Tapping into Resiliency supports leaders in strengthening their ability to recover, adapt, and grow through challenges by focusing on what they can control and how they respond. Participants will engage in guided reflection, use a Circle of Control framework, and learn practical strategies—such as stress management, perspective-taking, and intentional connection—to build resilience in their daily leadership practice.
Customer service in the field of education means wearing many hats—concierge, troubleshooter, guide, and sometimes referee. This engaging session blends quick tips, real-life examples, and hands-on activities to support leaders in developing lasting approaches that make excellent customer service the norm—in person, by phone, and in virtual spaces.
Senior Director - Student Assignment, Wake County Public Schools
Susan W. Pullium currently serves as the Senior Director of Student Assignment for the Wake County Public School System. In this role, she leads the annual enrollment planning process, including district-wide community engagement efforts, and oversees district level enrollment and... Read More →
Educational leadership often requires leaders to move continuously from challenge to challenge while supporting others. This interactive wellness reset session provides leaders with practical strategies to pause, recalibrate, and sustain themselves amid the demands of leadership. Through guided reflection, mindset shifts, and intentional wellness practices, participants will explore ways to manage stress, create moments of calm, and lead with both strength and sustainability.
Senior Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, Wake County Public School System
Dr. Kendra Core King is a seasoned educational leader, author, and advocate for sustainable leadership practices. With more than 25 years of experience in public education, Dr. King has served in teaching, school leadership, district administration, and executive leadership roles... Read More →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm EDT Room 15
Just like the weave of a piece of cloth determines its strength and beauty, intertwined supports for our Beginning Teachers are essential to grow their efficacy and job satisfaction for retention. Hearing from four varied perspectives in the BT support process (Principal, BT Mentor Coordinator, Alternative Licensure BT, and SPED BT) will provide actionable ideas to apply to schools of all levels.
The Office of Security is implementing an updated mandatory district wide Emergency Standard Response Protocol. This change in procedure will be initiated at the over the summer.
Creating thriving educational environments requires more than effective systems or strong leadership; it begins with people. This session explores two essential, research-based dimensions of whole-school wellness often overlooked in school improvement efforts: the well-being of school principals and the sense of belonging experienced by students. Drawing on two qualitative studies in North Carolina schools, the researchers examine how principals’ personal, psychological, and professional wellness, combined with students’ sense of belonging, shape school climate, engagement, and achievement. Principals and school leaders are uniquely positioned to champion this work through daily practice, school culture, and strategic vision. This session provides practical tools, reflective practices, and real-world insights to help leaders cultivate schools where wellbeing is foundational for themselves, their staff, and their students alike.
Dr. Jennifer Lecorchick is an educational leader and speaker who redefines the metrics of student success by centering wellness and academic excellence within school cultures. Serving as an Assistant Principal within the Wake County Public School System, Dr. Lecorchick leverages more... Read More →
Teaching at a high needs school can often feel like rowing against a heavy current. To reach our destination without burnout, Neuse River leadership works to ensure every member of the "crew" is synchronized, supported, and physically capable of the journey. This session will share how we created a comprehensive wellness initiative to keep our staff afloat and moving forward with purpose.
In this interactive two-hour session, participants will discover intentional ways to build a culture of wellness that supports and strengthens school teams. Through engaging team-building activities, reflection strategies, and practical takeaways, leaders will explore how to “love on” staff members by fostering connection, positivity, and a growth-focused mindset. Participants will experience wellness-centered practices they can implement immediately to boost morale, strengthen relationships, and create spaces where people feel valued. This session highlights the impact of leading with wellness—not as an event, but as an ongoing commitment that sustains teams, promotes resilience, and builds a thriving school culture.
Coach Consultant, Research and Development, Camp Explore for Educators
Dana Penick, M.Ed., is an experienced educational leader andinstructional coach with over 30 years in education, serving as ateacher, administrative assistant, assistant principal, and principal. Shecurrently leads professional learning and coaching initiatives withCamp Explore for... Read More →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:35pm - 3:45pm EDT Room 15
