january 18-20,2025 | Las Vegas, NV | Westgate Las Vegas
G Y T O The
I N S T R U C T I O N A L L A B
Welcome to GYTO’s Instructional Lab! A NEW GYTO conference track where best instructional practices are brought to life like never before! This revolutionary conference experience and track is exclusively designed for educators who are looking for a deep dive into best instructional practices that are guaranteed to accelerate the learning of ALL learners. The strategies and techniques shared throughout the sessions in the Instructional Lab can be applied to ANY grade, ANY content area, and ANY lesson for BIG RESULTS!
This track is less about any specific standard or content area and more about how we can find success for our learners with ANY and ALL standards. It's not about the curriculum; it's about the instruction and delivery that gets the biggest results
GYTO’s Instructional Lab track is perfect for:
Educators who support students of multiple grade levels K-5
Teachers within their first 5 years of teaching looking to learn actionable daily practices that will MOVE their students academically in all content areas
New Teacher Mentors and teacher leaders looking for easy to implement strategies across grade levels to support the teachers they work with.
Special Education and ELL teachers and staff working with students across grade levels
Interventionists, Paraprofessionals, and Support Staff
Educators who chose teaching as their second profession or are on an alternative certification path to become teachers
Future educators in a University program who are looking to enter the teaching profession
ANY educator looking for a focused look into best instructional practices and classroom systems for daily instruction that will get BIG results with their students
Successful schools are not defined by a specific curriculum, but by the consistent application of best instructional practices to transform student learning. Our expert facilitators will provide you with the tools and insights needed to set your classroom and learners on a trajectory of continuous academic growth and success.
So… Are you ready? Join the GYTO team in the Instructional Lab for an unparalleled journey as you immerse themselves in the art and science of best instructional practices Get ready to revolutionize your teaching and witness the transformative and immediate impact on your students. Your best results await in the GYTO Instructional Lab!
Dear GYTO Educator Community,
As we gather in the vibrant city of Vegas for the Get Your Teach On Vegas Conference 2025, we are filled with gratitude for each and every one of you who has chosen to spend your time here with us! Your commitment to education is a beacon of inspiration, and your presence fuels the collective passion for transformative teaching.
Thank you for being a vital part of this educational movement. In a world often overshadowed by negativity, we are breaking through barriers and dedicating time to be in a supportive community that shares the same fervor for impactful education.
Our content is not just a curriculum; it's a catalyst for change. The actionable strategies you'll gain are designed to be seamlessly integrated into your classrooms, sparking a positive revolution in instruction. Together, we are shaping processes that will redefine the way we teach and leave an indelible mark on the lives of our students.
Get ready to spend the next 3 days with educators who will lift you up, love on you, support you, and make you feel a part of something bigger than ever. Once you walk through these doors, you are officially part of the GYTO family forever.
Here's to a conference filled with shared wisdom, innovative ideas, and the unwavering belief that education has the power to transform lives. Let's embark on this journey together and make a lasting impact on the future.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Chris, LaNesha, and Amelia
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
Developing Consistent Best Instructional Practices and Processes from Start to Finish to Completely Transform Your School
PLANNING & PREPARATION
THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
BEST INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES
STUDENT ACCOUNTABILITY & ENGAGEMENT
DATA & PROGRESS MONITORING
DATA & PROGRESS MONITORING
STUDENT ACCOUNTABILITY & ENGAGEMENT
TEACHER EFFECTIVENESS
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.
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.
THE
BEST INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES
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.
Las Vegas Conference Guide 2025
3:00-7:00pm REGISTRATION
6:00pm DOORS OPEN FOR GYTO OPENING CELEBRATION & KEYNOTE
7:00-9:30pm GYTO OPENING CELEBRATION & KEYNOTE
MONDAY JANUARY 20 schedule is subject to change SUNDAY JANUARY 19 SATURDAY JANUARY 18
10:20-12:00pm SESSION 1
12:00-1:30pm LUNCH
1:30-2:55pm SESSION 2
3:05-4:30pm SESSION 3
1 3 2 8:00-9:50am OPENING KEYNOTE
5:30pm GYTO SNEAKER BALL
8:30-9:55am SESSION 1
10:05-11:30am (85) SESSION 2
11:30-1:00pm LUNCH
1:00-2:25om SESSION 3
2:25pm GYTO SEND OFF
UPGRADE YOUR TICKET! VIP UPGRADES COMING SOON!
Get front VIP seating for all keynote sessions, access to an exclusive presenter book signing event, separate VIP entrance and registration, and more!
THREE DAYS OF CONTENT
Three days filled with research-based workshops that will guide you in creating rigorous and engaging lessons all year long
GYTO PRE-GAME CELEBRATION
Our Las Vegas Education Celebration kicks off the conference on Saturday night! This is a party you don’t want to miss!
INSPIRING KEYNOTES HANDS ON WORKSHOPS
Keynote presentations from influential educators and motivational speakers that will leave you more inspired than ever to head back into your classrooms and create 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!
FREE SWAG CERTIFICATE FOR 15 PD HOURS
Swag that will make you want to bring an extra suitcase! Not to mention all the free goodies from our sponsors!
The Education Celebration of the Year kicks off the conference on Sunday night! This is a party you don’t want to miss!
gyto 3-day all access pass: $499
Register now with just a deposit! Final payment won’t be due until December 2024! Invoice and check options are also available for schools and districts.
The Everyday STEM Experience
Roll up your sleeves and do a deep dive with Steve Spangler as he shares some of his favorite hands-on experiences that illustrate best practices and innovative strategies for getting students excited and engaged in the four pillars of communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. These engaging activities are deeply rooted in the ‘why’ behind each concept, fostering a stronger connection and enthusiasm for STEM subjects among your students. You will leave the session equipped with a comprehensive toolkit, enabling you to create memorable STEM experiences the very next day. Just so you know... this isn’t a “sit and watch” lecture. Come prepared to laugh a little and learn a lot
The POWER of Rigor: Games to Increase Mastery and Motivation
Greetings, valiant educators! Brace yourselves for a morphing good time as you journey into the realm of educational magic! Join Wade as he takes you through the morphing grid in an interactive training full of fun and excitement to help equip you to wield the transformative power of game-based and interactive learning to captivate students’ imaginations and elevate classroom engagement! In this session, you will:
Morph into Engagement (Power Up Your Classroom): Buckle up and get ready to set the stage for the magical quest to discover how we can morph ordinary lessons into extraordinary adventures.
It’s Morphin Time: Unleash the Power! Identify and utilize Hope and Wade King’s Rules of Rigor to ensure every student plays a pivotal role in the quest for knowledge, power up lessons and activities with application rather than memorization, and use Zordon’s guidance to set and establish crystal-clear expectations for a harmonious learning environment.
Megazord Mastery: Explore collaborative challenges that transform your classroom into a powerhouse of learning. Witness firsthand how combining forces can lead to the ultimate triumph of rigorous learning. Gear up, brave educators! Let’s embark on a journey where the Power of Rigor and the Magic of games and activities collide, creating an educational experience that transcends the ordinary! May the Rigor Protect You!
LOOK FOR THE BEST PRACTICES STICKERS FOR EACH SESSION!
In My Engagement Era: Get Your Groove On for Student Engagement!
Take any standard or curriculum and have your students STAYING ALIVE from the beginning to the end of the lesson! We will explore innovative strategies and best practices that not only capture students’ attention, but also challenge them to reach their full potential. Joanne will empower you to create meaningful and challenging learning experiences for your students while fostering active participation, increasing motivation, and instilling student accountability from student buy-in to student led lessons. Revitalize your teaching methods and inspire a new level of enthusiasm in your students with practical tools to elevate both the engagement and rigor of your classroom while we’re dancing the night away!
Tier-1 World Tour: Mastering the Mini lesson
Your whole group minilesson is over. Where did the energy go? Are you feeling as burnt out as a backup dancer on the last night of a famous world tour, while your students are bursting with energy and ready to party? Or, are you feeling pretty great while your students are thinking, “Whew, my brain is tired!” If you feel as though you are doing the heavy lifting and your need to shift the cognitive load back to your students at every opportunity, then your minilesson might need some restaging! Join LaNesha for an empowering session designed to enhance Tier-1 instruction, catering to educators committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students. This session is a roadmap to refining instructional practices, ensuring every student receives high-quality instruction that meets their needs all while allowing you to run the show without wearing yourself out! We will dive into innovative approaches that engage diverse learners, promote equity, and maximize the potential for success among all students. You’ll walk away from this session equipped with practical tools, strategies, and a renewed perspective to refine your Tier One instruction, ensuring that every student receives the high-quality education they deserve. Join us in transforming classrooms into spaces where every learner can thrive.
Instructional Systems and Structures for School Wide Growth
"Shake It Off" and embrace the rhythm of effective instruction! In this presentation, we'll explore how establishing robust school-wide systems and structures can be the "key" to unlocking academic success. Just like Taylor Swift's catchy tunes, a well-orchestrated instructional framework sets the stage for a harmonious learning environment. We'll delve into how "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" with outdated methods by embracing innovative instructional strategies, systems, and data-driven decision-making. We'll showcase how these structures create a "Blank Space" for personalized learning experiences tailored to each student. Moreover, we'll emphasize the importance of "Style" in instructional delivery, illustrating how structured frameworks empower educators to infuse student-centered tasks in their everyday lessons while maintaining alignment with academic standards. Just like Taylor Swift's evolution in music, instructional systems evolve to meet the dynamic needs of students and the educational landscape. In conclusion, by adopting Taylor Swift's mantra of "Fearless" experimentation, administrators can lead the charge in establishing school-wide systems and structures that amplify instructional excellence, ensuring that every student's educational journey is a chart-topping success!
Super Graphic Organizers: An Opinion Journey
In the world of writing, the battles can be as complex as a villain's master plan, especially when you're dealing with students from different backgrounds and varying skill levels. But fear not, in this opinion writing session, we're about to become writing heroes! We’ll even the playing field by engaging students with something they all possess – their own voice! Join Juan E. Gonzalez Jr. as he leads you on a heroic journey in opinion writing. This journey aims to foster not only academic growth but also equip students with lifelong writing skills. During this session, Juan will demonstrate how to effectively engage writers in the writing process and use graphic organizers to provide students with the necessary structures to become skilled writers.
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.
W A D E K I N G
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.
H O P E
MEETYO
LaNesha Tabb is a seasoned educator, author, speaker, and content creator from Indianapolis, Indiana with over 18 years of teaching and professional development experience LaNesha creates teaching resources, courses, and professional development, specifically in writing and social studies from a primary educator. LaNesha’s content is geared toward teachers who desire to think out of the box through rigorous, and globally connected resources, books, and ideas. LaNesha has worked with thousands of educators across the United States through conferences and custom professional development sessions. LaNesha specializes in helping primary educators master their writing block and teaching culturally relevant social studies topics.
L A N E S H A T A B B
Joanne has been changing lives teaching for 26 years She is a fourthgrade classroom teacher who continues to passionately and relentlessly pursue limitless futures for her students. Joanne creates a class family and culture of learning where each class member holds themselves responsible for their learning and for leaving no other student in the class behind. Joanne prides her classroom on making differentiated, standards-aligned content not only engaging and challenging, but student-centered and fun! She shares her creative and motivational expertise on her social media, (Head Over Heels For Teaching).
J O A N N E M I L L E R
Juan E Texas. life. If y picture g p g y g something new. Juan pursued this dream and obtained a B.A. in interdisciplinary studies at the University of Houston. With over ten years of classroom experience in first, second, and third grade, he has learned that in order to create a nurturing classroom experience, educators must put students before everything else they do in the classroom. Juan believes that educators are most successful when we listen to what students need and who they are. In the last few years, Juan has used social media to share ideas and his love for literacy with other educators. This platform has given Juan opportunities to travel around the world to visit schools, blog for publishing media giant Scholastic Inc., and speak at various education conferences. His mission through this work is to spotlight the great work all educators are doing in classrooms and to inspire everyone to read more books.
J U A N E G O N Z A L E Z J R .
Rachel Mott brings over 13 years of dedicated experience in education to her role as an enthusiastic Principal in Orange County Public Schools. Starting her career in the classroom as a Kindergarten Teacher, she has also served as an ESE teacher, a MTSS Coach, an award-winning Instructional Coach, an awardwinning Reading Specialist, and an Assistant Principal continually fostering environments where students and staff are excited to arrive and excel each morning! Rachel’s passion for education was ignited by the positive influences of her own teachers, propelling her to create similarly impactful experiences for others Known for her creative and energetic leadership, particularly in Title I schools, she has a knack for transforming educational challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth. Her commitment shines in her ability to orchestrate school days that feel more like adventures in learning rather than routine schedules She frequently creates and facilitates engaging and effective Professional Development sessions that empower teachers to grow professionally and enhance student engagement and achievement Whether she’s planning and supporting school-wide initiatives or quietly helping a struggling student find their confidence, Rachel believes in the power of education to change lives—and she lives by this belief every day
R A C H E L M O T T
MEETYO
Lindsey Smestad was born in the vibrant city of Orlando, Florida Her educational journey began within the halls of Orange County Public Schools, where she not only received her formative education but also dedicated two decades of her career to shaping young minds and developing teachers and leaders within the same district. She has worn many hats within Orange County Public Schools - from nurturing young learners as a dedicated classroom teacher to guiding district-wide initiatives as a mathematics and science coach. Her passion for educational leadership led her to serve as a senior administrator at the district level, where she had the privilege of implementing transformative policies to enhance student success and currently serves as a principal in turnaround schools Her academic pursuits led her to the University of Central Florida, where she earned both her undergraduate degree in elementary education and a graduate degree in educational leadership. Equipped with a solid foundation in pedagogy and a visionary approach to leadership, she has always strived to create an environment conducive to learning and growth, particularly within Title I schools where the need for transformational leadership is paramount Described as a high-energy individual with an unwavering commitment to excellence, she has been honored to receive recognition as both an educator and administrator. Her dedication to fostering a culture of achievement has been acknowledged through various awards, culminating in being named a top-three finalist for Principal of the Year. As she continues her journey in education, she remains steadfast in her mission to empower students and educators alike, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive and succeed in their academic pursuits and holds a belief that excellence is not an option but the only pathway to success
L I N D S E Y S M E S T A D
MEETYO
S
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 8thgrade 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.
T E V E S P A N G L E R
Instructional Lab Research Based Practices:
Our goal is to continually provide teachers with high-impact, research-based, best instructional practices, shown in action with a high level of student engagement to see true results with students. Each GYTO session is developed on the foundation of proven research based strategies within education The following research is embedded into all sessions following the GYTO Instructional Model for Best Instructional Practices and Student Engagement
Hattie, John (2012) Effect Sizes Related to Student Achievement Learning Sciences International Applied Research Center
Marzano, Robert (2007, 2017)
Wong, H. K., & Wong, R. T. (2009)
Fuchs, D , & Fuchs, L S (2006)
Dyer, K (2015)
Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2008)
Sousa, D A (2016) Engaging the rewired brain
Toth, M D & Sousa, D A (2019) Achieving social, emotional, and cognitive learning in every classroom through academic teaming
In addition to the cited research above regarding overall best instructional practices, our GYTO presenters continue to integrate and include rigorous, content-specific research into their individual sessions, addressing grade level standards PreK-12. This ensures that each session is specific and meets the needs of those grade-level teachers. The research below is integrated and embedded into your specific grade level sessions.
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONAL LAB EMBEDDED RESEARCH:
Carpenter, Thomas P ; Fennema, Elizabeth; Franke, Megan Loef; Levi, Linda; Empson, Susan B (2000) Cognitively Guided Instruction: A Research-Based Teacher Professional Development Program for Elementary School Mathematics
Fisher, Douglas Frey, Nancy Hattie, John (2016), Visible Learning for Literacy
Harris, Karen Ed.D. & Graham, Steve Ed.D. (2007). Powerful Writing Strategies for All Students
Hattie, J. (2012). Visible Learning for Teachers: Maximizing Impact on Learning.
Hattie, John (2017). Hattie's Updated List of Factors Related to Student Achievement: Influences & Effect Sizes
Lesh, R. & Doerr, H. M. (2003). Foundations of a models and modeling perspective on mathematics teaching, learning and problem solving.
Sandberg, Harriet Frances. (2009). Get Moving! The Effects of Music and Movement on Student Attention and Engagement
Son, Lisa et al. (2020). Metacognition: How to Improve Student's Reflections on Learning
Sprick, Jessica (2021). CHAMPS: A proactive & positive approach to classroom management
Tominey, Shauna L. Ph.D. & O'Bryon, Elisabeth C. Ph.D. (2017). Strategies That Support Young Dual Language Learners
Stanley, Todd (2020). Promoting Rigor Through Higher Level Questioning
Zwiers, J. & Crawford, M. (2011). Academic Conversations: Classroom Talk That Fosters Critical Thinking and Content Understanding