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,
LEAD ON
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.
COACHING MODELS LIVE LESSON DEMONSTRATION THE GREEN LIGHT SHIFT with Chris Pombonyo & Hope King with Ross Braun
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
TRANSFORMING TEACHING WITH LAB CLASSROOMS & PEER OBSERVATIONS with Kellee Martin & Lou Ann Keeling
LEADING THE WAY
PANEL: TURNING
INTO CAMPUS-WIDE IMPACT with Hope King, Wade King, Chris Pombonyo, & Dr. Mindy Higginson
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
LEAD ON SESSIONS
YOUR SCHOOL’S INSTRUCTIONAL PLAYBOOK
Session Presented by: Chris Pombonyo & Hope King
N LIGHT SHIFT: ELIMINATING &TAKING CONTROL OF YOUR S EDUCATIONAL WHEEL
Session Presented by: Ross Braun
TRANSFORMING TEACHING WITH LAB CLASSROOMS & PEER OBSERVATIONS
Session Presented by: Kellee Martin & Lou Ann Keeling
now that feeling when you ’ re running late in the morning, need to stop for coffee, too close to the bell? There is just one thing holding you up… The 27 stop lights on wn that are between you and where you need to be. What are you hoping for? ghts to excel you forward and make progress without focusing on all the problems and excuses to get you to your final destination. Green lights get results. But instead, in today’s educational society and climate, teachers, leaders, and students spend too much of their time focusing and making excuses for all the red lights in education. New curriculums, policies, resources, lack of time, etc., things we as educators have little to no control over that are not worth our time to focus on. It’s time we take control of our educational wheel! In this session, join Ross as he breaks down strategies to shift your school’s mindset from excuses and worrying about things outside of our control to making a strong impact driven by your students and their success. This session will leave you with an actionable plan to conquer your school’s individual red lights and shift them to creating GREEN LIGHTS to focus on the opportunities and growth waiting for your students, staff, school and community.
SESSION RESEARCH
McConaughey, M. (2020). Greenlights
Burgess, D. (2012). Teach Like a Pirate
Harper, A. (2020). Hacking Teacher Burnout
Gustafon, B. (2024). Overcoming Education
Nesloney, T & Cook, T. (2023). Building Authenticity: A Blueprint for the Leader Inside You
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION...TRANSFORMING YOUR INSTRUCTION THROUGH LAB CLASSROOMS & PEER OBSERVATIONS
Session Presented by:
Kellèe Martin and Lou Ann Keeling
on...let us show you how to create low risk learning opportunities within your school that y g Teachers and leaders can think like scientists and experiment with new techniques or tools in authentic classroom settings allowing for creativity and innovation without fear of failure.
This workshop equips school leaders with innovative strategies to enhance teacher collaboration and professional growth through lab classrooms and peer observations.
Participants will explore how lab classrooms foster a culture of shared learning and experimentation. Through interactive activities and practical planning, leaders can boost teacher effectiveness, and ultimately improve student outcomes.
Leave with a step-by-step action plan for integrating lab classrooms and peer observations within your school, ensuring clear goals, timelines, and resources for successful implementation.
Now it’s your turn to take the lead! Step into the spotlight as a school leader, ready to create an environment where experimentation sparks innovation, collaboration drives growth, and every teacher has the opportunity to shine. Let’s turn your vision into practice and watch your school transform with lab classrooms and peer observations high rewards, low risk, and endless potential!
SESSION RESEARCH
Guskey, T. R. (2002). “Professional Development and Teacher Change”
Lozano, S.M., & Lemberger, M.E. (2013). “Collaborative Peer Observation for Teacher Professional Development: A Model for Enhancing Instruction”
Darling-Hammond, L., & Richardson, N. (2009). “Teacher Learning: What Matters?”
Blasé, J., & Blasé, J. (2004). “Handbook of Instructional Leadership: How Really Good Principals Promote Teaching and Learning”
Session Presented by: Naomi O’Brien WICKED GOOD READING: LEADERS EDITION
Time is ticking, and your school needs a unified strategy to elevate reading instruction and achieve results that soar! Join Naomi for an interactive session designed specifically for school leaders who are ready to defy gravity and make reading instruction popular with their teams. In this session, you’ll gain the tools to coach your teachers toward improving data, mastering the Science of Reading, and creating a cohesive, school-wide approach that delivers real progress.
Naomi will walk you through observable look-fors to help you evaluate SOR-aligned instruction, as well as effective ways to hold teachers accountable for consistent growth in reading outcomes. You’ll also explore what may look like SOR, but isn’t, helping you avoid common pitfalls and misconceptions. By the end, you’ll have a clear plan for leading your school’s reading transformation with confidence, making sure every classroom is aligned and every student is set up for success.
By the End of This Session:
You’ll have a framework to coach your teachers in a way that makes reading instruction the most popular thing at your school.
You’ll understand how to support your team with strategies that ensure defying gravity with reading progress and data.
You’ll walk away with a plan to lead with the confidence and knowledge to take actionable steps to improve reading outcomes across your school—and nobody (in all of Oz) will be able to stop you!
SESSION RESEARCH
Hornsby, D. (2015). Why Phonics and Fluency Matter: The Science Behind the Early Development of Reading Skills. Journal of Educational Psychology
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
critical role in elevating writing instruction across classrooms. Writing is a cornerstone skill that impacts every subject, yet many teachers struggle to meet the diverse needs of their students. For struggling writers, the stakes are even higher, and they depend on consistent, effective teaching to make meaningful progress.
In this session, we’ll dive into wicked good research-based practices for writing instruction and show you how to support your teachers in implementing them. You’ll learn what to look for in effective writing classrooms, how to identify areas for growth, and ways to empower teachers to build confident, capable writers.
We’ll cover:
The latest research on what works in writing instruction and why it matters
Clear look-fors to help you evaluate and support high-quality writing practices in classrooms
Strategies for fostering a school-wide culture of writing excellence
By the end of this session, you’ll leave equipped with the knowledge and tools to guide your teachers and elevate writing outcomes for every student in your school. Let’s defy the gravity of writing challenges together and create a school-wide vision for writing success!
SESSION RESEARCH
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.
WICKEDLY ALIGNED: A LITERACY
PLAYBOOK OF ALIGNMENT + ACTION
entedby: omiO’Brien&LaNeshaTabb
What if reading and writing could work together as the wicked powerhouse driving learning across every grade and subject? In this session,Naomi O’Brien and LaNesha Tabb will show you how to create a seamless, school-wide approach to literacy instruction that transforms your classrooms into spaces where students thrive. From teaching young learners to decode words and craft their first sentences, to guiding upper elementary students in analyzing texts and writing with purpose, this session will equip you with strategies to make reading and writing the popular stars of your school’s success story.
We’ll explore:
How to align reading and writing practices K-5 for consistent growth and success
Wickedly effective strategies to support struggling readers and writers while challenging advanced learners
Practical, creative ways to integrate reading and writing into all subjects
Join us to defy the gravity of literacy challenges and help every student in your school soar
Together, we’ll make reading and writing wicked good for every learner, every day!
SESSION RESEARCH
Sedita, J. (2022). The Writing Rope: A Framework for Explicit Writing Instruction in All Subjects. Brookes Publishing
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.
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
MEETYOUR PRESENTERS
NAOMI O’BRIEN
@READLIKEAROCKSTARTEACHING
mi O'Brien is an experienced educator and reading expert with over 11 years of teaching elementary ol students and educators. Specializing in evidence-based approaches, Naomi has a proven ability p K-6 students make significant reading growth by breaking down complex research into engaging, ive, and easy-to-implement strategies. With endorsements in Gifted Education, Early Childhood e empowers teachers to transform their instruction, ensuring students build the skills they need to ssful readers Naomi’s visual, systematic approach has made her a trusted leader in helping teachers ts for their students.
oring new, creative approaches to instruction that make learning feel dynamic and fun. She believes ematic approach to teaching that addresses each student's unique needs. By integrating the latest of reading, Naomi has developed strategies that allow teachers to make rapid progress with their ng-term retention and mastery Her methods empower educators to confidently transform struggling d ones with measurable success
@HEYHOPEKING
HOPE K
Hope King is a decorated educator with over eleven years of experience teaching first thr grades Hope holds a Master’s Degree in Reading Since working and traveling with Get On, Hope has trained thousands of educators Hope enjoys meeting teachers from all ove as she shares her passion for student engagement and rigorous content-driven instruction. blogger behind the website Elementary Shenanigans and is a teacher author for the webs 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.
lly from Long Island, New York, Chris is an award-winning educator, administrator, and onal speaker and host with a passion for education. He is a double graduate of the University of Florida with degrees in Elementary Education (B.S) and Educational Leadership (M.Ed) and has as a highly effective teacher, instructional coach, and administrator in both Orlando, FL and oyee of the Walt Disney Company and lead host for Radio Disney in both the New York City s has years of experience captivating audiences, families, and clients with his high energy and und a way to bring that same experience and “magic” into schools and classrooms throughout Chris was honored with Macy’s Magic of Teaching: Magic of Innovation Award, awarded the of the Year and overall District Teacher of the Year for his district, named one of UCF’s Top 30 portunity to ring the closing bell of the Nasdaq Stock Market closing bell in New York City.
MEETYOUR PRESENTERS
LANESHA TABB
@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.
@THEMRBRAUN
ROSS BRAUN
Ross Braun is a husband, father of 3, forever educator, presenter, educational leader, and positivity promoter! Ross prides himself on being a forever educator and has an unbelievable desire to support every educator giving them the hope, motivation, reminder and strategies they need to succeed in the greatest profession on Earth. He is a former small town principal who is committed to seeing ALL stude achieve BIG TIME dreams. Ross is currently the VP of Business Development and Chief of Positive Educatio School Life. He is passionate about providing a safe, loving and exciting learning environment for all stud staff where they can thrive and succeed
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.
MEETYOUR PRESENTERS
KELLÈE MARTIN
@YAS.IMTHEPRINCIPAL
Kellèe Martin is an educator with over twenty-five years of experience. She is a wife and the mother of two teenage girls and two “bonus” daughters. Kellèe has been fortunate to serve in Indiana as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, educational consultant, and administrator at both the elementary and secondary levels. As an instructional leader, she is passionate about high-quality, culturally ction and fostering learning environments where leadership capacity can be developed at multiple levels: and administrator. As the principal of Spring Mill Elementary in Indianapolis, Indiana, she is committed to ensuring that all stakeholders have access to differentiated instruction within an environment where educational excellence is prioritized. For the 2022-2023 school year, Kellèe was selected as the MSD Washington Township Administrator of the Year. Since she began her role as a building principal, the school culture and student performance data has experienced a transformational shift The culture of urgency is evidenced through high expectations for student achievement Under Kellèe’s leadership, Spring Mill has consistently exceeded all performance and benchmark goals If you were to visit Spring Mill, you would observe engagement opportunities that are customized to specific areas of academic, behavioral, and social needs. It is a diverse learning environment where every learner is encouraged to take risks, both students and teachers alike. Kellèe believes this is foundational in terms of educational equity. She is passionate about creating a culture where academic excellence is the goal for all learners, every lesson, every time.
@LOU ANN KEELING
LOU ANN KEELING
Lou Ann Keeling is a dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience in teaching and leadership. Throughout her career, she has taught grades 1-5, including at an Integrated Arts school, where she helped foster a dynamic and creative learning environment Her vast teaching experience, combined with her time as a Math Instructional Coach, has equipped her with a strong foundation in effective instructional practices. These experiences have shaped her leadership style, which focuses on supporting h teaching and learning in every classroom.
Currently, Lou Ann serves as the Assistant Principal at Spring Mill Elementary, a GYTO Collaboration Site school in Indianapolis, Indiana. In this role, she is committed to creating a culture where both students and teachers thrive. With a focus on solid instructional practices, she empowers teachers to refine their craft while ensuring that all students have the tools and support they need to succeed. This commitment has lead to increased student achievement at the various campuses she has served as an administrator.
Outside of her professional life, Lou Ann is a proud wife, mother of four children, and grandmother of four wonderful grandchildren. She enjoys balancing her career with the joys and challenges of family life. Lou Ann’s passion for education drives her commitment to excellence in every aspect of her work.
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.
