Join us for the inspiring opening session of the ENGAGE Conference on Tuesday as we welcome keynote speaker Dr. Liz Huntley, a committed child advocate, accomplished litigation attorney, and president of The Hope Institute. Dr. Huntley will share her powerful personal story of overcoming childhood adversity and the transformative role educators played in her journey. Her message is a moving reminder of the impact schools can have in shaping lives and cultivating cultures of character. Following her keynote, Dr. Huntley will participate in a fireside chat with Holly Martin, Staff Development Specialist for Mountain Brook Schools. Together, they will explore the pressing challenges educators face in building schools of character in a rapidly evolving digital world influenced by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. This session promises to uplift, challenge, and spark meaningful dialogue as we kick off a week of growth and connection. Don’t miss this unforgettable start to ENGAGE!
Take a break, grab a (free!) lunch, and enjoy some time to relax and recharge during our ENGAGE Conference lunch session. This midday gathering is the perfect opportunity to connect with colleagues, spark new ideas through casual conversation, and expand your professional network. You'll also hear brief remarks from our generous conference sponsors who help make this event possible. And don’t rush off—door prizes will be up for grabs, so you just might head back to your next session with a little something extra! Whether you're meeting someone new or catching up with a longtime friend, this lunch is all about good food, great company, and a little fun along the way.
This session will explore inclusive, proficiency-focused strategies that support diverse learners in reaching the Seal of Biliteracy. World language educators play a critical role in helping provide access and instruction to help students achieve biliteracy. Participants will learn how to implement differentiated instruction, scaffolding techniques, and immersive language experiences to meet varying proficiency levels. Attendees will also discuss the use of authentic cultural materials, real-world communication tasks, and language practice opportunities beyond the classroom, such as clubs and exchange programs. Additionally, attendees will gain insights into using formative assessments and personalized feedback to guide students toward proficiency while fostering a growth mindset. Join us to discover practical approaches for creating an engaging and supportive classroom that empowers all students on their path to biliteracy.
The Question Formulation Technique (QFT) was created by the Right Question Institute with the goal of building students' curiosity about the world and providing them the opportunity to ask questions. Attendees will experience the QFT process and discover ways to bring the QFT back to their classroom and further promote curiosity.
Communicating with parents can feel like shouting through a bullhorn—loud, one-sided, and often lost in the noise. Today, we have the opportunity to trade that bullhorn for a smartphone, utilizing ParentSquare to foster meaningful, two-way communication. This professional development session will equip educators with the skills to leverage ParentSquare, transforming how we connect with families and engage them in their children’s education.
Join us for an inspiring session where members of a Student Library Advisory panel will share firsthand experiences in leveraging student input to design engaging events and initiatives that resonate with peers. Discover how young leaders have transformed ideas into impactful opportunities for student involvement within the library. Participants will leave with a wealth of creative ideas for community-building events, specifically tailored for middle school and high school libraries, to foster a vibrant and inclusive environment for all students.
Educators will explore strategies to create engaging and impactful learning experiences that resonate with students long after they leave the classroom. The session will cover various methods to incorporate storytelling, hands-on activities, and emotional connections into lesson plans. By focusing on students' emotional engagement and personal connections to the material, teachers can create enduring memories that enhance learning. This session will equip educators with the tools needed to inspire students and help them retain knowledge in a meaningful way. Ultimately, the goal is to transform everyday lessons into extraordinary experiences that contribute to students' growth and development.
In this session, we will dive into Tier 1 positive behavior supports to set our students up for success. During this session, attendees will identify and discuss the key components of Tier 1 behavior supports and how to effectively implement each in the classroom setting. Attendees will leave with an understanding of Tier 1 behavior strategies and progress monitoring to foster a positive learning environment for all students.
This session will engage participants in an analysis of the parallel between classroom instruction and athletic coaching. We will examine the practices of championship coaches and athletes and compare those to teacher and student practices in successful academic arenas.
Holly Pond High School is in a completely different place than it was just a few short years ago. Our community did not feel welcomed, long standing traditions were being removed, and there was not a sense of pride in our brand anymore. With hard work and dedication our team at HPHS have turned the ship a complete 180 and now community involvement, traditions, and a undeniable brand are now strong points within our school. Our story is not isolated but will no longer go untold as we unpack the importance of communication and shared ownership when developing a brand and telling your story.
Research has proven that students who feel a sense of belonging in the learning environment will historically perform better then those who do not. That thought, along with a drastic need in improved teacher morale, is what lead us to the steps that we implemented (and are still implementing) in order to give our students the best education possible. Join us as we share our story and show you why everyday is A GREAT DAY TO BE A BRONCO!!
This professional development session aims to enhance educators' understanding and implementation of grading practices as effective communication and engagement tools for all stakeholders. Participants will delve into the MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Support) framework and explore practical strategies to identify and address barriers that may hinder student success.
Join this session for an immersive exploration of cutting-edge educational technology tools reshaping K-12 classrooms in 2025. This dynamic session empowers educators to leverage emerging technologies effectively while enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes.
Discover powerful engagement strategies that captivate students and ignite a love for learning! This session explores research-based techniques from Marzano’s "The New Art and Science of Teaching" and Weston Kieschnick’s "ATLAS", providing practical ways to create dynamic, student-centered learning experiences. Walk away with strategies you can immediately implement to boost participation and deepen student understanding.
Are you looking for engaged students but not sure how to get there--or what that even means? Participants in this session will define several facets of student engagement and add research-based strategies to their toolbox to increase engagement in their classrooms and schools. Leave with practical ideas to implement immediately.
Great leadership is built on resilience and adaptability—the ability to persevere through challenges and embrace change with confidence. This session explores how leaders cultivate these qualities to navigate uncertainty and drive success. Beyond personal strength, leadership also requires collaboration and courage. Participants will discuss how fostering teamwork and taking bold risks are essential to inspiring and empowering others. True leadership is not about going it alone but about lifting others up and creating an environment where innovation and trust thrive. Through engaging discussions, real-world examples, and insight from a recent trip to South Africa, the session will equip attendees with the mindset and tools to lead effectively in a fast-changing world. Its a jungle out there and we are here to give strategies to help navigate it.
Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training course that teaches participants to identify, understand and respond to mental health and substance use challenges. This training gives educators the skills they need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health, a substance use problem, or experiencing a crisis.
Designed for secondary teachers, this session explores the impact of building a positive classroom community and how it fosters student success. Through interactive discussions, participants will examine strategies for creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment that leads to meaningful student outcomes. Insights will be drawn from real-world experiences to illustrate the transformative power of connection in the classroom.
All Things AI – Fighting Teacher Burnout is an engaging, hands-on presentation designed to empower educators by exploring AI tools that can simplify classroom tasks, personalize learning, and reduce workload. Participants will actively explore and experiment with AI-powered resources that assist with lesson planning, grading, differentiation, and communication. Through guided demonstrations and real-world examples, educators will leave with practical strategies to integrate AI effectively, helping them reclaim valuable time and reduce stress.
This session focuses on STEAM career exploration through the lens of arcade design. Participants will discuss connections of Industrial Design, graphic design, project management, and engineering as it relates to visual arts. Learn about the project process, see completed student projects, and interact with arcade examples.
Join us for a transformative seminar focused on creating a purpose-driven classroom that enhances student engagement through intentional practices. Participants will explore the significance of purposeful teaching, effective classroom design, and the power of reflective feedback in fostering curiosity and participation.
Join us for an insightful session on maximizing the potential of Schoology through its various integrations. This presentation will showcase key tools that seamlessly work with Schoology to enhance teaching and learning experiences. Discover how these integrations can streamline classroom management, promote student engagement, and provide enhanced learning opportunities for students. Whether you're a seasoned Schoology user or just getting started, this session will equip you with practical strategies and insights to enrich your educational practices. Don't miss the chance to elevate your Schoology experience!
Academic readiness does not always equal school readiness. Through this one hour workshop, attendees will learn about the social and emotional behaviors that develop through purposeful play opportunities in the classroom. From speech development to emotional regulation, participants will gain knowledge of age-based milestones and easy-to-implement ideas for their early childhood classrooms.
This session highlights the importance of mentoring and peer relationships in fostering teacher development. Participants will discover key strategies for inspiring and supporting one another, promoting excellence through collaborative growth. By empowering educators at every stage of their journey, we can create a nurturing environment where exceptional teachers thrive. Explore partnerships that are essential for equipping educators with the skills, knowledge, and support needed for success in the classroom and beyond. Participants will leave with a variety of options for building teacher capacity from the presenters and participants. Together through mentorship and peer collaboration, we can cultivate a community of supportive, encouraging, collaborative teachers who enjoy coming to work and effectively pour into students from full cups.
An eye opening session about how educators can explore the art of teaching and maximize their craft. This session will help attendees identify effective classroom management strategies for student engagement.
Have you ever been the new person in an organization or school and hoped that there would be someone there to show you the ropes? Come learn how our school has transformed the orientation process from a one-day firehose experience to a year-long immersion program with student leaders! From the recruiting and application process of our student leaders to the planning of our connection activities for all new students, see how one school became the most welcoming school in America!
This session delves into the complexities of stress, highlighting the distinction between eustress (good stress) and distress (bad stress). Participants will discover effective problem- and emotion-focused coping strategies to manage stress. We will also explore the positive neurological impact of mindfulness and meditation. This session aims to equip attendees with actionable tools to enhance resilience and cultivate a healthier, more balanced educational experience for both students and teachers.
In a one-hour session participants will take a Rahe and Holmes Stress Scale, Life Satisfaction Survey, and Eustress/Distress Questionnaire. If this were to be a two hour session participants would take all of the above and the Virtues in Action Character Strengths survey.
The session will engage Educators in a Whole Group conversation about setting healthy boundaries in the work place and personally. We will also discuss how to intentionally include Social Emotional Learning in the class and how Wellness and SEL benefits the adult and the students.
Virtual Reality is increasingly shaping students' lives and education, offering exciting opportunities to bridge classroom learning with the real world. In this session, participants explore the benefits of incorporating VR into math instruction, discussing how it can enhance student engagement and make abstract concepts more tangible. Addtionally, participants will learn the logistics of using VR in the classroom and have the chance to experience a virtual reality lesson firsthand.
Travel along with us to explore the use of podcasting in the classroom. This session aims to empower educators to harness the power of podcasting as a dynamic learning tool, encouraging student creativity and communication while fostering a sense of ownership in their educational journey.
Educators will uncover practical strategies to meet learners at their individual levels, from those who struggle to thrive to advanced learners seeking deeper challenges and everyone in between.
After teaching kindergarten for 24 years, some things have changed. Standards have become more demanding & rigorous. Children's lives have become more structured. Children are increasing their time spent on technology & the internet. What hasn't changed is human development. Children still develop at the same speed as they always have. What has disappeared from many classrooms is play and especially imaginative play. As an early childhood educator, play is the work of children. Play helps develop imagination, flexible thinking, creativity, empathy, collaboration, negotiation skills AND emotional regulation. Attendees will have a better understanding of how to design, implement, and assess play-based learning experiences that are developmentally appropriate and engaging for young learners.
Based on "The New Classroom Instruction That Works", this session uncovers how learning happens and how to make it stick. Explore research-based strategies that actively engage students in new learning and help them commit it to long-term memory. Participants will also gain insights into how these strategies have been implemented in schools across the district, offering practical takeaways for immediate application in the classroom.
We will wrap up Day One of the ENGAGE Conference with a high-energy closing session that brings everyone back together to celebrate the day’s learning and connections. This is your chance to hear from fellow participants as they share key takeaways, big ideas, and “aha” moments from the sessions they attended. It’s a time to reflect, be inspired by your peers, and get excited about what’s still to come. And yes—more door prizes are on the way, so don’t even think about slipping out early! Come ready to listen, laugh, and leave the day feeling recharged and reconnected.
