As a chronically late student, Danny Bauer once told his Chemistry teacher a fib about saving an entire girl scout troop from a burning building to get out of a tardy. Danny is not sure if it was the very made up story, the very real cookie he offered his teacher, or a combination of both that got him out of a detention that day …That experience taught him it pays to develop your storytelling skills. Danny has been telling stories since then, most recently on the Better Leaders Better Schools podcast, ranked in the TOP 1% of 3 million global podcasts, and via his 5 books. His mission is to help Ruckus Makers Do School Different. To learn more visit https://betterleadersbetterschools.com/meet-daniel/.
Current Principals and Assistant Principals that are new to administration, teachers that are considering a future in school administration, or experienced school leaders that are looking to gain some new ideas.
Description:
The second edition of this presentation builds upon the first and offers tips and best practices to support principals and assistant principals to thrive, especially in their first few years as school leaders. Gain knowledge about proven strategies that enhance positive school culture, communication with families, educator evaluation, supporting all students, and distributed and instructional leadership. Learn how to best support teachers in the area of curriculum, assessment, and data-driven instruction.
Attendees will walk away with some new ideas from the interactive discussions as well as a toolkit to use at your own school.
A Presentation For: Current Principals and Assistant Principals that are new to administration, teachers that are considering a future in school administration, or experienced school leaders that are looking to gain some new ideas. Description: The second edition of this presentation... Read More →
Great leaders aren't born-they are built through experience, mentorship, and intentional growth. In this engaging professional development session, I'll share the key advice, strategies, and lessons I received from mentors that helped shape my journey to becoming a Nationally Distinguished Principal. Together, we'll explore the blueprints of effective leadership, focusing on practical insights that foster resilience, decision-making, and school transformation. Attendees will leave with actionable takeaways to apply in their leadership journeys, ensuring they build a strong foundation for success.
Great leaders aren't born-they are built through experience, mentorship, and intentional growth. In this engaging professional development session, I'll share the key advice, strategies, and lessons I received from mentors that helped shape my journey to becoming a Nationally Distinguished... Read More →
Wednesday July 23, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am EDT Regency C
In an unpredictable time, joy is a necessity. When we tap into the genius of students and staff, we create schools where joy is unleashed and positive change extends beyond our walls into the communities we serve. This session will explore embracing a culture where students and educators lead together. Whether it's through student entrepreneurship, staff-led professional learning, advisory, whole school events that staff and students co-lead (and more!), we will demonstrate that when people dive into work with passion and purpose, schools thrive. We are thrilled to be joined by our keynote Beth Houf who will share insights on leading with joy, resilience, and authenticity. Walk away with actionable strategies and a vision for making joyful, genius-driven learning the heartbeat of your school. If you were here seven years ago, you may remember our first Unleashing Genius session. Come join us and help us take it to the next level!
Personalized Learning Coach, Natick Public Schools
Sharon McMahon said in a podcast with Adam Grant, "You can't stop somebody who enjoys their important work in the world." In a session filled with much needed music and joy, we will challenge ourselves together to identify our own important work in the world. Regardless of our titles... Read More →
Participation in our session will provide a framework (professional development, communication, and structures) for those seeking to learn, explore, and potentially implement equitable systems of feedback (i.e. SBR) in their schools - shared from the perspectives of building-based leadership, department chairs, and teachers.
Principal, T.A. Blake Middle School, Medfield Public Schools
Participation in our session will provide a framework (professional development, communication, and structures) for those seeking to learn, explore, and potentially implement equitable systems of feedback (i.e. SBR) in their schools - shared from the perspectives of building-based... Read More →
This session will explore strategies to leverage AI as a productive tool for staff and students, enhancing teaching and learning outcomes while prioritizing safety and ethical use. Participants will learn how to implement AI-powered tools to personalize instruction, streamline tasks, and foster critical thinking in students. The discussion will address data privacy, equitable access, and responsible integration practices to ensure AI use aligns with district values. Superintendents will leave with actionable insights to guide their teams in adopting AI solutions that support innovation and improve educational experiences for all stakeholders.
Description:According to the World Health Organization (2023), 5-15% of adolescents experience loneliness. As reported in Ed Week (2023), this is something that experts warn may be connected to an increased risk of mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal... Read More →
Growing staffing shortages challenge districts to give students the support they need. Through a secure online platform, Imagine Learning's highly qualified, certified teachers provide personalized, equitable small group instruction for grades K-12 in:
*Four core subject areas: math, ELA, science, and social studies *English language development *Test preparation for national exams: ACT, SAT, AP *Test preparation for state exams and End of Course (EOC) tests
Identify students with a shared learning need Develop high-quality, standards-aligned instruction from Imagine Learning's core content Deliver targeted interventions using research-based best practices Use formal and formative assessments to measure growth and inform instruction Share student progress with schools and families Meet student learning goals in the identified area of need Support Spanish-speaking students with bilingual sessions Support English learners with small group English language development (ELD) from ESOL-en
Growing staffing shortages challenge districts to give students the support they need. Through a secure online platform, Imagine Learning's highly qualified, certified teachers provide personalized, equitable small group instruction for grades K-12 in: *Four core subject areas: math... Read More →
This workshop is for administrators who have a co-teaching program or are looking to develop a co-teaching program in their school. It is designed to help administrative teams contribute to successful and sustainable co-teaching at their sites and empower teachers to support all students. A co-teaching toolkit and audit tool will be shared as resources for administrative teams. Although the focus is on co-teaching at the secondary level (Middle & High School), concepts can be applied to an Elementary School setting.
Participants will: ● Gain a better understanding of the administrative aspect of supporting successful co-teaching ● Review aspects of co-teaching programming from an administrative perspective and specific supportive strategies ● Build capacity for supporting a co-teaching program ● Discus factors for sustaining a co-teaching program ● Access an administrative Co-Teaching Toolkit ● Review resources and strategies from the Co-Teaching Toolkit ● Review Audit tool kit
This workshop is for administrators who have a co-teaching program or are looking to develop a co-teaching program in their school. It is designed to help administrative teams contribute to successful and sustainable co-teaching at their sites and empower teachers to support all students... Read More →
School leaders play a critical role in preparing students for success beyond high school, yet many workforce-bound graduates lack clear pathways. This session explores how high schools can build equitable workforce pipelines by leveraging local employer partnerships to ensure that all students have access to meaningful careers.
Learn actionable strategies to connect students with high-demand industries in their communities, leading to sustainable employment while addressing barriers that often limit career readiness for underserved populations. Through real-world examples and practical frameworks, attendees will leave equipped with a replicable model for integrating career-focused DEI initiatives into their schools.
Join us to discover how Specialized Career Guidance empowers school leaders to bridge the gap between education and industry, ensuring that every student, regardless of background, has a clear path to economic independence and professional success.
Love and Logic is a nationally known program teaching practical and proven tools to help raise respectful, responsible and happy children. Love and Logic is a process by which children grow through their mistakes and learn from the consequences of their choices. Through the Love and Logic curriculum, participants will learn how to empower themselves with practical skills to transform educational experiences for both teachers and students. They will also learn various classroom management techniques designed to avoid power struggles with challenging students while promoting decision-making and problem-solving skills as well as encouraging students to take ownership of their behavior and learning. Most importantly, Love and Logic provides self-care for educators that allow them to model desired attitudes and behaviors effectively. We will focus on students with trauma and how to set healthy boundaries, overcome defiance, and guide these youth toward success.
Behavioral Consultant, SAM Behavioral Consulting, LLC
Love and Logic is a nationally known program teaching practical and proven tools to help raise respectful, responsible and happy children. Love and Logic is a process by which children grow through their mistakes and learn from the consequences of their choices. Through the Love and... Read More →
As a Crew, my entire staff have been meeting weekly to connect and create a caring and inclusive work environment by sharing values and consistent routines. I will
share my ideas and experiences that you will be able to bring to your students, classroom, and/or schools
Learning Targets
Learning Target #1: I can use team building, group problem-solving, or other collaborative activities to foster a strong sense of community
Learning Target #2: I can use Crew routines that build a culture and community in my classroom
Learning Target #3: I can create Crew activities reinforcing the Habits of Character and/or academic mindset
Learning Target #4: I can give students an opportunity to practice empathy, integrity, respect, and compassion as part of Crew activities
As a Crew, my entire staff have been meeting weekly to connect and create a caring and inclusive work environment by sharing values and consistent routines. I will share my ideas and experiences that you will be able to bring to your students, classroom, and/or schools Learning... Read More →
Wednesday July 23, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT Wampanoag
Being sensitive to students' emotions is tough when educators face their own challenges. Restorative Language, or Nonviolent Communication, is key to trauma-informed schools. It helps staff develop skills that foster a caring culture. Learning to communicate effectively under stress is possible with the right tools, and this is often the missing link in restorative practices.This session offers practical strategies to bring back to your school and insights from educators who use restorative communication daily. No matter the grade levels in your school, you'll find applicable ideas. Plus, attendees who complete the evaluation form will receive a FREE online course in restorative communication for educators. This session and the online course will give you a strong foundation in using restorative communication with colleagues, families, and students. These techniques will help you feel more regulated and create a calmer school community.
Being sensitive to students' emotions is tough when educators face their own challenges. Restorative Language, or Nonviolent Communication, is key to trauma-informed schools. It helps staff develop skills that foster a caring culture. Learning to communicate effectively under stress... Read More →
Wednesday July 23, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT Manomet
Is your school going cell phone free in the fall or is your school considering doing this? You're not in it alone! Don't spend your summer recreating the wheel!
Hampshire Regional High School went cell phone free in the fall of 2024 using Yondr pouches and we have seen great success for our students (grades 7-12). This workshop will provide all of the logistics that middle and high school leaders are looking for. In this workshop, we will share the resources that we created for our own school so that you don't have to start from scratch. We will review our timeline, budget considerations, staffing considerations, surveys to the community (students, staff, and families), and the shifts that we made in real-time to make this work for us.
This workshop is designed to be as practical as possible so that participants walk away with the logistics, resources, and confidence to implement their own cell phone procedures in the fall.
(Link to some of our resources: https://www.hrhs.net/en)
Is your school going cell phone free in the fall or is your school considering doing this? You're not in it alone! Don't spend your summer recreating the wheel! Hampshire Regional High School went cell phone free in the fall of 2024 using Yondr pouches and we have seen great success... Read More →
This presentation will examine the family engagement strategies employed by two different elementary schools within the same school district. Key topics will include effective communication protocols, home-school partnerships that foster student learning, and the development of welcoming and inclusive environments for all families. Furthermore, the presentation will discuss relevant district-level initiatives within administrative and leadership teams, all grounded in research underscoring the critical impact of strong home-school connections on student success.
Principal, Josheph R. Dawe, Jr Elementary School (Stoughton)
This presentation will examine the family engagement strategies employed by two different elementary schools within the same school district. Key topics will include effective communication protocols, home-school partnerships that foster student learning, and the development of welcoming... Read More →
Literacy Launch, the Healey Administration's investment in early literacy in the Commonwealth, will provide no-cost professional learning to support our public school educators, Institutions of Higher Education faculty, and licensed early education and care providers in increasing the use of evidence-based, culturally and linguistically sustaining practices in early literacy instruction. Learn about the options available to your district through Literacy Launch Professional Learning as DESE's potential partners outline the design and implementation of statewide Professional Learning Institutes; the differentiated tracks to provide specialized training and professional learning for educators; opportunities for educators to co-design and co-facilitate institute sessions; and opportunities for follow-up coaching in schools to support effective implementation.
Literacy Launch, the Healey Administration's investment in early literacy in the Commonwealth, will provide no-cost professional learning to support our public school educators, Institutions of Higher Education faculty, and licensed early education and care providers in increasing... Read More →
The British are coming but this time to help your students on a pathway of success. Join us for a brief, informative session about our K-12 instructional system - the Cambridge Pathway - that aligns curriculum, assessment, PD, teaching and learning, and resources. We'll share how schools and districts use our programs to support innovation and student success.
Cambridge International is part of Cambridge University (UK) and offers a K-12 program that culminates in advanced courses for college credit. Cambridge International is helping students, teachers, and schools across the US to increase rigor, equity and student success.
Highlights:
Flexible K-12 curricula and assessments focused on skills necessary to thrive in the 21st century. Common Core and NGSS aligned. Advanced academics for college credit. Courses that strengthen your Portrait of a Graduate. Language accessibility for nonnative speakers. A signature international program with over 10,000 schools in 160 countries
Senior School Development Manager, Cambridge International
The British are coming but this time to help your students on a pathway of success. Join us for a brief, informative session about our K-12 instructional system - the Cambridge Pathway - that aligns curriculum, assessment, PD, teaching and learning, and resources. We'll share how... Read More →
Every student deserves to attend a school where they feel valued for their unique talents and contributions and safe to be their truest selves. Developing and implementing a vision of a graduate in your school is one way to help learners feel celebrated for the qualities and attributes that make them unique and special. Join NEASC staff and the co-principals of Nipmuc High School to talk about how the successful implementation of a vision of a graduate can give learners another way to shine. We will discuss the development and implementation of this important tool with specific examples from Nipmuc HS and other schools.
Director of Accreditation and School Improvement, New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Every student deserves to attend a school where they feel valued for their unique talents and contributions and safe to be their truest selves. Developing and implementing a vision of a graduate in your school is one way to help learners feel celebrated for the qualities and attributes... Read More →
When we assess the potential of AI for transforming education, we should remember the iconic imagery of an infant monkey choosing between two surrogate 'mothers' - one a metal cylinder with a milk bottle and the other a soft fabric roll. AI-the steel mother-promises many practical benefits for an area like school counseling from mapping a student's potential to recommending a set of pathways for them to explore, but is no substitute for the mentorship of human counselors, which neuroscience shows is critical to student engagement and development. A cognitive scientist from MIT and Yale-backed by the US Department of Education-and the principal of Uxbridge High School-nationally recognized for his responsible approach to AI-will explore how we can leverage this remarkable opportunity to merge human compassion with computational efficiency in the service of student success.
When we assess the potential of AI for transforming education, we should remember the iconic imagery of an infant monkey choosing between two surrogate 'mothers' - one a metal cylinder with a milk bottle and the other a soft fabric roll. AI-the steel mother-promises many practical... Read More →
Have you wondered how to create your own Podcast. Learn how to create, develop and implement your own podcast as another means to communicate with families, community and staff members. Learn how to create a Podcast with easy steps, create topic list ideas, and implementation in your school and community. Learn how to incorporate podcasts for district/community engagement and effective and fun communication. Formulate a communication plan using social media platforms with your Podcast.
Mrs. Lisa King/Principal, Wilmington Public Schools
Have you wondered how to create your own Podcast. Learn how to create, develop and implement your own podcast as another means to communicate with families, community and staff members. Learn how to create a Podcast with easy steps, create topic list ideas, and implementation in... Read More →
Wednesday July 23, 2025 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT Plympton
The MSAA has created a program to support new administrators with trained independent and confidential coaches. Coaching for novice administrators is more important than ever as principals and assistant principals struggle to become instructional leaders while engaging in the social, emotional, academic, and cultural conflicts within our society.
Ensuring principals have the skills and knowledge to lead schools is too important not to plan for. Principal turnover is disruptive to school and district progress and often leads to higher teacher turnover and, ultimately, lower student achievement.
Participants in this workshop will understand the role of coaching for new administrators and be able to understand the systematic approach to coaching developed by MSAA using a combination of Blended Coaching and the GROW models that are the foundations of the program.
Through this workshop participants will understand how MSAA provides two full years of formal coaching by a train
The MSAA has created a program to support new administrators with trained independent and confidential coaches. Coaching for novice administrators is more important than ever as principals and assistant principals struggle to become instructional leaders while engaging in the social... Read More →
Principaling is hard. Have you lost your passion and why of becoming a school administrator? Are you looking for strategies to make the job easier? Ways to bring more Joy to the job? Ideas to build a positive school culture? Do you want to THRIVE as a school principal?
This is the session for you! In this session we will explore: Focusing on priorities and learning more about yourself as a leader Managing the mundane (emails, paperwork, observations) of the day to day Creating a culture that brings Joy and empowers your staff to do the work Developing Learning and Performance Zones for improvement
You will leave this session with ideas you can implement immediately and hopefully find your WHY and spark the JOY of being an educational leader!
Principaling is hard. Have you lost your passion and why of becoming a school administrator? Are you looking for strategies to make the job easier? Ways to bring more Joy to the job? Ideas to build a positive school culture? Do you want to THRIVE as a school principal? This is the... Read More →
Wednesday July 23, 2025 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT Wampanoag
By emphasizing a whole-child approach, Gates Middle School has seen significant progress in ensuring that all students receive the support they need to thrive. Join members of the school team as they share the comprehensive steps they have taken to implement a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) designed to foster academic, social, emotional, and personal growth for every student. Included in the presentation will be tools to identify student needs, ideas to establish a collaborative team approach, and evidence of integrated data-driven interventions at multiple levels. The presentation will highlight the positive outcomes resulting from their efforts, including improved academic performance, stronger social-emotional well-being, and a more inclusive school culture.
By emphasizing a whole-child approach, Gates Middle School has seen significant progress in ensuring that all students receive the support they need to thrive. Join members of the school team as they share the comprehensive steps they have taken to implement a Multi-Tiered System... Read More →
Massachusetts' English learner (EL) student population has nearly doubled since 2010, presenting challenges and opportunities for educators. This dynamic session invites you to explore the latest research on elementary teachers' self-efficacy in supporting English and Multilingual Learners (ML) in Massachusetts classrooms. Join us for an interactive discussion where you'll engage with key findings, share best practices, and discover effective instructional strategies to enhance EL academic achievement. Through a self-reflective assessment survey and discussion-you'll gain insights to strengthen your confidence in fostering inclusive, supportive learning environments for ELs and their families. This session is designed for elementary and middle school educators eager to deepen their impact and create meaningful learning experiences for all students. Come ready to collaborate, reflect, and leave empowered to support EL success in your school communities!
Executive Director, The Massachusetts English Learner Community Foundation
Massachusetts' English learner (EL) student population has nearly doubled since 2010, presenting challenges and opportunities for educators. This dynamic session invites you to explore the latest research on elementary teachers' self-efficacy in supporting English and Multilingual... Read More →
Wednesday July 23, 2025 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT Halifax
What if professional development actually inspired educators rather than felt like another box to check? Imagine a model where faculty are eager to collaborate, dive into meaningful learning, and apply new strategies that make an impact. This session will explore how one school transformed PD by creating four differentiated Professional Development Pathways based on faculty feedback. Attendees will discover how this model fosters individualized learning, strengthens collaboration, and ensures a year-long focus on growth. Walk away with practical ideas to revolutionize professional learning in your school-no mandates, just meaningful engagement.
What if professional development actually inspired educators rather than felt like another box to check? Imagine a model where faculty are eager to collaborate, dive into meaningful learning, and apply new strategies that make an impact. This session will explore how one school transformed... Read More →
Discover 20 revolutionary ways to facilitate grade 6 - 12 learning. Research proven strategies show session participants how to increase engagement, accelerate skills, raise test scores ((P)SAT, EOC, ACT, HSE, WorkKeys), energize staff and ace College Career Readiness resulting in sustainable, measurable gains in math and reading proficiency. Middle and High School leadership will benefit from systemic models that harness the power of teacher and student agency, intrinsic belief, adaptive skills, consistent structure, college and career rigor, and mentoring and support. Session attendees receive a $50,000 Grant Award to help disadvantaged students get to their next best level.
Given the range of learning styles and abilities of students today, educators need technology and resources to accommodate and personalize learning. Apple builds accessibility features into every product, so everyone can use them in ways that work best for them. Join us for an interactive learning session to learn about built-in accessibility features on iPad.
The Tenacity Challenge is an academic competition for teams of African American and Latina/o high school students, and on a separate date, middle school students. Students prepare for several months to compete in four events on the culminating day: the history argument before a panel of judges, the literature analysis (with with written rationale and videotaped performance), the math quiz bowl and the art installation. On another date, the middle school challenge includes a leadership competition, the literature analysis, a STEM challenge and the math quiz bowl. With over 2000 students impacted to date, the preparation and the competition build academic risk taking, collaboration, deep learning and leadership skills, all of which contribute to a sense of belonging and the closing of achievement gaps at their home schools.
The Tenacity Challenge is an academic competition for teams of African American and Latina/o high school students, and on a separate date, middle school students. Students prepare for several months to compete in four events on the culminating day: the history argument before a panel... Read More →
