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 CHOOSEGYTO 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
OPTION1:
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.
OPTION2:
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.
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 A coaching framework that strengthens instruction campus-wide and gives every teacher the support they need to grow. You
Trust us...
’ll Walk Away With:
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
This year, the School House track is all about giving you the clarity, systems, and strategies to create your entire school plan to one that strengthens Tier I instruction, transforms campus culture, and elevates daily engagement for both teachers and students.
Across three intentional days, you’ll build the framework your school needs to create consistency, and bring high-impact practices to life starting on Day 1 of the new school year.
Instructional Plan
TierIPracticesastheDrivingForce
Strong instruction is the foundation of every successful school. Day One focuses on evaluating your instructional strengths, identifying gaps, and creating a schoolwide plan that makes Tier I practices the anchor of everything you do.
You’ll define what effective instruction must look like across your campus and what systems, supports, and expectations will help every teacher deliver strong, consistent instruction every day.
Clarity,Consistency,andCalm
Once instruction and expectations are clear, behavior systems can finally work the way they’re intended. Day Two is about building a proactive schoolwide plan for behavior—one that supports both students and adults, reduces escalation, and creates shared ownership for a positive campus culture.
You’ll learn how instructional consistency drives down behaviors, how to respond rather than react, and how to implement a campus plan that teachers actually use.
ReigniteMomentumforTeachersandStudents
With instruction and behavior systems established, engagement can do what it’s truly meant to do—elevate learning. Day Three focuses on daily engagement strategies that keep morale high, increase student ownership, and bring joy and purpose back into the classroom.
You’ll learn practical, realistic ways to engage your staff, build excitement around your instructional vision, and help students stay connected and motivated throughout the year.
At the end of the track, you’ll meet with your GYTO PLC to develop a detailed rollout and implementation plan for your school. This is your time to collaborate, problem-solve, and leave with a clear roadmap for turning your three-day vision into campus-wide action the moment the school year begins GYTO PLC: TURNING YOUR PLAN INTO ACTION GYTO PLC: TURNING YOUR PLAN INTO ACTION
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 S INSTRUCTIONAL PLAYBOOK
Session Presented by: Hope King
DATA TO DRIVE WHOLE GROUP & SMALL GROUPS
Session Presented by: lanesha tabb
DE-ESCALATION, RIGHT NOW! RESPONDING TO CHALLENGING BEHAVIOR
Session Presented by: Kara Oliverson & Kirsten Gunderson
YOUR GYTO PLC: A VISION OF EXCELLENCE
Session Presented by: Hope King
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
Huddle up! Ready to take the field and revolutionize your school’s instruction and school-wide student growth? It’s time to tackle student mastery one play at a time with in-the-moment strategies to analyze real-time data to make strategic moves that will transform your student’s instructional success. Join LaNesha as she coaches your team on how to call the right plays at the right time, ensuring that every student is on the path to mastery and success. Just like a skilled quarterback reads the field for the perfect play, we will guide you through the Xs and Os of using dynamic data to tailor your school’s instruction of specific standards and concepts in the moment in order to:
•Identify strengths and areas for improvement in your students' understanding of specific math standards and concepts
•Adapt your teaching approach on the fly and ensure that each student is on the path to success
•Strategically plan for next steps and meaningful differentiation using real-time data based instruction
It’s time to lead your students to victory in the endzone in the world of meaningful Data & Differentiation.
This session is part of GYTO’s Playbook Series with Hope King, Wade King, & LaNesha Tabb for systematic best instructional practices for leveling up daily instruction and increasing student academic results.
The strategies, planning, alignment, and techniques shared throughout the Playbook Series 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 with any lesson, any curriculum, and any standard.
Session Research
Fisher, D., & Frey, N. (2014). Checking for Understanding: Formative Assessment Techniques for Your Classroom.
Session Description
Fisher, D., Frey, N., & Hattie, J. (2016). Visible Learning: Implementing the Practices That Work Best to Accelerate Student Learning.
Fuchs, D., & Fuchs, L. S. (2006). A Framework for Building Capacity for Responsiveness to Intervention. Hattie, J. (2012). Visible Learning for Teachers: Maximizing Impact on Learning. Leahy, S., Lyon, C., Thompson, M., & Wiliam, D. (2005). Classroom Assessment: Minute-by-Minute and Dayby-Day.
Marzano, Robert (2017). The New Art and Science of Teaching. Tomlinson, C. A. (2001). How to Differentiate Instruction in Mixed-Ability Classrooms.
DE-ESCALATION, RIGHT NOW! RESPONDING TO CHALLENGING BEHAVIOR
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.
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
THE BEHAVIOR ROLLERCOASTER
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 educators 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).
Participants 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 educators 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
Session Description
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/
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: ROCKING SCHOOL CULTURE
Session Presented by: Kara Oliverson & Kirsten Gunderson
Join us for an engaging and practical session focused on creating a vibrant school culture that truly rocks for both students and teachers! In this interactive presentation, you'll discover easy-to-incorporate ideas and methods to foster a culture of engagement, collaboration, and mutual respect. Learn how to build a positive environment where teachers feel supported and energized, and students feel motivated and connected. Whether you're looking to boost morale, increase participation, or cultivate a sense of community, this session will provide actionable strategies to transform your school into a dynamic space where everyone can thrive - it's "The Best of Both Worlds!"
Session Research
Blase , J. and Kirby , (2000) . Bringing Out the Best in Teachers: What Effective Principals Do
MacNeil, A. J., Prater, D. L., & Busch, S. (2009). The Effects of School Culture and Climate on Student Achievement
Session Description
Marzano, R. (2007). The New Art and Science of Teaching: A Comprehensive Framework for Effective Instruction
Gordon, J. and Van Allan, J (2024). The Energy Bus for Schools: 7 Ways to Improve Your School Culture, Remove Negativity, Energize Your Teachers, and Empower Your Students
UR GYTO PLC: A VISION OF CELLENCE
ion Presented by: Hope King
Transform the energy and innovation of your GYTO experience into a powerful school-wide movement! Join Hope as she guides your staff in creating a unified vision for academic growth, excellence, and student success in this guided, collaborative, and strategic planning workshop exclusive to the GYTO Schoolhouse track. It’s time to put what you ’ ve learned into action!
Throughout your very own guided GYTO PLC, school teams will leverage the key strategies, insights, and tools from your GYTO Schoolhouse sessions and GYTO National Conference experience to ensure that the strategies, practices, and ideas from Dallas don’t just stay at the conference, but but becomes the driving force in classrooms with meaningful outcomes for students school-wide. Through guided planning and team discussions, you'll align goals, craft actionable plans, and establish a shared commitment to elevating student outcomes and creating a school-wide vision on excellence—because your students deserve nothing less! Teachers and leaders will leave with a clear vision and renewed sense of purpose to make GYTO a part of your everyday journey to success! We’ll see you at our GYTO PLC!
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
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.
KARA OLIVERSON & KIRSTEN GUNDERSON
@THOSEUTAHSISTERS
We are sisters, 18 months apart, who come from a long line of educators and both currently teach at the same school in Northern Utah. Kara has 9 years of mathematical expertise in the classroom, with a diverse background spanning middle and high school. Kirsten has 8 years of education expertise, ranging from elementary special education to secondary special education. You can find us creating magic by serving on the Get Your Teach On Magic Squad. We are both advocates for education, dedicated moms, and full-blown Disney Adults.
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!
