among staff, students, and communities—with responsible integration of artificial intelligence. Based on over 20 years of research from The University of Chicago Consortium on School Research on the 5Essentials® for school improvement, trust is the foundation for strong collaboration and effective instructional practice. Through scenario-based learning rooted in real-world examples, participants will examine how AI tools can enhance learning, streamline operations, and strengthen decision-making without compromising transparency or ethics. Leaders learn strategies and build confidence with emerging technologies while maintaining a people-first culture. Participants leave the session with practical tools to amplify collaboration, communication, and clarity in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Join us to discover how trust and AI together can empower your school community to thrive in the future of education. Learning Outcomes Establish Ethical AI Guidelines: Develop a plan for safely and responsibly incorporating artificial intelligence into district and school operations—grounded in transparency, data privacy, and equitable access that maintain trust. Enhance Leadership Efficiency: Explore practical ways to leverage AI tools to streamline administrative tasks, improve communication, and make more informed, data-driven decisions—freeing time to focus on instructional leadership. Empower and Equip Staff: Gain evidence-based strategies to build staff confidence and capacity in using AI, fostering a culture of trust, curiosity, and continuous learning across the school community.

Teaching with Trust in the Age of AI

Coming Soon, TBD, TBD

In this engaging pre-conference session K–12 teachers explore how artificial intelligence can enhance—not replace—the heart of great teaching: human connection and trust. Based on over 20 years of research from The University of Chicago Consortium on School Research on the 5Essentials® for school improvement, trust is the foundation for strong collaboration and effective instructional practice. Participants will explore practical ways to use AI to streamline lesson planning, personalize learning, and support student creativity while maintaining professional judgment and ethical boundaries. Through interactive activities and real-world examples, teachers will discover how to balance innovation with intention, ensuring technology serves as a trusted partner in the classroom. Together, we’ll unpack what it means to teach confidently, compassionately, and creatively in an AI-empowered world.

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.

Purpose in Motion: Turning Vision into Action

Demont Pope, Dean of Student Affairs, and Author

Demont Pope invites you to slow down, breathe, and remember why you said “yes” to kids in the first place. Drawing on his own journey of overcoming adversity and walking in purpose, Demont challenges you not just to be inspired, but to commit to turning your vision into action. In his current school, his presence and leadership have led to calmer hallways, increased classroom participation, stronger attendance patterns, and a measurable shift in overall school culture—proof of what happens when purpose shows up in practice. Together, you’ll explore how to build consistency and buy‑in across your team while raising expectations in ways that don’t increase resistance or burnout. With his humble, hope‑filled style, Demont will help you see the light you carry and how it can ignite the young people who are often hurting, overlooked, or counted out. You’ll reflect on what it means to care for your own mind, body, and spirit so you can keep showing up as your best self—on purpose—for the kids who are counting on you every single day.

Beyond the Bell: Relationships, Routines, and Real Impact

Chelonnda Seroyer, Former English Teacher, Education Leader

What happens in your classroom doesn’t end when the bell rings. Every educator is creating a legacy through the relationships they build, the routines they establish, and the expectations they set each day. In this session, Chelonnda Seroyer, former high school English teacher and educational leader, shares practical, easy-to-implement classroom management strategies that strengthen relationships, increase engagement, and create classrooms where students feel safe, valued, and ready to learn. Grounded in research and real classroom experience, this session challenges educators to be intentional about the legacy they are creating...leaving participants with clear tools, immediate next steps, and renewed purpose to make a lasting impact beyond the bell.

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.

Don’t Stop the Ride: Transforming Classroom Management into a Classroom Experience

Kyle Greene, Mentality Changer, Author

Imagine walking into a classroom that feels less like management and more like momentum; a place where students are motivated, challenged, and inspired to give “just a little more.” In this high-energy keynote, Kyle A. Greene brings a cycling bike right onto the stage to show how lessons from a spin class mirror what every educator faces in the classroom. From adding resistance that strengthens academic resilience, to pacing students through challenge and recovery, to building a rhythm of encouragement that makes every learner want to keep going. This keynote will push educators to reimagine class management as a classroom experience! Just as every great instructor reminds riders: “This is your ride not mine, so don’t stop!” Teachers will be reminded this is their classroom, their legacy, and their chance to help students finish stronger than they started.

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.

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

Hidden Ingredients for Dynamic Instruction

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

We’ve all watched a teacher and thought, “They just have it.” When a teacher brings dynamic energy to a positive, productive learning environment, it’s inspiring to witness. But is that presence innate—a natural talent—or is there a secret recipe, a special sauce, that makes their instruction stand out? This session isn’t about the usual checklist of qualities; it’s about the secret menu of instructional moves we don’t always name or unpack. Join us as we surface those subtle moves and coaching strategies to help you craft powerful teaching moments that aren’t always on the menu.

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.

Navigating the Future of Education: A Superintendent Strategy Forum

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

Prioritizing Relevance to Reach Academic Excellence

Karen Cagle, Instruction and Leadership Coach, Organization Needed

Let’s dive into what it means to make learning relevant. We’ll explore fun and practical ways to make sure every move we make connects with kids to help them reach academic excellence. Bring an open mind and be ready to roll up your sleeves!

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.

“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.

Coming Soon!

Creating Supportive Environments That Beat the Odds

	Heather Schmidt Davis, Instruction and Leadership Coach, Center for Model Schools
	Dr. Adam Drummond, Author and Senior Director, Center for Model Schools

Why Do Some Schools Improve More Than Others? Schools serving similar communities often experience very different outcomes. Why? Research points not to demographics, but to the organizational conditions principals create. This session examines how principals intentionally build supportive environments that reduce the impact of poverty on learning. Using the 5Essentials Framework, participants will explore how leadership choices shape student–teacher trust, safety, academic personalism, peer support, and future orientation—and why these conditions matter most in high-poverty contexts. Rather than focusing on programs or initiatives, this session highlights what principals can do to design, align, and sustain the conditions that allow students and teachers to thrive—despite the odds.

Increasing On-Task Behavior

Kimberley Tribbett, Professional Learning Consultant, Center for Model Schools

The greatest challenge isn't just "managing" classroom behavior—it’s igniting it. Ambitious instruction demands a different kind of "on-task" behavior—one where students are cognitively active, vocally collaborative, and intellectually challenged. When the cognitive demand is high and the engagement strategies are clear, off-task behavior naturally decreases. This fast-paced, "no-fluff" session moves beyond theory to provide educators with a toolkit of actionable strategies designed to increase student ownership of learning.

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 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.

Now Is the Moment: Why Focusing on Student Groups Is the Fastest Path to Transformational Change

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

Districts do not transform by moving faster—they transform by focusing more intentionally. This session confronts a hard truth: systems that claim to serve all students often fail to meet the needs of those who need us most. Student-group focus is not a side initiative; it is the lever for whole-system improvement. Drawing from national data, lived school experiences, and district-level case studies, this session challenges leaders to move beyond generalized improvement goals toward urgent, targeted action for historically marginalized and overlooked student groups. When schools design for the margins, the entire system improves. This is both a call to action and a roadmap for leaders ready to stop waiting for the right time and start creating meaningful change now.

Quick-Prep, High-Impact Formative Assessment Moves

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!

Talking is Thinking

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

Learn how to plan for and facilitate high-impact classroom discourse that invites every student—regardless of skill or confidence level—into meaningful conversations about their learning. In this session, you’ll discover simple, low-prep strategies and talk moves that are easy to implement yet powerful in practice, helping you spark curiosity, sustain engagement, and deepen the academic rigor of student discussions.

The Greatness Formula: Student Mental Health, Belonging, and Academic Performance—How Schools Can Rebuild Hope & Fuel Achievement

Duane Kyles, Educational Consultant - Youth Mental Health Advocate, Uanesworld LLC

Students across the nation are facing an unprecedented mental health and motivation crisis that directly impacts attendance, achievement, and classroom engagement. This session introduces The Greatness Formula, an identity-based mental wellness framework that schools are using to restore student hope, increase sense of belonging, and elevate academic performance. Grounded in research on protective factors, belonging, and self-worth, this approach provides educators with practical strategies—including scripts, reflection prompts, and micro-affirmation routines—that help students rebuild confidence, take ownership of learning, and maintain resilience through challenges. Participants will leave with tools that support everyday classroom practice, educator-student connection, and schoolwide culture-building. "When students rediscover their worth, they rediscover their willingness to work. When hope rises, performance follows."

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.

Toolbox Envy

Stascia Hardy, 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.

Workshop Your Words

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

Deepen your ability to provide meaningful feedback. Join this session to learn precise, nonjudgmental sentence stems for offering feedback, inquiry prompts for receiving it, and reflective language for co‑creating next steps; practice these in a workshop‑style scenario rotations whether classroom teacher, instructional coach, department lead, and/or administrator. You will apply a concise written template (Observation; Impact on learners; Suggested next step; Timeline), and rehearse accountability conversations. Leave with scripted language, a role‑specific scenario plan, a ready-to-use debrief template for their school community.

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.

Get Into the Groove with Instructional Routines K-5

	Toney Jackson, Poet, Artist, Speaker, Classroom Teacher, HMH Ambassador
	Noelle Morris, Senior Director of Community & Advocacy, HMH

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.

How Can I Support My Teachers with Into Reading?

Andrea Burkiett, Director of Elementary Curriculum, Savannah Chatham County Public School System

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

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.

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!

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!

Coming Soon!

2026 Model Schools Conference Sessions