ELEVATE! LAS VEGAS 2026 - Conference Brochure by Elevate Your Classroom

Who We Are

At Elevate, we bring together innovative Pre-K through 2 grade educators to nurture every child’s potential through research-informed 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 at Elevate Las Vegas

Science of Reading

Writing

Science

Social Studies Artificial Intelligence

CrossCurricular

Play-Based Learning Social Emotional Learning

Classroom Management

School Leadership

School Culture

Access & Opportunity Student Engagement

Community & Belonging

FEA ING

The St. Jude Trike-A-Thon is a fun way to teach young preschoolers how to make a difference for St. Jude kids with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Materials are provided for a week of exciting educational activities, teaching the importance of empathy and riding toy safety.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® is more than a medical institution — it’s a place of hope, discovery and unwavering support. By advancing research, providing top-tier care and ensuring that children continue learning and growing, St. Jude is making a lasting difference in the lives of families everywhere.

Let’s ride for St. Jude!

ore at rg/trike

WE ACCEPT PURCHASE ORDERS!

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The Cosmopolitan

WEDNESDAY,JULY8TH WEDNESDAY, JULY 8TH

2pm-3:30pm Pre-Conference:ABCBootcamp

4pm-6pm Registration 6pm-7:15pm OpeningKeynote

THURSDAY,JULY9TH THURSDAY, JULY 9TH

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

4:30pm-6:00pm Party

FRIDAY,JULY10TH FRIDAY, JULY 10TH

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 educatorswhofollowElevateYourClassroom andco-founderMr.GregSmedley-Warren. Learnfromaward-winningandnationally recognizedclassroomeducatorsand educationalleaderswhoremainpractitioners inschoolsacrossthecountry. Participateinconferencesessionsfoundedin researchandcreatedwiththeteacherinmind.

Enjoykeynotesandinspirationfromnationally renownededucators

Specificadministratorsessionssoschooland districtleaderscansupporttheworkyouare doing.

Networkandstayconnectedwithfellow primaryeducatorsandleadersasyou experienceaworld-classconferencethatwill provideimmediatetakeawaysforyour classroom.

Certificate for 12 Contact Hours of Professional Development

Over two days of lively andenrichingsessions across content areas An

Swag bags that include an assortment of school supplies and freebies from our sponsors

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!

LasVegasKeynote

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.

LasVegasKeynote

About Ron

RonClark’soutstandingsuccesswithstudents fromlow-wealthareasofNorthCarolinaand NewYorkCityledhimtobenamedDisney’s AmericanTeacheroftheYear.HeisaNewYork TimesBestSellingauthor,andhisclasseshave beenhonoredattheWhiteHouseonthree separateoccasions.Ron’steachingexperiences inNewYorkCityarethesubjectoftheuplifting film,TheRonClarkStory,starringMatthewPerry.

Currently,Mr.ClarkservesasateacherandadministratorattheRon ClarkAcademy,anawardwinningandinternationallyacclaimed middleschoolinAtlanta,GA.Theschoolservesasatrainingsitefor educators,andeachyearthousandsofteachersandadministrators fromaroundtheworldvisittheschooltobetrainedintheirmethods forhelpingallstudentsachievesuccess.

Hines | Keynote

owerfulandreflectivedelivery atorstolookbeyondbehavior, nstotrulyseeeverychild. ey,frombeingtheboywhowas omingGeorgia’sfirstBlackPre-K articipants/Teacherswillbe tion,compassion,andbelief entiretrajectory.Thissession eflect,buildempathy,and epotentialandpossibilitiesin ntotheirclassroom.

About Johnathon

JohnathonHinesisaPre-KeducatorandfatherfromAtlanta,Georgia.He attendedAlbanyStateUniversityonafullathleticscholarshipin basketball.AftergraduatingwithhisBachelorofArtsdegreeinHealth andPhysicalEducation,hewentontoplayprofessionallyinSouth America(Peru).Whenhereturned,hedecidedtogointothefieldof educationbecausehewaspassionateaboutmentoringandworking withchildren.

AfterearninghisMaster’sDegreeinElementaryEducationfromGrand CanyonUniversity,hebeganhiscareerteachingpre-kindergarten students.Mr.Hinesunderstandsthatafirstimpressionisalasting impressionforchildren,soheprovidesanexcitinglearningexperiencefor hisstudentseachday.Additionally,heunderstandsthatinour communitythereisashortageofexposuretopositiveBlackmalesand wantstoshowchildrenthatAfricanAmericanmencanbeheroesinan every-dayrole,liketeaching.

In2020,Mr.HinesmadehistoryasthefirstBlackmaletobenamedthe PublicSchoolPre-KTeacheroftheYearfortheentireStateofGeorgia.In hissparetime,Mr.Hinesenjoysspendingtimewithhisdaughter, watchingbasketballandspendingqualitytimewithfriendsandfamily.

JOHNATHON HINES

@mrjohnathonhines

LasVegasKeynote

About Taylor

Spearheadingsocialmedia,TaylorCassidyis acontentcreatoronTikTok,Instagram,and YouTubeteachingmillionsofunsungBlack historyfiguresaccompaniedbyherquickwit andstrongpassion.SeeninherseriesFast BlackHistoryandBlackGirlMagicMinute,she usesherplatformtoadvocateforinclusion, representation,andloveforone’sculture.

Bycreatinganopenenvironmentfordiscussionaroundselfesteem,andmentalhealth,she’searnedaStreamyCreatorHonor fromLizaKoshyandlistedasTikTok’s2020Top100under"Voices ofChange:MostImpactfulCreators."Generouswithsharingher storyonBlackidentityandfindinghercreativevoice,sheis passionateaboutencouragingotherstodreambiggerfor themselves.

LasVegasSessions&Presenters

At Elevate you get to create your own schedule. The following pages contain all of the breakout sessions available for you to choose from.

STACY ALVAREZ & KATIE BARNES

@teachertrickstimestwo

StacyAlvarez&KatieBarnes

KatieandStacyareKindergartenteacherswithover15 yearsofexperiencespecializinginlowerelementary education.Asco-creatorsofTeacherTricksTimesTwo, theysharesimple,low-prepideasthatmakelearning hands-on,engaging,andfun.Theirpassionishelping teachersbuildclassroomswherestudentsareactive learners,problemsolvers,andcollaborators.Katieand Stacylovefindingcreativewaystomaketeaching easierwithoutsacrificingthejoyoflearning.Theycan oftenbefoundplayingnewgameswiththeirstudents, designingpurposefullearningcenters,andsharing practicalclassroomideaswitheducatorseverywhere.

Hands-On, Minds-On: Creating Sensory-Rich Learning Experiences

By Stacy Alvarez & Katie Barnes |

Access & Opportunity

Unlockthepowerofsensory-richlearningtoengageeverystudentinmeaningful, memorableways!Inthishands-onsession,you’llexplorepracticalstrategiesthat incorporatetouch,movement,sound,andvisualstoreachkinesthetic,auditory,and sensorylearners.Discoverhowtoturneverydaymaterialsintopowerfullearningtoolsthat boostfocus,retention,andparticipation.You’llleavewithatoolkitofeasy,low-prep activitiesthatsupportdiverselearningstylesacrosssubjects.Getreadytomove,explore, andrethinkwhatengagementlookslikeinyourclassroom!

Implementing Low Prep, High Engagement Activities Into Your Classroom Student Engagement

By Stacy Alvarez & Katie Barnes | Pre-K

Cross-Curricular

Lookingforwaystobooststudentengagementwithoutspendinghoursprepping?This sessionwillintroducelow-prep,high-engagementactivitiesthatareeasytoimplement acrossgradelevelsandcontentareas.You'llwalkawaywithready-to-useideasthatspark curiosity,encouragecollaboration,andgetstudentsactivelyinvolvedintheirlearning.We’ll exploresimplestrategiesthatmaximizeparticipationwhileminimizingyourplanningtime. Bereadytomove,trythingsout,andleavewithtoolsyoucanusetomorrow!

LasVegasSessions&Presenters

By Stacy Alvarez & Katie Barnes | Pre-K

Transformyourmathcenterswithlow-prep,high-engagementactivitiesthatmake learninghands-onandfun!Thissessionfocusesonusingmathmanipulativesand sensory-richmaterialstodeepenunderstandingandkeepstudentsactivelyinvolved. Discovercreative,easy-to-set-upcenterideasthatbuildnumbersense,problemsolving,andmathfluency.You'llexplorewaystouseeverydayitemstocreatetactile, meaningfulmathexperiencesforalllearners.Walkawaywithready-to-useideasthat excitedaboutmath!

SHANNON CUNNINGHAM

@primaryshannonigans

ShannonCunningham

ShannonCunninghamisanaward-winningliteracy educatorinNorthTexas.Overhereducationcareer, ShannonhasspenttimeinclassroomsinArizona, Nebraska,andthegreatstateofTexas.Shannonhasher MastersinEducationinCurriculumandInstructionwithan emphasisinEducationTechnology.Shannoniscertifiedto eachpreschool-6thgradeandEnglishasaSecond Language.Withapassionforteachingbothstudentsand eachers,Shannon’sgoalisforallclassroomstobea placewherestudentscangrowandthriveacademically andemotionally.YouwillfindthatShannon'ssessionsare packedwithresearchandstrategiestohelpyouteach withjoyandconfidence!

Your First Steps Into Classroom AI

By Shannon Cunningham | Pre-K

ThissessionisdesignedforteacherswhoarecuriousaboutAIbutdon’tknowwhereto begin orforthosewhohavealreadytrieditbutstillfeelalittlelost.We’llbreakdownthe basicsinplainlanguage,explorebeginner-friendlytools,andprovidesimplewaysto startusingAIinyourteachingpractice.You’llgaintheclarity,confidence,andresources youneedtobeginyourAIjourney.Nopriorexperiencerequired.

Lead with Literacy: Coaching Your Campus to Reading Success

By Shannon Cunningham | Leadership

Behindstrongliteracyinstructionisintentionalplanning,leadership,andcoaching.This sessionequipsinstructionalcoaches,administrators,andteacherleaderswithpractical strategiesforguidingteachersandbuildingaschool-widecultureofliteracysuccess. FromstructuringimpactfulPLCstosupportinglessondesignandmodelingeffective practices,you’lllearnhowtocoachwithclarity,confidence,andcompassion.Walkaway withconcretetoolsandframeworksthatempoweryoutoleadyourcampustoward strongerreaders,writers,andthinkers. Leadership

Tiny Citizens in a Big World Social Studies

By Shannon Cunningham | Pre-K

JoinShannonasyouexplorewaystomakesocialstudiesmeaningfulthroughcuriosity, connection,andhands-onfun.Inthissessionyouwilldiscoverplayfulandpracticalways tohelpstudentsexplorepeople,places,andcultures.From“traveling”theglobeto engaginginprojectsthathelpthembetterunderstandtheirowncommunity,you’llleave inspiredwithideastomakesocialstudiescomealive!

LasVegasSessions&Presenters

By Jake Daggett

eDaggett

hionativewhobeganhisteachingcareer e,WIin2015.Havingspecializedinliteracy Jakebuiltafollowingonsocialmediafor gandrhythmicphonicslessonsand asedstructuredliteracypractices,even onTheKellyClarksonShowinJanuary ghouthiscareer,JakehastaughtPreK,1st, dgradesandnowservesasaLiteracy aschoolinMilwaukee,WI.Inhisrole,Jake eamofkindergartenthroughfifthgrade theirimplementationofthescienceof g addition,Jakeco-teachesanonline ScienceofReadingCourseforElevateYourClassroom. Inhissparetime,Jakepresentsnationallyfor conferencessuchasIllinoisASCDandPlainTalkvisits schooldistrictsalloverthecountrytomodellessons andworkwithteachersandleaders.Heisthrilledtobe returningforyear4ofElevate!

Hasyouradministratorbeenreferencingthescienceoflearninglately?Aretermslike retrievalpractice,interleaving,orcumulativereviewpoppingup?Thescienceoflearning hastakentheworldofeducationbystormwithmoreandmoreinformationonhowto engage,secureattention,andplanappropriatelyformaximumimpact.JoinJakeashe unpacksdirectinstructionasnotjustlecturing,butazoom-inonhowexplicitinstruction trulyincorporatesclassroomenvironment,purposefulplanning,andfinally,RIGOR. Science of

LasVegasSessions&Presenters

By Jake Daggett | K • 1 • 2 st nd

EnglishLanguageLearnersarevalued,contributingmembersofourclassroom community.Howdowemakesuretheyarecelebrated,affirmed,butalsosupportedintier 1instruction?HowmightIaddtomytoolboxinordertomaketier1inclusiveofmyELL/ESL students?Talkaboutallthisandmoreinaninteractive,practice-basedsessionwhere JakewillmodelexplicitstrategiestohelpyourEnglishLanguagelearningstudents.

Speech to Print with Pre-K and Kindergarten Learners

By Jake Daggett | Pre-K • K

Science of Reading

AreyoulivinginPre-Kland?Doyouhave5year-oldkindergartenstudentsthatdidnot attendPre-K?Lately,weseemoreandmorestudentsneedingsupportwithnotonly executivefunctioningskills,butalsoorallanguagedevelopmentandprintawareness. JoinJakeasheunpackslatestresearchandpracticefordevelopingastrongfoundation inPreKandK,movingfromphonologicalawarenesstosimultaneousletter/sound exploration.

amDovico

ovicoisanaccomplishedteacher,curriculum or,principal,professor,speaker,andauthor.For twodecades,hehastaughtstudentsofall oughhisengagingandrigorousteachingstyle. alsoprovidedprofessionaldevelopmentfor rsfromaroundtheworldthroughhiskeynotes, ps,andbooks.YoucanoftenfindAdam gonatableorchairdressedinoneofhis eoutrageousandamusingsuits.Hehasbeen edbyorganizationssuchastheJapan tMemorialFund,LearningforJustice,andthe Falconsforhisleadershipandteaching,andhe estoworkforgreaterequityinschoolsthrough acistandculturallyresponsivepedagogy.You nmoreaboutAdam'steachingandleadership tadamdovico.com,onsocialmedia dovico,orinhisbooks:InsidetheTrenches,The School,andWhenKidsLead.

By Adam Dovico | Leadership

Everyschoolhasastory—butifyoudon’ttellit,someoneelsewill.Inthisinteractive workshop,you’lllearnhowtodefineyourschool’sbrandwithclarityandconfidence,so thatfamilies,staff,andthecommunityseeyourschoolthewayyouintend.Walkaway withpracticalstrategies,real-worldexample d d t f andsharingthestoryyourschooldeserves.

Leadership

LasVegasSessions&Presenters

StephanieHiggs

ephanieHiggs,@littlemissgiftedonInstagram,isan ward-winning,Nashville-livinggiftededucatorand fferentiationcoach.Stephanieisaquickthinking, asttalking,passionatekeynotespeaker,author,and ternationalpresenter.Stephanieisknownforoffering sessionswithimmediate,easilyimplemented, researchandevidence-based,FUNtakeaways. Stephanie’syour#1hypegirl,heretoloveandserve. You’llleavehersessionenergized,equipped,and empoweredforaneducationalglowup!

By Stephanie Higgs | Pre-K

GetReadytoCultivateaThrivingClassroom!

Access & Opportunity

Community & Belonging

JoinusforanexhilaratingjourneyofprofessionalgrowthwithStephanieHiggs,lovingly knownasLittleMissGifted!

Inthisdynamicsession,Stephaniewillunveiltheextraordinarystrengthsofneurodivergent learners,helpingyoutotransformthenarrativeofthe"average"studentintoagardenof endlesspossibilities.Asagiftededucatoranddifferentiationcoach,she’llsharethrilling andcreativestrategiestoplanttheseedsofinclusivityandwatchyourclassroombloom withsupportandvibrancyfromdayone.

Don’tmissthischancetounleashthepotentialofeverystudentandturnyourclassroom intoaflourishinghavenofbrilliance.Betheeducatorwhoinspireseverybuddingmindto blossomintotheirbestselves!

LasVegasSessions&Presenters

One Happy Camper: Self-Care Survival Skills for Teachers

By Stephanie Higgs | Pre-K

School Culture

CallingAllHappyCampers!PackyourbagsandjoinLittleMissGifted,StephanieHiggs,forafunfilled,action-packedsessionthatwillsetthetoneforyourbestyearyet!Justlikeasummercamp adventure,remember:whenyoufeelbetter,youteachbetter!

Teacherself-careisyoursecretweaponforstayingcheerfulandeffectivewhilenavigatingthe wildernessofeducation.Stephaniewillshareatreasuretroveofself-carestrategiestohelpyou establishhealthyboundaries,bothinyourcampcabin(classroom)andathome,ensuringasolid work-lifebalanceasyousetoffintothenewschoolyear.Thissessionislikeacampfiregathering filledwithlaughterandlearning,allowingyoutoprioritizeyourownwellbeingsoyoucankeep spreadingkindnessandsupporttoallyourstudents!

You’llexplorehowtotackledifficultconversations,understandthedifferencebetweenfeedback andfeedsmack,setexcitinggoalsforyourpersonalandprofessionaladventures,andmuch more!

ThinkofthisasyourrejuvenatingretreatatCampElevate!You’llleavefeelingrefreshed,reflective, andreadytoconquertheschoolyear,ensuringit’sthehappiestoneyetforyouANDyourlearners! Gatheraroundthecampfireandlet’smakethisyearunforgettable!

Sprinkling Creativity Like Confetti: Turning Pages into Possibilities

By Stephanie Higgs | Pre-K

Embracethespiritofcreativity,oneofthefourCsofSTEM,andsprinkleitlikeconfetti!Join StephanieHiggs,@littlemissgifted,foranexcitingjourneywhereimaginationknowsnobounds, andeverypicturebookpageturnedopensanewdoortoinspiration!Let’scelebratecreativity together!

Inthisdynamicsession,Stephanieinvitesteacherstoexplorethemagicofbelovedpicturebooks filledwithrich,colorfulimagesthatignitestudentcreativity!You’lllearnlessonplanningskillsto turnpagesintoendlesspossibilities,discoveringinnovativethinkingmodelsrootedinresearchbasedandevidence-basedcreativeandcriticalthinkingskills FromRogerEberle’sSCAMPERto deBono’sSixThinkingHats,thisaction-packedsessionwillleaveyouwishingawaysummerso youcangetbacktoyourclassroomandimplementthesestrategieswithyourstudentsright away!Yournewcreativityteachingtoolbeltwillsupportyourlearnersastheybecomecriticaland creativethinkersandadeptproblem-solversinyourSTEMclassroomandbeyond!

LasVegasSessions&Presenters

JohnathonHines

aPre-Keducatorandfatherfrom eattendedAlbanyStateUniversity holarshipinbasketball.After sBachelorofArtsdegreeinHealth ation,hewentontoplay outhAmerica(Peru).Whenhe edtogointothefieldofeducation assionateaboutmentoringand en.

aster’sDegreeinElementary andCanyonUniversity,hebeganhis careerteachingpre-kindergartenstudents.Mr.Hines understandsthatafirstimpressionisalasting impressionforchildren,soheprovidesanexciting learningexperienceforhisstudentseachday. Additionally,heunderstandsthatinourcommunity thereisashortageofexposuretopositiveBlackmales andwantstoshowchildrenthatAfricanAmerican mencanbeheroesinanevery-dayrole,liketeaching.

In2020,Mr.HinesmadehistoryasthefirstBlackmale tobenamedthePublicSchoolPre-KTeacherofthe YearfortheentireStateofGeorgia.Inhissparetime, Mr.Hinesenjoysspendingtimewithhisdaughter, watchingbasketballandspendingqualitytimewith friendsandfamily.

By Johnathon Hines

Getreadytomove,engage,andlearninthishigh-energysessionthatbringsjoybackinto teaching!Introducingmyinteractiveclassroomapproach,Freeze!Thiscombines movement,music,andmindsettohelpteacherstransformtheirclassroomsintospaces ofexcitementandbelongingwhilefeaturinganinteractivecall-and-responseactivity designedtoillustrateeffectivestrategiesforrecognizingandnurturingeachstudent’s uniquepotential.Participantswillwalkawaywithstrategiestosparkstudentparticipation, encouragefocusthroughfun,andkeeplearningalivewithcreativityandrhythm.

Classroom Management

JOHNATHON HINES

KIMBERLY JORDANO @kinderbykim

Withover35yearsofpassionateteaching,Kimberly Jordanolightsupherkindergartenclassroominthe LosAlamitosSchoolDistrictinCalifornia.Amaster teacheranddedicatedlanguageartsmentor, Kimberlyholdsamaster’sdegreeinEnglishasa SecondLanguage(ESL),bringingdeepexpertiseto everylesson.Beyondherfull-timerole,she'savibrant nationalpresenterandcreativecontentcreator, inspiringthousandsdailythroughherInstagramand Facebookpage,Kinderbykim.Kimberly’smissionisto infuseeverykindergartenexperiencewithJOYwhile makinglearningmeaningful,standards-driven,and wonderfullychild-centered.

Storytime STEM: Ignite Creativity with Favorite Children's Books!

By Kimberly Jordano | PreK

StorytimeSTEM:IgniteCreativitywithFavoriteChildren'sBooks!

Areyoureadytosparkcuriosityandcreativityinyouryounglearnersthroughhands-onSTEM adventures?JoinKimJordanoforanexcitingsessionwherebelovedstoriesandfairytales becomethelaunchpadforinspiringSTEMprojects!

DiscoverhowfavoriteslikeChickaChickaBoomBoom,TeninaSled,BiggestBestSnowman,Mrs WishyWashy,BearSnoresOn,andmany,manymorecanigniteimaginationandfuelexploration Kimwillshareatreasuretroveoffun,content-richactivitiesthataresimpletoimplementand guaranteedtoengageyouraspiringscientistsandengineers. Getreadytowatchstoriescomealiveasyourstudentsinvestigate,create,andexplorethe wondersofSTEM—turningstorytimeintoagatewayfordiscovery!

KimberlyJordano STEAM

By Kimberly Jordano | K • 1st

JoinKimforanexcitingjourneyintoliteracywithherpresentation,UnlockingLiteracy:Engaging CVCandHeartWordAdventures!Thisideapackedworkshopwilldiveintotheessentialbuilding blocksofreading,focusingonCVCwords,sightwords,andheartwords.

Creativeliteracycenterideaswillbeincludedtoprovidechildrenwithmeaningfulopportunitiesto practiceandapplythenewskillsthey’velearned.Throughavarietyofengaging,child-centered, andhands-onliteracyactivities,teacherswillgainpracticaltoolstoinspirealoveofreadingin theirclassrooms.

Participantswillexploreeffectivestrategiesforsystematicallysegmentingandblendingwords, makingdecodingfunandaccessibleforyounglearners.Toreinforcephonicsskillsandbuild fluency,Kimwillalsosharesimplesongsandplayfulpoemsthatmakelearningtoreadbothjoyful andmemorable.

Together,let’shelpourstudentsbecomeconfidentreadersandwriterswhilemakinglearningto readamagicaladventure!

Writers in the Making: Creative Ideas for Little Hands!

By Kimberly Jordano | PreK • K • 1st

TeachingwritingtoKindergartenersdoesn’thavetofeelhard!JoinKimberlyforafunandengaging sessionthatwill "sparknewideasforteachingwriting!"

•Easy,FunStrategies:Learnsimple,kid-approvedwaystomakewritingenjoyableandsuccessfulfor yourlittlelearners.Kimberlywillsharefunactivitiesthatgetkidsexcitedaboutwriting!

•HelpfulTips:Findouteasytipsforlabeling,guidedwriting,andcreatingwritingcentersthatinspire curiosityandteamwork.Watchyourclassroomcomealivewithwritingenergy!

•CreativeWritingIdeas:TryoutplayfulwaystoteachOpinionWriting,Storytelling,and“HowTo” writingSeehowtohelpyourkinderstelltheirownstorieswithbrightpicturesandclearlabels!

•ActiveEngagement:Helpyourkinderssharetheirthoughtsconfidentlythroughdrawing,labeling, andwritingtogetherEnjoywatchingtheirstoriescometolifeastheybuildstrongwritingskillswhile havingfun!

•ClassroomExamples:KimberlywillsharerealexamplesofhowwritinglooksinherKindergarten classroom,givingyouideasyoucanuserightaway.

Don’tmissthischancetocreateawriting-friendlyclassroomwhereyourlittlewriterscangrowand shine!

JennyLaRocque

ennyLaRocqueisadedicatedkindergartenteacher herfifteenthyearofteachingandaproudmotherof wo.Sheispassionateaboutfosteringinclusionand presentationinearlychildhoodeducationthrough verseliteratureandculturallyresponsiveteaching ractices.Jennyisthefounderofthesocialmedia movement#AllAreWelcomeInMyClassroom,which romotesequity,belonging,andacceptancein assroomsworldwide.

Asanationalspeaker,Jennyhaspresentedontopics includingculturallyresponsiveteaching,earlyliteracy, andinclusivecurriculumdesign.Hermissionisto ensurethateverychildfeelsloved,seen,andvalued withintheirlearningenvironment.

YoucanconnectwithheronInstagram @heyjennylarocqueorTikTok@a kinder worldfor ideasandinspirationthatcelebratethejoyof teachingandlearning.

“It is All about the BASE”: How to Make Teaching Morphology Engaging and Accessible in Primary Grades

By Jenny LaRocque

Inthissession,educatorswillexploreengagingstrategiestoteachmorphologylessonsin theirprimaryclassroom.Wewilldiscusswaystointroducewordparts prefixes,suffixes, andbases throughinteractiveactivities,games,andmultisensorylearningtechniques thatcapturestudents'interestanddeepentheirunderstanding.Participantswillleave withready-to-useideasandresourcesthatmakemorphologylessonsfunandengaging helpingstudentsbecomeconfidentworddetectiveswhocanunlockthemeaningofnew wordswithease.

JENNY LAROCQUE @heyjennylarocque

By Jenny LaRocque | Pre-K • K • 1st

Inthissession,educatorswillexplorepracticaltechniquestomakewordproblemsmore engagingforalllearners.Wewilldiscusswaystoincorporatereal-worldconnections, visual d t d t t d h th tpromotedeeperunderstandingand prob hready-to-usestrategiesthatfostera posit achwordproblemswithcuriosityand conf

yMoore

reaffectionatelyknownas“PrincipalMo,” ngeducator,visionaryschoolleader, tifiedPrincipalMentorwithover18years nningteaching,specialeducation,and 2024MAESPConnectedSchoolLeader he’scelebratedforherbold,innovative ershipandhercommitmentto tic,community-drivenschools.

AsPrincipalofathrivingelementary/middleschool,Ashley haschampionedtransformativeprogramsinAccelerated LearningandArtsIntegration,redefiningwhat’spossiblein publiceducation.Beyondtheschoolhouse,sheco-hosts theeducatortalkshowRulestoEngagement,whereshe empowersleaderstoharnessAI,creativity,and authenticitytoreimaginethefutureofeducation.

People Over Paperwork: Using AI to Elevate School Leadership

By Ashley Moore | Leadership

Thisinteractiveworkshopwillprovideschoolleaderswithhands-onexperienceusingAI toolssuchasChatGPTandGoogleGeminitoaddressreal-worldadministrativechallenges. Participantswillengageinprompt-basedproblem-solvingforcommonleadership"pain points,"learninghowAIcanautomatetasks,enhancedecision-making,andimprovestaff andstudentengagement.

LasVegasSessions&Presenters

Beyond the Bake Sale: Redefining Family Engagement

By Ashley Moore | Leadership

School Culture

Familyengagementisn’tanadd-on.It'saleadershipstrategythatdrivesstudentsuccess, schoolculture,andcommunitytrust.Inthissession,schoolleadersandaspiringleaders willlearnhowtomovebeyondtraditionaleventsandbuildauthentic,sustainable partnershipswithfamilies.

Throughpracticalframeworks,real-worldexamples,andleadershipstrategies, participantswillexplorehowto:

Shiftfrom“familyinvolvement”totrue“familypartnership.” Designsystemsthatmakeengagementpartoftheschool’sDNA. Navigatechallengeslikelowturnout,competingpriorities,andcommunicationbarriers. Leveragefamilyvoicetostrengthenschoolculture,academicachievement,andtrust.

Leaderswillleavewithactionabletoolstoreimagineengagementasnotanothertask,but asapowerfuldriverofstudentandschoolsuccess.

The Leadership Hack: Start Where You Are

By Ashley Moore | Leadership

Leadershipisn’treservedfortitles.Itstartswithinfluence,initiative,andthecouragetotake actionfromwhereveryousit.Inthisempoweringsession,participantswilldiscoverhowto cultivateandexerciseleadershipskillsinanyrole.Whetherintheclassroomoronateam. Together,we’llunpackpracticalstrategiesandmindsetsthatallowyoutostepinto leadershipopportunitiesnow,whilepreparingyoufortherolesyouaspiretointhefuture.

Participantswillwalkawaywithtoolsto:

Identifytheiruniqueleadershipstrengthsandopportunities. Influencecultureandoutcomeswithoutneedingaformalposition. Buildcredibilityandtrustthrougheverydayactions. Embraceagrowthmindsettoprepareforfutureleadershiproles.

Nomatteryourcurrentseat,thissessionwillhelpyourecognizeyourcapacitytoleadtoday whilebuildingtheconfidenceandskillsfortomorrow.

LasVegasSessions&Presenters

CRYSTAL OSWALD @thebalancedteacher

CrystalOswald

CrystalOswaldisareadingspecialistinthesuburbs ofChicago,wheresheworksdirectlywithstudentsto buildstrongliteracyskillsandaloveforreading. Beforesteppingintothisrole,shespentsixyearsas aninstructionalcoachwithafocusonSocial EmotionalLearningandliteracy,andfourteenyears asanelementaryschoolteacher(grades1–5). Crystalispassionateabouthelpingstudentsgrow asconfident,capablereadersandsupporting meaningful,engaginglearningexperiences.Outside ofschool,sheenjoysspendingtimewithher daughter,Sadie,aswellasreading,golfing,tackling homeimprovementprojects,andbeingwithfamily andfriends.

By Crystal Oswald | Pre-K

Whatifunderstandingemotionalregulationwasthesecrettounlockingeverystudent's success?Inthissession,participantswillexplorethefoundationalconnectionbetween emotionalregulationandthefiveSELcompetencies:self-awareness,self-management, socialawareness,relationshipskills,andresponsibledecision-making.Throughhands-on activities,real-lifescenarios,andactionablestrategies,we’llexplorehowemotional regulationhelpsstudentsmanagetheiremotionswhilefosteringtheirsocialand emotionaldevelopment.Attendeeswillleavewithadeeperunderstandingofhowto integrateemotionalregulationpracticesintotheirclassrooms,empoweringstudentsto navigatechallengesandthrivebothacademicallyandpersonally.

LasVegasSessions&Presenters

PENDLETON @thedancerteacher

AlexiaPendleton

letonisaKindergartenteacherinAtlantic ereshewasnamedteacheroftheyearfor 021schoolyear.Sheisawife,mother,hip grapher,andfitnessinstructor.Knownas erteacheronsocialmedia,sheloves geducatorswithherhighenergysessions. oencourage,motivate,andupliftstudents, ndadministratorsforabsoluteexcellence ineducation!

By Alexia Pendleton | Pre-K

Studentsbringintersectingidentitiesintotheclassroom,andtraumaoftenintersectswithrace, culture,language,andability.Thissessionunpackshowtraumashowsupdifferentlyacross communities,andhowinclusive,culturallyresponsivepracticescanhelpstudentsthrive. Educatorswillleavewithstrategiestoaffirmidentity,buildresilience,andcreatespacesofsafety andbelonging.

Boost Engagement with Music & Movement

By Alexia Pendleton

LearningstickswhenstudentsfeelitintheirbodiesandhearitintherhythmThishigh-energy sessionexploreshowtointegratemusicandmovementintodailyinstructiontosparkjoy,deepen focus,andincreaseparticipation.Fromcontent-basedchantstodance-infusedfluencyroutines, you’lldiscoversimple,powerfulstrategiesthattransformlessonsintoexperiences.Getreadytoclap, move,andgrooveyourwaytostrongerengagementandlastinglearning.

Breath, Beat, Belonging: Rhythmic Regulation for Every Classroom

By Alexia Pendleton | Pre-K

Belonging

Breathingpatterns,rhythmicclapping,andcall-and-responsechantsaren’tjustfun,they’re nervoussystemresets.Inthissession,learnhowrhythmandbreathworkactivatethevagusnerve, reducestress,andbuildcommunity.Leavewithjoyfulroutinesthatblendscienceandcultureto bringregulationandbelonging.

ALEXIA

RebekahPoe

RebekahPoeisanaward-winningspecialeducation teacherandanationalteachingconferencepresenter withoveradecadeofexperienceinthespecial educationfield.Asaneducator,Rebekah’spassionis providingteacherswiththetrainingandtools necessarytoofferequitableeducationandestablish connectionstostudentsofallabilitylevelsinan inclusivesetting.Whenshe'snotintheclassroom,she canbefoundattheclosestcoffeeshopwithapiping hotlatteandagoodbookandspendingtimewithher husbandAndrewanddaughterParker.

By Rebekah Poe | Pre-K

Access & Opportunity

Intoday’sdiverseclassrooms,teachersareexpectedtomeettheneedsofalllearners.But whathappenswhenstudentshavesignificantdevelopmentaldelays?Thissessionequips educatorswithpractical,evidence-basedstrategiestocreateinclusiveenvironments whereyounglearnerswithdevelopmentaldelayscanthrive.Participantswillexplorehow IDEAprotectsandsupportsthesestudentsandhowdifferentiation,whendone intentionally,canremovebarrierstoaccessandengagement.

Fromsmallgroupinstructionandcenterrotationstomultisensorylearningandleveled assessments,attendeeswilllearnhowtoadaptcontent,process,product,and environmentfordevelopmentalsuccess.Thissessionalsohighlightsthepowerof UniversalDesignforLearning(UDL),howitdiffersfromprovidingaccommodations, collaborativeIEPplanning,andclassroomstructuresthatpromotesafety,routine,and social-emotionalgrowth.Teacherswillleaveempoweredtoimplementchangesthat promotebelongingandacademicprogressforeverystudent.

REBEKAH POE

Making It Stick: Using Multisensory Instruction to Increase Student Outcomes

By Rebekah Poe | Pre-K

Thissessionempowerselementaryteacherstoenhancelearningbytransforminglessons intomultisensoryexperiencesthatcaptivateyounglearnersandimproveretention. Multisensorylearningengagesmultiplesenses—sight,sound,touch,andmovement—to deepenunderstandingandpromotelong-termretention.Teacherswillexploresimple, effectivewaystointegratemultisensoryapproachesintobothELAandmathinstruction, maximizingengagementandsupportingvariedlevelsofneed.

Specificstrategiescoveredwillincludetactileandvisualaids,kinestheticactivities,and auditorytoolsthatenhancefoundationalliteracyandmathskills.InELA,teacherswilllearn howtousetexturedlettersforphonics,storymappingwithpropsforcomprehension,and skywritingforsightwords.Inmath,participantswillexplorewaystoincorporate manipulatives,rhythm,andmovement,suchascountingwithbeads,buildingnumberswith blocks,andincorporatingsongsformemorization.Participantswillleavewithatoolkitof multisensoryactivitiestouseimmediately,creatingamoreengagingandinclusivelearning environmentforallstudents.

Proactive Behavior Management for All Students

By Rebekah Poe | Pre-K

Creatingacalm,supportiveclassroomenvironmentforstudentsrequiresproactive behaviormanagementstrategiesthatreducetheneedforreactiveresponses.Thissession willequipteacherswithtoolstopreventdisruptivebehaviorsbyaddressingtheirrootcauses, settingclearexpectations,andfosteringpositivestudent-teacherrelationships.Emphasizing strategiessuchaspositivereinforcement,behaviormapping,andrestorativepractices,the sessionfocusesonbuildinganenvironmentthatsupportsstudents’behaviorgoalsand promotesapositive,engagedlearningexperienceforall.

Throughscenario-basedlearning,role-playing,andreflectiveexercises,participantswill explorehowtoimplementproactiveapproachestailoredtotheirclassroomneeds. Educatorswillleavewithpracticalskillsforbuildingasupportive,structuredclassroomthat reducesbehaviorincidents,maintainspositiveinteractions,andencourageson-task behaviors.

LasVegasSessions&Presenters

WHITNEY RAMIREZ @learningwithcrayons

WhitneyRamirez

WhitneyRamirezisafirstgradeteacherinsunnySan Diego,CA.Nowinherthirteenthyearofteaching, she’staughtfivedifferentgradelevels,workedin diverseschoolsettings,andlearnedfromeverykind ofteachingpersonalityimaginable.Alifelonglearner, WhitneyholdstwoMaster’sdegreesandrecently completedtheOrton-GillinghamIMSEpracticum.

Whenshe’snotintheclassroom,you’llfindher playingwithherbabyboyReece,snugglinghermini goldendoodleGus,readingatthebeach,orenjoying abeerandpizzaatalocalbrewery.Shelovesagood happyhour,boardgameswithherhusband,andthe occasionalNetflixorBravobinge.

(Oh,andfunfact:sheoncemadeittothethird auditionroundofAmericanIdol! ��)

By Whitney Ramirez | Pre-K

Melody&Magicwillshowyouhowtotransformeverydaylessonsintounforgettable experiencesthroughthepowerofmusic.Inthisinteractivesession,you’lllearnsimpleways toweavesongs,rhythms,andchantsintoyourteachingtobooststudentengagement, memory,andjoy.You’llevenhavethechancetocreateyourownclassroom-readysongs andchants,makingthempersonaltoyourteachingstyleandstudents.Discoverreadyto-useideasfortransitions,contentreview,andclassroommanagement—nomusical talentrequired!Walkawaywithatoolkitoftunesthatwillhaveyourstudentshumming, moving,andlearninglongafterthebellrings.

LasVegasSessions&Presenters

Total Physical Response Made Easy

By Whitney Ramirez | Pre-K

Getreadytofillyourteachingtoolboxwithclassroomexperiencesyoucanusetomorrow! Thisfast-paced,high-energysessionispackedwithlow-prep,low-cost,andhigh-impact ideasthatmakeinstructioncomealive.Walkawaywithready-to-usestrategiesdesignedto engageeverylearner,elevateyourlessons,andmakelearningunforgettable.InspiredbyThe ElevatEDEducator,thissessionprovesthatgreatteachingdoesn’trequiremoretime;itjust takespurpose.

A Writing Piece in a Week

Teachingwritingintheprimarygrades canfeeloverwhelming,andattimescanbe daunting.Butthewritingprocessdoesnothavetobescary!Inthissession,youwillgettips forhowtorunyourwritingblockinawaythatyouandyourstudentsareabletocomplete awritingpieceinaweek!Youwillalsolearnstrategiesonhowtomanagewriting conferenceswithyourstudents.Youwillleavethissessionfeelingconfidentandreadyto writewithyourclass!

By Whitney Ramirez | K • 1 • 2 st nd

SMEDLEY-WARREN

GregSmedley-Warren

MeetGregSmedley-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 | PreK

Tiredoffeelinglikesmallgroups=bigchaos?Mr.Gregisheretohelpyousimplify, streamline,andactuallyenjoyyoursmallgrouptime!Inthissession, you’llseehowto connectyourwhole-grouplessonstoyoursmallgroupssoplanningiseasierandmore intentional.You’llgetreal-lifeclassroomexamples,organizationhacks,andresearchbasedideasthatmakesmallgroupsrunsmootherthanever.Lessstress,moresuccess andsomefun!

LasVegasSessions&Presenters

The Engagement Experiment: Where Learning Gets Loud!

By Greg Smedley-Warren | PreK

Readytoreignitethemagicinyourclassroom?JoinMr.Gregforafast,fun,andhands-on sessionpackedwithsimple,classroom-provenideasthatmakestudentswanttolearn! Sensoryplay, andliteracylessons, tomathgames,food, andartprojects,you’llleavewitha toolboxfulloffresh,engaging andSIMPLEactivities.It’sallaboutbiglearning,biglaughs,and bigenergy becauseengagementshouldn’tbecomplicated,itshouldbecontagious!

Stop Drop And Phonics

By Greg Smedley-Warren | PreK

Science of Reading

Getreadytoplay,laugh,andlearnasMr.Gregbringsthescienceofreadingtolife Smorgie-style!Thishands-on,high-energysessionispackedwitheasy,research-based phonicsgamesandactivitiesyoucanuserightaway.Seehowsimplematerials canbuild strongfoundationalskillswhilekeepingyourstudentsengagedandexcited.Walkawaywith practicalideas,classroom-testedstrategies,andarenewedloveforphonicsthat’sanything butboring!

HilaryStatum

HilaryStatumisaTeacherandLiteracyConsultantin MiddleTennesseewithover18yearsofexperience.She hasexperienceteachingpre-k,kindergarten, transitional-first,second,fourth,andfifthgrade!She hasalsoworkedasamultilingualteacherandmiddle schoolliteracyconsultant.Sheisthepublishedauthor oftwobooks,SolarSystemforKidsandKindergarten ActivityBook:UnicornsandthefacebehindPencilsto Pigtails,apopularblogforparentsandteachers.She holdsaMaster’sDegreeinInstructionalLeadershipand enjoyscoordinatingandteachingherschooldistrict’s freeparentEnglishclass.Herfavoritedaysarespent withhertwoyounggirlsandbabyboy,husband, parents,siblings,andtherestofherverylargeextended family.YoucanconnectwithHilaryonallsocialmedia platformsusingthehandle@pencilstopigtails.

By Hilary Statum

Discover10engaging,low-prepgamesthatsupportmultilinguallearnerswhileboosting learningandparticipationforallstudents.Inthisupbeat,countdown-stylesession,you’ll exploreinclusiveactivitiesthatbuildlanguageskills,encouragecollaboration,andmake learningfun.Walkawaywithprintablegamematerials,tipsfordifferentiatinginstruction, andpracticalstrategiesforconnectingwithstudentsandfamilies.

Once Upon a Science Experiment Science

By Hilary Statum | PreK

Combinethemagicofread-aloudswiththeexcitementofhands-onscience!Inthis interactivesession,you’llexploresimplescienceexperimentspairedwithclassicnursery rhymesandfairytales.Eachactivityincludesthestory,comprehensionquestions,anda ready-to-usesciencelessonplan.Walkawaywithallmaterialsandpracticalstrategiesto easilyintegrateliteracyandscienceinyourclassroom.

| PreK

HILARY STATUM @pencilstopigtails

The Power of Play: Gross Motor Fun for Little Learners

By Hilary Statum & Dustin Thomas | PreK

Play-Based Learning

Inthishighlyinteractivesession,explorehowgrossmotorskillssupportacademicreadiness, emotionalregulation,andclassroomengagement.Teacherswillrotatethroughengaging, low-prepactivitystationsdesignedtostrengthengrossmotorskillsusingminimalsupplies andclassroom-friendlyspace.Returntoyourschoolwithprintableinstructions,games,and materialsforimmediateimplementation!

JeremySturdivant

MynameisJeremySturdivantSr.(Mr.Jay).Iamaproud father.I’moriginallyfromYork,Alabama.Mr.JayisaLead PrekTeacher.I’vebeenteachingandlivinginAtlanta, Georgiafor12yearsnow.Iamverypassionateabout teachingouryouthnewideasandstrategies.Ienjoy beingthepersoninachild’slifewholistenstotheir thoughtsandfeelings.Beingabletowatchchildrengrow andlearnisamazing.TeachinginECEisspecialtome becauseIhelpwithsettingtheeducationalfoundationin theirjourneyofbecomingrespectful,intelligent,andwellroundedindividuals.IhaveaBachelor’sdegreeinEarly ChildhoodEducationandI’mcurrentlyingradschool gettingmyMaster’sDegreeinSecondaryEducationof MathematicswithanemphasisinSTEM.Although academicsisimportant,Mr.Jayfocusesondaily interactionsthatencouragesocial,emotional,and physicaldevelopment.

By Jeremy Sturdivant | PreK • K

LasVegasSessions&Presenters

By Jeremy Sturdivant | PreK • K

Classroom Management

Inthisdynamicsession,wewillexplorethepowerofconnectingwithstudentsattheirlevel tocreatelasting,positiverelationshipsthatreducechallengingbehaviors.Teachersand administratorswilllearnhowtoharnessthepowerofempathy,communication,and creativeclassroomstrategiestoengageeverystudent—especiallythosewhoneedit most.Byincorporatingattention-grabbingtechniquesandmakingemotional connections,wecanshifttheclassroomatmosphere,promotebetterbehavior,and ultimatelyfosteranenvironmentofrespectandgrowth.Comediscoverthekeysto buildingyourteachertoolboxandwhymakingauthenticconnectionswithstudentsisn’t justagoodpractice it’sagame-changer.

LasVegasSessions&Presenters

DustinThomas

DustinThomasisaNationalBoardCertifiededucator, communityleader,andentrepreneurbasedinSalisbury, Maryland.Withover15yearsofexperienceteaching physicaleducationinMaryland,Dustinispassionateabout helpingyoungpeopledevelophealthylifestyles, confidence,andlifelongskills.HewashonoredasTeacher oftheYearforthe2021–2022schoolyear,recognizinghis impactanddedicationtostudentsuccess.

AgraduateofSalisburyUniversity,heearnedhis bachelor’sdegreeinPhysicalEducationwithdualminors inHealthandExerciseScience,aswellasamaster’s degreeinAppliedHealthPhysiologywithaconcentration inStrengthandConditioning.

DustinisthefounderofDroppin’theBeatIncorporated,a nonprofitorganizationfocusedonempoweringyouth throughmusic,mentorship,andenrichment programming.Byblendingeducationwithcreativity,his worksupportsacademicgrowth,studentengagement, andpositivesocialdevelopment especiallyforstudents facingadversity.

Inadditiontohisworkineducationandnonprofit leadership,DustinisaprofessionalDJ,usingmusicasa powerfultooltoconnectwithandinspireyoungpeople.He haspresentedbothlocallyandnationallyatSHAPE Americaconferences,sharinginnovativeapproachesto physicaleducationandstudentengagement.

The Power of Play: Gross Motor Fun for Little Learners Play-Based Learning

By Dustin Thomas & Hilary Statum | PreK

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

STEAM

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.

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.

RESEARCHCITATIONS

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

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

RESEARCHCITATIONS

ELL/ESL

Abbasi,A.M.(2011).AsurveyofteachingstrategiesinESLclassroom.

Ferlazzo,L,&Sypnieski,K H (2022) TheESL/ELLteacher'ssurvivalguide:Ready-to-usestrategies,tools,andactivities forteachingalllevels JohnWiley&Sons

Gunderson,L.(2011).BestpracticesinELLinstruction.GuilfordPress.

Artificial Intelligence

Lee,S.,Mott,B.,Ottenbriet-Leftwich,A.,Scribner,A.,Taylor,S.,Glazewski,K.,...&Lester,J.(2020,June).Designinga collaborativegame-basedlearningenvironmentforAI-infusedinquirylearninginelementaryschoolclassrooms.In Proceedingsofthe2020ACMconferenceoninnovationandtechnologyincomputerscienceeducation(pp.566566)

Purba,N.,Pujiati,D.,Sihombing,P.S.R.,Simanjuntak,H.,&Sijabat,D.(2025).TheUseofAIinElementarySchoolLearning: ASystematicLiteratureReview.QALAMUNA:JurnalPendidikan,Sosial,danAgama,17(1),83-98.

Rindaningsih,I,Mustaqim,I,Indra,I R,&Astuti,R (2024) TransformingLearninginPrimarySchools:TheRoleofAIand FlippedClassroom-basedApps InternationalJournalofArtificialIntelligenceResearch,8(11)

Tulli,S.K.C.(2022).AnEvaluationofAIintheClassroom.InternationalJournalofActaInformatica,1(1),41-66.

Zafar,F,Nichol,C,&Cushing,M (2025,June) BringingArtificialIntelligence(AI)andMachineLearning(ML)into ElementaryClassrooms In2025ASEEAnnualConference&Exposition

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.

RESEARCHCITATIONS

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

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.

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.