As we gear up for the highly anticipated 2025 GYTO National 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 2025 National 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 Dallas, June 29 - July 2, 2025, 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,
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.
TEACHER EFFECTIVENESS
DATA & PROGRESS MONITORING
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
TEACHER EFFECTIVENESS
PLANNING & PREPARATION
STUDENT ACCOUNTABILITY & ENGAGEMENT
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 LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
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.
2025 GYTO National Conference
SUNDAY JUNE 29
1 3 4 2
schedule is subject to change MONDAY JUNE 30
12:00-5:00 PM REGISTRATION
5:00 PM
DOORS OPEN FOR GYTO OPENING CELEBRATION & KEYNOTE
6:00-9:00 PM GYTO OPENING CELEBRATION & KEYNOTE
8:00-9:45 AM OPENING KEYNOTE 10:15-11:45 AM SESSION 1 11:45-1:15 PM LUNCH
1:15-2:45 PM SESSION 2
3:00-4:30 PM SESSION 3 5:15 PM CLOSING KEYNOTE
TUESDAY JULY 1
8:00-9:45 AM OPENING KEYNOTE
10:15-11:45 AM SESSION 1
11:45-1:15 PM LUNCH
1:15-2:45 PM SESSION 2
3:00-4:30 PM SESSION 3
5:15 PM CLOSING KEYNOTE
WEDNESDAY JULY 2
8:00-9:45 AM OPENING KEYNOTE 10:15-11:45 AM SESSION 1 11:45-1:15 PM LUNCH 1:15-2:45 PM SESSION 2
3:30-4:30 PM GYTO CLOSING SESSION YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS!
PRE-K SESSIONS
GAME ON! BOOSTING LITERACY SKILLS THROUGH PLAY
Session Presented by: Jackie Kops
CIRCLE TIME IN PRE-K
Session Presented by: Ashley Crowley
I CAN MAKE YOUR HANDS WRITE
Session Presented by: Jamaica Kirby
MATH MAGIC: PLAYFUL GAMES WITH A PURPOSE
Session Presented by: Bryce Sizemore
PRE-K SESSIONS
BRING THE ART, BRING THE JOY
Session Presented by: Stephanie Osmundson & Lo l
BUILDING A SOLID FOUNDATION WITH PHONOLOGICAL AWARENESS AND LETTERS
Session Presented by: Lisa Peters
CENTER STAGE: MASTERING THE ART OF EFFECTIVE CENTERS & ROTATIONS
Session Presented by: Allie Mayberger
THEMATIC UNITS THAT ENGAGE & TEACH
Session Presented by: Ashley Crowley
GAME ON! BOOSTING LITERACY
SKILLS THROUGH PURPOSEFUL PLAYBASED GAMES AND ACTIVITIES
CIRCLE TIME IN PRE-K Session Presented by: Ashley Crowley
cle time becomes the most magical and meaningful part of your day! Join Ashley for this on, where you’ll explore the art of designing engaging and effective mini-lessons tailored Pre-K learners. With a focus on research-based best practices and aligned with early sion will equip you with practical strategies to:
Keep mini-lessons short and sweet while packing in powerful learning with research-based strategies that are fun, engaging, and effective for your youngest learners.
Infuse your lessons with movement, hands-on materials, and playful learning that holds young learners’ attention.
Simplify planning with consistent routines and clear learning targets, taking the stress out of your circle time preparation.
You’ll leave feeling empowered and equipped to design short, purposeful mini-lessons that captivate little learners while hitting those big learning targets. By blending research-based practices with a touch of joy and creativity, you’ll walk away with everything you need to make circle time the heartbeat of your Pre-K classroom.
SESSIONSTANDARDS
Pre-K Skills
Focus and Attention:
Remains focused on teacher-led group activities for 10–15 minutes.
Remains focused on teacher-led group activities for up to 20 minutes.
Rules and Routines:
Follows simple rules and routines with adult assistance.
Follows classroom rules and routines with occasional reminders.
Music and Rhythm:
Actively participates in music activities such as singing, playing instruments, and moving to rhythms.
SESSION
RESEARCH
Hattie, J. (2012). Visible Learning for Teachers: Maximizing Impact on Learning.
Session Description
Hyson, M. (2008). Enthusiastic and Engaged Learners: Approaches to Learning in the Early Childhood Classroom.
Copple, C., & Bredekamp, S. (2020). Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth through Age 8 (4th Edition).
Epstein, A. S. (2021). Essentials of Active Learning in Preschool: Getting to Know the HighScope Curriculum (2nd Edition).
I CAN MAKE YOUR HANDS WRITE Session
Presented by: Jamaica Kirby
Join me to learn different tricks, tips, and fun activities you can use with your students to grow handwriting skills in your Pre-Kindergarten classroom! Handwriting is a tool that develops naturally with practice; let’s build your fine motor bins, morning journals, alphabet books, and learn fun, engaging songs to guide your students’ writing of shapes and numbers. We’ll explore how using different writing tools can enhance your students’ success and guide them toward a deeper understanding of the writing process.
I am so excited to come together and celebrate the growth from scribbling, which evolves into lines, and ultimately leads to letter formation! This progression showcases the incredible growth within our students and builds the foundational skills they need to succeed. Let’s have fun and discuss how WE CAN MAKE LITTLE HANDS WRITE!
SESSIONSTANDARDS
Pre-K Writing Skills
Expressing Meaning: Uses marks, letters, or symbols intentionally to record language and shares their meaning verbally.
Writing for Communication: Independently draws and writes for various purposes, using different writing tools to communicate ideas.
Celebrating Writing: Shares and celebrates both class-made and individual written work.
Development of Writing: Progresses from scribbles and mock letters to forming letters and letter strings as a way to communicate.
SESSION RESEARCH
Session
Description
Byington, T. A., & Kim, Y. (2017, November). Promoting preschoolers’ emergent writing. NAEYC.
Unlock the power of student engagement by integrating simple yet impactful art techniques and materials into your general education classroom! You don’t need to be an artist to harness the transformative potential of art in education. In this session, we’ll explore how hands-on, creative strategies can breathe life into standards-based learning, making concepts more accessible and memorable for all students. By weaving art into everyday lessons, teachers can inspire curiosity, foster critical thinking, and create an interactive learning environment where students are not just passive learners, but active, creative participants.
For young children, particularly Pre-K students, the benefits of arts and crafts go far beyond just fun and creativity Engaging in art activities helps young learners develop essential fine motor skills, improve hand-eye coordination, and strengthen their ability to focus. In addition, arts and crafts provide an outlet for emotional expression and offer a safe space for children to explore their feelings through color, texture, and design. These activities also promote problem-solving and critical thinking as children experiment with different materials and techniques, testing out their ideas and discovering new ways to create. By integrating art into early childhood education, teachers can foster a love for learning, enhance cognitive development, and cultivate confidence in young students all while making learning feel like an exciting adventure Join us to discover how easy it is to bring art into your classroom in meaningful, exciting ways that will captivate and motivate your students!
SESSIONSTANDARDS
PRE-K SKILLS
Rules and Routines: Follows simple rules and routines with adult assistance and takes care of classroom materials.
Emotional Awareness: Begins to understand the connection between emotions and behaviors.
Focus and Attention: Remains focused on teacher-led group activities for up to 20 minutes.
Creative Expression: Engages with various art materials for sensory experiences, exploration, and creative self-expression. Fine Motor Development: Demonstrates control over tasks requiring small-muscle strength and coordination.
SESSION
RESEARCH
Session
Description
Bautista, A., Moreno-Núñez, A., Bull, R., Amsah, F., & Koh, S. F. (2018). Arts-Related Pedagogies in Preschool Education
Novaković, S. (2015). Preschool Teacher's Role in the Art Activities of Early and Preschool Age Children.
Coholic, D.A. (2011). Exploring the Feasibility and Benefits of Arts-Based Mindfulness-Based Practices with Young People in Need: Aiming to Improve Aspects of Self-Awareness and Resilience.
Youngblood, A., & Crawford, J. (2023). Supporting Educators With OT Self-Regulation Resources for K-8 Grade Students to Increase Their Successful Participation in the Classroom
BUILDING A SOLID FOUNDATION WITH PHONOLOGICAL AWARENESS AND LETTERS
Session Presented by: Lisa Peters
In this session, we will explore the essential components of phonological awareness and letter knowledge, two critical skills that intersect to enable a child to effectively read and write. Together, we’ll focus on paving the path for these foundational skills through a deep dive into:
Letter Sound Articulation: Understanding how to accurately pronounce and effectively teach letter sounds.
Iconicity: Discovering how letters and sounds connect to meaningful concepts, enhancing comprehension and retention.
Movement: Integrating physical activity to strengthen memory and support multisensory learning.
We’ll also break down the various levels of phonological awareness, providing you with a clear, step-by-step strategy to help children develop these skills. By the end of the session, you’ll leave with a practical plan and the confidence to teach phonological awareness and letter knowledge effectively, setting your students up for lifelong literacy success.
Foorman, B. (2016). Foundational Skills to Support Reading for Understanding in Kindergarten through 3rd Grade.
Honig, B, Diamond,L & Gutlohn, L. (2018). Teaching Reading Sourcebook.
Blevins, W. (2024). Differentiating Phonics for Maximum Impact.
Burkins, J & Yates, K. (2021). Shifting the Balance.
CENTER STAGE: MASTERING THE ART OF EFFECTIVE CENTERS
Session Presented by: Allie Mayberger
tement and structure to your classroom? During this session, teachers will learn the ffective, engaging centers and rotations that keep students ACTIVELY learning and on task. Teachers will discover how to set up purposeful, differentiated stations that support curriculum and build key skill sets across subject areas.
We will cover tips for managing transitions, keeping students accountable, balancing independent work and small-group instruction, differentiating tasks to meet diverse needs, and creative ideas to make learning rotations a seamless and POWERFUL part of daily instruction. Teachers will gain strategies for creating clear expectations and procedures that help students work independently, hands-on interactive activities to ensure collaboration skills, and a rotation practice that ensures every student benefits from the rotation model—making learning more personalized and effective.
After this session, teachers will have practical, ready-to-implement strategies to make center rotations more effective, engaging, and manageable. They'll gain the skills to maximize instructional time, differentiate instruction, and create a classroom environment that encourages both independent and collaborative learning!
SESSIONSTANDARDS
Language and Literacy Development:
Exploring books, listening to stories, and engaging in literacy activities
Mathematics Development: Manipulative centers, sorting, creating, and developing early number sense
Social-Emotional Development: Dramatic play Collaboration
Problem-solving Communication skills
SESSION RESEARCH
Session Description
Biffle, C. (2013). Whole Brain Teaching for Challenging Kids.
Diller, D. (2020). Simply Stations: Listening and Speaking.
Mackenzie, S. (2018). The Read Aloud Family.
Walther, M. (2018). The Ramped Up Read Aloud.
THEMATIC UNITS THAT ENGAGE & TEACH Session Presented by: Ashley Crowley
tic units and turn your classroom into a world where play, exploration, and academic his engaging and hands-on session, you’ll learn how to: arch-based thematic units that not only inspire curiosity but also support essential early learning standards
Discover how thematic teaching fosters deeper engagement and retention by connecting concepts across multiple domains, including literacy, math, and social-emotional development. Learn practical tools for integrating sensory bins, fine motor tasks, hands-on activities, and small group lessons into your themes to promote whole-child development.
Explore strategies for incorporating purposeful play centers, backed by research on how young children learn best through active exploration and play.
By the end of this session, you’ll feel confident in your ability to create thematic units that align with academic standards, spark creativity, and make learning magical. Let’s work together to transform your classroom into a place where students thrive, grow, and love to learn!
SESSIONSTANDARDS
Pre-K Skills
Focus and Attention:
Remains focused on teacher-led group activities for up to 10–15 minutes. Remains focused on teacher-led group activities for up to 20 minutes.
Art and Exploration:
Uses a variety of art materials for sensory experiences and creative exploration.
Rules and Routines:
Follows simple rules and routines with adult assistance.
Follows classroom rules and routines with occasional reminders
SESSION RESEARCH
Session Description
Hattie, J. (2012). Visible Learning for Teachers: Maximizing Impact on Learning.
Copple, C., & Bredekamp, S. (2020). Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth through Age 8 (4th Edition).
Hendrick, J., & Weissman, P. (2020). The Whole Child: Developmental Education for the Early Years (11th Edition).
Van Hoorn, J., Nourot, P., Scales, B., & Alward, K. R. (2021). Play at the Center of the Curriculum (6th Edition).
MEETYOUR PRESENTERS
@DAYSINKINDER
With 13 years of teaching experience spanning kindergarten, first grade, and second grade, Allie is a dedicated educator who cultivates a nurturing and dynamic learning environment that inspires young minds to thrive. Renowned for her creativity and passion, Allie skillfully integrates art,music, movement, and hands-on activities into every lesson, making learning both engaging and memorable. Her deep
early childhood development allows her to meet students where they are, fostering growth academically, tionally.
Allie is a leader in creating inclusive and engaging classrooms, empowering EVERY child to shine while building strong relationships with families and colleagues to support student success. In addition, she is a distinguished demonstration teacher and national conference presenter With a passion for student engagement, classroom management, math, and reading, Allie is recognized as a master in creating dynamic learning environments that captivate primary learners
Armed with a wealth of experience and innovative strategies, Allie is dedicated to empowering educators with practical tools to enhance classroom instruction and inspire student success across subject areas. She can’t wait to meet you!
@LIFEWITHMRSJAMAICA
ALLIE MAYBERGER JAMAICA KIRBY
Jamaica Kirby is a dedicated Pre-K teacher in her seventh year of shaping young minds in small-town Tennessee. With a passion for being the change, Jamaica is on a mission to inspire and empower educators like you She’s here to help you transform your classroom culture and fall in love with teaching Pre-K all over again, sharing practical tips and strategies that make a real difference. Jamaica believes
Pre-K is a unique adventure every day, but when we unite, support one another, and grow together, we can create a lasting positive impact on our students and the entire Pre-K program Let’s embrace this journey and bring meaningful change— together!
ASHLEY CROWLEY
@KINDERSANDCOFFEE
hley Crowley is an experienced and passionate Pre-K/Transitional Kindergarten educator from ashington. After seven wonderful years in Kindergarten and a rewarding stint as a Reading Specialist, hley transitioned into TK, where she fell in love with the opportunity to support the whole child. Her ssion for social-emotional learning and creative, hands-on instruction has led her to design engaging matic units that meet the developmental needs of her students. Ashley’s classroom is a dynamic blend of
ngagement, which she enjoys sharing with other educators on Instagram at @kindersandcoffee . She is aborating with teachers, sharing ideas, and inspiring others to create classrooms where both students
MEETYOUR PRESENTERS
STEPHANIE OSMUNDSON & LOREAL HEMENWAY
Stephanie and Loreal are passionate elementary educators from Las Vegas, Nevada, driven by their love for engagement, creative classroom design, and innovative teaching methods. Both graduates of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with Bachelor’s degrees in Elementary Education, they each pursued advanced studies—Stephanie earning a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction, and Loreal with her Master’s in Technology. They are both proud mothers of three children, each with two sons and a daughter. Stephanie and Loreal are united in their belief that learning should be engaging, memorable, and, above all, magical.
Stephanie and Loreal co-founded Happily Ever Elementary, a business dedicated to helping fellow educators craft unforgettable classroom experiences through thoughtfully designed environments, hands-on activities, and one-of-a-kind resources that inspire creativity and spark a love of learning in students. Now they split an art teaching contract and are the creators behind Creatively Inspired and Retro Remix, two Carson Dellosa decor lines that can be found in stores nationwide. In the last several years, they have travelled to create content and present for various educational conferences. In recent years, working along side Get Your Teach On has revived their zeal for collaborating with other educators enabling them to share their best strategies, classroom tips, and practical solutions to inspire teachers everywhere to make learning both impactful and fun!
INSTAGRAM: @LISAELAINE
TIKTOK: @LISAELAINE
FACEBOOK: MRS. PETERS CLASS
LISA PETERS
Lisa was born in San Antonio, Texas, and graduated from Texas State University with a degree in Education and Dance/Fine Arts. With 13 years of experience in education, she has taught students acros all grade levels, from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Currently, Lisa teaches Kindergarten and believe it is the most magical place to be, where young learners begin their academic journeys. Lisa is passionate about early literacy and creates learning resources that support students in developing essential reading a Her materials have helped children and adults worldwide improve their literacy, allowing them to read and write with confidence. Lisa’s attention to detail and intrinsic motivation make her a dedicated educator, always striving to help every child make significant leaps in their learning.
Through her years of experience, Lisa has honed a deep understanding of how young minds learn, and she is committed to fostering an environment where each child feels supported and empowered to reach their fullest potential.
MEETYOUR PRESENTERS
@POCKETOFPRESCHOOL
Jackie Kops is a dedicated and experienced early childhood educator with over fourteen years of classroom experience in both full-day and half-day preschool settings. Originating from Missouri, she holds both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Maryville University. Jackie's mission is to empower educators by unlocking their teaching superpowers, offering innovative, play-based engaging activities, and designing thematic activities that both nurture and challenge young learners within a supportive classroom community.
As the founder and CEO of Pocket of Preschool (www.pocketofpreschool.com), Jackie extends her influence and expertise beyond the classroom, into developing valuable resources and offering insightful guidance to educators worldwide. Her curriculum serves as a hub for creative, research-based strategies that empower teachers to cultivate vibrant, inclusive classrooms where young learners can excel Jackie's dedication to early childhood education is evident in her commitment to professional growth and her passion for sharing innovative, practical solutions that inspire and elevate her fellow educators
@THETEACHINGTEXAN
JACKIE KOPS BRYCE SIZEMORE
A current classroom teacher of 11 years, Bryce Sizemore has worked in K-2 classrooms creating joyful and impactful learning experiences for his students He lives in Dallas, TX where he also attended Southern Methodist University to earn his Master of Education degree. He works with teachers across th country to empower them to maximize their efficiency, create hands-on learning experiences, and keep the fun alive in teaching. He enjoys sharing ready-to-use ideas and strategies with teachers across the globe through his website www theteachingtexan com
LEAD ON
THIS TRACK IS FOR:
School Leaders and Administrators, Instructional Coaches, District Level Leaders & Staff, Superintendents, PD Coordinators, & Future Leaders
GYTO SCHOOLHOUSE
THIS TRACK IS FOR:
Schools or districts bringing a large number of teachers to GYTO. This unique collaborative leader and teacher track will focus on fostering school-wide growth through guided instructional planning workshops for your school staff together! CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
THIS TRACK IS FOR:
K-5 Special Education teachers & Support staff or Educators looking for a deep dive into best practices for special education students and teachers.
TO LEARN MORE
INSTRUCTIONAL LAB
THIS TRACK IS FOR:
Teachers that that support students in multiple Grades K-5, New teachers, New Teacher Mentors, Future Teachers, & Any teacher looking for best instructional practices for ANY grade, ANY lesson & ANY content.
Four days filled with research-based workshops that will guide you in creating rigorous and engaging lessons all year long.
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!
The Education Celebration of the Year kicks off the conference on Sunday night! This is a party you don’t want to miss!
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: $639
Register now with just a deposit! Final payment won’t be due until March 2025! Invoice and check options are also available for schools and districts.