GYTO Vegas 2026 - Lead On Conference Guide

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LEAD

January 17-19, 2026 | las vegas, NV | westgate

make bold moves make bold moves

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N O T E F R O M O U R F O U N D E R S

Dear GYTO Vegas Attendees,

As we gear up for the highly anticipated 2026 GYTO Vegas Conference, we are thrilled to welcome each of you to this transformative event. The GYTO community is a powerhouse of passionate educators, and we are honored to come together with those ready to make bold moves that create real, actionable change in education.

This year, our theme is "Make Bold Moves." As educators, it’s time to go beyond dreaming and talking about change. It’s time to act. Bold moves require courage, vision, and a commitment to challenging the status quo to build better opportunities for our students and ourselves. This theme represents the actionable steps we take to innovate, advocate, and elevate our practices for the betterment of education as a whole.

Bold moves are not just individual efforts; they are the result of a collective will to progress Together, at the 2026 Vegas Conference, we’ll explore how to identify barriers, take purposeful action, and amplify the impact of our efforts. This is your chance to share your journey, learn from others, and forge the connections that will propel us all forward.

The conference will feature dynamic speakers who will inspire you to take action, interactive workshops designed to equip you with tangible tools, and game-changing insights that will push you to think differently. You can also expect unforgettable surprises that will leave you energized and ready to lead boldly.

Let’s commit to taking bold moves together and shaping the future of education one step, one decision, and one classroom at a time. This is your time to move, lead, and create meaningful impact.

We can’t wait to see you in Vegas, January 17-19, 2026, as we embrace this call to action and transform our passion into progress. Let’s take the steps that will define the future of education together.

With excitement and anticipation,

and Wade King

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SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY JANUARY 17 JANUARY 18 JANUARY 19

10:00am VIP Early Registration & Shopping for VIP Attendees

12:00pm Registration & GYTO Collective Merchandise Store Open

5:00pm Opening Kick Off Celebration Doors Open (optional)

6:00pm Opening Kick Off Celebration featuring Hope & Wade King and Steve Spangler (optional)

8:30am Workshop 1 1:00pm Workshop 3

10:10am Workshop 2 2:45pm Workshop 4

11:30am Lunch Break 5:00pm GYTO Sneaker Ball (optional)

8:30am Workshop 5 1:00pm Workshop 7

10:10am Workshop 6 2:30pm GYTO SEND OFF

11:30am Lunch Break

OPtiONAL ACTIVITIES

Optional activities are separately ticketed. Upgrade your experience by purchasing a VIP Experience Upgrade or Kick Off & Sneaker Ball Ticket!

* 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 @ G E T Y O U R T E A C H O N

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

LEAD ON

THE INSTRUCTIONAL LEADER 2 THE GREAT LITERACY RESCUE FOR LEADERS 3

This year, GYTO Lead On is calling all instructional leaders to the frontlines. After a year immersed in schools across the country partnering with state, district, and building leaders one thing has become crystal clear: the schools that are winning are led by those who have a game plan and the courage to execute it.

Your Instructional Playbook isn’t just a theme it’s a challenge It’s time to step out of the locker room and into the game That means less time behind a desk and more time in classrooms where real transformation is happening This track is designed to equip leaders with the practical tools, systems, and strategies needed to build a winning culture of instruction, support, and results

Day 1: Your School’s Instructional Playbook - Kick off with an inside look at the daily plays that are changing the instructional game in schools across the nation. We’re diving deep into proven, high-impact teaching strategies and outlining what it truly means to lead with an instructional focus. These are the moves your team needs to climb to the top—and stay there.

Day 2: The Great Literacy Rescue - It’s no secret our students are facing a reading crisis. But instead of pointing fingers, it’s time to take charge. On Day 2, we’ll tackle how to lead a schoolwide literacy transformation. From Tier 1 instruction to targeted interventions, you’ll walk away with the knowledge and action plan needed to ensure every teacher is equipped and every student becomes a successful reader and writer.

Day 3: Coaching & Implementation - Game plans are only as good as their execution. On our final day, we’ll shift into coaching mode helping you craft a clear, step-by-step implementation strategy and develop the leadership skills needed to coach your staff into position Walk away with the tools to build momentum, monitor progress, and create lasting impact

This isn’t just leadership—it’s instructional leadership with purpose, with direction, and with results. Your team is waiting. Your time is now. Grab your playbook and Lead On.

UR SCHOOL’S INSTRUCTIONAL PLAYBOOK

YOUR SCHOOL’S INSTRUCTIONAL PLAYBOOK with Chris Pombonyo and Hope King

MODELS LIVE LESSON DEMONSTRATION

THE GREEN LIGHT SHIFT

THE READING RESCUE: LEADER EDITION with Naomi O’Brien

WICKED GOOD WRITING: LEADER EDITION with LaNesha Tabb

YOUR SCHOOL’S LITERACY PLAN OF ACTION with LaNesha Tabb and Naomi O’Brien

OACHING AND IMPLEMENTATION:

TRANSFORMING TEACHING WITH LAB CLASSROOMS & PEER OBSERVATIONS

with Kellee Martin and Lou Ann Keeling

LEADING THE WAY INTERACTIVE PANEL: TURNING STRATEGIES INTO CAMPUS-WIDE IMPACT

COACHING
with Chris Pombonyo and Hope King
with Ross Braun
with Hope King, Wade King, Chris Pombonyo, and Dr. Mindy Higginson

WHY GYTO? WHY GYTO?

Our Get Your Teach On Leadership and Content Development team has worked to create an engaging and transformational educator professional development experience that aligns directly to the needs of schools and teachers across the country by helping educators develop consistent best instructional practices and processes from start to finish to accelerate student learning

These evidence and research-based best practices, strategies, and techniques will directly impact overall educator effectiveness and student achievement, transforming instruction and student learning like never before.

BUILDING THE TRANSFORMATIVE TEACHER

PLANNING & PREPARATION TEACHER EFFECTIVENESS

DATA & PROGRESS MONITORING

STUDENT ACCOUNTABILITY & ENGAGEMENT

Developing Consistent Best Instructional Practices and Processes from Start to Finish to Completely Transform Your School

PLANNING & PREPARATION

THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Intentional and meaningful planning, using specific grade level content standards and high-quality instructional materials that address the needs of all learners and support mastery of learning goals.

Creates and maintains a collaborative, safe, efficient, and effective learning environment that supports each student’s diverse needs and promotes recognition of student’s diverse personal experiences to build relationships of trust within the classroom.

BEST INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES

STUDENT ACCOUNTABILITY & ENGAGEMENT

DATA & PROGRESS MONITORING

THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

BEST INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES

TEACHER EFFECTIVENESS

Implementation of evidence and research-based best instructional strategies and techniques to accelerate student learning, growth, and achievement through rigorous and consistent instruction, including opportunities for problem solving, critical and creative thinking, meaningful and purposeful discourse, and high-impact instructional delivery.

Builds engaging, intentional, and rigorous learning experiences through setting high expectations and consistency within instructional practices that requires all students to take ownership of and be held accountable for their individual learning.

Continually monitors and analyzes student learning and progress towards mastery of learning goals for all students using a variety of progress monitoring and assessment techniques to make immediate instructional decisions that support student growth and acceleration.

Develops strong foundational teaching practices and commitments that support best practices and professional growth through consistent reflection of professional practices to support student learning, development, and achievement at a high level.

Get Your Teach On sessions are intentionally selected for attendees to experience the full professional development experience. Each session is hands-on, interactive, collaborative, and allows time for teachers to take what they’ve learned and apply it to their specific grade level standards or content area

Sessions are structured to meet the needs of all learners in classrooms, modeling best practices for direct and immediate implementation in classrooms.

lead on sessions lead on sessions

N THE DRIVER’S SEAT: HOW LEADERS TEER FEEDBACK TOWARD IMPACT

ssion Presented by: r. Ryan Daniel

YOUR SCHOOL’S DATA & DIFFERENTIATION PLAYBOOK

Session Presented by: lanesha tabb

YOUR SCHOOL’S MANAGEMENT PLAYBOOK

Session Presented by: hope king

lead on sessions lead on sessions

HIGH IMPACT COACHING FOR SCHOOL-WIDE RESULTS

Session Presented by: hope king

DE-ESCALATION, RIGHT N

Session Presented by: Andre Deshotel, Certified Whole Brain Teaching© Trainer

THE SCIENCE OF ENGAGEMENT

Session Presented by: steve spangler

YOUR SCHOOL’S MANAGEMENT PLAYBOOK

Session Presented by: Hope King

Over75%ofteacherssaythatstudentbehaviorsanddisruptionsarelimitingminutesoftheirdaily instruction(PewResearchCenter).Stepontothefieldandgearup,asHopecoachesyouthroughthe ultimategameplanandplaybookforclassroommanagementsuccess.Thishigh-energysessionwillserve asyourplaybookforimplementingdailylessonnon-negotiablesforwinningclassroommanagementand studentengagement—everylesson,everytime.

Inthegameofinstruction,timingandpositioningareeverything.Getreadytomastertheartofpacing, proximity,andmotionandmovementtokeepyourstudentsengagedandinthezone.Whetheryou’rea seasonedproorarookieintheteachinggame,thissessionwillguideyoutosetclearexpectations, maintainmomentum,andturneverymomentintoawinningopportunity.It’stimetogetoffonthesidelines &becometheMVPofyourclassroom!

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 school-wide with any lesson, any curriculum, and any standard

SESSION RESEARCH

Fredricks,J.A.,Blumenfeld,P.C.,&Paris,A.H.(2004).SchoolEngagement:PotentialoftheConcept,State oftheEvidence.

Goodwin,B (2011) EngagedStudentsAreMoreLikelytoSucceed

Hattie,J.(2012).VisibleLearningforTeachers:MaximizingImpactonLearning.

Marzano,R.J.,&Pickering,D.J.(2011).TheHighlyEngagedClassroom.

Marzano,Robert(2017).TheNewArtandScienceofTeaching.

Rosenshine,B.(2012).PrinciplesofInstruction.

Wong,H K ,&Wong,R T (2009) TheFirstDaysofSchool:HowtobeanEffectiveTeacher

YOUR SCHOOL’S DATA & DIFFERENTIATION PLAYBOOK

Session Presented by: LaNesha Tabb

Huddleup!Readytotakethefieldandrevolutionizeyourschool’sinstructionandschool-widestudentgrowth?It’s timetotacklestudentmasteryoneplayatatimewithin-the-momentstrategiestoanalyzereal-timedatatomake strategicmovesthatwilltransformyourstudent’sinstructionalsuccess.JoinLaNeshaasshecoachesyourteamon howtocalltherightplaysattherighttime,ensuringthateverystudentisonthepathtomasteryandsuccess.Justlikea skilledquarterbackreadsthefieldfortheperfectplay,wewillguideyouthroughtheXsandOsofusingdynamic datatotailoryourschool’sinstructionofspecificstandardsandconceptsinthemomentinorderto:

•Identifystrengthsandareasforimprovementinyourstudents'understandingofspecificmathstandardsand concepts

•Adaptyourteachingapproachontheflyandensurethateachstudentisonthepathtosuccess

•Strategicallyplanfornextstepsandmeaningfuldifferentiationusingreal-timedatabasedinstruction

It’stimetoleadyourstudentstovictoryintheendzoneintheworldofmeaningfulData&Differentiation

ThissessionispartofGYTO’sPlaybookSerieswithHopeKing,WadeKing,&LaNeshaTabbforsystematicbest instructionalpracticesforlevelingupdailyinstructionandincreasingstudentacademicresults.

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).CheckingforUnderstanding:FormativeAssessmentTechniquesforYour Classroom.

Fisher,D.,Frey,N.,&Hattie,J.(2016).VisibleLearning:ImplementingthePracticesThatWorkBestto AccelerateStudentLearning.

Fuchs,D.,&Fuchs,L.S.(2006).AFrameworkforBuildingCapacityforResponsivenesstoIntervention.

Hattie,J.(2012).VisibleLearningforTeachers:MaximizingImpactonLearning.

Leahy,S.,Lyon,C.,Thompson,M.,&Wiliam,D.(2005).ClassroomAssessment:Minute-by-Minuteand Day-by-Day.

Marzano,Robert(2017).TheNewArtandScienceofTeaching.

Tomlinson,C.A.(2001).HowtoDifferentiateInstructioninMixed-AbilityClassrooms.

DE-ESCALATION, RIGHT NOW!

Session Presented by:

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 with proactive, preventative measures in place that reduce concerning student behavior, we may still encounter behaviors that need our intentional response.

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.

Brummer & Thorsborne (2024). Becoming a Trauma-informed Restorative Educator: Practical Skills to Change Culture and Behavior.

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 Behaviour.

HIGH IMPACT COACHING FOR SCHOOLWIDE RESULTS

Session Presented by: Hope King

Lookingforwinningmovestonotjustobservebutactivelyengage,support,andelevateeveryteacherin yourbuildingtotheirhighestpotential?JoinHopeforthisinteractiveinstructionalleaderexperienceas theyguideyouthroughgame-changingstrategiesthatwillredefinethewayyouapproachinstructional coachingandteacherdevelopmentandsupportasaleader.Learnhowtodiscoverthepowerof strategiccoachingmodelsasweshareintentionalgameplaystonurtureanddeveloptheuniqueneeds ofthediverserosterofteachersonyourcampus.

Likeskilledplayersmakingstrategicmovesinthegame,administratorsandleaderswillexploremethods tocoachteachersofallexperiences,ensuringawinningtrajectoryforbotheducatorsandstudentsalike. Inthesession,leaderswillcollaborateonstrategiesto:

Intentionallytrackteacherdevelopmentbasedonschool-widegoals,needs,andbestinstructional practices

Identifykeyindicatorsandmakestrategicplayermovestotrackteachereffectivenessandgrowth Exploresimple,yettransformativecoachingmodelstoensureteacher,student,andleadersuccess. Fosteracultureofcontinuousimprovementandprofessionallearning Createapositiveandcollaborativecoachingatmospherethatmotivatesteacherstoexcel It'sgametimeasyouredefinethewayyouapproachteacherdevelopmentandprioritizeaschool culturewherethejourneytosuccessisasexcitingasthedestination!Getreadytoplayandwininthe realmofeducationalteacherexcellence!

SESSION RESEARCH

DuFour,R.,DuFour,R.,Eaker,R.,&Many,T.(2010).LearningbyDoing:AHandbookforProfessionalLearning CommunitiesatWork.

Hattie,J.(2012).VisibleLearningforTeachers:MaximizingImpactonLearning.

Marzano,R.J.(2003).WhatWorksinSchools:TranslatingResearchintoAction.

Marzano,R J (2017) TheNewArtandScienceofTeaching

Ronfeldt,M.,Farmer,S.O.,McQueen,K.,&Grissom,J.A.(2015).TeacherCollaborationinInstructionalTeamsand StudentAchievement.

Tschannen-Moran,M ,&Barr,M (2004) FosteringStudentLearning:TheRelationshipofCollectiveTeacherEfficacy andStudentAchievement.

R’S SEAT: HOW ADERS STEER FEEDBACK TOWARD MPACT

ssion Presented by: . Ryan Daniel

Justlikedriversneedpitstops,teachersneedtimelyfeedbacktostayontrackandreachthe finishline.Inthisfast-paced,interactivesession,schoolleaderswilllearnhowtoaccelerate growthbydeliveringfeedbackthatisspecific,actionable,andempowering.Participants will“testdrive”asimpleframeworkforfeedback,practicepitstopconversations,and leavewithtoolstokeepteachersinthefastlanetowardstudentachievement.

OF ENGAGEMENT

resented by: ngler

Whether you ’ re inspiring students, motivating teachers or sparking creativity and innovation, the name of the game is engagement. With nearly 4 million followers and over 1.5 billion views of his science videos on social media, Steve Spangler knows something about the art and science of creating experiences that spread like a virus. The secret is knowing how to turn ordinary activities into unforgettable experiences that inspire children to lean in and learn more.

In this highly interactive and engaging presentation, Steve shares the science behind turning transactional activities into transformational experiences that change the way both students and staR see, feel, and think about STEM. Get ready to participate in hands- on demonstrations and experience Steve’s unique brand of eye-catching science that will unleash your creativity and get you thinking diRerently about the next school year.

@STEVESPANGLER

STEVE SPANGL

Nationally known as a teacher’s teacher, Steve Spangler speaks regularly to educators and administrators at regional and national association meetings with his popular “Best Day Ever” message He challenges today’s educational leadership to seek out professional development opportunities that help educators think differently as they explore new ways to engage their students at the highest level.

Steve’s professional development workshops introduce pre-K through 8th-grade teachers to strategies and best practices for creating student-centered STEM experiences that strengthen critical thinking skills through communication, collaboration, and creativity.

Visit SteveSpangler com to see why Steve Spangler’s PD workshops differ from anything you or your teachers have ever experienced.

LANESHA TABB

LaNesha Tabb is a passionate educator, author, and literacy consultant with over 19 years of classroom experience. As the founder of Reimagine Writing, she is dedicated to transforming writing instruction for K-5 teachers by providing practical, research-based strategies that empower students to become confident and independent writers.

Known for her innovative approach to literacy, LaNesha emphasizes the connection between reading and writing, helping teachers create cohesive, engaging learning experiences across all subjects. She is the co-author of several books, including works on social studies, equity, and literacy, and frequently collaborates with educators nationwide to inspire meaningful changes in instruction

LaNesha’s mission is to help teachers fall in love with teaching writing while giving students the tools to succeed in school and beyond. Her work balances structured frameworks with creativity, fostering classrooms where both teachers and students can thrive.

When she’s not helping educators reimagine their writing blocks, LaNesha enjoys creating resources, writing books, and spending time with her family in Indianapolis, Indiana

HOPE KIN

Hope King is a decorated educator with over eleven years of experience teaching first through sixth grades. Hope holds a Master’s Degree in Reading. Since working and traveling with Get Your Teach On, Hope has trained thousands of educators. Hope enjoys meeting teachers from all over the country as she shares her passion for student engagement and rigorous content-driven instruction. Hope is the popular blogger behind the website Elementary Shenanigans and is a teacher author for the website Teachers Pay Teachers. Hope is the co-author of the book “The Wild Card” written with her husband Wade King.

Hope is a cofounder of the Get Your Teach On Conference. @HEYHOPEKING

meet your presenters meet your presenters

DR. RYAN DANIEL

@HEYDRDANIEL

Dr. Ryan Daniel currently serves as the Principal of Fort Foote Elementary School located in Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS). Dr. Daniel displays a sincere dedication to serving as an innovative educational leader Transforming learning environments for students to feel supported, seen and valued is her mission as an educational leader .Transforming learning environments for students to feel supported, seen and valued is her mission as an educational leader. Dr. Daniel believes in providing supportive environments for teachers to build and enhance their capacity through intentional coaching and empathetic leadership skills Currently Dr Daniel serves as the Director At Large, Minority for the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) Dr Daniel has contributed to the book entitled She Leads: A Womens Guide to a Career in Educational Leadership which highlights the voices and stories of women educational leaders. In 2023, Dr. Daniel was named as the Washington Post Principal of the Year for Prince George’s County Public Schools and has mostly recently been named the 2025 Maryland National Distinguished Principal.

@BRAINENGAGER

ANDRE DESHOTEL

Andre Deshotel has been passionately serving education for over 15 years. His experience ranges from middle school teacher, district instructional coach, and elementary assistant administrator. In his current role as administrator, he progressively supports students by applying a neuroscience lens on behavior, strengthens teacher capacity in classroom management and student engagement, and collaborates with families and community partners to enhance student achievement.

For the last ten years, Andre has been a certified Whole Brain Teaching trainer that has provided him with vast experience in crafting and facilitating professional development across the nation In addition, he provides schools and districts with engaging, robust classroom management and behavior training, along with coaching/mentoring 0-3 year teachers, turning both his applied research and on-the-ground experiences into meaningful and practical support. Andre is always ready to jump into the trenches to serve teachers and students any way he can!

let's get started! let's get started!

TWO DAYS OF CONTENT

filled with ed workshops you in creating d engaging year long.

COMMUNITY BUILDING

ach On is the e to network, es, and make r friendships. portutnity to her educators.

SHOP THE GYTO COLLECTIVE HANDS ON WORKSHOPS

Get access to shop the best teacher tees, accessories, and exclusive books by our presenters. But hurrt because things will sell out fast!

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!

FREE SWAG

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 attending your sessions and workshops

UPGRADE YOUR EXPERIENCE

Add our VIP Experience or Kick Off & Sneaker Ball ticket to join us for the opening kick off celebration and keynote on Saturday evening featuring Hope & Wade King and Steve Spangler, PLUS get access to our famous GYTO Sneaker Ball on Sunday night - all taking place in the historic Westgate International Theater!

LEARN MORE

• Full access to all workshops and professional development programming

• Free Swag & Digital Dowloads

• PD Certificate

• Shop the GYTO Collective Merchandise Shop

FOR

$39

Enhance your experience by joining our Opening Kick Off Keynote & GYTO Sneaker Ball in the historic Westgate International Theater - home of Elvis’ famous residency!

• Access to the Kick Off Celebration featuring Hope & Wade King and Steve Spangler

• Access to the GYTO Sneaker Ball

VIP EXPERIENCE: UPGRADE FOR JUST $99 Register now with just a deposit! Final payment won’t be due until December 2025! Invoice and check options are also available for schools and districts. Register now with just a deposit! Final payment won’t be due until December 2025! Invoice are available districts

Get the ultimate GYTO Conference Experience! Not only do you get access to our Opening Kick Off Keynote & Sneaker Ball, you also receive:

• Access to the Kick Off Celebration Keynote with a VIP RESERVED Seating Section

• Access to the GYTO Sneaker Ball with a VIP RESERVED Seating Section

• VIP EARLY Access to Shop the GYTO Collective Merchandise Shop

• VIP EARLY Registration & Dedicated Check-in Line

• FREE COFFEE every morning before your workshops

• Exclusive Presenter Meet & Greet Opportunity with Dessert

• Access to a VIP LOUNGE with exclusive photo moments

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