Do you have unique learners at your school? Stop in to learn how one Elementary School has transformed the learning experience for students with exceptionalities, creating a one-of-a-kind experience for every learner. Participants will meet Aubrey Bridges, a student with Autism, Speech Apraxia, and Seizure Disorder, and her 8th-grade teacher to learn what inclusive practices transformed her school experience. Next, see how this story has driven change from the classroom to the school and at the district level. This dynamic duo has presented at over 200 conferences about the power of true inclusion. Participants are sure to leave with a full heart, and many are ready to implement strategies to do the same!

In this session, participants will learn tips and strategies for building a community in the classroom. Students must know their teacher cares about them and will go the extra mile to meet their needs. Participants will leave with ready-to-implement strategies and a plan for the school year to create a classroom community that provides a safe learning environment for all students.

The job of school administration is ever-changing with new state requirements, legislation, and all the other hats that Principals and Assistant Principals often wear. How do I organize our school data to be meaningful and impactful to students and teachers? How do I organize a PBIS system that fosters student motivation and engagement? How do I ensure that my teachers feel supported as they navigate life in the classroom? How do I go from chaos coordinator to instructional powerhouse leader? Join this meaningful conversation for tips and strategies that address the above questions.

P. Sloan Joseph is an experienced Instructional Coach, educational consultant, and keynote speaker with over twenty years of experience assisting K-12 educators. She specializes in supporting educators in the areas of school and classroom culture, leadership development, social-emotional learning, and student engagement.

Dr. Shasta Looper has served in various roles in the education profession, including classroom teacher, master teacher, and instructional coach. She is the Instructional Coach at Youth Leadership Academy within the South Carolina Public Charter School District. She received the Milken Educator Award in 2012.

Dr. Ann Shaw has over 25 years teaching experience and is a National Board Certified Teacher. Throughout her career Shaw has served as a regional master teacher for SC TAP, master teacher, instructional coach and teacher. Shaw has also served as an adjunct professor. In 2000, Ann was awarded the prestigious Milken Educator Award while serving as a first-grade teacher at Summit Drive Elementary. She holds a doctorate in curriculum design and development.

Dr. Bryan Holley has taught in grades K-12 and served in various leadership roles for 22 years, specializing in literacy education and educational leadership.  He is a 2008 Milken Educator, a facilitator, and a mentor with NEA for the Leaders for Just Schools program, and currently serves in leadership at North Carolina’s only school for the blind.

Leslie Sullivan has taught for 13 years, specializing in gifted and talented social studies education. She is a 2019 Milken Educator, 2021 Lowell Milken for Unsung Heroes Fellow and a 2023 ArtEffect Ambassador. 

Asia Cunningham, principal of Pearsontown Elementary, focuses on data-driven strategies and a whole-child approach to boost academic achievement. Under her leadership, the school has earned accolades such as National Blue Ribbon School and National PTA School of Excellence. She values family involvement and has initiated programs like "We are Kings and We are Queens" to empower students. A North Carolina Principal Fellow, Cunningham mentors aspiring principals and contributes to district and community educational initiatives. She holds degrees from North Carolina Central University and Walden University.

Lead Your Data, Don’t Let It Lead You!

Have you been thinking about how I can grow my entire school? This session is designed to engage school leaders and teacher leaders in practices for collecting and analyzing their classroom and school data. The session will ignite your fire for using data trackers that produce high results. When we lead our data as instructional leaders, we engage in a continuous learning cycle that ensures success for all students! Participants will walk away with a few tools and resources that can change their school’s progress.

Spanish teacher Vanessa Torres brings the language to life with storytelling, skits, games, songs, salsa dancing, and prize raffles, all conducted in Spanish. She teaches students from kindergarten through fifth grade, including many with disabilities, using differentiated instruction to engage all learners. Torres has revitalized the Spanish program, achieving over 80% accuracy on student assessments. Known for her energy and passion, she integrates Spanish with other subjects and leads community events like the Walk to School and Dance Marathon. A Columbia native, Torres studied abroad and holds a B.A. in Spanish and sociology from Furman University and an M.A. in Teaching English as a Foreign Language from Columbia International University.

Everyone has a seat at the table, making instruction comprehensible for all learners

Our classroom communities are becoming increasingly diverse with the influx of immigrant children, many of whom speak no English. This session will help you walk a mile in their shoes in a bilingual experience and equip you with strategies to facilitate comprehension and raise engagement.

Tracy Lee taught First grade for fourteen years and kindergarten for sixteen years and has served as an adjunct professor at Winthrop University. Since retirement, she has served in many capacities, including as an executive board member of The Foundation for Rock Hill Schools and as a facilitator/educator for the Museum of York County’s Butterfly Porch.

Butterfly Pavillion 

The Butterfly Pavilion project utilizes the engineering process and Project-Based Learning for students to plan and design a butterfly habitat inside the classroom.  This integrated approach allows students to research, collaborate, and problem-solve to create a butterfly habitat with living plants and butterflies.