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Schedule & Sessions

  • Celebrate, support staff conference, a learning even from EducationPlus

Schedule coming soon

 

Culture and Climate

  • Shane Williamson, Webster Groves School District 

    Engage in meaningful discussions and activities to deepen your understanding of ability awareness. Explore how ability impacts our schools, students and communities while reflecting on our own biases and perspectives related to this social identity. Through real-world examples and collaborative exercises, gain insights into fostering inclusivity, promoting accessibility and advocating for equitable opportunities for all. Join us as we challenge assumptions, broaden our perspectives and take steps toward creating more inclusive environments. 

  • Tanya Garcia, EducationPlus 

    Explore how support staff can create a positive and inclusive school environment that impacts student success and staff satisfaction. Gain a better understanding of how your role can have an impact, while gaining practical tools for building relationships and fostering collaboration. 

  • Jennifer Riesenmy, Ladue School District 

    Conflict is often viewed as something to avoid at all costs, but artificial harmony impedes our ability to maintain open lines of communication. This causes challenges as we work together in partnership. Explore the benefits of productive conflict and learn ways to decipher it from destructive conflict. Gain strategies to engage in courageous conversations that pave the way for true collaboration and teamwork

  • Bruce Hunter, EducationPlus 

    Learn how to foster peace during “heat of the moment” situations by examining your approach. Two approaches will be explored: "Puffing Up" and "Keeping It Cool." We will look at the impact each road makes on our ability to de-escalate volatile situations. Strategies will be discussed on how to respond to challenging behaviors, including power struggles. 

  • Emily Hilligoss and Diane Gillaspie, EducationPlus 

    You may be the staff member that a student connects with most. Throughout the day you interact with so many students; explore tips for fostering meaningful relationships built on trust, understanding and connections. We will collaborate and discuss different strategies to help build positive relationships to support student success. 

  • Mary Hendricks, EducationPlus and Laura Heidenreich, Kirkwood School District 

    Explore how to optimize relationships with school community leaders including superintendents, central office staff and principals. A former superintendent and her former executive assistant will share real-world examples of systems and processes that work, providing a practical framework to build upon. Discuss which systems are already effective in your environment and explore innovative ideas to further enhance collaboration and efficiency. Gain actionable strategies to improve communication and foster stronger professional partnerships. 

  • Paya Sample, Peak Leaders Collective 

    Unlock your full potential and rise with confidence! Explore how to identify and overcome limiting beliefs, reframe negative self-talk and develop a growth mindset. Discover the powerful role you play in shaping school culture and gain practical strategies for goal-setting and personal growth. You matter, your work is valuable and your impact is real! 

Health and Wellness

  • Moyenda Anwisye, Clear Journey Counseling & Professional Services, LLC 

    Explore ways to strengthen our ability to address daily stressors through practicing and learning helpful techniques that strengthen mental well-being. Gain strategies to clear the path for a more productive work environment. 

  • Keynote Speaker Jana Haywood 

    Engage in sharing a defining moment that has impacted who and how you show up in the workplace each day. Explore a protocol that begins to build a personal game plan that supports your daily well-being and the operations of the school/district's stated goals. Your role is essential to the successful operations of the school/district daily and having the ability to pivot and work in a dynamic environment is a must. Gain strategies that strengthen the muscle of mental toughness to ensure you’re ready to field concerns, needs and demands in real time. 

  • Jonathon Lee, EducationPlus 

    Professional development doesn’t have to happen in a classroom, it can happen on the go! In this unique and interactive session, experience the power of podcasts as a flexible and engaging learning tool. Select a podcast from a curated list of high-quality educational related shows, then take a refreshing 15-minute walk while listening. Upon returning, engage in a collaborative discussion, sharing key takeaways and insights with your peers. The session will conclude with a conversation about must-listen podcasts and strategies for incorporating this kind of professional learning into your daily routine. 

  • Erin Lawson, EducationPlus 

    Our students are facing new challenges in a digital age. Based on the findings of Jonathan Haidt's book, The Anxious Generation, we will focus on practical ways to support them. We'll briefly cover how technology impacts kids' well-being and share simple tips for building connections, growing healthy tech habits and helping students with anxiety. Get ready for easy-to-use tools you can start using today.

  • Stephanie Tuck, EducationPlus 

    Explore how you can use the goals and vision for the year to create a One Word plan for the remainder of your year. Gain strategies to feel energized and connected to your work. 

Technology and Job Skills

  • Adam Scimone, EducationPlus 

    Discover the power of AI to simplify your workload. Discover practical applications that boost efficiency and reduce stress. Explore how AI can assist with communication, organization and information management. Learn how to reclaim your time and focus on what matters most. 

  • Laura Warren, EducationPlus 

    Create visually appealing and professional emails using Gmail's built-in layout feature. Learn how to create and use templates, including how to insert images and dividers, and customize with your logos, colors and fonts. 

  • Christy Brooks, American Institutes for Research (AIR.org) 

    Spark joy in your workday by decluttering your digital life. Learn practical tips to declutter your digital space, streamline workflow and improve productivity. Say goodbye to a messy Drive and hello to a happier, more efficient you!  

  • Laura Warren, EducationPlus 

    Learn how to work with tables in Google Sheets including formatting, data validation and grouping. Plus, discover how it integrates and works with Google Forms. 

  • Patricia Brown, Ladue School District 

    Explore the potential of AI in K-12 education, focusing on tools like ChatGPT, adaptive learning platforms and AI-powered analytics. Learn how to enhance personalized learning, address challenges like equity and ethics, and prepare for AI’s evolving role. Gain strategies for effective, responsible AI use.