Embedded Files
thursday, june 4, 2026
8:30 am: check in, working breakfast
Introductions, Sponsor Acknowledgements, Devotional, Intention-Setting, Norms
Location: Geesbreght Commons
9:30 Am: worship
Worship
Location: Geesbreght Commons
Leaders: TBD
10:10 Am: keynote
5 Relationships Every Educator Needs to Flourish
Location: Geesbreght Commons
Speaker: Erik Ellefsen, Director of Networks and Improvement, Baylor Center for School Leadership (Waco, Texas)
In this keynote, we'll explore five relationships that form the foundation of a thriving educational career. Drawing on research and real-world examples, you'll discover practical strategies to strengthen connections, pursue wellbeing, and combat isolation and burnout. Whether you're a new teacher or a veteran educator, we'll reimagine how to intentionally cultivate fulfillment in your work and how schools might be redesigned for greater flourishing for all.
11:10 Am: breakout
Location: Clay Center Classrooms
Options:
Beyond the Average: A Purpose-Filled Gradebook
Marilyn Dardenne, Director of Academic Innovation, Trinity Christian Academy (Willow Park, Texas)
When we think about student achievement, the difference between an 89 and a 90 may be only a point, but the difference between a B and an A can change the trajectory of a student's education. Maybe, but not necessarily. Educators know that our inflated grade system creates a focus on earning points rather than learning, which is frustrating to teachers and stifles our students' joy for learning. In this session, we will learn why Proficiency-Based Grading is catching on in K-12 and higher education and what a shift to this type of assessment could mean for what we communicate about our students' learning and their character development.
TBD B
TBD C
TBD D
TBD E
12:00 pm: lunch
Gold and Silver Sponsor Remarks
Location: Geesbreght Commons
1:10 pm: keynote
StoriED: Cultivating Servant Leaders, One Story at a Time!
Location: Geesbreght Commons
Speaker: Tyler Eatherton, VP of Academics | Head of Middle School & Junior High, Little Rock Christian Academy (Little Rock, Arkansas)
Welcome to StoriED! We believe EVERY child is capable of being a leader. Rather than elevating the loudest in the room, we seek to equip the servant-hearted. We call our students to SPEAK, EXCEL, RESTORE, VALUE, ENCOURAGE as servant leaders. How do we do this? How do we call students into something greater? Just like the age-old tales of adventure, our classes unfold each day like a story. First, when students pass through a classroom door, they are transported into a setting that invites and inspires. Each little world has clear rules, an epic journey, and beauty all around. Next, our teachers, who serve as stewards, craft lessons that unfold like a storyline. These lessons seek to engage and equip our students through collective struggle. Finally, classes reunite and reflect on their growth. Through these moments of resolution, they aim to connect their learning to a higher calling. A storied classroom has a beautiful Setting, a challenging Storyline, and a meaningful Resolution. Let the story begin!
2:10 pm: breakout
Location: Clay Center Classrooms
Options:
TBD A
TBD B
TBD C
TBD D
TBD E
3:10 pm: keynote
TBD
Location: Geesbreght Commons
Speaker: TBD
4:00 pm: reflection
Day 1 Reflections, Sponsor Acknowledgements, "Things to Do" around Fort Worth, Prayer
Location: Geesbreght Commons
Leader: Derek Reinhold
friday, june 5, 2026
8:30 am: working breakfast
Welcome Back, Sponsor Acknowledgements, Devotional
Location: Geesbreght Commons
9:30 Am: roundtables
Focused Questions for Table Discussion
Location: Geesbreght Commons
Leader: Derek Reinhold
10:10 Am: keynote
TBD
Location: Geesbreght Commons
Speaker: TBD
11:10 Am: breakout
Location: Clay Center Classrooms
Options:
TBD A
TBD B
TBD C
TBD D
TBD E
12:10 pm: reflection
Day 2 Reflections, Sponsor Acknowledgements, Prayer, Guest Survey, Closing Remarks
Location: Geesbreght Commons
Leader: Derek Reinhold
optional EXTENSION: 12:30 pm: lunch BREAK
Meal not provided, but recommendations given
Location: Off-Site
optional EXTENSION: 2:00 pm: learning and innovation journey
Experience the intersection of history, architecture, and artificial intelligence in this Learning and Innovation Journey through downtown Fort Worth. Participants will photograph iconic landmarks including the Tarrant County Courthouse, Bass Performance Hall, and historic Art Deco buildings; then we’ll use free AI tools to creatively transform and reimagine these images in real-time! This interactive experience goes beyond tech exploration…you'll discover how AI-powered tools can enhance student engagement, foster creativity, and bring new dimensions to classroom instruction across multiple disciplines.
What to Bring: Smartphone with camera, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and curiosity! (All AI tools are free and accessible via mobile devices.)
Parking: 2.5 hours free at a garage (and with validation from a business) listed here: https://sundancesquare.com/parking/
Notes: Approximately 0.7 miles of walking over 2 hours. Plenty of rest and shade throughout. Final 30 minutes to visit a business for free-parking validation.
Location: Downtown Fort Worth (Sundance Square)
A printable schedule may be found here.
Southwest Christian School, Lakeside Campus
Clay Center for Christian Leadership
6901 Altamesa Boulevard
Fort Worth, TX 76123
Page updated
Report abuse