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
MIDDLE SCHOOL SESSIONS
HOOL OF GAGEMENT
n Presented by: han Alsheimer
MAXIMIZING THE MIDDLE SCHOOL BLOCK
Session Presented by:
Josie Bensko
THE SCIENCE OF ENGAGEMENT
Session Presented by: Steve Spangler
GET’CHA HEAD IN THE GAME
Session Presented by: Kara Oliverson & Kirsten Gunderson
MIDDLE SCHOOL SESSIONS
THE GREAT PICTURE BOOK PUNCH 2.0
Session Presented by: Juan Edgar Gonzalez Jr.
DE-ESCALATION, RIGHT NOW!
Session Presented by: Andre Deshotel
ENGAGING, MOTIVATING & MANAGING HARD TO REACH & DISRUPTIVE STUDENTS: A TRAUMA SENSITIVE APPROACH
Session Presented by: Brian Mendler
ROLE CALL
Session Presented by: Dr. Jenna Copper
SCHOOL OF ENGAGEMENT
Session Presented by: Jonathan Alsheimer
In this dynamic and inspiring session, Jonathan Alsheimer empowers educators to rekindle their passion for teaching and become "that teacher" who makes a lasting impact. Focused on enhancing student engagement, this workshop dives into practical strategies for building positive and meaningful relationships in the classroom, enhancing unit and lesson planning, along with simple, high-impact activities to boost the learning experience. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas, ready to create memorable moments in the classroom and inspire their students to thrive. This session is packed with ideas for educators!
SESSION RESEARCH
Alsheimer, J. (2024). School of Engagement
Marzano, R. (2010). The Highly Engaged Classroom
Slade, B. (2024). Movement in the Classroom: Enhancing Student Engagement and Learning
MAXIMIZING THE MIDDLE SCHOOL
BLOCK
Session Presented by: Josie Bensko
n, teachers are diving into the art of maximizing a 45-minute class like pros! With n place—Start Strong, Teach and Practice, and End with a Bang—get ready to ck off with engaging warm-ups, and master the clock to keep chaos at bay!
By the end of this session, you'll have a teacher bag brimming with innovative techniques to transform your classroom dynamics. Whether it's incorporating quick formative assessments or leveraging digital platforms to engage students, you'll discover how to make every minute count. You'll learn how to structure your class time to optimize learning, maintain momentum, and minimize off-task behaviors. Explore strategies for implementing engaging warm-ups rooted in brain research, practicing content through active, student-centered methods, and wrapping up with purposeful closures that reinforce key concepts. Plus, you'll connect with fellow educators, sharing insights and experiences that enrich your teaching journey. Let's make this an unforgettable learning adventure that empowers you to inspire and motivate your students like never before!
SESSION RESEARCH
Bonwell, C. C., & Eison, J. A. (1991). Active Learning: Creating Excitement in the Classroom. ASHE-ERIC Higher Education Reports.
Rosenshine, B. (2012). Principles of Instruction: Research-Based Strategies That All Teachers Should Know. American Educator, 36(1), 12-19.
Yarbrough, M. B., & Davenport, J. (2009). Transition Time: Helping Students Stay Focused. Kappa Delta Pi Record, 45(4), 162-165.
THE SCIENCE OF ENGAGEMENT
Session Presented by: Steve Spangler
Whether you ’ re inspiring students, motivating teachers or sparking creativity and innovation, the name of the game is engagement. With nearly 4 million followers and over 1.5 billion views of his science videos on social media, Steve Spangler knows something about the art and science of creating experiences that spread like a virus. The secret is knowing how to turn ordinary activities into unforgettable experiences that inspire children to lean in and learn more.
In this highly interactive and engaging presentation, Steve shares the science behind turning transactional activities into transformational experiences that change the way both students and staR see, feel, and think about STEM. Get ready to participate in hands- on demonstrations and experience Steve’s unique brand of eye-catching science that will unleash your creativity and get you thinking diRerently about the next school year.
GET’CHA HEAD IN THE GAME
Session Presented by: Kara Oliverson & Kirsten Gunderson
Are you ready to Get’cha Head in the Game? Take any content and lesson to the next level by using best teaching strategies explored in this session. Two current secondary teachers, Kara and Kirsten, will coach you on how to gamify your lessons. When implemented, these strategies will create an environment where students are not just learning they’re excited, engaged, and working together as a team.
We’ll practice how to bring together academic challenges, friendly competition, rewards, collaboration, and celebration to ignite students’ motivation. Our students need something inspiring to help them get through the day-to-day content, they need a little fabulous. Is that so wrong? By the end of this session, you'll have ready-to-use games to bring Wildcat energy to your classroom, help students increase engagement, boost learning outcomes, and strengthen relationships through the power of gamification. Don’t stick to the status quo!
SESSION RESEARCH
Marzano, R. (2010). The New Art and Science of Teaching: Using Games to Enhance Student Achievement
Plass, J. (2016). The Foundations of Game-Based Learning
Dichev, C. & Dicheva, D. (2017). Gamifying Education: What is Known, What is Believed and What Remains Uncertain: A Critical Review.
Mandell, B. (2024). 5 Benefits of Gamification
THE PICTURE BOOK PUNCH 2.0
Session Presented by: Juan Edgar Gonzalez Jr
Are you ready to deliver an academic knockout in your classroom with the power of picture books? These mighty books pack a punch with their rich text complexity and deep lessons, proving that shorter length doesn’t mean less impact. Picture books don’t just provide access to content; they open doors to diverse text structures, genres, and perspectives, giving students the chance to experience a wide variety of writing styles.
Join Juan Edgar Gonzalez Jr. as he steps into the ring to show you how to use picture books to elevate your instruction, engage students, and create memorable learning moments that pack a punch. Get ready to discover the strength and depth picture books can bring to your lessons!
Briseño, S., Briseño, K. (2023). Text Structures From Picture Books [Grades 2-8]: Lessons to Ease Students Into Text Analysis, Reading Response, and Writing With Craft.
Session
Description
Kittle, P. (2022). Micro Mentor Texts: Using Short Passages From Great Books to Teach Writer’s Craft.
Kittle, P. (2012). Book Love: Developing Depth, Stamina, and Passion in Adolescent Readers.
Ripp, P. (2017). Passionate Readers: The Art of Reaching and Engaging Every Child.
Walther, M. P. (2019). The Ramped-Up Read Aloud: What to Notice as You Turn the Page.
Van Zile, S., & Napoli, M. (2009). Teaching Literary Elements With Picture Books: Engaging, Standards-Based Lessons and Strategies.
DE-ESCALATION, RIGHT NOW!
Session Presented by: Andre Deshotel
complaining about math, and everything in between, this interactive, informative and equip educators with effective, actionable skills to de-escalate and address o maintain a safe, productive learning environment. Even with proactive, in place that reduce concerning student behavior, we may still encounter ur intentional response.
During this session we will:
Lean on simple, accessible neuroscience to understand behavior as a language. Create real-world classroom behavioral scenarios.
Model and practice how to intentionally respond to behaviors in the heat of the moment. Break negative cycles and secure a positive, productive learning environment.
Get ready to go back to your school and run your classroom with MORE confidence, feel MORE in control, and become MORE skillful in de-escalating behavior, so you can do what you showed up to do
... Get Your Teach On!
SESSION RESEARCH
Bailey, B. (2015). Conscious Discipline Building Resilient Classrooms.
Brummer & Thorsborne (2024). Becoming a Trauma-informed Restorative Educator: Practical Skills to Change Culture and Behavior.
Delahooke, M. (2019). Beyond Behaviors: Using Brain Science and Compassion to Understand and Solve Children's Behavioral Challenges.
Desautels, L. (2023). Intentional Neuroplasticity: Moving Our Nervous Systems and Educational System Toward Post-Traumatic Growth
English, C. (2024). It’s Never Just About the Behaviour.
ENGAGING, MOTIVATING & MANAGING HARD TO REACH & DISRUPTIVE STUDENTS
Session Presented by: Brian Mendler
I began disrupting class in 4th grade. I believed my peers would laugh at me for being “dumb” so I made sure they laughed at me for being “bad” instead. I was defiant, disruptive, and relatively unmotivated. I was “that one kid” that drove my teachers crazy. By sixth grade my academic skills were so below grade level that I was pulled out of school.
Two weeks later in a new school I had one teacher dramatically change my life. He did in about five minutes what nobody had done between kindergarten and 6th grade. And the amazing thing is that it is something any of you can do with any of your students immediately! Discover seven magic words that will change your students’ lives! Engage, motivate, and manage hard to reach and disruptive students plagued by severe undiagnosed ADHD and reading difficulties.
This seminar will explain mindsets and specific approaches needed to work successfully with challenging youth.Discover how to defuse any student, anywhere, at any time using our proven process and other defusing techniques. Learn the best strategies for connecting with difficult youth who put up walls and the most important gift we can give our students so they can be successful!
SESSION RESEARCH
Mendler, A (2014) THE RESILIENT TEACHER Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development (Arias).
Mendler, A. & Mendler, B. (2009). Power struggles: Successful strategies for educators - 2nd Edition Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree.
Sugai, George, Horner, Robert (2002) Behavior Psychology in the schools; The Evolution of Discipline Practices: School-Wide Positive Behavior Supports.
ROLE CALL!
Session Presented by: enna Copper, Ph.D.
m your classroom with the power of perspective? Then, it’s time to answer the call!
In this session, you will change your perspective on lesson planning...literally! As you “try a new lens,” you will learn how to craft immersive, multiple-perspective lessons to inspire and engage your students like never before! Role play will take on a new meaning as you unleash your creativity to develop new, authentic perspective-taking roles for your students!
You will walk away from this session with an understanding of the brain science behind perspective-taking and have an engaging, multiple-perspective plan for your next unit.
SESSION RESEARCH SESSIONSTANDARDS
§110 7(b)(9)(C): The student is expected to compare and contrast the treatment of the same topic in a variety of genres.
§110.26(b)(9)(C): The student is expected to compare and contrast how different texts present similar themes or topics
§110 27(b)(9)(C): The student is expected to analyze how different authors present history through fiction and nonfiction texts.
§110.28(b)(9)(C): The student is expected to analyze how themes, patterns of events, or character archetypes from traditional literature influence modern texts.
Session Description
Burstein, J. H., & Hutton, L. (2005). Planning and Teaching with Multiple Perspectives.
Sousa, D. (2021). How the Brain Learns.
Southworth, J. (2022). Bridging Critical Thinking and Transformative Learning: The Role of Perspective-Taking.
Winardy, G. C. B., & Septiana, E. (2023). Role, Play, and Games: Comparison between RolePlaying Games and Role-Play in Education.
ETYOUR PRESENTERS
VE SPANGLER
@STEVESPANGLER
as a teacher’s teacher, Steve Spangler speaks regularly to educators and egional and national association meetings with his popular “Best Day Ever” message. ay ’ s educational leadership to seek out professional development opportunities that k differently as they explore new ways to engage their students at the highest level.
hops introduce pre-K through 8th-grade teachers to strategies and best practices for nces that strengthen critical thinking skills through communication, collaboration, and
e Spangler’s PD workshops differ from anything you or your teachers have ever
JUAN EDGAR GONZALEZ JR.
entary school teacher in Dickinson, Texas. Since childhood, he become a chapter in his life. If you were to sift through old of Juan holding a book or teaching his younger brothers by earning a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University ence teaching first, second, third, and fourth grades, Juan has learned that creating s with prioritizing students above all else. He believes educators achieve the greatest needs and understand who they are as individuals.
dia to share his love for literacy and classroom ideas with other educators. This p p vel 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
ANDRE DESHOTEL
@BRAINENGAGER
Andre Deshotel has been passionately serving education for over 15 years. His experience ranges from middle school teacher, district instructional coach, and elementary assistant administrator In his current role as administrator, he progressively supports students by applying a neuroscience lens on behavior, gthens teacher capacity in classroom management and student engagement, and collaborates with munity partners to enhance student achievement
ears, Andre has been a certified Whole Brain Teaching trainer that has provided him with vast experience cilitating professional development across the nation. In addition, he provides schools and districts with engaging, robust classroom management and behavior training, along with coaching/mentoring 0-3 year teachers, turning both his applied research and on-the-ground experiences into meaningful and practical support. Andre is always ready to jump into the trenches to serve teachers and students any way he can!
MEETYOUR PRESENTERS
ONATHAN LSHEIMER
@MR ALSHEIMER
WWW JONATHANALSHEIMER COM
Alsheimer is the unorthodox, energetic, and entertaining teacher who refuses to live a tations and works with UFC Fighters, Celebrities, and Clothing Brands. In addition to
ator, Jonathan is an international keynote speaker and the best-selling author of "NEXT CHOOL OF ENGAGEMENT.” Jonathan, taught at the world-renowned Fred Lynn s featured in two documentaries "Relentless" and "Relentless: Chasing Accreditation,” a partnership with UFC Fighter and light-weight contender Paul Felder to bring a p, fighting for your education, and empowering the students to believe in themselves, n promotes in his classroom.
partnered with Fear the Fighter, an MMA clothing brand to establish a stop-bullying p g eimer didn't stop there and established a relationship with "Drama,” MTV reality star and CEO of Young and Reckless to promote and build student leaders in his school.
Jonathan, an educator in northern Virginia, has been featured on USA Channel 9 and NBC News for establishing a national give-back movement called “A Rae of Hope,” started in his classroom to help pediatric patients in hospitals, which has now grown and been implemented in schools and classrooms across the nation.
As Jonathan always says, "Game-changing is not a cliche motto; it is a way of life... some talk about it while others live by it!
@DRJENNACOPPER
JENNA COPPER, PH.D.
Jenna Copper, Ph D is an Assistant Professor of Education at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania and the author of Role Call and Keeping the Wonder. With a focus on literacy, perspective-taking, and high-engagement instructional strategies, she is dedicated to sparking student curiosity and promoting critical thinking in the classroom.
Previously, Jenna taught secondary English Language Arts for over a decade and is a certified K-12 Reading Specialist. In addition, she has served as a secondary department chair, a higher education program coordinator, and a districtwide technology coach She is also a Google Certified Trainer
Her presentations seamlessly blend cutting-edge educational research with practical classroom applications. She promotes audience engagement through unique demonstrations, hands-on activities, and of course, the element of surprise! Participants leave her presentations with effective, ready-to-use strategies and a deeper understanding of the theories behind them.
MEETYOUR PRESENTERS
JOSIE BENSKO
@MANIACSINTHEMIDDLE
Hey there! I'm Josie a teacher-turned-professor with a big heart for helping educators thrive. I spent nine years teaching 6th-grade science (yes, I am a crazy middle school-loving teacher). Now, I'm a professor at Illinois State University, where I get to mentor the next generation of elementary and middle school teachers—aka future classroom rock stars!
ngaging science experiments or creative lesson plans, I'm all about bringing energy and excitement to education. I love connecting with fellow educators and learning from each other's experiences.
When I'm not teaching, you can find me sharing my life on Instagram and TikTok. My mission? To empower teachers, spread positivity, and remind you that you're never alone in this teaching journey I believe that teaching is our career, not our entire life! I want to remind teachers that they have a life outside of the classroom!
Outside of the classroom I love traveling, working out, and having a fun little drink at all times. My goal is to build a supportive community where teachers can share ideas, celebrate successes, and tackle challenges together. So, let's embark on this adventure, inspire young minds, and make a difference one classroom at a time!
@BRIANMENDLER
BRIAN MENDLER
Brian Mendler has extensive experience working with challenging students in general education, selfcontained, and inclusion settings. He provides staff development training for K-12 educators throughout the world with the focus on how to be successful with even the most difficult students. He trains tens of thousands of educators every year and is a highly regarded dynamic speaker Educators love his seminars, because he is able to provide strategies that work immediately for today’s youth
Mr. Mendler has recently authored a book titled, Watch Your Mouth, Non Negotiables for Success with Toughest Kids. The book provides educators with easy to use strategies for preventing and responding to difficult, disruptive, defiant and unmotivated behavior. He has also authored That One Kid, 2nd Edition and co-authored books, Turning Tough Parents into Strong Partners, Strategies for Successful Classroom Management, Power Struggles 2nd Edition, and the best seller Discipline With Dignity 4th Edition
KARA OLIVERSON & KIRSTEN GUNDERSON
@THOSEUTAHSISTERS
Meet Kara Oliverson and Kirsten Gunderson: Two sisters on a mission to revolutionize classroom ngagement! These dynamic educators are both current classroom teachers residing in Northern Utah. hey teach at the same school along with their spouses—talk about a principal's nightmare. :) ars of mathematical expertise to the classroom, with a diverse background spanning in middle classrooms. Kirsten, with 7 years of educational experience, began her journey as a special education elementary teacher before finding her passion as a high school special education teacher. You can find Kara and Kirsten creating magic for teachers while serving on the Get Your Teach On Magic Squad. They are both advocates for education, dedicated moms to young children, and Disney Adults
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.
