Welcome to the 2026 Get Your Teach On National Conference!
Whether this is your first year or you ’ ve been with us since the beginning, we are so grateful you chose to spend these days investing in your craft, your confidence, and your heart for kids. This year ’ s theme, Together Is Better, is more than a slogan. It is the foundation of everything we believe about teaching, learning, and leading.
Over the last decade, we’ve had the privilege of stepping into thousands of classrooms across the country. And every time, the same truth rises to the top: extraordinary teaching doesn’t happen alone. It happens in communities. The teams of educators who encourage one another, challenge one another, problem-solve together, and share a relentless commitment to strong Tier I instruction that changes outcomes for kids.
Here at GYTO, you are surrounded by that kind of community. You’re sitting among teachers and leaders who are dreaming big right beside you, who believe that engagement is a pathway to rigor, and who know that when we align our practices, our purpose, and our passion, students win every single time.
Over the next few days, you’ll experience powerful model lessons, high-impact strategies, honest conversations, and moments of joy that refill your cup. But more importantly, you’ll build connections with your track, your presenters, your colleagues, and this incredible network of educators who are ready to walk this journey with you long after the balloons come down.
Our hope is that you leave this conference not only with new tools and ideas, but with a renewed belief in the collective strength of this profession. You don’t have to do this work alone. And you were never meant to.
Thank you for showing up.
Thank you for giving your whole heart to your students. Thank you for believing that better is possible and that better happens together. We’re cheering you on every step of the way.
WHY CHOOSE GYTO WHY CHOOSE GYTO
Because It Works. For Instruction. For Culture. For Retention.
When administrators choose to invest in Get Your Teach On, they’re not choosing a conference—they’re choosing measurable instructional growth, renewed teacher morale, and stronger school culture. Districts across the nation consistently report that GYTO moves the needle in the areas that matter most: Tier I instruction, student engagement, and teacher retention.
And while GYTO is rooted in research-based, high-impact practices, we also know this important truth: You cannot reach a teacher’s practice until you ’ ve reached their heart.
Our experience and our data show that when teachers feel seen, valued, energized, and supported, they are far more likely to stay, grow, and implement new learning with fidelity.
What the Data Shows
INSTRUCTIONAL IMPROVEMENT
Educators leave GYTO with concrete, actionable Tier I strategies. Across our post-conference surveys: 96% of attendees said the sessions + workshops at GYTO were better than other PD conferences they have attended. 98% say they implement GYTO strategies on their campus at least monthly Schools report higher student engagement, better transitions, and more consistent academic routines across classrooms.
GYTO DOESN’T JUST INSPIRE. IT TRANSLATES INSPIRATION INTO CLASSROOM REALITY.
Teacher Retention & Morale
WE SURVEYED MANY EDUCATORS FOLLOWING GYTO AND FOUND:
99% of teachers felt more motivated after attending GYTO.
88% reported a renewed commitment to staying in the profession Administrators consistently cite reduced burnout and higher staff morale during the school year following GYTO attendance
TEACHERS LEAVE FEELING RECHARGED, REINVESTED, AND READY TO LEAD LEARNING ON DAY 1.
School Culture & Team Alignment
WHEN TEAMS ATTEND TOGETHER, THE IMPACT MULTIPLIES:
Stronger alignment around Tier I expectations.
Clearer instructional language across grade levels.
Increased collaboration and buy-in around schoolwide initiatives.
GYTO CREATES MOMENTUM—NOT JUST WITHIN INDIVIDUALS, BUT ACROSS ENTIRE CAMPUSES.
Survey data from the 2025 GYTO Charlotte Attendee Follow Up Survey.
97% of attendees say GYTO is better than other conferenceS
WHY GYTO WORKS WHY GYTO WORKS
Our sessions go far beyond theory. Teachers learn exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to do it and they practice it live.
High-Quality Modeling & Real Classrooms
From live model lessons to authentic classroom footage, teachers get to see effective instruction in action.
Emotional Recharge + Cognitive Rigor
Our approach is simple: If a teacher doesn’t feel inspired, they can’t be innovative. We reignite passion and sharpen practice. This combination is rare and incredibly effective.
Immediate, Actionable Implementation
Teachers leave with tools they can use the very next day: Lesson structures, engagement strategies, routines, coaching cycles, and Tier I systems
Long-Term Support & Sustainability
With tracks ranging from leadership to small groups to School House to Science of Reading, teams leave with a full-year plan not a three-day high
The Bottom Line
SENDING TEACHERS TO GYTO IS NOT A COST. IT’S AN INVESTMENT IN YOUR PEOPLE AND YOUR RESULTS.
When teachers return:
✔ They teach better.
✔ They engage students more effectively.
✔ They collaborate with higher trust and clarity
✔ They feel supported, valued, and reinvigorated.
✔ They stay.
Instruction rises. Culture rises. Student learning rises. That’s why administrators keep sending their teams year after year.
FIND YOUR PERFECT TRACK AT GET YOUR TEACH ON 2026 FIND YOUR PERFECT TRACK AT GET YOUR TEACH ON 2026
At Get Your Teach On, we do professional development differently.
Instead of bouncing from session to session, you’ll select one track and stay with the same community for the entire conference. This intentional design is what makes GYTO truly unique.
KINDER GARTEN
Your track b our home b A lace h build l ti hi , deepen content knowledg ngside ed ho te ou tea k away with real, sustainab g you can i he m retur sroom or campus.
SECOND GRADE FIRST GRADE GRADES 3-5
Below is your guide to the 12 tracks offered this year. No matter your grade level, role, or instructional responsibility… there’s a place made just for you.
GRADE-LEVEL TRACKS
These tracks ensure that content, strategies, and model lessons directly reflect the standards, developmental needs, and instructional demands of your grade band
SCIENCE OF READING & WRITING TRACKS
Deep, practical, and classroom-tested instruction aligned to the most essential literacy practices.
SPECIALIZED TRACKS
MIDDLE SCHOOL
math TRACK
Designed for educators seeking high-yield strategies tailored to their academic area.
Created for unique populations and instructional roles that require targeted support.
GYTO WORKSHOP FRAMEWORKS GYTO WORKSHOP FRAMEWORKS
What You’ll Experience in Your Track
Your conference track is intentionally designed to include a balanced mix of workshop frameworks. Each icon on your schedule represents the type of learning experience you’ll be part of during that session.
Teacher Toolkit Build
Hands-On Creation
Purpose: Build classroom-ready tools during the session
You’ll Experience:
70% creation + build time
Brief modeling + examples
Customization time for your grade/content
Printed/digital templates
You’ll Leave With:
Finished resources + adaptable templates
Strategy Lab / Engagement Lab
Practice Like You’re in the Classroom
Purpose: Learn one strategy deeply through practice
You’ll Experience:
Modeling of one core strategy
Partner/small-group role-play
Peer feedback + reflection
“Use it tomorrow” planning
You’ll Leave With: A ready-to-implement strategy plan
Purpose: Strengthen sustainable routines and structures
You’ll Experience:
Step-by-step model: Launch →
Manage → Monitor → Adjust
Real classroom routine modeling
Build supporting tools
Context-specific discussion
You’ll Leave With: An implementation roadmap
Live Model Lessons
Real Students. Real Instruction.
Purpose: See Tier I instruction in action
You’ll Experience:
Full lesson taught with students
Real-time modeling: pacing, feedback, movement
Debrief + Q&A
You’ll Leave With:
A clear vision of strong instruction
NEW TO NATIONALS! NEW TO NATIONALS!
We ’ re leveling up this year ’ s experience with incredible new additions.
Introducing two brand new tracks focused on the Science of Reading and interactive Pre-Conference Intensives for Classroom Management & Instructional Coaching you won’t want to miss.
NEW TRACKS!
Take a peek at the next few pages to see
SCIENCE OF READING TRACKS SCIENCE OF READING TRACKS
New for this year, GYTO is launching two dedicated Science of Reading & Writing tracks one for K–2 educators and one for 3–5 educators. Designed for districts and schools that are making structured literacy a priority and need real, practical support.
These tracks are intensive, hands-on, and classroom-focused, giving you the clarity and confidence you need to make structured literacy your strongest system on Day 1
What you’ll learn:
✔ Top Rope Practices
High-impact, upper-strand SOR essentials that strengthen comprehension, vocabulary, language structures, written expression, and content knowledge.
✔ Bottom Rope Practices
Foundational lower-strand components such as phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, fluent reading, spelling instruction, and orthographic mapping.
✔ Writing Instruction That Aligns With the Science
Explicit, systematic writing practices embedded throughout the day including sentence-level work, modeled writing, writing about reading, and predictable routines that build strong written communication.
Two Grade-band Options:
K–2 SORW Track: Early foundational skills + emergent writing
Schools/districts adopting or refining SOR-aligned practices
Teachers who want clarity, alignment, and confidence Leaders who need to create a campus-wide literacy plan
Anyone feeling overwhelmed by the shift and ready for structured support
IF YOUR SCHOOL IS PRIORITIZING LITERACY AND YOU WANT THE SUPPORT TO GET IT RIGHT, THIS TRACK IS FOR YOU.
SCIENCE OF READING & WRITING AT GYTO SCIENCE OF READING & WRITING AT GYTO
Where research meets real classrooms so ever y student becomes a confident reader and writer.
INTRODUCING GYTO PRE-CONS
$99 till December 31st (after $129) | July 5 (8:30 am - 12 pm)
Your Deep-Dive, High-Impact Start to the Conference
For the first time ever, GYTO is launching Pre-Conference Intensives. Half-day, deep-dive sessions designed to give you an early jump on the two hottest topics in education: Classroom Management and Instructional Coaching.
These Pre-Cons take place the day before the official conference kickoff and are completely optional add-ons and can be purchased when you begin registration. If you ’ re ready to sharpen your practice, address your biggest challenges, and walk into Day 1 already transformed this is the place to start
OPTION 1:
Pre-Con 1: Your Classroom Management Roadmap Power Moves for Daily Success
Every teacher knows the moment when the classroom starts to slip off-task chatter, long transitions, attention fading, and the pull to manage instead of teach. This high-impact Pre-Con tackles classroom management at its root: instruction.
Grounded in Whole Brain Teaching and practical Tier I practices, André Deshotel will show you exactly how to build a classroom environment where engagement is high, behavior is predictable, and learning stays at the center.
You’ll Learn How To:
Ledby:André Deshotel
Lock in attention from the start with engagement routines that eliminate drift
Use predictable systems that reduce confusion and disruption
Build transitions so smooth they run themselves
Redirect behavior without losing momentum
Create a calm, highly engaged classroom where instruction does the heavy lifting
YOU'LL LEAVE WITH READY-TO-IMPLEMENT ROADMAPS THAT BOOST ENGAGEMENT, MINIMIZE BEHAVIORAL FRICTION, AND MAKE TEACHING FEEL LIGHTER, MORE JOYFUL, AND FAR MORE EFFECTIVE.
Pre-Con 2: Your Instructional Coaching Roadmap–Evaluating, Supporting, & Coaching Tier I Practices
Led by: Hope King
For the first time in GYTO history, we’re offering a half-day intensive designed specifically for instructional coaches, deans, APs, and leaders who coach teachers.
If you are responsible for supporting instruction on your campus, this Pre-Con delivers the clarity, structure, and systems you need to make your coaching cycles more intentional, more effective, and more sustainable.
OPTION 2: Hope Will Guide
Your Through:
How to evaluate classrooms using the Five to Thrive lens
How to identify breakdowns in Tier I instruction before they become school-wide issues
How to design coaching cycles that are clear, targeted, and aligned to outcomes
How to coach teachers into consistent Tier I practices using small, measurable steps
How to ensure your feedback actually leads to change—not confusion
You’ll Walk Away With:
A coaching framework that strengthens instruction campus-wide and gives every teacher the support they need to grow.
Trust us...
THE PERFECT START TO YOUR GYTO EXPERIENCE THE PERFECT START TO YOUR GYTO EXPERIENCE
Whether you ’ re a classroom teacher looking to regain instructional control or a coach/leader looking to elevate Tier I practices across an entire campus, these Pre-Cons set the tone for an incredible GYTO experience.
Deep dive Real strategies Immediate impact
Your best year of teaching and leading, starts HERE!
PRE CON EVENTS
8:30 AM - 12 PM
8:30 AM - 12 PM PRE CON EVENTS
00-7:00 PM EVENING ENTERTAINMENT 1 3 4 2
12:00-5:00 PM
DOORS OPEN FOR GYTO OPENING CELEBRATION & KEYNOTE
GYTO OPENING CELEBRATION & EVENING ENTERTAINMENT
s c h e d u l e i s s u b j e c t t o c h a n g e MONDA JULY 6 SUNDAY JULY 5 WEDNES JULY 8
TUESDAY JULY 7
8:30-10:00 AM OPENING KEYNOTE
10:30-11:45 AM BREAKOUT 1
BEGINNING AT 5:00 PM 6:00-8:00 PM YOUR SMALL GROUP PLANLIVE MODEL LESSON YOUR SMALL GROUP PLANLIVE MODEL LESSON WEDNESDAY FEATURE:
11:45-1:15 PM LUNCH
1:15-2:30 PM BREAKOUT 2
2:45-4:00 PM BREAKOUT 3
YOUR TIER I MASTER CLASS EXPERIENCE 8:30-11:30 PLUS LIVE MODEL LESSONS PLUS LIVE MODEL LESSONS
11:30-1:00 PM LUNCH 1:00-2:15 PM BREAKOUT 1
2:30-3:45 PM BREAKOUT 2
5:00-7:00 PM EVENING ENTERTAINMENT
8:30-10:00 AM BREAKOUT 1 10:30-12:00 PM BREAKOUT 2 12:00-2:00 PM LUNCH 2:00-4:00 PM EVENING ENTERTAINMENT YOU DONT WANT TO MISS THIS! NO MORNING KEY
LEAD ON
Your Ultimate School Plan Starts Here
This year, Lead On is all about helping school leaders create THE plan. One that transforms instruction, strengthens culture, and sustains success long after the conference is over Over three focused days, you’ll evaluate, build, and refine the systems your school needs most…without the overwhelm, without the guessing, and without the constant cycle of change.
We’ll walk step-by-step through your Instructional Plan, Implementation Plan, and Behavior Plan, so you return home with clarity, confidence, and a concrete roadmap that elevates every classroom on your campus. Evaluate.Align.Strengthen.
Day One is all about examining your school’s current instructional systems with honesty and clarity. Where are your Tier I practices strong? Where are they inconsistent? Which systems need to be rebuilt from the ground up to ensure every student is given the opportunity for success?
You’ll identify gaps, prioritize what matters most, and begin drafting a clear, school-wide instructional plan. And because the hardest part isn’t building the plan but rolling it out and we’ll guide you through the exact steps to introduce new systems to your staff with buy-in, clarity, and endurance.
SustainabilityOverEverything.
A strong plan means nothing if it constantly changes. Day Two focuses on building systems that last.
We’ll help you outline Your School’s Transition Plan and what happens when the revolving door hits? When leadership shifts? When teams change? When you ’ re suddenly rebuilding after a successful year or two? Instead of reacting, you’ll learn to plan proactively so transitions are smooth, intentional, and far less stressful.
We’ll also dig into the daily priorities leaders must protect to keep instructional systems running with consistency. No more initiative overload. No more short-lived momentum. This is where schools build sustainability
How Tier I instruction and behavior systems work together to prevent problems before they start A G Y T O E X P E R I E N C E D E S I G N E D F O R L E A D E R S
Across the nation, one pattern is loud and clear: behavior is a major challenge for teachers and leaders. Day Three is dedicated to creating a school-wide system that strengthens adult responses, reduces escalation, and restores a calm, safe learning environment for students and staff so that top tier instruction can occur.
You’ll learn:
How to deescalate students in real time
How to deescalate adults teachers, parents, and even yourself
A proven system that significantly reduces write-ups across a campus
GRADE LEVEL SESSIONS GRADE LEVEL SESSIONS
YOUR TIER I MASTER CLASS EXPERIENCE: LIVE MODEL LESSON
Session Presented by: Hope King, Wade King & Andre Deshotel
YOUR SCHOOL ROLLOUT PLAN
Session Presented by: Sheldon S. Reynolds
YOUR SCHOOLS INSTRUCTIONAL PLAN
Session Presented by: HOPE KING
YOUR SCHOOLS
TRANSITION PLAN
Session Presented by: Ross Braun
GRADE LEVEL SESSIONS GRADE LEVEL SESSIONS
YOUR WHOLE GROUP PLAN: LIVE MODEL LESSON
Session Presented by: Hope King
YOUR SCHOOL S DAY-TO-DAY P
Session Presented by: Hope King and KellEe Martin
YOUR SCHOOL S DE N
Session Presented by Certified Whole Brai
YOUR SCHOOL S BEHAVIOR PLAN
PART II
Session Presented by: Dr. Mindy Higginson
BECAUSE WE DON’T HAVE AN INTERVENTION PROBLEM… WE HAVE A TIER I PROBLEM.
Kick-start Your Conference With a One-of-a-Kind, Highimpact Morning
With Hope King, Wade King & Andre Deshotel
Get ready for something GYTO has never done before. This three-hour immersive master class is designed to ground your entire conference experience in the most powerful place it can start: Tier I instruction. You’ll evaluate your practices, watch systems come to life with real students, and leave with the clarity and confidence to transform instruction the moment you return to your classroom.
PART 1: GYTO S INSTRUCTIONAL PLAYBOOK
Evaluate. Prioritize. Transform.
With Hope King and Wade King, you’ll examine your current instructional practices through the lens of Five to Thrive. You’ll identify the gaps, the inconsistencies, and the places where small shifts can create big impact.
This is not theory This is clarity Before you step into any other workshop, you’ll know exactly what you ’ re here to learn, strengthen, and take home.
PART 3: ENGAGEMENT & WHOLE BRAIN TEACHING
Where Five to Thrive Meets the Energy Your Students Crave
Andre will break down the engagement strategies that make Five to Thrive come alive with movement, accountability, whole brain teaching, and the instructional energy needed to keep students locked in all day long.
You’ll leave with practical, high-impact strategies you can use starting Day One of school
Bring your burning questions about instruction, engagement, management, or anything you just watched.
You’ll be able to submit questions live and get real, honest answers from Hope, Wade, and Andre.
YOUR SCHOOL ROLLOUT PLAN
Session Presented by: Sheldon S. Reynolds
This session is designed to have school leaders examine the grayspace between the art and science of developing and successfully implementing a clear, actionable rollout plan for their school. We will examine the strategic planning and change-management practices I learned through UVA‑PLE plus design thinking and improvement science methods from Stanford’s d.school. Attendees will leave with toolbox proven processes, templates, and decision-making routines that can be adapted for their unique school contexts.
The workshop emphasizes both the art and the science of leadership: creative problem framing and human-centered design alongside rigorous measurement and continuous improvement. Practical examples and ready-to-use tools make it immediately implementable for teams looking to accelerate equitable, sustainable change.
Session Research
UVA-PLEfindings
CahnFellowshipfindings
Standfordd.Schoolfindings
SchoolTurnaroundCasestudy
Session Description
YOUR SCHOOL S INSTRUCTIONAL PLAN
Session Presented by: Hope King
If we want consistent results, we need consistent instruction—and that starts with a crystal-clear school-wide plan. In this session, Hope King will guide leaders through creating an instructional blueprint grounded in GYTO’s Five to Thrive practices: Target, Accountability, Movement & Engagement, Proximity & Pacing, and Data-Driven Decisions.
Together, we’ll evaluate where your current systems support strong Tier I instruction…and where inconsistency, ambiguity, or “checkbox teaching” may be holding teachers back. Then, you’ll learn how to coach your staff into these practices with clarity, buy-in, and support not pressure.
This session will help you:
Define what effective Tier I instruction actually looks like on your campus
Align Five to Thrive to daily, observable teacher actions
Build a coaching cycle that is simple, supportive, and sustainable
Shift staff from “knowing the practices” to using them consistently
Create systems that make high-quality instruction the norm, not the exception
You’ll leave with an actionable instructional plan and the coaching tools to bring it to life in every classroom, every day.
Proven Success
The strategies, planning, alignment, and techniques shared during this workshop have been modeled and implemented by the GYTO Team in hundreds of classrooms throughout the country with incredible academic results including at our GYTOxIndiana Collaboration Sites in partnership with the Indiana Department of Education Strategies shared throughout the series can be easily implemented school-wide with any lesson, any curriculum, and any standard.
Session Research
Session Description
Fisher, D., Frey, N., & Hattie, J. (2016). Visible Learning: Implementing the Practices That Work Best to Accelerate Student Learning.
Hattie, J. (2012). Visible Learning for Teachers: Maximizing Impact on Learning.
Hattie, J. (2017). Hattie's Updated List of Factors Related to Student Achievement: Influences & Effect Sizes.
Marzano, Robert (2001). Classroom Instruction That Works.
Marzano, Robert (2017). The New Art and Science of Teaching.
YOUR SCHOOL S TRANSITION PLAN
Session Presented by: Ross Braun
Leading Through Change Without Losing Momentum
In today’s educational environment, school are constantly changing; new teachers, new leaders, new curriculum, and new expectations. But without a clear transition plan, even a strong year can unravel quickly. In this session, veteran leader and systems strategist Ross Braun will guide you through building a proactive, sustainable transition plan that protects your progress and keeps your school moving forward no matter what changes come your way.
Whether you ’ re facing staff turnover, shifting roles, or leadership changes, Ross will show you how to create systems that outlast people so people do not have to constantly recreate systems.
This session will help you:
Identify the critical systems that must be preserved through any transition
Develop a proactive plan that prepares your school for change before it happens
Create clarity for incoming staff and leaders with step-by-step onboarding structures
Minimize disruptions to culture, instruction, and student learning
Ensure your school’s vision, values, and Tier I expectations remain consistent
Maintain momentum during periods of uncertainty or rapid growth
You’ll leave with a practical transition framework that brings stability to your school, even when everything around you is shifting.
Session Research
Peter Senge’s organizational learning research shows that high-performing organizations create “shared mental models”, documented expectations and routines that everyone understands and can follow. Schools that fail to document these rely on individual personalities, creating vulnerability during transitions. John Hattie’s work shows collective teacher efficacy has the highest effect size of any school variable but it relies on shared agreements, consistent practices, and clarity of expectations. Transitions without systems erode that clarity.
Research from the New Teacher Center and RAND shows:
Session Description
Schools with structured onboarding reduce teacher turnover by 25–40%.
Instructional quality improves because teachers understand curriculum pacing, behavior systems, and collaboration structures from Day 1.
Leaders who provide clear onboarding improve staff psychological safety (Edmondson), leading to more innovation and less time spent “figuring things out.”
Five to Thrive: Start to Finish
This session gives you an up-close, real-time look at what highquality Tier I instruction looks, sounds, and feels like when all Five to Thrive components are working together.
You’ll watch a complete mini-lesson taught with live students, analyze Hope’s instructional moves, and walk away with a crystalclear vision you can bring back to your own classroom.
Part 1: Prepare Your Look-Fors
Setting You Up to See the Right Things
Before the lesson begins, Hope will break down exactly what to watch for so you ’ re not overwhelmed by everything happening at once You’ll be guided to notice the specific moves, moments, and micro-decisions that make strong Tier I instruction stick.
Part 2: Live Model Lesson
Watch Tier I Instruction in Action
You’ll observe a full lesson taught live with students, exactly as it would happen in a real classroom. This is your chance to see the Five to Thrive framework not as slides but as movement, language, redirection, pacing, checks for understanding, and student response patterns.
This is not a performance. It’s a transparent, authentic view of effective instruction that you can model your own lessons after.
Part 3: Debrief + Q&A
Unpack the Lesson and Transfer the Learning
After the lesson, Hope will walk you through the major moves of the lesson and connect each one back to the Five to Thrive pillars. This is where the why behind the what becomes clear.
Q&A: Ask Hope anything from classroom management, pacing, student motivation, transitions, small groups, or behavior. This is your chance to get individualized clarity and coaching.
YOU’LL WALK AWAY WITH: YOU’LL WALK AWAY WITH:
A concrete model of what strong Tier I instruction looks like Clarity around the Five to Thrive in real classroom action
Ready-to-use language, moves, structures, and pacing strategies
A deeper instructional lens to bring back to your classroom and PLC
YOUR SCHOOL"S DAY-TO-DAY PLAN
Session Presented by: Hope King and KelleE Martin
OVES THAT BUILD CONSISTENCY, CULTURE, AND STRONG INSTRUCTION
ol doesn’t come from big initiatives—it comes from what happens every single day. In nd Kelle Martin team up to break down the daily leadership habits, systems, and t create a high-functioning, high-expectation school culture.
ou how to streamline your day-to-day operations, protect your instructional nong , predictable rhythms that help both teachers and students thrive. You’ll learn how to keep the main thing the main thing—without getting buried under tasks, fires, or shifting priorities.
This session will help you:
Identify the “Daily Big 3” priorities every leader must protect
Establish consistent instructional touchpoints that uphold Tier I expectations
Create simple systems that reduce chaos and increase staff confidence
Use walkthroughs, feedback, and coaching cycles to drive daily momentum
Build a culture where teachers feel supported, students feel safe, and learning stays at the center
Maintain focus throughout the year even when the calendar, behaviors, or staffing challenges try to pull you off course
You’ll leave with a clear picture of what strong daily leadership looks like plus practical tools to bring calm, clarity, and consistency to your campus every day.
Session Research
Sawchuk, Stephan (2023) What is Math Fact Fluency and How Does It Develop?
Hoboken Public School District (2023) Math Fact Fluency: Everything You Need To Know
Marzano, Robert (2001) Classroom Instruction That Works
Daro, P., Mosher, F. A., & Corcoran, T. (2011).
Learning Progressions in Mathematics: A Foundation for Standards, Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction.
From flippin’ chairs to complaining about math, and everything in between, this interactive, informative session will empower and equip educators with effective, actionable skills to deescalate and address behavior on-the-spot to maintain a safe, productive learning environment. Even the best preventative practices can’t eliminate every behavior. When challenges surface, our response becomes the key to maintaining momentum and protecting learning time.
During this session we will:
Lean on simple, accessible neuroscience to understand behavior as a language. Create real-world classroom behavioral scenarios. Model and practice how to intentionally respond to behaviors in the heat of the moment. Break negative cycles and secure a positive, productive learning environment.
Get ready to go back to your school and run your classroom with MORE confidence, feel MORE in control, and become MORE skillful in de-escalating behavior, so you can do what you showed up to do... Get Your Teach On!
Session Research
Bailey, B. (2015). Conscious Discipline Building Resilient Classrooms.
Biffle, C. (2023). Whole Brain Teaching: 2nd Edition.
Session Description
Delahooke, M. (2019). Beyond Behaviors: Using Brain Science and Compassion to Understand and Solve Children's Behavioral Challenges.
Desautels, L. (2023). Intentional Neuroplasticity: Moving Our Nervous Systems and Educational System Toward Post-Traumatic Growth.
English, C. (2024). It’s Never Just About the Behavior.
YOUR SCHOOL S BEHAVIOR PLAN PART II
Session Presented by: Dr. Mindy Higginson
Buckle up and get ready to ride The Behavior Coaster! In this high-energy session, Dr. Mindy Higginson will guide school leaders through the twists and turns of student behavior.
Participants will experience hands-on activities that connect emotions to real classroom scenarios while learning how to build effective Behavior Intervention Teams (BIT).
Leaders will receive a ready-to-use BIT Meeting Template, a student referral form, and a digital calendar to structure team meetings and interventions across the school year.
Ultimately, participants will leave with a clear, actionable process they can implement immediately, one that leads to calmer classrooms, stronger relationships, and a school culture where every student is supported. This session will help school leaders get a handle on schoolwide behavior systems and move into action to create lasting systematic change!
Get ready to transform your school’s behavior systems and make every ride a smoother one for students and staff alike!
Session Standards
As a result of the implementation of Behavior Intervention Teams, Dr. Higginson’s Title I campus saw a decrease of 984 behavior referrals over one year (2023/2024 compared to 2024/2025 School Year). Her campus reduced behavior referrals by 36%
The average referral rate to the office per day in 20232024 was 13 students. In 2024-2025, the average referral rate was 8.
As a result of diligent efforts to decrease behavior, students stayed in classrooms and more instruction occurred! 88% of the 3rd grade students on this campus passed the IREAD state assessment!
Session Research
Buffum, A., Mattos, M., & Malone, J. (2018). Behavior solutions: Teaching academic and social behaviors within a multi-tiered system of supports Solution Tree Press https://www.solutiontree.com/behavior-solutions.html
Center on PBIS. (2023). Positive behavioral interventions & supports: Tiered fidelity and implementation resources University of Oregon https://wwwpbis org/
PBISApps. (2023). School-wide information system (SWIS). University of Oregon. https://www.pbisapps.org/
Sprick, R. (2009). CHAMPS: A proactive and positive approach to classroom management. Safe & Civil Schools. https://www.safeandcivilschools.com/
Sprick, R , & Garrison, M (2013) The STOIC framework: Structure, teach, observe, interact positively, and correct calmly. Safe & Civil Schools. https://www.safeandcivilschools.com/
Meet your Presenters
HOPE KING
@HEYHOPEKING
Hope King is a veteran educator with 18 years of experience, a national speaker, and the co-founder of Get Your Teach On and Rock Your School. She is recognized for her ability to integrate research-based Tier I instructional practices with intentional, high-engagement strategies that elevate both teacher effectiveness and student learning.
For the past four years, Hope has served as a Campus Implementation Specialist, leading the GYTO Content Team in a multi-year effort to strengthen instruction across more than 30 campuses. Through comprehensive, yearlong support—including lesson modeling, instructional coaching, and system development—she and her team partner with schools to improve Tier I practices from the beginning of the year to the end.
Hope is also the author of The Wild Card and the creator of the widely implemented “Five to Thrive” instructional framework. She presents nationally on instructional design, student engagement, classroom management, and schoolwide systems for consistency. In every setting, her mission remains clear: to equip educators with high-impact, sustainable practices that ensure every student receives rigorous, meaningful, and joyful learning experiences every day.
WADE KING
@HEYWADEKING
Wade King attended Anderson University, where he received both his undergraduate degree and his Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision. Wade has been recognized as a District Choice Teacher and Teacher of The Year. His students’ outstanding achievement scores and growth on standardized tests were some of the highest scores in the state of South Carolina. Mr. King attributes his students’ success to a “ no excuse ” policy that he models himself. The relationships he fosters with his students, their families, and community is the driving force behind his teaching. Mr. King’s classroom is filled with music, engagement, rigor, and discipline. He strives to prepare his students for their futures and not their pasts, while also placing an emphasis on global learning.
Meet your Presenters
ANDRE DESHOTEL
@BRAINENGAGER
Andre Deshotel has over 15 years of experience in education, including roles as a classroom teacher, district instructional coach, and elementary assistant administrator. In his current role as Teacher Support Coach, he strengthens teacher capacity in classroom management and engagement by providing practical, effective, research-based strategies to enhance student learning.
As a Certified Whole Brain Teaching Presenter for over ten years, Andre has designed and delivered professional development nationwide. He is dedicated to jumping into the trenches to support teachers and students with meaningful, hands-on guidance.
LANESHA TABB
@LANESHA TABB
LaNesha Tabb is a veteran educator of 19 years, children’s book author, and the creator of the Reimagine Writing framework. She designs practical, joyful K–5 writing resources that help teachers feel confident and students feel empowered. Her books, including the Alpert series and Yara’s Gingerbread Diva: Sweet Escape, bring diverse stories and art-forward learning to classrooms and families. She speaks nationally on writing instruction, student engagement, and culturally responsive teaching. Whether she’s in a school, on a stage, or in her studio, her mission is to help children fall in love with reading, writing, and their own voice.
Meet your Presenters
ROSS BRAUN
@THE _ MRBRAUN
Ross Braun is a proud forever educator! Former substitute teacher, coach, teacher, assistant principal and principal, he’s held almost every role in a school and truly believes it takes a village to build a successful culture where students and staff thrive. He is now the Vice President of Positive Education at School Life, Home of Brag Tags®. He also supports individual schools and teams across the country in yearlong partnerships and host his podcast, Positivity Wins.
KELLEE MARTIN
@YAS.IMTHEPRINCIPAL
Kellèe Martin is an educator with over twenty-five years of experience. She is a wife and the mother of two teenage girls and two “bonus” daughters. Kellèe has been fortunate to serve in Indiana as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, educational consultant, and administrator at both the elementary and secondary levels. As an instructional leader, she is passionate about high-quality, culturally responsive instruction and fostering learning environments where leadership capacity can be developed at multiple levels: student, teacher, and administrator. As the principal of Spring Mill Elementary in Indianapolis, Indiana, she is committed to ensuring that all stakeholders have access to differentiated instruction within an environment where educational excellence is prioritized. For the 2022-2023 school year, Kellèe was selected as the MSD Washington Township Administrator of the Year. Since she began her role as a building principal, the school culture and student performance data has experienced a transformational shift. The culture of urgency is evidenced through high expectations for student achievement. Under Kellèe’s leadership, Spring Mill has consistently exceeded all performance and benchmark goals. If you were to visit Spring Mill, you would observe engagement opportunities that are customized to specific areas of academic, behavioral, and social needs. It is a diverse learning environment where every learner is encouraged to take risks, both students and teachers alike. Kellèe believes this is foundational in terms of educational equity She is passionate about creating a culture where academic excellence is the goal for all learners, every lesson, every time.
Kellèe Martin
Meet your Presenters
DR.
MINDY HIGGINSON
@DR.MINDY HIGGINSON
Dr. Mindy Higginson has been an educator for over 30 years, serving as a classroom teacher, principal, district administrator, and university professor. She is passionate about providing professional development that is practical and directly applicable to educators’ classrooms. Dr. Higginson brings a wealth of experience from a variety of school settings, including urban, rural, and Title I schools. Outside of education, she enjoys a vibrant personal life with her blended family of seven children, four grandchildren, and two dogs, and she is also a wedding DJ and floral designer on weekends. In her free time, she loves singing karaoke with her husband.
SHELDON REYNOLDS
In his more than 20 years of educational service Sheldon has held various teaching and leadership roles. Most notably he was named the 2022 Colorado Elementary Principal of the Year. Reynolds was the founding principal of the first public Montessori middle school model in North Carolina. He also has experience in school transformational turnaround efforts successfully improving both a low performing elementary and 6-12 secondary school using the Talent Development model he created along with advanced leadership training received from University of Virginia Partnership for Leaders (UVA-PLE).
Sheldon is currently principal of Denver Montessori and chair of the Innovation Council in Denver Public Schools. Reynolds is a 2020 Cahn Fellow and holds an Education Specialist degree in Education Leadership from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
FOUR DAYS OF CONTENT
Four days filled with research-based workshops that will guide you in creating rigorous and engaging lessons all year long.
KEYNOTES & LIVE MODEL LESSONS HANDS ON WORKSHOPS
Learn from influential educators and motivational speakers that not only ignite inspiration but also deliver powerful, practical insights. You’ll also get to experience live model lessons with real-time coaching that brings strategies to life So you return to your classroom energized and equipped to create real educational magic!
Training specific for your position from some of today’s top educators and administrators who are experts at their craft with strategies that can be implemented the very next day!
INCREDIBLE NIGHTLY ENTERTAINMENT 2026 SWAG CERTIFICATE FOR 24 PD HOURS
We're celebrating 10 incredible years with some of our favorite artists and entertainers.True champions of our community who continue to show up, inspire, and make the GYTO experience unforgettable!
Swag that will make you want to bring an extra suitcase! Not to mention all the free goodies from our sponsors!
Each attendee receives a professional development certificate for 24 hours of quality professional development over the conference’s four days!
GYTO 4-day all access pass: $659
Register now with just a deposit! Final payment won’t be due until March 2026! Invoice, check, and purchase order options are also available for schools and districts.
R E G I S T E R N O W L E T ’ S G E T S T A R T E D ! LET’S GET STARTED!
Register now with just a deposit! Final payment won’t be due until March 2026! Invoice, check, and purchase order options are also available for schools and districts.
Get the chance to have an enhanced experience at our National Conference by adding on to your ticket. You can purchase any of these options when you register for the conference.
VIP at $199
Make the most of GYTO Fest 2026 with our VIP Experience! It’s limited and will sell out!
It includes:
Daily Lunch + Free Morning Coffee
Reserved VIP Seating
Early Registration & Early Shopping at the GYTO Collective VIP Lounge + Presenter Networking & Book Signing Access
Dedicated VIP Entrance, Concierge, & Registration Line
Exclusive VIP Lanyard & Special Photo Moments
conference tee $30 Lunch $26 per day
Save time AND money by pre-purchasing your lunch. $26/day online (vs. $30/day on-site) Includes lunch Monday–Wednesday
Avoid long lines and crowded restaurants with dedicated pickup Highly recommended for all attendees.
Menu preview: BBQ Plate, Italian Pasta + Grilled Chicken, or a Burrito Bowl (with vegetarian and gluten-friendly options). Full menu available when you begin registering for the conference .
Make sure to snag your official GYTO Fest 2026 Conference Tee!
Pre-ordering is the only way to guarantee your size and secure the perfect keepsake. Plus, you’ll save by ordering now because prices go up on site!
