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
GRADE LEVEL SESSIONS GRADE LEVEL SESSIONS
YOUR TIER I MASTER CLASS EXPERIENCE: LIVE MODEL LESSON
Session Presented by: Hope King, Wade King & Andre Deshotel
BEYOND COMPLIANCE: INSTRUCTIONAL MOVES THAT STRENGTHEN CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT
Session Presented by: Eugene Banks
DATA MINING FOR LITERACY GOLD
Session Presented by: Dr. Jenna Copper
SCHOOL OF ENGAGEMENT
Session Presented by: Jonathan Alsheimer
GRADE LEVEL SESSIONS GRADE LEVEL SESSIONS
WRITE IT TO IGNITE IT: MAKING CONTENT COME ALIVE IN GRADES 6–8
Session Presented by: Lisa Collum
IT S NOT DEFIANCE, IT S DEVELOPMENT
Session Presented by: Hannah Steel
FIVE TO THRIVE IN ACTION: MIDDLE SCHOOL EDITION
Session Presented by: wade king
DE-ESCALATION, RIGHT NOW! RESPONDING TO CHALLENGING BEHAVIOR
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.
BEYOND COMPLIANCE: INSTRUCTIONAL MOVES THAT STRENGTHEN CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT
Session Presented by: Eugene Banks
Great classroom management isn’t built on consequences; it’s built on instruction. This session reframes management as a natural byproduct of strong teaching. Middle school educators will uncover the instructional practices that make expectations clear, minimize downtime, increase student ownership, and keep learning at the center. From proactive lesson design to routines that reduce disruptions, from community-building strategies to predictable structures, teachers will learn practical moves that transform compliance into engagement and behavior issues into teachable moments.
Session Research Session Standards
CASEL SEL Competencies: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness
High-Leverage Practices:
HLP 7: Establish a consistent, organized, and respectful learning environment
HLP 16: Use explicit instruction
HLP 22: Provide feedback to students
National Teaching Standards (InTASC):
Standard 3: Learning Environments
Standard 8: Instructional Strategies
Session Description
Marzano, R.: Clear routines and instructional consistency reduce disruptions by creating predictable environments.
Emmer & Sabornie (Classroom Management for Middle & Secondary Teachers): Strong instruction reduces problem behaviors significantly.
Lemov, D. (Teach Like a Champion): Academic engagement is the most powerful predictor of behavior.
DATA MINING FOR LITERACY GOLD
Session Presented by: Dr. Jenna Copper
Grab your hard hat! It’s time to dig into literacy data! In this interactive session, Dr. Jenna Copper will help you discover the hidden gems buried in student data and turn them into actionable strategies. You’ll explore how data connects directly to Tier 1 instruction that strengthens comprehension, engagement, and learning across all content areas.
By the end of this session, you will
1.Discover how to dig into literacy data to uncover trends and skill gaps that matter for student learning.
2.Experience modeled “gold standard” Tier 1 strategies, including explicit instruction, multimodal guided practice, and scaffolding.
3.Learn how to connect your data discoveries to meaningful literacy instruction across all content areas.
4.Leave with practical tools to turn raw data into instructional gold that strengthens comprehension, engagement, and achievement.
Get ready to strike gold with every data set, and discover the literacy insights that make learning shine!
Session Standards
CCSS ELA-Literacy CCRA R 1
Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.2
Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.3
Analyze how and why individuals, events, or ideas develop and interact over the course of a text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.4
Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone
Session
Research
Session Description
Gregory et al. (2015). Best Practices at Tier 1: Daily Differentiation for Effective Instruction.
Fisher, D. & Frey, N. (2019). Improving Adolescent Literacy: Content Area Strategies at Work.
Snowling et al. (eds.) (2022). The Science of Reading: A Handbook.
Sousa, D. A. (2014). How the Brain Learns to Read.
Sonju et al. (2019). Best Practices at Tier 2: Supplemental Interventions for Additional Student Support.
Session Presented by: Jonathan Alsheimer
“School of Engagement” is an energizing, idea-packed mini-workshop where Jonathan Alsheimer empowers educators to reignite their passion and elevate instruction. This session focuses on practical strategies for building meaningful relationships and making content more engaging for any subject area. Educators will walk away with simple, high-impact activities and engagement techniques they can use immediately to boost student motivation and learning. Packed with authentic ideas and inspiration, this workshop helps every educator become “that teacher” for their students.
SCHOOL OF ENGAGEMENT Session Research
Session
Description
Alsheimer, J. (2020). Next Level Teaching — a practitioner-focused framework for student engagement and classroom culture.
Alsheimer, J. (2025). School of Engagement — a leadership-driven model connecting instructional design, engagement, to enhance student learning.
WRITE IT TO IGNITE IT: MAKING CONTENT COME ALIVE IN GRADES 6–8
Session Presented by: Lisa Collum
Get ready to fire up content learning like never before! Grade 6-8 teachers will explore a powerful lineup of writing strategies designed to spark curiosity, fuel deeper understanding, and light up student engagement across science, social studies, and more.
You'll experience fun, easy-to-implement activities that help students process information, make meaningful connections, and clearly communicate their learning; all while firing up essential writing skills. From quick writes that ignite thinking to creative synthesis tasks that keep the flames of learning burning bright, you'll test-drive each strategy and leave with a fully stocked tool kit you can put into action tomorrow.
This session will empower you to transform writing into a dynamic force for content understanding and inspire your students to think brighter, write bolder, and let their learning shine. Let's turn up the heat and get our "write" on!
Session Standards
6th-8th Grade:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.2
Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/ experiments, or technical processes.
CCSS ELA-LITERACY WHST 6-8 4
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.7
Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions that allow for multiple avenues of exploration.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.10
Write routinely over extended time frames (time for reflection and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of disciplinespecific tasks, purposes, and audiences.
Session Research
Session
Description
Sedita, J. (2011). Keys to Content Writing: Building Bridges Between Literacy and the Content Areas (Grades 3-12) Keys to Literacy
Graham, S., & Perin, D. (2007). Writing Next: Effective Strategies to Improve Writing of Adolescents in Middle and High Schools. Alliance for Excellent Education.
Graham, S , & Hebert, M (2010) Writing to Read: Evidence for How Writing Can Improve Reading. Carnegie Corporation of New York.
IT S NOT DEFIANCE, IT S DEVELOPMENT
Session Presented by: Hannah Steel
If you ’ ve ever been called “bruh,” told you ’ re “doing too much” in a sarcastic tone, or hit with a world class eye-roll before 8 AM, you must be a middle school teacher. But what if those moments aren’t about defiance at all?
This isn’t your classic classroom-management talk. In this session we will flip classroom management from control to connection by replacing reaction with instruction. You’ll discover how our middle school students’ common misbehaviors are often their way of communicating three basic needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Through the ACTIVE Teaching framework, you’ll learn how to respond to teenage needs and build management through instruction that manages behavior for you. You’ll leave with tools to give your students a voice, the confidence to use it, and how to use class time to make students feel seen.
Together we will work to view behavior as communication. What once felt personal will become purposeful. You’ll leave ready to respond to every eye-roll, sigh, and shutdown with what our students want most- guidance, connection, and a teacher who refuses to give up on them.
Because it’s not defiance- it’s development. And when we teach like it, everything changes.
Session Research
Goldstein et al. (2015) Middle School Transition Stress
Roorda et al. (2017) Affective Teacher–Student Relationships and Students' Engagement and Achievement
Session Description
Ryan & Deci (2020) Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation From a Self-Determination Theory Perspective
Warshauer (2015) Strategies to Support Productive Struggle.
Yang (2018) Multilevel Associations Between School-Wide Social–Emotional Learning Approach and Student Engagement Across Elementary, Middle, and High Schools
FIVE TO THRIVE IN ACTION: MIDDLE SCHOOL EDITION
live model lesson with: wade king
a front-row seat to what powerful Tier I instruction looks like in a middle school classroom You’ll observe te lesson to live middle school students—showing you exactly how the Five to Thrive come alive with older ucture, relevance, movement, and strong teacher presence.
You ll experience this session in three intentional phases
PART I — Prepare Your Look-Fors - How to Watch a Middle School Lesson with Purpose
Before the lesson begins, Wade will break down the specific moves to watch for so that your observation is focused, intentional, and manageable. Middle school students require a distinct blend of pacing, presence, and connection and Wade will help you tune your lens to see that clearly
You’ll Know What to Look For In:
Target: How the learning goal is established with clarity and relevance for older learners
Accountability: How students are expected to respond, participate, and demonstrate understanding
Motion & Movement: How purposeful movement is used to increase engagement and reduce behavior issues
Proximity & Pacing: How Wade uses physical presence and tight pacing to keep students on track
Data & Decisions: How he reads the room and adjusts based on real-time student performance
Wade will equip you with simple, powerful look-for prompts so you can focus on the core moves that elevate middle school instruction.
PART II — Live Model
Lesson - Watch Middle School Tier I Instruction Happen in Real Time
You will observe a full lesson taught exactly as Wade would teach it in an actual middle school classroom—with all the authenticity, energy, structure, and responsiveness that middle schoolers demand.
You’ll See:
A complete middle school mini-lesson with a clear, student-friendly target
Engagement techniques that are age-appropriate—not cheesy or childish
Movement routines that channel middle school energy into learning
Strong teacher presence that sets expectations without power struggles
Real-time checks for understanding woven naturally throughout
On-the-spot adjustments based on student responses, misconceptions, or momentum
Seamless blending of rigor and relevance to maintain buy-in from older students
This is not a scripted performance—it’s a transparent, practical look at how to teach middle schoolers well, consistently, and sustainably.
PART III — Debrief + Q&A - Understanding the Moves That Matter Most
After the lesson, Wade will walk you through the instructional choices he made during the lesson and connect each one back to the Five to Thrive. You’ll see the intentionality behind his tone, pacing, movement, wording, and student interactions.
Debrief Includes:
Breakdown of each phase of the lesson
Why certain moves were made and what they accomplished
How engagement was paired with structure and rigor
How real-time data shaped the direction of the lesson
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 de-escalate 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.
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.
EUGENE BANKS
@YOUNGBLACKSCHOLARBOOK
Eugene Banks is an educational leader with over a decade of experience empowering students and teachers through transformational math instruction and coaching. A proud Washington, D.C. native, he holds degrees from North Carolina A&T State University and Relay Graduate School of Education. He is the author of Young Black Boy and Young Black Girl, children’s books that affirm the brilliance of Black and Brown scholars. Eugene currently serves as a K–5 Math Instructional Coach and co-founder of the health nonprofit Competitive By Nature. His work is grounded in faith, family, service, and a passion for uplifting the next generation.
Meet your Presenters
DR. JENNA COPPER
@DRJENNACOPPER
Jenna Copper, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Education at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania and the author of the bestselling education books, Role Call and Keeping the Wonder. With a focus on literacy, instructional coaching, and high-engagement instructional strategies, she is dedicated to sparking student curiosity and promoting critical thinking in the classroom. Previously, Jenna taught secondary English Language Arts for over a decade and is a certified PK-12 Reading Specialist. In addition, she has served as a secondary department chair, higher education program coordinator, and K-12 instructional coach.
JONATHAN ALSHEIMER
@MR ALSHEIMER
Jonathan Alsheimer is an unorthodox, high-energy educator, best-selling author, and keynote speaker who refuses to live a life of limits. He’s known for forging powerful partnerships from UFC fighters to celebrities and national brands to bring real-world motivation and belief into the classroom. His work at the renowned Fred Lynn Middle School has been featured in the documentaries Relentless and Relentless: Chasing Accreditation, along with national news coverage for his give-back movement, A Rae of Hope. As Jonathan always says, “Gamechanging isn’t a motto it’s a lifestyle.”
Meet your Presenters
HANNAH STEEL
@HANNAH.UNVERIFIED
Frequently mistaken as a student and proudly the loudest teacher on the hallway, Hannah Steel has built her career in education by turning “too much” into being “just right.” A Georgia math teacher with experience in grades 4-9, her students consistently outperform state averages, proving that curiosity, connection, and a little chaos drive big results. Hannah holds a Master’s degree in Middle School Mathematics and a Specialist degree in Teaching and Learning. Her message is simple: engagement isn’t optional, laughter belongs in lesson plans, and there’s truly no other job like teaching. Outside of her classroom, Hannah creates and shares resources and frameworks to mentor educators who want to make learning loud, visible, and meaningful in their own classrooms. She hopes her voice reminds teachers in the room that what we do matters.
LISA COLLUM
@LISACOLLUMCEO
Lisa Collum is an educator, author, and founder of Top Score Writing, Inc., a nationally recognized curriculum company serving schools in all 50 states. She created her step-by-step writing program while teaching in a Title I school, raising student proficiency from 38% to 100% in two years. Today, thousands of teachers and students use her program to achieve similar success. Lisa also owns Coastal Middle and High School, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that provides a safe, supportive environment for struggling learners. With 20+ years in education, Lisa is dedicated to giving teachers the tools and confidence to teach writing effectively and to helping all students succeed.
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!
