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
6:00-8:30 PM GYTO OPENING CELEBRATION & KEYNOTE
8:00-10:00 AM OPENING KEYNOTE 10:30-11:45 AM SESSION 1 11:45-1:15 PM LUNCH
1:15-2:30 PM SESSION 2
2:45-4:00 PM SESSION 3
4:30-6:00 PM CLOSING KEYNOTE
TUESDAY JULY 1
8:30-10:00 AM OPENING KEYNOTE
10:30-11:45 AM SESSION 1
11:45-1:15 PM LUNCH
1:15-2:30 PM SESSION 2
2:45-4:00 PM SESSION 3
4:30-6:00 PM CLOSING KEYNOTE
WEDNESDAY JULY 2
9:00-10:15 AM SESSION 1 10:30-11:45 PM SESSION 2 11:45-1:15 PM LUNCH 1:30-3:00 PM GYTO CLOSING SESSION YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS! NO MORNING KEYNOTE
3-6 ELA SESSIONS
THE STAR STRATEGY: SMALL GROUPS THAT STAND OUT
Session Presented by: Amelia Capotosta
TURN DOWN FOR WHATAMPLIFYING CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT
Session Presented by: April Graves
SUPER GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS 2.0
Session Presented by: uan Edgar Gonzalez Jr.
ANGERS:
ELA EDITION
Session Presented by: Joanne Miller
TEP UP TO THE PLATE: GRAND LAM VOCABULARY STRATEGIES OR EVERY CLASSROOM
ession Presented by: melia Capotosta
THE GREAT READING RESCUE
Session Presented by: Naomi O’Brien
WICKED GOOD WRITING
ession Presented by: aNesha Tabb
YOUR CLASSROOM CURTAIN CALL
Session Presented by: Dr. Mindy Higginson
THE STAR STRATEGY: SMALL GROUPS THAT STAND OUT
Session Presented by: Amelia Capotosta
Channelling the precision and energy of a dynamic team,Amelia will lead you and cheer you on in this engaging professional development session designed to help you create literacy small groups that truly shine! Just like the iconic team thrives on discipline and excellence, your literacy small groups can reach new heights by blending research-based best practices with practical, easy-to-implement strategies.
This session will guide you through the full process of building standout small groups, starting with informal data collection and assessment to pinpoint student needs. Grounded in research and evidence based practices, she’ll show you how to analyze student progress, identify gaps, and form dynamic, fluid groups. Leveraging strategies that are aligned to the Science of Reading, you’ll learn how to:
Organize with Confidence: Set up your small groups using efficient systems to manage rotations, schedules, and materials.
Instruct with Impact: Implement evidence-based activities that align with phonics, comprehension, and vocabulary instruction
Adapt with Ease: Keep groups fluid, adjusting based on ongoing informal assessments and student growth
By the end of this session, you’ll leave with a plan for small group literacy instruction that is as adaptable and effective as the cheerleaders’ iconic routines helping all your students take center stage in their literacy journey
Are you ready to craft small groups that stand out and make learning a star-studded success? Join us and make it happen!
Shanahan, T. (2023). Teaching practices for improving reading comprehension and literacy skills
Session
Description
ReadWorks. (2021). ReadWorks resources and research-based reading comprehension lessons
CORE. (2020). Teaching reading sourcebook: Core phonics survey. Consortium on Reading Excellence, Inc.
Florida Center for Reading Research. (2022). Evidence-based reading instruction resources and strategies
TURN DOWN FOR WHAT!?! -
AMPLIFYING YOUR CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT
Session Presented by: April Graves
Mic check, one two, one two! Are you ready to take your classroom management to the next level? Then, you don’t want to miss this interactive and engaging workshop with April Graves, designed to transform your approach to maintaining a positive and productive classroom environment where behavior issues are not on the playlist.
In this session, we'll explore how to balance authority with empathy, implement proactive strategies to prevent disruptions, and foster a classroom culture that’s built on strong systems and structures. We'll dive into real-world scenarios, role-playing exercises, and evidence-based techniques to help you manage student behavior effectively while keeping your classroom dynamic and engaging.
Whether you ’ re a seasoned educator or new to the profession, this session will provide you with actionable insights and practical skills to enhance your classroom management and foster a thriving learning environment. Get ready to amplify your classroom presence and turn down the stress your students (and your sanity) will thank you!
SESSION RESEARCH
Wong, H K , & Wong, R T (2009) The First Days of School: How to Be an Effective Teacher
Hammond, Z. L. (2015). Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain.
SUPER GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS 2.0 Session Presented by: Juan Edgar Gonzalez Jr
Calling all writing heroes! In this action-packed session, Juan E. Gonzalez Jr. will guide you on an epic mission to unleash the superpowers of young writers. Faced with a classroom of varying skill levels, we’ll wield the ultimate secret weapon: graphic organizers!
Graphic organizers have long been a staple in education, but Juan’s innovative approach breathes new life into this timeless tool. These organizers offer students a clear structure to navigate the demands of various writing genres, turning scattered ideas into cohesive, powerful expressions. By using these tools, students gain clarity, refine their focus, and build the confidence to make their voices heard in their writing.
Bernabei, G., & Reimer, J. A. (2013). Fun-Size Academic Writing for Serious Learning: 101 Lessons & Mentor Texts-Narrative, Opinion/Argument, & Informative/Explanatory/
Session Description
Harris, K., Graham, S., et al. (2007). Powerful Writing Strategies for All Students.
Hochman, J. C., Wexler, N. (2024). The Writing Revolution 2.0: A Guide to Advancing Thinking Through Writing in All Subjects and Grades.
Jump, J (2022) What the Science of Reading Says about Writing (What The Science Says).
Sedita, J., & Hasbrouck, J. (2022). The Writing Rope: A Framework for Explicit Writing Instruction in All Subjects.
Serravallo, J. (2017). The Writing Strategies Book: Your Everything Guide to Developing Skilled Writers.
GAME CHANGERS: ELA EDITION
Session Presented by: Joanne Miller
Ready to shake things up in your classroom? This fast-paced session will reveal high-impact, easy-toimplement strategies that can transform your teaching and ignite student engagement. Teachers will learn strategies to increase student accountability, boost student engagement, foster higher critical thinking, and promote student ownership. From classroom management hacks, holding students accountable, building community, to creative lesson ideas, this session is packed with actionable techniques that will energize your teaching and empower your students.
Attendees will leave this session with practical strategies they can implement immediately, tools to boost classroom engagement, and innovative ideas to foster collaboration and critical thinking among students. You’ll walk away with a toolkit of tried-and-true methods designed to be adaptable for any grade level or subject area. Whether it’s increasing student accountability, incorporating movement, gamifying learning, or sparking meaningful discussions, these strategies will help you create a classroom culture where learning is engaging, fun, and impactful.
This session is your chance to reignite your passion for teaching while discovering game-changing strategies that will leave your students excited to learn every day.
SESSION RESEARCH
Danielson, Charlotte (2007). Enhancing Professional Practice: A Framework for Teaching.
Hattie, J. (2012). Visible Learning for Teachers: Maximizing Impact on Learning.
Marzano, Robert J. (2017). The New Art of Science and Reading of Teaching.
STEP UP TO THE PLATE: GRAND SLAM VOCABULARY STRATEGIES FOR
§110 5(b)(3)(A): The student is expected to use print or digital resources to determine meaning, syllabication, and pronunciation.
§110 5(b)(3)(B): The student is expected to use context within and beyond a sentence to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words and multiple-meaning words
§110.5(b)(3)(C): The student is expected to identify the meaning of and use words with affixes such as im- (into), non-, dis-, in(not, non), pre-, -ness, -y, and -ful
§110 5(b)(3)(D): The student is expected to identify, use, and explain the meaning of antonyms, synonyms, idioms, homophones, and homographs in a text.
§110.6(b)(3)(A): The student is expected to use print or digital resources to determine meaning, syllabication, and pronunciation
§110.6(b)(3)(B): The student is expected to use context within and beyond a sentence to determine the relevant meaning of unfamiliar words or multiple-meaning words
§110 6(b)(3)(C): The student is expected to determine the meaning of and use words with affixes such as mis-, sub-, -ment, and -ity/ty and roots such as auto, graph, and meter
SESSION RESEARCH
Fisher, D., & Frey, N. (2014). The Vocabulary Playbook: Strategies for Teaching Word Knowledge. Beck, I. L., McKeown, M. G., & Kucan, L. (2002). Bringing Words to Life: Robust Vocabulary Instruction.
Session Description
REAT READING E resented
by: Brien
o Accept It): Time is running out, and your upper elementary students may still be need to succeed. But this mission is not impossible! Join Naomi for a high-stakes, p you with the tools, strategies, and intel to stop struggling readers from slipping he odds.
eading to:
honics lessons tailored specifically for older students. gical awareness to unlock comprehension and fluency. precision to identify gaps and target interventions where they’re needed most. , you’ll learn how to implement research-backed strategies that bridge the These proven techniques are your tools to ignite progress, bridge gaps, and propel catch up, ” but to thrive
The Clock is Ticking: Your students are counting on you to rewrite their reading futures before they head to the next grade. Naomi will show you how to make every second count by leaving ineffective strategies behind and focusing only on what drives real results. This is the mission that can change everything—because failure is not an option! Let’s get this mission accomplished.
Hornsby, D. (2015). Why Phonics and Fluency Matter: The Science Behind the Early Development of Reading Skills. Journal of Educational Psychology
Session Description
Ehri, L. C., Nunes, S. R., Stahl, S. A., & Willows, D. M. (2001). Systematic Phonics Instruction and Children’s Reading Achievement. Review of Educational Research
Eide, D. (2011). The Logic of English: A Comprehensive Guide to Teaching Reading, Writing, and Spelling
Shaywitz, S. E. (2003). Overcoming Dyslexia: A New and Complete Science-Based Program for Reading Problems at Any Level
ED GOOD WRITING
Presented by: a Tabb
g the most popular part of your day and reach the writers who need you most? W g mpacts every subject, and for struggling students, it can often feel overwhelming and unattainable. In this session, we’ll dive into wicked good strategies to help all third through fifth-grade students, especially those who find writing a challenge, build strong skills and confidence.
Whether you're teaching science, social studies, or even math, you’ll discover how to implement effective writing structures that actively engage students, promote growth, and provide the support your struggling writers need to succeed.
We’ll cover:
Proven frameworks to simplify and structure writing instruction, ensuring every student has a path to success
Targeted strategies to boost confidence and independence in struggling writers
Creative, time-saving ways to integrate writing into any subject area
By the end of this session, you’ll have a flexible toolkit of effective approaches to make writing instruction impactful and accessible for all learners. It’s time to defy the gravity of writing challenges and help your students especially the ones who need it most soar to new heights!
Graham, S., Bollinger, A., Booth Olson, C., D’Aoust, C., MacArthur, C., McCutchen, D., & Olinghouse, N. (2012). Teaching elementary school students to be effective writers.
Graham, S., & Hebert, M. (2011). Writing to read: A meta-analysis of the impact of writing and writing instruction on reading. Harvard Educational Review, 81(4), 710-744.
Sedita, J (2019) The Writing Rope: The Strands That Are Woven into Skilled Writing. Keys to Literacy.
Sedita, J. (2022). The Writing Rope: A Framework for Explicit Writing Instruction in All Subjects. Brookes Publishing.
YOUR CLASSROOM CURTAIN CALL: BRINGING STUDENT WRITING TO LIFE!
Wilhelm,J D (2013) Readingisseeing:Learningtovisualizescenes,characters,ideas,andtextworldstoimprovecomprehensionandreflectivereading Scholastic
AMELIA CAPOTOSTA MEETYOUR PRESENTERS
Amelia Capotosta is an Ohio educator, who brings a contagious amount of enthusiasm, positivity, and creativity to the education world. She is a forever optimist, and is passionate about many things including her family, students, books, and pairing education and engagement. With classroom experience from elementary to middle school, Amelia has first-hand knowledge of the effectiveness of research-based lassroom, and how to design and implement them. She has spent dedicated time creating research-based ing books to life in classrooms all over. Amelia knows that true comprehension takes place across all subject areas, and is able to help educators and administrators take actionable steps towards cross-curricular teaching that is engaging, meaningful, rigorous, and effective.
She is certified in Orton Gillingham methodology and has worked to support thousands of educators, administrators, coaches, and specialists on the research and science backed methods to teach reading. As a national speaker, presenter, educator, collegiate instructor, and consultant, Amelia has had the opportunity to inspire and support thousands of educators, administrators, coaches, and specialists She focuses her sessions on research, engagement, innovative, and ready-to-implement ideas; she is here for you!
@TEACHING3RDWITHMRG
Juan Edgar Gonzalez Jr. is a public elementary school teacher in Dickinson, Texas. Since childhood, he has known that teaching would one day become a chapter in his life. If you were to sift through old family photos, you’d quickly find pictures of Juan holding a book or teaching his younger brothers something new. He pursued this passion by earning a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Houston With over 14 years of experience teaching first, second, third, and fourth grades, Juan has learned that creating a nurturing classroom environment begins with prioritizing students above all else. He believes educators achieve the greatest success when they listen to their students’ needs and understand who they are as individuals.
In recent years, Juan has used social media to share his love for literacy and classroom ideas with other educators. This platform has opened doors for him to travel globally to visit schools, blog for publishing giant Scholastic Inc., and speak at various education conferences Through this work, Juan aims to spotlight the incredible efforts of educators in classrooms everywhere and inspire people to read more books
JUAN EDGAR GONZALEZ JR.
LANESHA TABB MEETYOUR PRESENTERS
@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.
@HEADOVERHEELSFORTEACHING
JOANNE MILLER
Joanne Miller is a passionate educator with 28 years of experience, specializing in student engagement and making learning fun, meaningful, and exciting. With most of her career spent in 4th and 5th grade classrooms, Joanne has mastered the art of creating dynamic learning environments where every student feels valued, challenged, and inspired to grow. Her expertise lies in building strong classroom communities, holding students accountable to high expectations, and fostering partnerships with families to ensure student success both in and outside the classroom
Joanne is known for her energy, creativity, and dedication to making learning engaging and enjoyable for all students. She believes that by combining innovative strategies like movement, collaboration, gamification, and whole-class participation, teachers can ignite curiosity and keep every student actively involved. Her focus on building connections and encouraging accountability helps students develop as confident, capable learners while creating a classroom culture rooted in respect and teamwork
With her wealth of experience and passion for teaching, Joanne Miller is committed to sharing practical, high-impact strategies that will transform classrooms. Get ready to be inspired and leave with tools that will help you create a space where every student succeeds and every day is filled with excitement for learning!
NESHA TABB MEETYOUR PRESENTERS
@LANESHA TABB
bb is a passionate educator, author, and literacy consultant with over 19 years of classroom As the founder of Reimagine Writing, she is dedicated to transforming writing instruction for by providing practical, research-based strategies that empower students to become d independent writers.
oach to literacy, LaNesha emphasizes the connection between reading and writing, helping ging learning experiences across all subjects She is the co-author of several books, es, equity, and literacy, and frequently collaborates with educators nationwide to inspire on.
achers 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.
@APRILALLDAE
APRIL GRAVES
With a passion for making learning an inspiring and engaging journey, April Graves is a dedicated educator with more than two decades of teaching experience. A proud graduate of Spelman College, she earned her degree in Child Development and has since devoted her career to teaching and empowering students in the city of Atlanta.
Her classroom is a space where creativity meets discipline. She boasts a fun, yet firm teaching formula that ensures academic growth and continually cultivates a love for learning in every student that she encounters.
Throughout her career, April has been recognized for her dedication and excellence in education, including being honored as Teacher of the Year. She is celebrated for her innovative teaching methods, ability to make complex concepts accessible, and her knack for connecting with students in meaningful ways.
Beyond the classroom, April is a mentor to new educators, a curriculum developer, and a sought-after workshop leader. Whether she’s presenting powerful lessons in her classroom or championing educational initiatives, April radiates the same energy and enthusiasm that have made her a favorite among students and colleagues alike
MEETYOUR PRESENTERS
NAOMI O’BRIEN
@READLIKEAROCKSTARTEACHING
Naomi O'Brien is an experienced educator and reading expert with over 11 years of teaching elementary school students and educators. Specializing in evidence-based approaches, Naomi has a proven ability to help K-6 students make significant reading growth by breaking down complex research into engaging, effective, and easy-to-implement strategies.
ments in Gifted Education, Early Childhood Education, and ESOL, she empowers teachers to r instruction, ensuring students build the skills they need to become confident, successful readers. al, systematic approach has made her a trusted leader in helping teachers achieve real, lasting r students. Naomi is constantly exploring new, creative approaches to instruction that make dynamic and fun. She believes in taking a hands-on, systematic approach to teaching that ch student's unique needs. By integrating the latest research from the science of reading, Naomi has developed strategies that allow teachers to make rapid progress with their students while ensuring long-term retention and mastery. Her methods empower educators to confidently transform struggling readers into strong, skilled ones with measurable success.
DR. MINDY HIGGINSON
Dr Mindy Higginson is the proud principal of Walt Disney Elementary School in the Penn Harris Madison School District With 29 years of experience in education, she has served as a classroom teacher, building principal, and district leader. She earned her Ph.D. from Purdue University and has taught both undergraduate and graduate courses as an adjunct professor at Indiana University South Bend and Andrews University.
For the past two years, Dr Higginson has partnered with Get Your Teach On as a collaboration site for the State of Indiana She is deeply passionate about supporting teachers and fostering high-quality teaching and learning every day
Beyond her role in education, Dr. Higginson and her husband run a thriving wedding business. She enjoys mixing tunes behind the DJ booth and designing floral arrangements in her unique mobile wedding floral studio bus. She cherishes her large blended family, which includes seven children and four grandchildren.
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.
