Who We Are
At Elevate, we bring together innovative educators to nurture every child’s potential through researchinformed learning. Our interactive sessions inspire professional growth and empower educators to create engaging, inclusive classrooms where all students thrive.
Founded in Research
All ELEVATE conference sessions are based on research and/or evidence-based content and practices, and guaranteed to be presented in a way that engages attendees in hands-on activities and models instructional best-practices.
Next Day Implementation
Every session you attend will provide you with lesson ideas and activity resources that you can take back to your classroom and use immediately!
Vetted Speakers
At ELEVATE, we set the bar high! All presenters are required to support their presentation content with current research, model best-practice instructional methods, incorporate active-engagement strategies within their sessions, and provide complementary lesson plans/activities for attendees to take back and use immediately in their classrooms.
Topics Covered a Elevate Dallas
Science of Reading English Language Arts
Math
Writing
Science Social Studies The Arts CrossCurricular
Play-Based Learning Social Emotional Learning Data-Driven Instruction
Classroom Management School Culture Student Engagement
Access & Opportunity
Fine Motor Community & Belonging
School Leadership
FEATURING
our keynote speakers our keynote speakers
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SUNDAY, JUNE 21ST SUNDAY,JUNE21ST
1pm-3pm Pre-Conference:ABCBootcamp
4pm-6pm Registration
6pm-7:15pm OpeningKeynote
MONDAY, JUNE 22ND MONDAY,JUNE22ND
8:00am Announcements
8:15am-9:15am Keynote
9:45am-10:45am BreakoutSessions
11:00am-12:00pm BreakoutSessions
12:00pm-1:15pm Lunch(onyourown)
1:15pm-1:45pm PartnerSession
2:00pm-3:00pm BreakoutSessions
3:15pm-4:15pm BreakoutSessions
6:00pm-8:00pm Party
TUESDAY, JUNE 23RD
TUESDAY,JUNE23RD
8:00am Announcements
8:15am-9:15am Keynote
9:45am-10:45am BreakoutSessions
11:00am-12:00pm BreakoutSessions
12:00pm-1:30pm Lunch(onyourown)
1:30-2:30pm BreakoutSessions
2:45-3:45pm ClosingKeynotewithMr.Greg
WHYYOUSHOULD ATTENDELEVATE
Joinagrowingcommunityofover100kprimary educatorswhofollowElevateYourClassroomand co-founderMr.GregSmedley-Warren.
Learnfromaward-winningandnationallyrecognized classroomeducatorsandeducationalleaderswho remainpractitionersinschoolsacrossthecountry. Participateinconferencesessionsfoundedin researchandcreatedwiththeteacherinmind.
Enjoykeynotesandinspirationfromnationally renownededucators
Specificadministratorsessionssoschoolanddistrict leaderscansupporttheworkyouaredoing. Networkandstayconnectedwithfellowprimary educatorsandleadersasyouexperienceaworldclassconferencethatwillprovideimmediate takeawaysforyourclassroom.
Opportunitytocontinueyourlearningafterthe conferencebyjoiningElevate!Academyforafull yearofonline,on-demandprofessional development.
What You Get at Elevate!
two days of lively andenrichingsessions across content areas
Swag bags that include an assortment of school supplies and freebies from our sponsors
Certificate for 12 Contact Hours of Professional Development An Elevate Your ClassroomT-Shirt
A giant vendor hall for you to learn about the latest products and services for your classroom and personal well-being
Time to meet and chat withpresentersand discounts for future in-person and virtualElevate events!
The Drawers We Pull From: New Handles, Same Lessons DallasKeynote
GREG SMEDLEY-WARREN @kindergartensmorgasboard
About Greg
By Greg Smedley-Warren | Keynote
nthislaugh-out-loud,tear-up-a-little,glitterfilledkeynote,Mr.GregdivesheadfirstintoThe DrawersWePullFrom:FindingMagic,Mess,and MeaninginTeaching.Spoileralert:someofthose drawersareorganized,someareahotmess,and onemightstillhaveameltedcrayonfrom2013. Gregremindsusthatteachingisequalparts chaosandjoy.It'sacelebrationoftheeveryday magicteacherscreate—andalovelettertothe weird,wild,andwonderfulworldofeducation.
MeetGregSmedley-Warren,affectionatelyknownas“Mr.Greg,”an experienced,currentkindergarteneducatorandthecreativemind behindTheKindergartenSmorgasboard.Withanimpressive19-year teachingjourney,Greg’sexpertisespansvariousgradelevels,includinga briefstintinfifthgradeandtwoyearsinsecondgrade.However,itwasa reluctanttransitiontokindergartenthatunveiledhistruepassionand calling.
Neverwantingtoteachkindergarteners,Greg’sjourneytookaturnwhen hediscoveredaninstantconnectionontheveryfirstdayofkindergarten. Fromthatmomenton,heknewkindergartenwashiscalling.Beyondthe classroom,Gregisafamilyman,cherishingmomentswithhislovedones inNashville,Tennessee.AlongsidehishusbandJason,fondlyreferredto as“TheMister,”Gregshareshishomewiththeirdaughter,Adelynn,and theirdog,Dolly.
Recognizedasthe2014TeacheroftheYear,Greg’sinfluenceextendsfar beyondhisclassroomwalls,asaninternationalspeaker,presenter,and co-founderoftheELEVATE!conferenceforteachers.Apassionate curriculumdeveloper,Greg’sdedicationtoeducationalexcellenceshines throughinallhisendeavors,drivenbyhisunwaveringcommitmentto empoweringbothstudentsandfelloweducatorsalike.
Joe Dombrowski
JOE DOMBROWSKI
@joe_dombrowski
bout Joe
RecentlynamedoneofVariety’sTop10Comics toWatch,DetroitnativeJoeDombrowskifirst caughttheworld’sattentionin2017withaviral AprilFools’Dayspellingtestprankthatledto multipleappearancesonTheEllenDeGeneres Show.Don’tgetittwisted,though—ittakes20 yearstobeanovernightsensation!Joe’sbeen performingstand-upsincehisthird-grade talentshow,andhehasn’tstoppedsince.
Today,Joetoursinternationallywithmaterialthathighlightshis marriage,beinganewdad,hisaccidentallyhilariousparentsand unforgettableyearsasanelementaryschoolteacher.Hiscomedy hasbeenfeaturedonTheLateShowwithStephenColbert,theJust ForLaughsFestivalinMontreal,theNewYorkComedyFestival,and NetflixIsaJokeFest.
Joeisalsotheco-hostofthehitlivecomedy/gameshowMy StraightFriends,runningmonthlyatTheWorldFamousComedy StoreinLosAngelesandEmeraldCityComedyClubinSeattle.Off stage,heco-hoststhepodcastSocialStudieswithNetflixrealitystar andfellowteacher,GaspareRandazzo.Joecurrentlyresidesin Seattle,WashingtonwherehehopestorunforMayorsometime.And byMayorhemeansPTApresident.
Michael Bonner DallasKeynote
@michaelbonner_
bout Michael
MichaelBonnerisarenownedleader,innovator, andperformancebooster,whoisatrailblazerin eadershipdevelopmentandorganizational culture.Heisadynamickeynotespeakeras seenonTheEllenShow,NBCNightlyNews,and TimeforKidsandarecentrecipientofAtlanta's 40under40awards.HeistheCEOof Bonnerville,abusinessthatpromotesthevalue ofself-careandahighlyrespectedteam memberatthefamedRonClarkAcademy.
Heempowersleaderstobuildgenuinerelationshipsandestablisha positiveorganizationalculture,visionandteamdevelopment.His seminarschallengelistenerstoreflect,strategize,andexecutein ordertoincreasetheirefficiencyintheworkplaceandpersonal areas.Heempowerslistenerstobuildgenuinerelationshipswiththeir teamsandcolleaguesbecause"Youcannotdemandawithdrawal fromsomeoneyouhaveneverinvestedin."
MichaelBonner'stransformativeapproachleavesC-suiteand nonprofitleaders,educators,andadministratorsconfidentand preparedtobecomeworld-changingcitizenswhogarnersignificant impact.
TolearnmoreaboutMichaelBonner,visitmichael-bonner.comand followhimonallsocialmediaplatformsat@michaelbonner_.
MICHAEL BONNER
Jere Chang DallasKeynote
JERE CHANG
@mschanggifted
bout Jere
JereChang,anAtlantaareaclassroomteacher forover25years,isanawardwinningTikTokstar withover2millionfollowersandisadynamic andhighlyengagingspeaker.Spendingtime with“Ms.Chang,”isn’tjustviewingareelora TikToktrend.Hermotivationaltalksaboutgifted education,inclusion,andcreativethinkingare visitsinradicalkindness,inspiration,and laughter.
Changinvitesaudiencesintoherclassroom,familyvacationswithher wifeandtwoyoungsons,evenherlunchboxtolookdeeplyinto somethingfamiliarwithinnovationandcuriosity.Unlikemostsocial mediastars,Changishonest.Shedoesn’tcoverupherteachinggoofs, heragingface,orhermisunderstoodclassroomdécorbutpoints themoutwithagreatsenseofreflexivityandhumor.Hergoal:tohave audienceswalkawayfeelingrefreshed,safe,caredforandvalued. Fromthemomentshestartstotalk,it’stimetogetreal.
InvitedtwicetotheWhitehousewith30otherinfluencersonLGBTQ+ issues,Ms.Changisaninternationalspeakerwhodrawsstanding roomonlycrowds.With10yearsingiftededucationandthreeMaster’s degreesinTeachingEnglishtoSpeakersofOtherLanguages(TESOL), collegeadministration,andappliedlinguistics,shespeaksonavariety oftopicsfocusedoncreativityandinclusion.
At Elevate you get to create your own schedule. The following pages contain all of the breakout sessions available for you to choose from.
MARY AMOSON
@sharingkindergarten
MaryAmoson
MaryisanenthusiasticandpassionateKindergarten teacherfromGeorgiawith21yearsofexperience.She holdsaMaster'sDegreeinEarlyChildhoodEducation andanEducationalSpecialistDegreeinInstructional Technology.Recently,Maryearnedanendorsementin Dyslexia.Inadditiontoteachingfull-time,Maryfinds joypresentingtoeducatorsacrossthecountryfor morethan16years.Shelovessharingengagingideas, hands-onactivities,andrigorouscontentthathas workedwithherownkindergartnersthroughher website,SharingKindergarten.Maryiscommittedto instillingpassioninteachersbecauseshebelieves thatpassionistrulythesecrettoincreasinglearning andachievement.
Level Up Math: Hands-On Games That Make Learning Stick
By Mary Amoson | PreK • K • 1st
Takeyourmathinstructiontothenextlevelwithhands-ongamesthatsparkexcitementand deepenunderstanding.Inthisfast-paced,idea-packedsession,Marywillsharehigh-quality, ready-to-useactivitiesforwholegroup,smallgroup,andpartnerwork.You’llexploreleveled learninggamesperfectforremediation,skill-building,andenrichment plusgettotrythemout yourself.Walkawaywithmathideasyourstudentswillloveandlearningthattrulysticks!
Making Social Studies Meaningful Social Studies
Cross-Curricular
By Mary Amoson | K
Replenishyoursupplyoffreshideasandhands-onactivitiesformakingsocialstudiesconcepts comealiveforlittlelearners.Attendthissessiontodiscoverhowtointegratemultiplecontent areasintosocialstudieswhilekeepinglearningengagingandfun.Interactiveactivitiesand gameswillhelpyourstudentsexploresocialstudiesinmeaningfulways.Thissessionishands-on andcollaborative,soyou’llleavewithstrategiesreadytouseinyourclassroomrightaway!
Math
Powerful, Integrated Science: HandsOn Learning for Little Learners
By Mary Amoson | PreK • K • 1 • 2 st nd
Unlockthepowerofsciencebyintegratingitseamlesslyacrossallcontentareas!Inthishighly interactivesession,Marywillsharefresh,hands-onideasthatconnectsciencewithliteracy, math,socialstudies,art,andmore Discoverpowerfulchallenges,creativeprojects,and engaginggamesthatbringconceptstolifeandfosterdeepunderstanding You’llleavewith integratedactivitiesthatsparkcuriosity,inspireexploration,andmakesciencelearning unforgettableforyourlittlelearners.(Wehaveseveralhandsonelementsthatarestandards based,vocabularyrich,andstudentbased,notteacherbased.)
Sight Words in Action: Hands-On Games with Science of Reading Power
By Mary Amoson | PreK • K • 1st
Bringyoursightwordinstructiontolifewithhands-ongamesbackedbytheScienceofReading andgroundedinphonicsprinciples!Inthisengagingsession,Marywillclarifythedifference betweensightwordsandhigh-frequencywords,explainhowphonicsinstructionsupportstheir mastery,andsharewhatresearchsaysaboutteachingthemeffectively.You’llbeequippedwith kid-tested,teacher-approvedgamesthatblendphonicspracticewithwordrecognition,helping studentsbuildstrongreadingfoundations Plus,you’llleavewithadigitalmake-and-take downloadandafreshcollectionofactivitiesyoucanusetomorrowtomakewordlearningstick.
KERI BROWN @enchantedkindergarden
KeriBrown
KeriBrownisanationalpresenterandcurriculumauthor fromAlabamawithover18yearsofexperienceinearly childhoodeducation.Shehastaughtbothkindergarten andfirstgrade,supportedK-2studentsthrough intervention,andiscurrentlybackinherfavoritegrade, kindergarten.Keriispassionateaboutusingresearchbasedpractices,hands-onlearning,andmeaningfultech toolstosupportyounglearners.Shesharespractical, ready-to-usestrategiesforteachersonInstagram @enchantedkindergardenandat www.enchantedkindergarden.com.
A Week with One Text: Maximizing Instruction from a Read Aloud
By Keri Brown | Pre-K
Getmoremileagefromreadaloudsbybuildingafullfivedaylessonaroundonehighquality text.Youwillseehowtoplanaweekthatweavesinvocabulary,comprehension,writing,and discussionwitheachdaybuildingonthelast.Teacherswillwalkawaywithareusableframework theycanplugintoanyclassroomreadaloud.
From Talk to Text: Helping Young Writers Build Ideas
By Keri Brown | K • 1st
Speakingisapowerfulbridgetowriting.Thissessionwillfocusonhowintentionalorallanguage routinescansupportyounglearnersastheymovefromsharingideasoutloudtoputtingthem onpaper.Teacherswillleavewithsimplewaystostrengthenwritinginstructionbymakingtalk anessentialpartoftheprocess.
By Keri Brown
Timetomovepastdrillsandmemorization.ThissessiondigsintohowK-2studentsbuildfluency byusingstrategy,notspeed.Youwillexploreideasandstrategiesthatbuildthinking, understanding,andrecallsostudentsdevelopflexibleandconfidentnumbersense.
HOLLY EHLE @thescienceofliteracylearning
HollyEhle
Hollyisafull-timeeducatorwhohasover20yearsof experienceteachingkindergartenandservingasan earlyliteracyspecialist.Shecurrentlyhasthevery uniqueopportunityofteachingbothbeginning readersANDpre-serviceteachersinhernewposition asaProfessorofReadingScience,teachingbothin thecollegeclassroomandintheuniversity’sscience ofreadingpre-k-4thgrademodelschoolprogram. Hollyispassionateaboutstudentengagement, differentiatedinstruction,earlyliteracy,and educationalneuroscience.Sheiscurrentlywrapping upherPh.D.inReading,Language,&Literacywitha specializationinEducationalNeuroscienceandloves helpingteachersbetterunderstandexactlyhowthe brainlearnswhenbeginningtoreadandwrite. Professionally,hermissionistoteachEVERYchildtobe aproficientreaderandwriter,includingthosewith dyslexiaand/orotherlearningchallenges.Outsideof theclassroom,hermissionistohelpteachersbridge thegapbetweenresearchandpracticeinfunand engagingways.Hollyisalsodedicatedtogivingback toeducatorswhoworksohardintheclassroom,andit wasthissharedpassionthatforgedherconnection withtheKindergartenSmorgasboard/ELEVATEteam.
Beyond Phonics: Unlocking the Hidden Power of Morphology & Syntax
By Holly Ehle | Pre-K
Science of Reading
Someofthetrickiest—yetmostpowerful—partsofliteracyinstructionareoftenskipped orskimmed:morphology,syntax,andgrammar.Thissessionmakesthemdoableandfun intheprimarygrades.Groundedinthescienceofreadingandwritingresearch,we’lldig intohowyoungchildrencanlearntoworkwithmeaningfulwordparts,sentence structures,andgrammarconventionsinplayful,accessibleways.Participantswillleave withevidence-basedroutines,classroomactivities,andengagingcharacters/themes thathelpunlocktheseessentialskillswithoutoverwhelmingteachersorstudents.
Elevate Engagement: Transform Your Classroom, Transform Their Learning
By Holly Ehle | Pre-K • K • 1 • 2 st nd
Student Engagement
School Culture
Classroomtransformationsarepowerfultoolsfordesigningintentionallearning experiences.Thissessionhighlightshowimmersiveenvironmentsandinteractivelessons, groundedinthescienceoflearning,capturestudentimaginationwhileensuringmastery ofessentialstandards.Throughmulti-sensory,research-basedactivities,you’lldiscover howtoreimagine“dull”ordifficultcontentareasintoengagingexperiencesthatalignwith staterequirements.
Imagineyourclassroombecomingaconstructionsite,aspacestation,orajungle—all whilemeetingthemostchallengingstandards.Thinkspymissionsforgrammar,jungle safarisformath,orsuperherobootcampsforwriting.Eachtransformationisintentionally designedtoelevateengagement,sparkcuriosity,anddeliverrigorouslearningthrough seriousfun.You’llleavewithblueprints,templates,andinspirationtobringstandardstolife inunforgettableways.
Write On! Bringing the Writing Process to Life in Pre-K–2 Classrooms
By
Holly Ehle | Pre-K • K • 1 • 2 st nd
Writing
Everyyoungwriterdeservestofeellikeanauthor.Inthishigh-energysession,participants willexplorepracticalwaystomakethewritingprocessengagingandmanageablefor ourearliestlearners.Usingacollaborativeapproach,we’llmovethroughThink-Plan–Write–Revise–Publishwithstrategiesthatlightencognitiveloadwhilestillbuildingstrong writinghabits.Groundedinevidence-basedpracticesandfullyalignedwiththescience ofreadingandwriting,thissessionequipsteacherswithready-to-useroutines,anchor charts,andcollaborativeprojectideasthattransformwritingfroma authenticexperience.
KELLY HAYNES
@fromkindergartenwithlove
KellyHaynes
KellyHaynesisaKindergartenteacherinKentucky with21yearsexperienceinKindergarten!Shehas taughtinNC,VAandKY.ShehasBSinElementary Education,MasterDegreeinSpecialEducationandis aNationalBoardCertifiedteacher.Kellylovessharing ideas,resourcesandteachingstrategies.
Budget Friendly Ideas
By Kelly Haynes | K • 1st
Play-Based Learning
Discovercreative,budget-friendlywaystomakeyourclassroomcomealivewithoutbreakingthe bank.Thissessionhighlightssimple,affordableideasforhands-onlearningusingDollarStore itemsthatsparkengagement,inspirecuriosity,andkeepteachingfunandpractical.You’llsee howsmall,inexpensivefindscanmakeabigimpactoneverydaylearning.
Fine Motor Is a BIG Deal
By Kelly Haynes | Pre-K • K
Exploreeasy,meaningfulwaystobuildfinemotorpracticeintodailyclassroomroutines This sessionsharesapproachableideasthatsupportyounglearnersastheydevelopthestrengthand coordinationneededforwritingandothertasks.Learnhowsmalladjustmentsinroutinescan makeabigdifferenceforlittlehandsastheypracticetheseskillseachandeveryday.
Math Standards with Picture Books
By Kelly Haynes | Pre-K • K
Seehowpicturebookscanopenthedoortodeepermaththinkingandmeaningfulconnections
Thissessionintroducescreativewaystotiestoriestothosehardertocoverstandards,helping studentsvisualizeconceptsandengagewithmathinanewway.
KATIE KNIGHT
@teachertothecore_katie_knight
KatieKnight
KatieKnightteaches1stgradeandlovestoshareher hacks,hope,andideasforTODAY’Schanging classrooms!Katiewelcomesyouin,getsreal,hasyou laughing!Herengagingsessionsleaveyoufeeling energizedandequippedtotakeaction!AsaCalifornia educator,Katiehas27studentswhospeak7 languages,noprep,specialsoraides.“So,ifitworks forme,Iknowitwillworkforyou!Plus,allofKatie’s ideasandframeworksforsuccessarebasedinboth solidresearchandherclassroomcareer!Katiespeaks nationallyatconferences,andyoucanfindherat TeachertotheCoreonsocialmediaplatforms.Katie hasbeenwiththeElevateFamilyofSpeakersfromthe beginningandcan’twaittoshareherbestinsights withyouinDallasthissummer!
Beyond the Bubble Bath: The Real Deal Reset, Refresh, and Refuel your Nervous System and Motivation
By Katie Knight
Let’sbehonest,nobubblebathorcandlecanundothestressofteaching.Whatweneedare brain-basedstrategiesthatcalmthenervoussystem,restorefocus,andreigniteourspark.
Inthisplayful,practicalsession,you’lllearnsimple,science-backedtoolstoregulatestress,reset yourenergy,andrefreshyourmotivation.Wewilltalkaboutquickclassroom-friendlyresetsand after-schoolritualsthattrulyrestoreyourbody,yourwork-lifebalance,andyourhope.You’llwalk awaygrounded,energized,andreadytothrive,evenintoday’scrisis-fueledclimate andthe bestpart,youknowthissessionwillhaveideas,a everyonewalkingthroughyourclassroomdoor
Engagement: The Ultimate Game Show
Student Engagement
Classroom Management
By Greg Smedley-Warren & Katie Knight | K • 1 • 2 st nd
Inthisfast-pacedsession,engagementtakescenterstageasweexplorehowtoturn everydaylessonsintocan’t-missexperiencesforyourstudents.
Usingtheenergyofagameshow,you’lldiscoverhowresearch-backedpracticespaired withplayfulroutines,games,andsongsthatcantransformyourteachingandkeep studentscomingbackformore.
We’llspinthewheelofengagementand bythefinalround,you’llleavewithatoolkitofclassroom-readystrategiesthatboost engagement,deepenlearning,andmaketeachingfeellikewinningeveryday.
The Perfect Paragraph, Playfully!
Helping students launch from their chaotic ideas and sail through the writing process, JOYFULLY!
Play-Based Learning Writing
By Katie Knight | 1 • 2 st nd
BringtheScienceofWritingtolifeinyourclassroomwithtoolsandstrategiesthattransform reluctantwritersintoconfidentcreators!Inthissession,you’lldiscoverhowtoguidestudentswith simpleframeworks,engagingtemplates,andbrain-friendlyroutinesthatmakewritingfeel approachableandfun.
Forgettheboringlessonsofthepast thisiswritingwithwow-factor,madeeasy!Thinkicons, colors,songs,chants,andhandmotionsthathelpstudentsanchortheconventionsofwritingin waysthatstick.You’lllearnhowtosparkexcitement,boostideageneration,andwatchyour studentsbegformorewritingtime.
Andthebestpart?Theseplayfulstrategiesmakestudent-editingajoyandgradingtheirwork easierthanever Walkawaywithpracticaltools,freshideas,andtheconfidencetomake paragraphwritingthehighlightofyourstudents’day!
DallasSessions&Presenters
Manage their Mischief: UPDATED and FRESH Classroom Management Ideas that Really Work
By Katie Knight | K •
Management
Everyclassroomhasalittlemischief,butmanagingitdoesn’thavetomeanpowerstruggles, stickercharts,orconstantreminders Ourclassroomscallforfreshapproachesthatworkwithkids’ brainsandemotions,notagainstthem Whenyouworkwithkidswhoarebetween60and70 monthsold,youneedmanagementideasthatsparkinterestandinfusejoyintotheday.
Inthissession,you’lldiscoverFRESHandUPDATEDideasfromme,KatieKnight:arealfirstgrade teacherwith27students,speaking7differentlanguages,anddoingitallwithoutspecialsoran aide.Soifitworksforme,Iknowitwillworkforyou!Wearetalkingbrain-basedstrategiesfor guidingbehaviorthatgobeyondtheoldtricks.
Learnhowto:
Buildroutinesthatcreatecalmandconsistencywithinyouandthestudents. Useconnectionandcuriositytoredirectbehavior.Toughwhenyouareoutnumbered! Turnmischiefintomotivationwithpositivereinforcementthatactuallysticks. Equipstudentswithself-regulationtoolsthatempowerthemtomanagethemselves.
You’llwalkawaywithpractical,easy-to-useideasthatbringmorepeace,joy,andproductivityto yourclassroom becausemanagingmischiefisdoable.
You’vegotwhatittakes-especiallyifyouutilizethetoolsgainedbyattendingthissession!
Classroom
TODD NESLONEY @techninjatodd
oddNesloney
NesloneyistheDirectorofCultureandStrategic ershipfortheTexasElementaryPrincipalsand rvisorsAssociation(TEPSA).Hehasalsoservedas ward-winningprincipalofaPreK-5thGrade pusofover775studentsinaruraltowninTexas. asbeenrecognizedbytheWhiteHouse,JohnC ell,theCenterforDigitalEducation,National olBoardAssociation,andmoreforhisworkin ationandwithchildren.Toddhaswrittensix s,includingtherunawaysmashKidsDeserveIt hisnewestbookBuildingAuthenticity:ABlueprint eLeaderInsideYou.Heispassionateaboutdoing everittakesforourstudentsandteachersand pngotherstelltheirstory.
Culture Matters!
By Todd Nesloney | Leadership
Contributingtothecampuscultureisacollectiveeffort,witheachindividualplayingavitalrole. Todd,withextensiveexperienceasaneducator(servingasbothaninstructionalaideand classroomteacher)andasacampusprincipal,haswitnessedthetransformativepowerof empoweringstudentsandadults.Thisempowermentnotonlyshapesthecampusculturebut alsohasaprofoundimpactontheirlives.Inthissession,Toddwillshareactionablestrategiesthat youcanimplementimmediately.Thesestrategiesaredesignedtohaveapositiveimpacton everyoneinvolved,strengthenrelationships,and,mostimportantly,enhancestudentoutcomes.
Hire, Train, Retain
By Todd Nesloney | Leadership
Navigatingthecomplexitiesofhiring,training,andretainingtoptalentisakintoanartform,crucial forthevibrancyandlongevityofanyorganization.It’saboutmuchmorethanfillingpositions;it’s aboutdiscoveringindividualswhowillcontributetoandthrivewithinyourcompanyculture, equippingthemforsuccess,andensuringtheircontinuedgrowthandsatisfaction
ToddNesloney,withhisdistinctiveblendofhumorandhonesty,willdelveintothenuanced strategiesthatmakehiring,training,andretentionnotjustoperationaltasks,butfoundational elementsofathrivingorganization.
BETH PITTMAN
@flexibleinfirst
BethPittman
BethPittmanisaTransitionalKindergartenteacher fromCaliforniawholovesblendingcreativityand structuretomakelearningjoyfulandmeaningful.With 21yearsofexperienceinTransitionalKindergarten, Kindergarten,FirstGrade,andSecondGrade,she’s passionateaboutbuildingstrongrelationshipswith studentsandfamiliesandbelievesinthepowerof positiveclassroommanagement.Bethenjoyssharing practical,playfulstrategiesthathelpteacherscreate thrivingclassroomcommunities.
Calm Classrooms: Social-Emotional Learning in Everyday Moments
By Beth Pittman | Pre-K
Integratesocial-emotionallearningnaturallythroughoutyourday.Participantswilllearnpractical strategiestoteachempathy,emotionalregulation,problemsolvingskillsandresiliencethrough read-alouds,classroomroutines,anddailyinteractions,creatingasafeandsupportive environmentforallstudents.
Making Math Hands-On & Fun
By Beth Pittman | Pre-K
Bringmathtolifewithhands-onactivitiesandmanipulativesthatbuildnumbersenseand problem-solvingskillsforstudentsfromTKthrough2ndgrade.Thissessionshareseasy-toimplementgames,movement-basedactivities,androutinesthatengagelearnersateverylevel whilemakingmathexcitingandaccessible.
By Beth Pittman | Pre-K • K
JackiePowell
JackiePowellbringsover26yearsofexperienceasan earlyelementaryeducator,specializingingradesK–3. Sheearnedherbachelor’sdegreeinElementary EducationfromWesternKentuckyUniversityandboth hermaster’sandEd.S.inCurriculumandInstruction fromMiddleTennesseeStateUniversity.Jackie currentlyservesasaK–5readinginterventionistin MiddleTennessee,focusingoncreatingclassroom experiencesthatsparkcuriosity,confidence,anda loveoflearning.Adedicatedadvocateforboth studentsandteachers,Jackiehassharedher expertiseasapresenterforElevateconference,both inpersonandvirtually,forthepastthreeyears.She lovesconnectingwithfelloweducatorstoexchange ideas,celebratesuccesses,andinspiremeaningful growthinteachingandlearning. mspowellsowls44@gmail.com X&Instagram:@MsPowellsOwls
By Jackie Powell | K
Everyclassroomisfilledwithstudentswholearnindifferentwaysandatdifferentpaces.This sessionwillfocusonhowtousetieredsupporttomakesureeverystudentgetswhattheyneedto succeed.We’llbreakdownwhatTier2,andTier3supportslooklikeinanelementaryclassroom andshareeasy-to-usestrategiesyoucantakebackrightaway.
More Than Sand: Multisensory Strategies to Strengthen Your Reading Instruction
By Jackie Powell | Pre-K
We’veallusedsandtoincorporatemultisensoryintoourlessons,buttherearemorewaystodo that.MultisensoryisagreatwaytoreachALLreaders,notjusttheyoungestreaders.Inthissession, youwilllearnaboutdifferentstrategiesandmaterialstoincorporatemultisensoryintoyour readinggroups.
JACKIE POWELL @mspowellsowls
Illuminating Intervention
araRigsby&MeganDiede
ganDiedeandKaraRigsbyarenationally ognizededucationalleadersandthedynamic ebehindIntegratED.Withover30yearsof mbinedclassroomexperience,theyareknownfor nsformingtraditionalinstructionintoengaging, dent-centeredlearningexperiences.Asco-authors levatEDEducator:TurningClassroomLessonsinto agingExperiencesUsing7PathwaysofLearning, yempowerteacherstoreimaginewhat’spossible heirclassrooms.Throughinnovativecoaching, actfulprofessionaldevelopment,andpractical tegies,MeganandKarahelpeducatorsbring onstolife,boostingbothstudentgrowthand cherconfidence.Theirworkisgroundedina sionforaccessibility,engagement,and meaningfullearning,makingthemtrustedpartnersfor schoolsanddistrictsseekingsustainable,inspired change.Whetherspeakingonanationalstageor collaboratinginclassrooms,MeganandKaraare committedtoelevatingeducation,oneexperienceat atime.
The Engagement Blueprint –Designing Learning That Lasts
By Kara Rigsby & Megan Diede | Pre-K
Everfeellikeyou’recompetingwithTikTokforyourstudents’attention?You’renotalone.Between pacingguides,standards,andthatever-presentdevice,itcanfeelnearlyimpossibletokeepkids engaged,letaloneexcitedtocomebacktomorrow.Butwhatifengagementwasn’taboutflashy gimmicks,butaboutdesigninglearningthatactuallysticks?
Inthishigh-engaging,practicalsession,we’llshowyouhowtouseclassroomlearningexperiences tobridgethegapbetweenrequiredcontentandreal-lifeconnections.You’lldiscoverhowsmall shiftsinlessondesigncanleadtobigwinsinstudentengagement,sustainedfocus,andauthentic growth.Thinkless“goingthroughthemotions”andmore“wow,thatactuallymattered!”It’stimeto breakthemold,ditchtheone-size-fits-allapproach,andcreateclassroomexperiencesthatyour students(andyou)can’twaittocomebackto.
KARA RIGSBY & MEGAN DIEDE
Student Engagement
DallasSessions&Presenters
Ready,
Set,
Engage! Classroom
Experiences You Can Use Tomorrow
By Kara Rigsby & Megan Diede |
Getreadytofillyourteachingtoolboxwithclassroomexperiencesyoucanusetomorrow!Thisfastpaced,high-energysessionispackedwithlow-prep,low-cost,andhigh-impactideasthatmake instructioncomealive.Walkawaywithready-to-usestrategiesdesignedtoengageeverylearner, elevateyourlessons,andmakelearningunforgettable.InspiredbyTheElevatEDEducator,thissession provesthatgreatteachingdoesn’trequiremoretime;itjusttakespurpose.
Shift Happens: Adapting with Change, Teaching with Impact
By Kara Rigsby & Megan Diede |
Let’sfaceit,changeiscoming,whetherwe’rereadyornot Newstandards,anupdatedcurriculum, andunexpectedtwists andyet,westillneedstudentstobeengaged,learning,andgrowing In thishigh-energy,collaborativesession,we’llshowyouhowtousemultiplepathwaysoflearningto meeteverystudentwheretheyare,keepthemmoving,thinking,andcurious,andturneveryshift intoawinforlearning.
You’llleavewithpractical,ready-to-usestrategiestoclarifycontent,differentiatenaturally,and sustainengagement,nomatterwhat’sthrownatyou.Bytheend,you’llbereadytoadaptwith confidence,teachwithimpact,andhelpeverystudentthriveintoday’sdynamicclassroom.
Pre-K
DallasSessions&Presenters
LizSherman
Withover15yearsinspecialeducation,LizSherman bringsenergy,experience,andrealtalktotheworkof inclusion.She’spassionateaboutcreatingequitable learningenvironmentswhereallstudentsthriveand cultivatingculturesofacceptanceandallyship.Lizhas taughtgradesK–8acrossFlorida,Georgia,California, andMichiganinresource,self-contained,andcoteachingmodels,andhasservedasbothAssistant DirectorandDirectorofSpecialEducation,building inclusiveprogramsandsystems.Sheholdsamaster’s degreeinIntegratedCurriculumwithafocuson SpecialEducationandhelpsschoolsmovebeyond compliancetowardtruebelonging designing systemsthatworkforbothstudentsandeducators. Throughherplatform@InclusionDisco,Lizshares practicalstrategies,humor,hardtruths,and inspirationforbuildingschoolsrootedindisability acceptance,studentvoice,andcollaboration.
Choose Your Own Edventure
By Liz Sherman | Leadership
Edventureisoutthere!Embarkonanexcitingjourneytocreateaninclusiveprogramthatvalues theneedsandvoicesofyourschool.WithLizShermanasyourguide,you’llnavigatethepathto identifyingthepainpointsinyourinclusiveprogramanddiscoverhowtoadjustthemforsuccess. Alongtheway,you’llunlocktheessentialcomponentsofathrivinginclusiveprogram,learning howtoworkwithinyouruniqueconstraintstotailorsolutionsthatfityourschool’sneeds.Willyou choosetoexploreinnovativestrategiesordivedeepintocollaborationtechniques?Thechoiceis yours!Together,we’llchartacoursetowardcreatingamoreinclusiveandeffectiveeducational environment,ensuringeverystudenthasaplacetothrive.Edventuresawait areyoureadyto makeadifference?
LIZ SHERMAN @inclusiondisco
Spice Up Your Co-Teaching Life!
By Liz Sherman | K • 1 • 2 st nd
School Culture
Co-teachersoftheworld!Spiceupyourlife!Weloveagoodcollaborationbuthavetoadmit,itcan comewithitschallenges.LizShermanisreadytotakeyoufromBlandSpicetoBoldSpiceby transformingtheoneteach/oneassistmodelfromthemostpopulartothemostproductiveby improvingcollaborationtomakeyourteachingpartnershipsuccessfulandutilizingparallelor stationteachingmodelstospiceupyourco-teachinginstruction.Inthissessionyou'llgain strategiesforeffectivecollaboration,includingcommunication,planning,andproblem-solving withinateachingpartnership,learnhowtoestablishclearrolesandresponsibilitieswithina teachingteam,whileunderstandingthelimitationsoftheoneteach/oneassistmodelandhowto addressitslimitationsbytransformingitintoamoreeffectiveco-teachingapproach,and developingastronggraspofhowtoimplementparallelandstationteachinginyourclassroomsto makeyourlessonsgoplatinum.Hai!Si!Jai!Holdtight!
Wickedly Inclusive
By Liz Sherman | Pre-K
Access & Opportunity
Community & Belonging
Popular!You’regoingtobepopular!LizShermanwillequipyouwithwordsandbooks,sodisabled studentsaren’toverlooked.Everythingthatreallycounts…Afterthisspellbindingworkshopthatdefies ableism,yourmindsetwillsoartowardinclusivepractices,inspiringyourstudentstodothesame. You’lldiscoverempoweringlanguagethatfostersopendialogueandcreatesanenvironmentof trustandrespectarounddisabilities,alongwiththemagicofpicturebooksthatbringdiverse experiencestolife.Thisexplorationofbookswillhelpyouadvocateforallstudentswhiletyingitback tocontentstandards,inadditiontoimplementingcooperativestrategiesthatpromotepeer-topeersupport,embodyingtheideathat“weareledtothosewhohelpusmosttogrow,ifweletthem, andwehelptheminreturn.”Leavethissessionequippedwiththetoolsandresourc classroomwhereeverystudent,regardlessofability, championinclusivity"ForGood!"
gSmedley-Warren
Smedley-Warren,affectionatelyknownas“Mr. Greg, anexperienced,currentkindergarteneducatorand thecreativemindbehindTheKindergarten Smorgasboard.Withanimpressive19-yearteaching journey,Greg’sexpertisespansvariousgradelevels, includingabriefstintinfifthgradeandtwoyearsin secondgrade.However,itwasareluctanttransitionto kindergartenthatunveiledhistruepassionandcalling.
Neverwantingtoteachkindergarteners,Greg’sjourney tookaturnwhenhediscoveredaninstantconnectionon theveryfirstdayofkindergarten.Fromthatmomenton,he knewkindergartenwashiscalling.Beyondtheclassroom, Gregisafamilyman,cherishingmomentswithhisloved onesinNashville,Tennessee.AlongsidehishusbandJason, fondlyreferredtoas“TheMister,”Gregshareshishome withtheirdaughter,Adelynn,andtheirdog,Dolly.
Recognizedasthe2014TeacheroftheYear,Greg’s influenceextendsfarbeyondhisclassroomwalls,asan internationalspeaker,presenter,andco-founderofthe ELEVATE!conferenceforteachers.Apassionatecurriculum developer,Greg’sdedicationtoeducationalexcellence shinesthroughinallhisendeavors,drivenbyhis unwaveringcommitmenttoempoweringbothstudents andfelloweducatorsalike.
Small Groups, Big Impact (and Zero Stress!)
By Greg Smedley-Warren
Tiredoffeelinglikesmallgroups=bigchaos?Mr.Gregisheretohelpyousimplify,streamline,and actuallyenjoyyoursmallgrouptime!Inthissession, you’llseehowtoconnectyourwhole-group lessonstoyoursmallgroupssoplanningiseasierandmoreintentional.You’llgetreal-life classroomexamples,organizationhacks,andresearch-basedideasthatmakesmallgroupsrun smootherthanever.Lessstress,moresuccess andsomefun!
The Engagement Experiment: Where Learning Gets Loud!
By Greg Smedley-Warren | Pre-K
Readytoreignitethemagicinyourclassroom?JoinMr.Gregforafast,fun,andhands-onsession packedwithsimple,classroom-provenideasthatmakestudentswanttolearn!Sensoryplay, and literacylessons, tomathgames,food, andartprojects,you’llleavewithatoolboxfulloffresh, engaging andSIMPLEactivities.It’sallaboutbiglearning,biglaughs,andbigenergy because engagementshouldn’tbecomplicated,itshouldbecontagious!
The Reading Block Glow-Up!
By Greg Smedley-Warren | Pre-K
Let’smakeyourreadingblockthebestpartoftheday!JoinMr.Gregfora practicalandlaughterfilledsessionallaboutbuildingreadingroutinesthatactuallywork.You’llseehowtohitallfive componentsofliteracy phonics,phonemicawareness,comprehension,fluency,andwriting withoutlosingyourmind(oryourpreptime!).Thesescience-of-reading-alignedroutinesare simple,effective,andfullofclassroom-testedideasthatkeepstudentsengagedandlearning. Walkawaywithready-to-usestrategiesandfuninspiration!
By Greg Smedley-Warren |
Turnyourclassroomintoanexcitingmadsciencelabwiththisengagingsciencesession!Discover thenumerousbenefitsofincorporatinghands-onscienceactivitiesintoyourteaching.Explore simpleyetcaptivatingscienceexperimentsthatwillsparkcuriosityandexcitementinyourclass.so thatyoucanunleashthescientistwithineachofyourstudents!
Unleash The Scientist Within
Engagement: The Ultimate Game Show
By Greg Smedley-Warren & Katie Knight |
Inthisfast-pacedsession,engagementtakescenterstageasweexplorehowtoturn everydaylessonsintocan’t-missexperiencesforyourstudents.
Usingtheenergyofagameshow,you’lldiscoverhowresearch-backedpracticespaired withplayfulroutines,games,andsongsthatcantransformyourteachingandkeep studentscomingbackformore.
We’llspinthewheelofengagementandbythefinalround,you’llleavewithatoolkitof classroom-readystrategiesthatboostengagement,deepenlearning,andmake teachingfeellikewinningeveryday.
Junk Genius: Upcycling Finds For Engaging Little Learners
By Greg Smedley-Warren & LeAnna Wolkis
Getreadytoseetrashinawholenewlight!JoinGregandLeAnnaastheysharetheirpassionfor transformingdiscardeditemsintoclassroomtreasuresFrombulktrashtothriftstorebargains,you’ll learnhowtospotpotentialinthemostunexpectedplacesandturnordinary“junk”into extraordinarylearningtools,decor,andstudentengagementpieces.
Oursessionispackedwith:
*RealLifeExamplesofupcycledclassroomcreationsthatsparkcuriosity.
*PracticalTipsforsourcing,sanitizing,andsafelyrepurposingfinds.
*BudgetFriendlyHacksthatsavemoneywhileboostingcreativity.
*SustainableStrategiestoteachstudentsaboutreusingandreducingwaste
*InspirationalIdeastostartyourowntreasurehunts.
LEANNAWOLKISGOLDSTEIN @wolkiswonderland
LeAnnaWolkisGoldstein
LeAnnaWolkisGoldsteinisanenergeticand passionateKindergartenTeacherfromArizonawith over28yearsofteachingexperience.Sheearnedher Bachelor’sdegreefromArizonaStateUniversity,a Master’sDegreefromNAU,anEarlyChildhood Endorsementandachievedtherigorousadvanced credentialsofNationalBoardCertification.While teachinginheraward-winningclassroom,"The WolkisWonderland,”shedesignsminihands-on centerbasedstationsthatarebroughttolifewith novelrealia.
AsaNationallyRecognizedPresenter,LeAnna empowerseducatorstocreatecooperativelearning environmentsutilizingmusic,movement& manipulativesthatfoster100%studentengagement. Watchhowshepromotesexplorationand encouragesherClassroomFamilytodeveloptheir imaginationbyfollowingalonginsideLeAnna’s magicalexperienceson:
Instagram:@wolkiswonderland
Twitter:@WolkisWonders
TikTok:@wolkiswonderland
Brains in Motion: Movement Strategies that Stick
By LeAnna Wolkis Goldstein | Pre-K
Play-Based Learning Student Engagement
Whenyounglearnersmove,theirbrainslightupandlearninglastslonger.Inthishigh-energy session,discoverhowtoweavepurposefulmovementintoliteracy,math,andclassroomroutines sostudentsstayengaged,focused,andreadytolearn.You’llwalkawaywithfresh,practical strategies,fromkinestheticgamestobrain-boostingroutinesthattransformwigglybodiesinto powerfullearningtools.Getreadytoexperiencethejoyofmovingmindsandbodiestogetherwith activitiesyoucanusetheverynextdayinyourclassroom.
DallasSessions&Presenters
The Creative Classroom Playbook
By LeAnna Wolkis Goldstein | Pre-K
EveryteacherneedsafewsecretshortcutsuptheirsleeveandLeAnnaisheretosharehers.This fast-pacedsessiondeliverssmartteacherhacksandsimpleorganizingideasthatsimplifyroutines, maximizelearningtime,andkeepstudentsengagedwithlittletonoprep.Fromcleversupply solutionstocreativeclassroomsystems,you’llleavewithatoolkitoftried-and-trueteachertricks designedtomakeyourdayseasier,smoother,andawholelotmorefun!
Junk Genius: Upcycling Finds For Engaging Little Learners
By Greg Smedley-Warren & LeAnna Wolkis Goldstein |
Getreadytoseetrashinawholenewlight!JoinGregandLeAnnaastheysharetheirpassionfor transformingdiscardeditemsintoclassroomtreasures.Frombulktrashtothriftstorebargains,you’ll learnhowtospotpotentialinthemostunexpectedplacesandturnordinary“junk”into extraordinarylearningtools,decor,andstudentengagementpieces.
Oursessionispackedwith:
*RealLifeExamplesofupcycledclassroomcreationsthatsparkcuriosity.
*PracticalTipsforsourcing,sanitizing,andsafelyrepurposingfinds.
*BudgetFriendlyHacksthatsavemoneywhileboostingcreativity
*SustainableStrategiestoteachstudentsaboutreusingandreducingwaste
*InspirationalIdeastostartyourowntreasurehunts
TRON YOUNG @tron2teach4u
Dr.TronYoung
Dr.TronYoungisaninspiringandaccomplishededucator withanimpressivecareerspanningtwodecades.Hehas developedawealthofexperienceinvariouseducational roles,includingmiddleschoolteacher,elementaryprincipal, middleschoolprincipal,andassistantsuperintendentof educationalservices.
Hisleadershipanddedicationwererecognizedwhenhe wasnamedthe2020IllinoisMiddleSchoolPrincipalofthe Year,followedbybeinghonoredastheIllinoisNASSP NationalDistinguishedPrincipaloftheYear.Throughouthis career,Dr.Younghasreceivednumerousaccolades, showcasinghiscommitmenttoexcellenceineducation.He wasawardedtheIllinoisEducationAssociationBob Haisman"TeacheroftheYear,"the100BlackMenUnited EducatoroftheYear,andhewasselectedasafinalistfor theprestigious2023GoldenAppleAwardsforExcellencein Leadership.
Dr.Youngfirmlybelievesinthenecessityofbeingthe "thermostat"andtheimportanceofsteppingoutside conventionalboundariestoachieveextraordinaryresults. Heencourageseducatorsandstudentsaliketopursue creativesolutionsthatleadtomeaningfulchange.Witha steadfastcommitmenttogrowthandcollaboration,he invitesotherstojoinhimonajourneyofconnection, development,andsharedsuccessinshapingabrighter futureforalllearners.
Be the Thermostat, Not the Thermometer Leadership
By Dr. Tron Young | Leadership
Itiscrucialtobeintentionalandpurposefulinsettingthecultureofyourschoolorclassroom.We havetobetheThermostatandnotthethermometer.Thereisaclearanddistinctdifference.The thermometerreadswhatisgoingon,howthestudentsinteract,whattheparentssay,andhowthe building/classroomflowsTheThermostattransformswhatisgoingon,setsexpectations,continues adjustingforstudentinteractions,informsparentsofwhatisgoingon,andinitiatesactionstosetthe cultureofthebuildingorclassroom.
Askyourself,areyoutheTHERMOSTATortheTHERMOMETER?Ifyouarereadytobethethermostat,Dr. YoungwillinspireyouwithstoriesandactionstepstohelpyouBETHETHERMOSTATinyour classroomsandschool.
DR.
Be the Thermostat, Not the Thermometer: Leading with Intentional Culture
By Dr. Tron Young | Leadership
LeadershipsetstheclimateInthishigh-energy,story-drivensession,DrTronYoungchallenges participantstomovefromreactingtointentionallycreatingtheenvironmentstheyleadWhether guidingacampus,early-learningcenter,orclassroomteam,leaderswillexplorebroad competencies—vision,communication,relationships,andculture—thatdefineeffectiveleadership ateverylevel.Throughengagingreflectionandpracticalstrategies,attendeeswilllearnhowto“set thethermostat”forpositivity,purpose,andperformance.Designedforassistantprincipals, principals,instructionalcoaches,Pre-Kdirectors,andchildcareleaders,thisworkshopwillinspireyou toleadwithclarity,courage,andconsistency—soeverychildandadultinyourorganizationfeelsthe differenceyourleadershipmakes.
Set the Stage to Engage: Igniting Early Learners Through Thermostat Teaching
By Dr. Tron Young | Pre-K
Earlylearnersthrivewhenclassroomsarejoyful,connected,andfullofmovement.Inthis high-energysession,Dr.TronYoung—award-winningprincipalandauthorofBethe Thermostat—showshowto“setthestage”forengagementbycreatingenvironments wherecuriosity,collaboration,andcreativityflourish.
Throughhands-onstrategieslikethe“ThermostatTicketChallenge,”movement-based learning,andemotion-centeredSELroutines,participantswillexperienceactivitiesthat transformcomplianceintogenuineengagement.
Whetheryou’reaPreK–2teacher,instructionalcoach,oradministrator,you’llwalkaway withpracticaltoolstokeepstudentsactivelylearningemotionallyin connected allwhilekeepingyourclassroo
RESEARCHCITATIONS
All ELEVATE conference sessions are based on research. It is one of our requirements to be a speaker for ELEVATE.
Below are some of the sources from research that our speakers are using within their classrooms for best instructional practices, and to build their Professional Development sessions for ELEVATE!
Science of Reading & English Language Arts
Aukerman,M.,&ChambersSchuldt,L.(2021).Whatmattersmost?Towardarobustandsociallyjustscienceof reading.ReadingResearchQuarterly,56,S85-S103.
Duke,N K,&Cartwright,K B (2021) Thescienceofreadingprogresses:Communicatingadvancesbeyondthe simpleviewofreading ReadingResearchQuarterly,56,S25-S44
Ehri,L.C.(2020).Thescienceoflearningtoreadwords:Acaseforsystematicphonicsinstruction.Readingresearch quarterly,55,S45-S60.
Kuo,N C (2023) Instructingstudentswithdyslexiathroughstructuredliteracy InternationalJournalofEducation, TechnologyandScience,3(1),110-124.
Pangari-Schneller,R.(2024).Let’s/r//ē//d:UsingDecodableTextswithBeginningReaders.EssaysinEducation,30(2), 10
Shanahan,T.(2020).Thescienceofreading.TheReadingTeacher,74(2),119-125.
Shanahan,T.(2020).Whatconstitutesascienceofreadinginstruction?.ReadingResearchQuarterly,55,S235-S247.
Snowling,M J,Hulme,C,&Nation,K (Eds) (2022) Thescienceofreading:Ahandbook JohnWiley&Sons
Math
Bay-Williams,J M,&SanGiovanni,J J (2021) Figuringoutfluencyinmathematicsteachingandlearning,gradesK8:Movingbeyondbasicfactsandmemorization Corwin
Diller,D.(2023).Mathworkstations:Independentlearningyoucancounton,k-2.Routledge.
Li,X (2021) InvestigatingUSpreschoolteachers’mathteachingknowledgeincountingandnumbers Early EducationandDevelopment,32(4),589-607.
Gilligan‐Lee,K.A.,Hawes,Z.C.,Williams,A.Y.,Farran,E.K.,&Mix,K.S.(2023).Hands‐On:Investigatingtheroleofphysical manipulativesinspatialtraining ChildDevelopment,94(5),1205-1221
Gottfried,M.,Fletcher,T.,&Comstock,M.(2023).TeachingMathematicsinKindergarten:HowDoesInstructionDiffer byClassroomAbility?.TeachersCollegeRecord,125(10),102-130.
Pellegrini,M,Lake,C,Neitzel,A,&Slavin,R E (2021) Effectiveprogramsinelementarymathematics:Ameta-analysis AeraOpen,7,2332858420986211
Suwetha,M.R.,Anitha,M.A.,&Malciya,M.S.(2025).PROMOTINGMATHEMATICALFLUENCY:AREVIEWOFSTRATEGIESFOR DEVELOPINGSTRONGFOUNDATIONS.ContemporaryTechniquesinMathEducation.
RESEARCHCITATIONS
Writing
CokerJr,D L,Farley-Ripple,E,Jackson,A F,Wen,H,MacArthur,C A,&Jennings,A S (2016) Writinginstructioninfirst grade:Anobservationalstudy.ReadingandWriting,29(5),793-832.
Guo,Y.,Puranik,C.,Xie,Y.,Dinnesen,M.S.,&Breit,A.(2023).Anobservationalstudyofwritinginstructionandpracticein kindergartenclassrooms LiteracyResearchandInstruction,62(2),180-202
Kirby,M.S.,Spencer,T.D.,&Chen,Y.J.I.(2021).Oralnarrativeinstructionimproveskindergartenwriting.Reading& WritingQuarterly,37(6),574-591.
Levy,C M,&Ransdell,S (2013) Thescienceofwriting:Theories,methods,individualdifferencesandapplications Routledge
Petersen,D.B.,Staskowski,M.,Spencer,T.D.,Foster,M.E.,&Brough,M.P.(2022).Theeffectsofamultitieredsystemof languagesupportonkindergartenoralandwrittenlanguage:Alarge-scalerandomizedcontrolledtrial Language, Speech,andHearingServicesinSchools,53(1),44-68
Science
Akerson,V L,&Bartels,S L (2023) Elementaryscienceteaching:Towardthegoalofscientificliteracy InHandbookof researchonscienceeducation(pp 528-558) Routledge
Davis,E.A.,&Smithey,J.(2009).Beginningteachersmovingtowardeffectiveelementaryscienceteaching.Science Education,93(4),745-770
Ligado,F.N.,Guray,N.D.,&Bautista,R.G.(2022).Pedagogicalbeliefs,techniques,andpracticestowardshands-on science.AmericanJournalofEducationalResearch,10(10),584-591.
Mulholland,J,&Wallace,J (2001) Teacherinductionandelementaryscienceteaching:Enhancingself-efficacy Teachingandteachereducation,17(2),243-261
Social Studies
Grant,S G,VanSledright,B A,&Halvorsen,A L (2025) Elementarysocialstudies:Constructingapowerfulapproach toteachingandlearning.Routledge.
Mindes,G.,&Newman,M.(2021).Socialstudiesforyoungchildren:Preschoolandprimarycurriculumanchor. BloomsburyPublishingUSA
Savage,T.V.,&Armstrong,D.G.(1996).EffectiveTeachinginElementarySocialStudies.Prentice-Hall,Inc.,ASimon& SchusterCompany,EnglewoodCliffs,NJ07632.
RESEARCHCITATIONS
The Arts
Ferreri,L.,&Verga,L.(2016).Benefitsofmusiconverballearningandmemory:Howandwhendoesitwork?.Music Perception:AnInterdisciplinaryJournal,34(2),167-182
Jackson,N.(2009).Thelittlebookofmusicfortheclassroom:usingmusictoimprovememory,motivation,learning andcreativity.CrownHousePublishing.
Muñoz,M E M,&Valencia,M (2010) TeachingEnglishvocabularytothirdgradersthroughtheapplicationofthetotal physicalresponsemethod(Doctoraldissertation,UniversidadTecnológicadePereira FacultaddeBellasArtesy Humanidades.LicenciaturaenEnseñanzadelaLenguaInglesa).
Sariyati,I.(2013).TheeffectivenessofTPR(TotalPhysicalResponse)methodinEnglishvocabularymasteryof elementaryschoolchildren PAROLE:JournalofLinguisticsandEducation,3(1April),50-64
Play-Based Learning
Bubikova-Moan,J,NæssHjetland,H,&Wollscheid,S (2019) ECEteachers’viewsonplay-basedlearning:A systematicreview Europeanearlychildhoodeducationresearchjournal,27(6),776-800
Danniels,E.,&Pyle,A.(2023).Teacherperspectivesandapproachestowardpromotinginclusioninplay-based learningforchildrenwithdevelopmentaldisabilities.JournalofEarlyChildhoodResearch,21(3),288-302.
Fesseha,E,&Pyle,A (2016) Conceptualisingplay-basedlearningfromkindergartenteachers’perspectives InternationalJournalofEarlyYearsEducation,24(3),361-377.
Keung,C.,&Cheung,A.(2023).Afamily-school-communitypartnershipsupportingplay-basedlearning:Asocial capitalperspective TeachingandTeacherEducation,135,104314
Ndlovu,B.,Okeke,C.,Nhase,Z.,Ugwuanyi,C.,Okeke,C.,&Ede,M.(2023).Impactofplay-basedlearningonthe developmentofchildreninmobileearlychildhoodcareandeducationcentres:Practitioners'perspectives. InternationalJournalofResearchinBusiness&SocialScience,12(3).
Pang,E,&Simoncelli-Bulak,L (2017) Benefitsofplay-basedlearninginthekindergartenclassroom SuccessinHighNeedSchoolsJournal,13(1),23.
Taylor,M.E.,&Boyer,W.(2020).Play-basedlearning:Evidence-basedresearchtoimprovechildren’slearning experiencesinthekindergartenclassroom EarlyChildhoodEducationJournal,48(2),127-133
Tekman,T.K.,&Yeniasır,M.(2023).TheimpactofPlay-BasedLearningSettingsonreading,writing,listening,and speakingskills.Sustainability,15(12),9419.
RESEARCHCITATIONS
Cross-Curricular
Kelly,L.,&Stead,D.(2013).EnhancingPrimaryScience:DevelopingEffectiveCross-CurricularLinks:Developing EffectiveCross–CurricularLinks McGraw-HillEducation(UK)
Kerry,T.(2011).Cross-curricularteachingintheprimaryschool.Abingdon:Routledge.
Olavarria,N (2023) MultisensoryLearningStrategies:TeacherPreparedness Lakewood,NewJersey:Academic ExcellenceCelebration
Schlesinger,N.W.,&Gray,S.(2017).Theimpactofmultisensoryinstructiononlearningletternamesandsounds,word reading,andspelling.Annalsofdyslexia,67(3),219-258.
Social Emotional Learning
Gimbert,B G,Miller,D,Herman,E,Breedlove,M,&Molina,C E (2023) Socialemotionallearninginschools:The importanceofeducatorcompetence.JournalofResearchonLeadershipEducation,18(1),3-39.
Greenberg,M.T.(2023).Evidenceforsocialandemotionallearninginschools.LearningPolicyInstitute.
Mondi,C F,Giovanelli,A,&Reynolds,A J (2021) Fosteringsocio-emotionallearningthroughearlychildhood intervention.InternationalJournalofChildCareandEducationPolicy,15(1),1-43.
Raimundo,R.,Marques‐Pinto,A.,&Lima,M.L.(2013).THEEFFECTSOFASOCIAL–EMOTIONALLEARNINGPROGRAMON ELEMENTARYSCHOOLCHILDREN:THEROLEOFPUPILS’CHARACTERISTICS PsychologyintheSchools,50(2),165-180
Schonert-Reichl,K.A.(2017).Socialandemotionallearningandteachers.Thefutureofchildren,137-155.
Fine Motor
Bahri,N F,Ramawisari,I,&Putri,S A (2023) Designconceptanalysisofeducationaltoystostimulateearlychildhood finemotordevelopment.Gelar:JurnalSeniBudaya,21(1),57-70.
Bondi,D.,Robazza,C.,Lange‐Küttner,C.,&Pietrangelo,T.(2022).Finemotorskillsandmotorcontrolnetworkingin developmentalage AmericanJournalofHumanBiology,34(8),e23758
Huffman,J.M.,&Fortenberry,C.(2011).Developingfinemotorskills.YoungChildren,66(5),100-103.
Riyadi,S.,Darwis,M.,Muhammadiah,M.U.,&Cahyono,D.(2023).AnalysisoftheRelationshipbetweenFineMotorSkills andMontageActivitiesinEarlyChildhood JournalofChildhoodDevelopment,3(1),56-63
Syafril,S.,Susanti,R.,Fiah,R.E.,Rahayu,T.,Pahrudin,A.,Yaumas,N.E.,&Ishak,N.M.(2018).Fourwaysoffinemotorskills developmentinearlychildhood.ResearchGate,1-15.
RESEARCHCITATIONS
Data-Driven Instruction
Keuning,T.,VanGeel,M.,&Visscher,A.(2017).Whyadata–baseddecision–makinginterventionworksinsome schoolsandnotinothers.LearningDisabilitiesResearch&Practice,32(1),32-45.
Means,B,Padilla,C,DeBarger,A,&Bakia,M (2009) Implementingdata-informeddecisionmakinginschools: Teacheraccess,supportsanduse USDepartmentofEducation
VanGeel,M.,Keuning,T.,Visscher,A.J.,&Fox,J.P.(2016).Assessingtheeffectsofaschool-widedata-baseddecisionmakinginterventiononstudentachievementgrowthinprimaryschools.AmericanEducationalResearchJournal, 53(2),360-394
Classroom Management
Canter,L.(2010).Assertivediscipline:Positivebehaviormanagementfortoday'sclassroom.SolutionTreePress.
Eisenman,G.,Edwards,S.,&Cushman,C.A.(2015).Bringingrealitytoclassroommanagementinteachereducation. ProfessionalEducator,39(1),n1
Evertson,C.M.,Emmer,E.T.,Sanford,J.P.,&Clements,B.S.(1983).Improvingclassroommanagement:Anexperiment inelementaryschoolclassrooms.TheElementarySchoolJournal,84(2),173-188.
Marzano,R J,&Marzano,J S (2003) Classroommanagementthatworks:Research-basedstrategiesforevery teacher Ascd
Stichter,J.P.,Lewis,T.J.,Whittaker,T.A.,Richter,M.,Johnson,N.W.,&Trussell,R.P.(2009).Assessingteacheruseof opportunitiestorespondandeffectiveclassroommanagementstrategies:Comparisonsamonghigh-andlow-risk elementaryschools JournalofPositiveBehaviorInterventions,11(2),68-81
School Culture
Hargreaves,D H (1995) Schoolculture,schooleffectivenessandschoolimprovement Schooleffectivenessand schoolimprovement,6(1),23-46
Lucas,L.(2023).Practicingpresence:Simpleself-carestrategiesforteachers.Routledge.
McMakin,D,Ballin,A,&Fullerton,D (2023) Secondarytrauma,burnout,andteacherself‐careduringCOVID19:A mixed‐methodscasestudy PsychologyintheSchools,60(5),1442-1458
Wagner,C.R.(2006).Theschoolleader’stoolforassessingandimprovingschoolculture.PrincipalLeadership,7(4), 41-44.
RESEARCHCITATIONS
Student Engagement
AlHussaini,M.H.,Kousar,S.,Kousar,N.,Batool,U.,&Munawar,N.(2024).ExploringEffectiveStrategiesforStudent EngagementandLearningOutcomesinElementaryEducation.InternationalJournalofLearningReformationin ElementaryEducation,3(02),90-101.
Carter,C P,Reschly,A L,Lovelace,M D,Appleton,J J,&Thompson,D (2012) Measuringstudentengagement amongelementarystudents:PilotoftheStudentEngagementInstrument ElementaryVersion.SchoolPsychology Quarterly,27(2),61.
Martins,J,Cunha,J,Lopes,S,Moreira,T,&Rosário,P (2022) Schoolengagementinelementaryschool:Asystematic reviewof35yearsofresearch Educationalpsychologyreview,34(2),793-849
O'Hayer,L.(2022).PerspectivesofKindergartenthroughSecondGradeTeachersRegardingMethodstoPromote StudentEngagementinLearning(Doctoraldissertation,WaldenUniversity)
School Leadership
Chatzipanagiotou,P.,&Katsarou,E.(2023).Crisismanagement,schoolleadershipindisruptivetimesandthe recoveryofschoolsinthepostCOVID-19era:Asystematicliteraturereview.EducationSciences,13(2),118.
Karakose,T (2024) WillArtificialIntelligence(AI)maketheschoolprincipalredundant?Apreliminarydiscussionand futureprospects.EducationalProcess:InternationalJournal(EDUPIJ),13(2),7-14.
Karakose,T.,&Tülübas,T.(2024).SchoolLeadershipandManagementintheAgeofArtificialIntelligence(AI):Recent DevelopmentsandFutureProspects EducationalProcess:InternationalJournal,13(1),7-14
Martins,J.,Cunha,J.,Lopes,S.,Moreira,T.,&Rosário,P.(2022).Schoolengagementinelementaryschool:Asystematic reviewof35yearsofresearch.Educationalpsychologyreview,34(2),793-849.
Spillane,J P,&Healey,K (2010) Conceptualizingschoolleadershipandmanagementfromadistributed perspective:Anexplorationofsomestudyoperationsandmeasures Theelementaryschooljournal,111(2),253-281
Vukasovic,T.(2013).Buildingsuccessfulbrandbyusingsocialnetworkingmedia.JournalofMediaand CommunicationStudies,5(6),56.
RESEARCHCITATIONS
Access & Opportunity
Boutte,G S (2012) Urbanschools:Challengesandpossibilitiesforearlychildhoodandelementaryeducation Urban Education,47(2),515-550.
Levinson,M,Geron,T,&Brighouse,H (2022) Conceptionsofeducationalequity AeraOpen,8,23328584221121344
Lindner,K T,Schwab,S,Emara,M,&Avramidis,E (2023) Doteachersfavortheinclusionofallstudents?Asystematic reviewofprimaryschoolteachers’attitudestowardsinclusiveeducation.EuropeanJournalofSpecialNeeds Education,38(6),766-787.
Love,H R,&Beneke,M R (2021) Pursuingjustice-driveninclusiveeducationresearch:Disabilitycriticalracetheory (DisCrit)inearlychildhood.TopicsinEarlyChildhoodSpecialEducation,41(1),31-44.
Nachbauer,M.(2024).Howschoolsaffectequityineducation:Teachingfactorsandextendeddayprograms associatedwithaverageachievementandsocioeconomicachievementgaps StudiesinEducationalEvaluation,82, 101367
Winter,E.,&O’Raw,P.(2010).Literaturereviewoftheprinciplesandpracticesrelatingtoinclusiveeducationfor childrenwithspecialeducationalneeds.NationalCouncilforSpecialEducation.Trim,NorthernIreland.
Community & Belonging
Allen,K.A.,&Boyle,C.(2022).Schoolbelongingandstudentengagement:Thecriticaloverlaps,similarities,and implicationsforstudentoutcomes.InHandbookofresearchonstudentengagement(pp.133-154).Cham:Springer InternationalPublishing.
Darling-Hammond,S (2023) FosteringBelonging,TransformingSchools:TheImpactofRestorativePractices LearningPolicyInstitute.
Graham,S.,Kogachi,K.,&Morales-Chicas,J.(2022).DoIfitin:Race/ethnicityandfeelingsofbelonginginschool. EducationalPsychologyReview,34(4),2015-2042
Palikara,O.,Castro-Kemp,S.,Gaona,C.,&Eirinaki,V.(2021).Themediatingroleofschoolbelongingintherelationship betweensocioemotionalwell-beingandlonelinessinprimaryschoolagechildren.AustralianJournalofPsychology, 73(1),24-34.
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