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
KINDERGARTEN SESSIONS
PARTICIPATE TO ELEVATE
Session Presented by: Allie Mayberger
BUILDING A PHONICS
DRIVEN WRITING PROCESS FOR
YOUNG LEARNERS
Session Presented by: Lisa Peters
I GOTTA FEELING: MASTERING CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT
Session Presented by: Naomi O’Brien
CIENCE OF READING SMALL GROUPS
Session Presented by:
Bryce Sizemore
KINDERGARTEN SESSIONS
THE SCIENCE OF READING ROAD TO READING & WRITING WORDS
Session Presented by: Lisa Peters
NUMBER SENSE NINJAS: BUILDING STRONG MATHEMATICAL FOUNDATIONS
Session Presented by: Bryce Sizemore
DIFFERENTIATION
UNLOCKED
Session Presented by: Stephanie Higgs
UNLOCKING STUDENT ENGAGEMENT WITH WHOLE BRAIN TEACHING
Session Presented by: Andre Deshotel
PARTICIPATE TO ELEVATE
Session Presented by: Allie Mayberger
o equip educators with strategies to enhance student engagement in kindergarten vidence-based practices, this session will focus on techniques that foster ACTIVE p p , y, and meaningful connections with our learners cross-curricular. Educators will learn how to create interactive, student-centered learning environments that cater to diverse needs, developmental stages, and learning styles.
By integrating standards-based movement, play, and inquiry, teachers will be EMPOWERED to increase engagement and boost academic outcomes for ALL students. This session will provide hands-on learning experiences that help students internalize and apply concepts more effectively. By the end of this session, teachers will have a toolkit of PRACTICAL, research-based engagement strategies tailored to elementary learners, ensuring that ALL students—regardless of background or ability—can thrive in an ACTIVE and SUPPORTIVE learning environment.
Diller, D. (2020). Simply Stations: Listening and Speaking.
Mackenzie, S. (2018). The Read Aloud Family.
Walther, M. (2018). The Ramped Up Read Aloud.
BUILDING A PHONICS DRIVEN WRITING PROCESS FOR YOUNG LEARNERS - KINDER
Session Presented by: Lisa Peters
This session focuses on teaching young children how to write in a fun and engaging way that strengthens their phonics skills and introduces them to the essential reading and writing code. The goal is to give students the freedom to create and write their own sentences beyond just the ABCs, fostering creativity and literacy development. By incorporating movement and drawing on students' background knowledge, they will be able to unlock the codes of writing early. This session will cover a step-by-step writing process that helps children form and write complete sentences.
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.
I GOTTA FEELING: MASTERING CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT
Session Presented by: Naomi O’Brien
If disruptive behavior and students not staying on task are throwing off your kindergarten flow, it’s time to remix your classroom management! Join Naomi for an upbeat, high-energy session that will help you turn the chaos into harmony and keep your classroom running like a well-tuned playlist. You’ll learn how to teach with urgency, so students stay engaged and in rhythm, leaving no time for off-task behavior. Discover how to build a classroom culture where students feel motivated to hit the right notes participating, completing work, and staying on task. Plus, you’ll explore strategies to handle any blowups and get the class back on track smoothly, like a DJ dropping the perfect recovery track.
By the end of this session, you’ll have a toolkit of strategies to:
Turn down the noise reduce disruptions and keep students in sync with learning. Set the tone—build a classroom atmosphere that’s upbeat, positive, and motivating. Drop the beat when things get off track—bounce back from blowups with confidence and ease. Keep the hits coming—maintain a smooth flow that makes every moment count. Get ready to hit play on a classroom management routine that keeps everyone engaged, focused, and ready to jam!
SESSION RESEARCH
Wong, H. K., & Wong, R. T. (2009). The First Days of School: How to Be an Effective Teacher.
Hammond, Z. (2015). Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students.
§1102(b)(2)(A)(ii)-demonstratephonologicalawarenessbyblendingsyllablesinto words,segmentingmultisyllabicwordsintosyllables,andmanipulatingsyllableswithin words
THE SCIENCE OF READING ROAD TO READING AND WRITING WORDS - KINDER
Session Presented by: Lisa Peters
In this session, we will explore the two essential "roads" that must collide for a child to successfully read and write: spoken language and written language. A strong foundation in both is key to literacy development. We will travel down both roads, focusing on key areas such as letter knowledge, phonological awareness, sound spelling, and phonics.
You will gain practical strategies to address common challenges teachers face in the classroom and leave with effective techniques to strengthen these foundational skills, ensuring your students are well-equipped to become confident readers and writers.
RESEARCH SESSIONSTANDARDS
§110.2(b)(2)(B)(i) - demonstrate and apply phonetic knowledge by identifying and matching the common sounds that letters represent.
§110.2(b)(2)(B)(ii) - demonstrate and apply phonetic knowledge by using knowledge of letter-sound relationships to decode, including VC, CVC, CCVC, and CVCC words.
§110.2(b)(2)(B)(v) - demonstrate and apply phonetic knowledge by identifying and reading at least 25 highfrequency words from a research-based list.
§110.2(b)(2)(B)(iii) - demonstrate and apply phonetic knowledge by spelling words with common letter-sound correspondences.
SESSION
Foorman, B. (2016). Foundational Skills to Support Reading for Understanding in Kindergarten through 3rd Grade.
Session
Description
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.
NUMBER SENSE NINJAS: BUILDING STRONG MATHEMATICAL FOUNDATIONS
§111 2(b)(5)(A) - recite numbers up to at least 100 by ones and tens beginning with any given number
§111.2(b)(5)(A) - recite numbers up to at least 100 by ones and tens beginning with any given number
§111 2(b)(2)(B)(i) - recognize instantly the quantity of a small group of objects in organized and random arrangements.
§111 2(b)(2)(A) - count forward and backward to at least 20 with and without objects
§111.2(b)(2)(C) - count a set of objects up to at least 20 and demonstrate that the last number said tells the number of objects in the set regardless of their arrangement or order
§111 2(b)(2)(C) - count a set of objects up to at least 20 and demonstrate that the last number said tells the number of objects in the set regardless of their arrangement or order.
§111 2(b)(2)(F) - generate a number that is one more than or one less than another number up to at least 20
evelopment adventure?! Join Little Miss Gifted, Stephanie Higgs, for an on that’s packed with creative, low-prep differentiation strategies to energize es, crack codes, and uncover powerful tools like stoplight questioning, visual -changing ideas to meet the needs of all learners.
This session combines laughter, learning, and hands-on challenges to keep you engaged from start to finish. You’ll leave with a treasure trove of actionable strategies that are easy to implement and guaranteed to transform your classroom. Escape the ordinary—if you dare—and discover a fresh approach to differentiation that will spark creativity, boost student engagement, and make teaching even more fun. This isn’t just a session; it’s an unforgettable revolution in education that you can’t afford to miss!
SESSION RESEARCH
Blevins, W. Differentiating phonics instruction for maximum impact: How to scaffold whole-group instruction so all students can access grade-level content. Corwin Literacy.
Engel, Mimi. November 2013. Most math being taught in kindergarten is old news to students. Retrieved from https://news.vanderbilt.edu/2013/11/22/most-math-being-taught-inkindergarten-is-old-news-to-students/
Kircher-Morris, E., & Morin, A. (2025). Neurodiversity-affirming schools: Transforming practices so all students feel accepted and supported. Free Spirit Publishing. ASCD. Mofield, Emily. (2023). Vertical differentiation. Routledge Press.
Reis, Sally. Renzulli, J., Renzulli S.J. 8 October 2021. Enrichment and gifted education pedagogy to develop talents, gifts, and creative productivity. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1317646.pdf
Tomlinson, C. (2014). The differentiated classroom: Responding to the needs of all learners.
Zakreski, M. (2024). The neurodiversity playbook: How neurodivergent people can crack the code of living in a neurotypical world. Gifted Unlimited.
UNLOCKING STUDENT ENGAGEMENT WITH WHOLE BRAIN TEACHING
3, 2, 1, Blast off! This fast track to Whole Brain Teaching is jam-packed with easy-to-implement, effective strategies that increase active, visual student engagement instantly!
Got 99 classroom problems? Let’s solve some of the BIGGEST:
How do I get my students’ attention … all year long? 1.
How do I cultivate a positive, supportive climate on day one, hour one? 2.
How do I focus my students’ brains on their learning? 3.
How do I involve my students in delivering brain-friendly lessons? 4.
How do I get real-time assessment feedback from my students? 5.
During this highly interactive session, fueled by brain-based research, you will learn Whole Brain Teaching while doing Whole Brain Teaching. By the time you descend back to earth’s surface, you will be ready to run into any classroom with a powerful and purposeful toolbox for activating student engagement, maximizing instructional time, and creating a fun learning environment for all students!
SESSION RESEARCH
Biffle, C. (2023). Whole Brain Teaching: 2nd Edition.
Brown, Roediger, and McDaniel (2014). Make it Stick.
Jensen & McConchie (2020). Brain-based Learning: Teaching the Way Students Really Learn.
McTighe & Willis (2019). Upgrade Your Teaching: Understanding by Design Meets Neuroscience.
MEETYOUR PRESENTERS
ALLIE MAYBERGER
@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!
@THETEACHINGTEXAN
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.
LISA PETERS
INSTAGRAM: @LISAELAINE
TIKTOK: @LISAELAINE
FACEBOOK: MRS PETERS CLASS
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 across all grade levels, from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Currently, Lisa teaches Kindergarten and believes it is the most magical place to be, where young learners begin their academic journeys. Lisa is passionate and creates learning resources that support students in developing essential reading and writing skills 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
NAOMI O’BRIEN MEETYOUR PRESENTERS
@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
@BRAINENGAGER
ANDRE DESHOTEL
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, strengthens teacher capacity in classroom management and student engagement, and collaborates with families and community partners to enhance student achievement.
For the last ten years, Andre has been a certified Whole Brain Teaching trainer that has provided him w crafting and facilitating professional development across the nation. In addition, he provides schools and engaging, robust classroom management and behavior training, along with coaching/mentoring 0-3 y 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!
STEPHANIE HIGGS
@LITTLEMISSGIFTED
Stephanie Higgs, better known as @littlemissgifted on Instagram, is an award-winning, Nashville-based gifted educator and differentiation coach A quick-thinking, passionate, and international presenter, Stephanie delivers sessions packed with immediate, easy-to-implement, and FUN takeaways that will have you racing back to your classroom inspired and ready to roll! With over a decade of experience nd grade,and 4th grade, Stephanie is your ultimate hype girl—here to love, support, and serve essions will leave you energized, equipped, and empowered to work smarter, not harder, while creating h your students and yourself
Stephanie shares daily, bite-sized ideas and actionable tips for teachers on Instagram most of them completely FREE! Be sure to follow her there to keep the inspiration going and continue the conversation. You won’t want to miss her contagious enthusiasm and practical strategies!
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.
