What if supporting every teacher in your building didn’t have to feel unrealistic or overwhelming? This session introduces a Differentiated Coaching Framework that aligns support to teacher readiness, mindset, and student data—ensuring that coaching is not just happening, but actually improving instruction through strategic and aligned support. Participants will explore a four-phase coaching framework that identifies each teacher’s stage of development and aligns support from foundational growth to teacher leadership pathways. Leaders will get a chance to align their own staff into the phases and identify strategic supports accordingly.Grounded in real implementation at the school level, this session will provide leaders with practical tools to differentiate coaching, build trust and morale at your school, retain teachers, and build the capacity of your Instructional Leadership Team.
Programs can offer a temporary boost in scores but can be followed by the implementation slump. Join us to learn about how a school culture built around understanding learners and led by teacher leaders has built a foundation for consistent improvement. You'll reflect on your school and identify current strengths that can leverage cultural change for your staff and students.
You’ve seen the Panorama Family Survey data! Now, let’s make it work for you. This deep-dive session is designed for users ready to move beyond the basics and into high-impact action. We will leverage Panorama’s new enhanced reporting tools to generate sophisticated stakeholder reports and streamline how you share insights with your community. We’ll focus on aligning your findings with SIP goals and building a concrete roadmap for the 2026–2027 school year. Best fit for: Users who are already comfortable with the Panorama platform and are looking for advanced strategies to drive school improvement.
Kimberly Hall Burton, a veteran educator with 30 years of experience in public education, is currently employed by the Wake County Public School System in Cary, North Carolina. Kimberly joined the Wake County Public School System in 2000. She began her career, in 1994, in the state... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am EDT Room 16
Get ready for a fun, fast-paced, and thought-provoking professional development experience! Through the interactive StarPower® simulation, participants will navigate changing roles, make critical decisions, and explore how power and privilege shape systems and relationships. This engaging session encourages collaboration, reflection, and meaningful discussion while providing valuable insights into leadership, power dynamics, and organizational systems. - Max 36 participants Devices are not needed for this session.
Mary Bohr is the Senior Director of Professional Learning for Wake County Public School System. With a background in regular and special education, high-impact reading strategies, curriculum leadership, and school administration, she successfully led four elementary schools to high... Read More →
Director of Student Agency, Office of Professional Learning
Dr. Janeen Perry-Campbell is the Director of Student Agency in the Office of Professional Learning, where she champions student voice, ownership, and engagement. A lifelong educator with more than 20 years of experience, Janeen has served as a high school science teacher, Master STEM... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am EDT Fireside
Leadership is not just about what we do—it’s about what drives what we do. In high-stakes school environments, leaders are constantly asked to balance compassion with accountability and courage with care. Yet, the way leaders navigate these tensions is often shaped by internal beliefs they have never fully examined. This interactive 90-minute workshop invites school and district leaders to pause, reflect, and confront the internal drivers behind their leadership behaviors. Through guided reflection, structured dialogue, and practical application, participants will uncover how their beliefs influence their decisions, relationships, and impact on staff. Grounded in the theme of Leading with Courage and Compassion, this session moves beyond surface-level strategies and focuses on the internal work required to lead authentically, decisively, and humanely. Participants will leave with greater self-awareness, a framework for navigating difficult leadership moments, and a clear commitment to aligned action.
I am a certified leadership coach, speaker, and teacher. I have over 25 years of leadership experience. My passion is helping others tap into their greatest potential and to learn how to live in and lead with purpose. My primary focus is developing and coaching high-potential female... Read More →
If we could just manage our time better, we could get everything done, right? Wrong! There is not enough time, no matter how well organized, to meet everyone’s needs and check all the tasks off your to- do list. The first step towards reclaiming leadership purpose is to stop trying to manage time and start managing priorities! This session will help you make the perspective shift and provide some basic tools to make priority management both practical and impactful.
Frederick Buskey was a K-12 teacher and administrator for 17 years. He is a National Board-Certified Teacher, former middle school and high school teacher and coach, and county office Special Education Coordinator. He has experience working in international schools and rural schools... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am EDT Room 13
The session reframes school breakfast as a powerful operational strategy, not just a school nutrition program. Participants explore how morning meal access directly improves arrival flow, attendance, behavior, instructional readiness, and overall school efficiency. We will do this through hands on morning operations maps, discussing operational pain points, and determine which breakfast models can solve real school problems. The goal is for leaders to leave with a micro-plan for strengthening breakfast in their building while increasing student outcomes.
When 44% of your students are Hispanic, family engagement isn’t an initiative—it’s a responsibility. Join us to learn how we built meaningful partnerships with almost no funding by collaboratively designing and launching monthly Hispanic Family Nights to empower our Hispanic families. It all started with one question: How do we truly partner with 215 Hispanic students and their families? That question grew into a movement that reshaped our school community. After hosting our first Hispanic Family Night in September, we followed our student data and recognized the need for intentional action to support our largest student group. The initial event was a success, leaving families eager for more—so Hispanic Family Nights became a monthly tradition, and attendance has continued to grow. In this session, participants will learn how we empower Hispanic families while holding ourselves accountable for improving outcomes for our Hispanic students. Key takeaways include how our ESL team, principal, and newly formed Hispanic Liaison Committee collaboratively plan each event using student data and SIP goals to guide content. We will share topics such as understanding report cards, supporting nightly reading, helping children in math, and navigating assessments including mCLASS, NC Check-Ins, and ACCESS.By honoring family perspectives, removing language barriers, and leveraging existing resources, we’ve created sustainable, high-impact engagement—without large budgets—and hope our journey inspires your school community.
This session will give users a better understanding of reports available across platforms within the district. Presenters will go over various available report and explain how they can be used for data driven decisions.
In an era of rapid social and technological change, the traditional blueprints for school leadership are being rewritten. This session is designed for principals who recognize that navigating today’s "dynamic environments" requires more than just steady management—it demands a fundamental shift in approach. We will explore the leadership moves necessary to move beyond the status quo, grounded in the reality that to get different results, we must do school differently. Stability is not the absence of change, but the ability to maintain direction while in motion. This session explores the technical tools and leadership mindset to ensure your school doesn't just react to the environment but shapes it.
Kimberly Hall Burton, a veteran educator with 30 years of experience in public education, is currently employed by the Wake County Public School System in Cary, North Carolina. Kimberly joined the Wake County Public School System in 2000. She began her career, in 1994, in the state... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 11:40am EDT Room 14
This session is designed for K-5 principals seeking to increase student reading outcomes and student growth. In this session, participants will clarify what sound reading instruction looks like within Kindergarten through 5th grade classrooms, then apply these look-fors to determine current state and future School Improvement goals. This session will make connections between current Science of Reading research and daily classroom practice in both Word Recognition and Language Comprehension. Participants will leave with the ability to recognize research-based literacy practices within their school and will have an increased capacity to lead literacy instructional change. Devices are suggested for this session.
Coordinating Teacher, ERASS Region 2, Wake County Public School System My name is Gioia (Joy-ah) Perry, and I am driven by the belief that every child deserves a high quality education. I also believe that literacy is the key to dismantling inequity. By leveraging the Science of Reading, we can establish a clear pathway to ensure each student graduate... Read More →
Coordinating Teacher, ERASS Region 2, Wake County Public School System
Laura Abraham is a proud product of public schools in NC. She has been employed by Wake County since 2012, serving as a classroom teacher (Kindergarten/2nd/4th grades) and Instructional Facilitator, before transitioning to her current role as Coordinating Teacher in the Elementary... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am EDT Room 16
In this session, we introduce a K-12 Digital Literacy Progression framework. Built around ten essential questions and rooted in the NC Digital Learning Standards, this curriculum integrates curated expert materials with high-quality, custom-designed resources. While the curriculum is meant to be delivered by certified school librarians, the framework is engineered to serve as the foundation for district-wide alignment, providing the instructional scaffolding all staff need to support digital literacy. Session Outcomes Strategic Leadership: Learn how librarians across the district are already engaged in digital literacy instruction and how you might provide necessary support to position your librarians as instructional leaders. Instructional Excellence: Explore curriculum maps and sample lessons that demonstrate rigorous, standards-based instruction infused with high-impact instructional strategies.
Director of Library Media Services, Digital Learning and Libraries
My WCPSS journey began in December 2008 when I started in the library at Holly Ridge Middle School. I opened the Holly Grove Middle School library in 2010 and have been part of the Library Media Services team since February 2015. I became the director in September 2019--just in time... Read More →
Director of Digital Content and Instruction, WCPSS
I serve on the Digital Learning and Libraries team for WCPSS and work with the Digital Learning Coordinators to support all staff on the selection and integration of digital resources to meet instructional needs. I am actively involved in our AI policy development and training, implementing... Read More →
Senior Administrator Library Media Services, WCPSS
As an educator for almost 25 years, Kristel has experience with the wee ones to adult learners. She started her career as an elementary music teacher and an opera singer. Life and learning led her to two other passions, literacy and technology, the perfect mix for a teacher- librarian... Read More →
This session will give users an overview of the Legislation and State reporting rules behind the Principal’s Monthly Report (PMR). We will also go over the data and calculations within the report and discuss how the State uses the information. This includes ADA, ADM, and Best 1 of 2
This 90-minute session is designed to support school-based and central services administrators who are interested in and considering how to successfully navigate and complete the dissertation process. Participants will engage in a focused, practical learning experience centered on actionable strategies that can be immediately applied to their work. The session will highlight effective planning structures, time management techniques, writing routines, and systems for maintaining momentum while balancing professional responsibilities. In addition, participants will explore common barriers that often delay progress and learn targeted approaches to overcome them. Emphasis will be placed on simplifying the process, leveraging available resources, and building sustainable habits that lead to completion. By the end of the session, attendees will leave with a clear set of tools, strategies, and next steps to move forward with confidence and finish their dissertation.
Dr. Syreeta Smith is a dynamic transformational and instructional leader currently serving as the Eastern Area Superintendent for Wake County Public Schools. Driven by a deep passion for student success, she fiercely believes that education offers students a powerful opportunity... Read More →
Senior Director of Elementary Regional Achievement and Support Region 2, Wake County Public School System
Dr. Shawn D. Johnson is a seasoned educational leader with extensive experience as a principal and district leader in curriculum and instruction. Knowledgeable of the most impactful instructional practices according to effect size, research, and results, Dr. Johnson’s top priority... Read More →
Senior Administrator: Region 2 Secondary Regional Achievement and School Support, WCPSS
Dr. Hinnant is driven by a lifelong passion for learning and discovery, I blend my solid educational foundation with diverse professional experience to tackle new challenges with an adaptable mindset. Beyond my career, my worldview is continuously shaped by my love for traveling... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am EDT Room 19
Today’s leaders are navigating unprecedented complexity –competing priorities, polarized perspectives, and challenges with no clear solutions. The pressure to “fix” what may not be solvable can lead to overwhelm, reactivity, and burnout. What if the work isn’t to eliminate tensions – but to lead it well? This session equips leaders with the clarity and courage to face complex challenges without becoming consumed by them. Participants will learn how to surface and map the hidden tensions driving conflict, engage diverse perspectives more productively, and respond with intention rather than urgency. Through practical tools and structured reflection, leaders will build their capacity to stay grounded, think systemically, and lead with balance—even in the most demanding situations.
Devices are welcome. Both hard copy and digital handouts will be available.
Org Development & Inclusion Specialist, Become Better Global, LLC
Dr. Echols is an organizational development and human connection consultant, speaker, and facilitator with more than 20 years of experience supporting individuals, teams, and organizations. A former teacher, school counselor, and professional learning leader, he works across education... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am EDT Room 17
At the heart of everything we do as educators is one fundamental mission: student achievement. Every strategy, every lesson, every conversation, and every decision must ultimately lead to stronger outcomes for students. To make that happen, we must continually strengthen the instructional repertoire of our teachers so they are equipped to reach every learner at high levels. This is where instructional leadership matters most. Our coaches and school leaders must be able to enter classrooms with clarity and purpose, identify the instructional moves that are driving learning, and provide teachers with specific, actionable feedback that leads to immediate growth. When we build the capacity of teachers, we unlock the potential of students. This work is not about compliance or evaluation. It is about sharpening our craft, maximizing every moment of instruction, and ensuring that every student experiences the kind of teaching that changes lives.
This professional development workshop equips school administrators with the knowledge, tools, and leadership strategies needed to proactively prevent employee misconduct and foster a culture of accountability, safety, and professionalism. While emphasizing the connection from policy to practice, participants will learn how to turn policies, procedures, and legal requirements into clear, consistent daily actions that reduce risk and improve oversight. Rather than reacting to incidents after they occur, participants will learn how to identify early warning signs and create environments where ethical behavior is the standard. Through real-world scenarios, guided discussion, and practical application, administrators will explore key topics including risk factors for misconduct, appropriate supervision and documentation practices, staff training and communication, and the role of leadership in shaping organizational culture. Participants will leave this workshop with actionable strategies and ready-to-use resources, including training materials to share with staff, that will strengthen accountability, reduce risk, and protect students, employees, and their school communities. This session is ideal for principals and assistant principals committed to leading with integrity and preventing issues before they arise.
What becomes possible when leaders truly understand one another’s daily realities? In this session, central services and school leaders will engage in an authentic listening experience that builds empathy, trust, and stronger cross-system relationships. A small volunteer circle (10 ppl max) will model guided dialogue while others observe and reflect. Participants will leave with renewed energy, a deeper perspective, and practical inspiration to strengthen collaboration, community, and collective impact in support of student achievement, well-being, and operational excellence.
Senior Administrator of Community Partnerships, WCPSS
Dr. Sturdivant serves as the Senior Administrator of Community Partnerships in Strategic Operations for Wake County Public School System. Having served in public schools for 26 years as a teacher, literacy coach, curriculum facilitator, and equity and intervention specialist, Dr... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am EDT Fireside
Leaders today are navigating conditions that feel increasingly unpredictable and difficult to interpret—across sectors, not just in education. This session introduces a practical approach, drawn from the field of Futurism, to make sense of these shifts and respond with clarity and adaptability. Leaders will leave this session with: -A clearer way to make sense of the conditions shaping their work. -Ways to apply new ideas to a current leadership challenge. -Practical strategies for leading in uncertain environments. In these unprecedented times, mission and purpose continue to anchor the work, while strategies become more flexible and human-centered.
Senior Director for Innovative and Strategic Initiatives, WCPSS
Dr. Alford-Keith serves as Senior Director for Innovative and Strategic Initiatives. She grew up in the triangle and has been with WCPSS for 16 years. She earned her EdD from Western Carolina University and is also an alumna of Meredith College and UNC Chapel Hill. Her educational... Read More →
Artificial Intelligence is no longer a future concept; it is a current leadership reality. This hands-on planning lab empowers school leaders to take a courageous stand on AI implementation. Using NotebookLM and district context documents, participants will collaborate to draft their own school-level AI "Expectations and Empowerment" guides. We will align our work with the Innovative Designer (DLS.ID.4) standard, balancing the "Compassion" of academic integrity with the "Courage" to embrace new technological frontiers. Attendees will leave with a tangible plan to lead their staff and students into a future where AI is used ethically and effectively. Devices are required for this session.
Senior Director of Digital Learning and Libraries, Wake County Public School System
As the Senior Director of Digital Learning and Libraries for the Wake County Public School System, Pam Batchelor is dedicated to preparing students for a rapidly evolving digital world. She leads strategic instructional initiatives across the district, with a current focus on using... Read More →
Director of Digital Content and Instruction, WCPSS
I serve on the Digital Learning and Libraries team for WCPSS and work with the Digital Learning Coordinators to support all staff on the selection and integration of digital resources to meet instructional needs. I am actively involved in our AI policy development and training, implementing... Read More →
I have been serving in the Wake County Public School System since 2003. I was a Language Arts teacher for ten years, an In-School Suspension Coordinator for two and a half years, and an Instructional Technology Facilitator for two and a half years. I have been on the front lines and... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am EDT Room 13
This session will be geared to learning techniques and tools for using Google Sheets and Excel to maximize operational efficiency in data organization and communication. Examples include Mail Merge, IMPORT, VLOOKUP, and other helpful tips that may help with some of the daily work of school administrators.
Public schools teach 100% of our students. Day in, day out, they work with every student who walks in the door to prepare them to participate as a productive citizen in the US and the world.It is noble work, and it is tiring, trying work. And it is one of the most patriotic works in which a person can participate. There are many people who want to talk down public education, some for their own gain, some because of their beliefs, some just because their perspectives have been focused on refusing public education from the start. What you do every day matters to hundreds of students each year, and over the course of a career, thousands. It is the cornerstone of opportunity for every young person that you come into contact with, teaching, coaching, even just having a conversation with. In the bus loop, in the carpool line, in the cafeteria, the office, the gym, the theater, the courtyard, all the students and all the interactions matter - 100%.
Research consistently demonstrates that school leaders influence student achievement not primarily through management tasks, but through specific leadership behaviors that shape teaching, learning, and school culture. Drawing on the framework from Grissom, Egalite, and Lindsay's How Principals Affect Students and Schools (2021), this session will help principal teams examine how leadership behaviors emerge from strengths in people, instruction, and organization. Participants will assess their current leadership practices, identify opportunities to expand Assistant Principal leadership capacity, and develop a shared leadership action plan that strengthens school outcomes. This session is designed for principal–assistant principal teams seeking to move beyond task delegation toward intentional leadership distribution that increases instructional impact and organizational effectiveness.
Executive Leadership Coach, Wake County Public School System
Rob Epler currently serves as an Executive Leadership Coach in the Wake County Public School System. His previous roles include Southwestern Area Senior Administrator, Elementary Principal, Assistant Principal, Magnet Coordinator, and High School English Teacher. As the Principal... Read More →
Sr. Director Chief of Schools, Wake County Public Schools
Senior Director Secondary Executive Leadership Coach Former Principal East Millbrook Middle Former Principal Brentwood Elementary WCPSS Principal of the Year 2015-2016
Using the best-selling research-based book, The SIOP® Model for Administrators, Second Edition, participants are introduced to SIOP® and how it can improve instruction for all students. Participants consider the roles coaches and administrators play in supporting teachers using the SIOP® Model. The foundational SIOP® text is also provided with this offering to help leaders support educators upon returning to their school. By the end of this workshop, participants can expect to achieve the following outcomes: ▪ Identify the strengths and needs of multilingual learners and explore how the SIOP® Model can build on students’ assets for learning and meet their needs ▪ Identify how implementing SIOP® can have a positive effect on teaching and learning for all students through shared responsibility by all staff.
EVAAS can be an invaluable tool for administrators, but it’s easy to get lost in all the details and data. In this session, we will share and crowdsource strategies for how to leverage EVAAS reports (value-added, diagnostic, student projections) in a way that is accessible and actionable. Please check to ensure you have access to EVAAS before this session.
Throughout the years, Spencer has worked as a teacher (middle and high school ELA and History), coach (Instructional Facilitator, Technology Facilitator, Intervention Coordinator), and district administrator (Senior Data Trainer in Data, Research, and Accountability). His team seeks... Read More →
I have been in education for over 25 years, and I have been supporting teachers in my district for over 10 years. I love sharing assessment strategies that worked for me in the classroom and also helped to make math seem more attainable for students.
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT Room 17
This professional development workshop provides school administrators with practical strategies for effectively managing employee relations in today’s complex educational environment. Designed specifically for school leaders, the session focuses on building strong, professional relationships while maintaining clear expectations, consistent communication, and accountability across staff. Through the use of realistic scenarios, participants will engage in guided discussions and problem-solving activities that reflect common challenges in schools—such as addressing conduct concerns, responding to staff conflict, managing difficult conversations, and documenting issues appropriately. These scenarios allow administrators to practice decision-making in a safe, structured setting while exploring both effective approaches and potential pitfalls. Participants will also examine the role of leadership in shaping a positive work culture, learn strategies for early intervention, and strengthen their understanding of legal and ethical considerations in employee relations. Emphasis is placed on applying best practices consistently, ensuring fairness, and supporting both staff growth and student success. By the end of the workshop, participants will leave with actionable tools, communication strategies, and practical frameworks they can immediately apply in their schools. This session is ideal for principals and assistant principals seeking to confidently navigate employee relations and lead with clarity, consistency, and professionalism.
Realizing the vision of "Onward Together" requires a leadership commitment to removing barriers before they even exist. In this session, leaders will explore Universal Design for Learning (UDL) not just as a classroom strategy, but as a systemic lever for equity. Aligned with Lever 1 (Challenge Me!), we will examine how UDL frameworks empower students to become Empowered Learners (DLS.EL.1) by providing multiple means of engagement and representation. Participants will leave with a leadership lens for evaluating standards-driven instruction that ensures every student, regardless of variability, is challenged and supported.
Digital Learning Coordinator, Wake County Public School System
As a Digital Learning Coordinator, I am here to support teachers in their use of instructional technology to not only motivate and engage students but to also prepare them for the world they will enter upon graduation. By working together, I want to help teachers implement digital... Read More →
This workshop examines strategies for fostering collective efficacy and shared accountability among school leaders and the Section 504 meeting facilitators they supervise. Through collaborative learning and shared decision-making, participants will examine specific Section 504 procedures and pertinent case law to develop a more robust understanding of Section 504 service delivery at their sites. These efforts are intended to improve student outcomes and to reduce school-based parent grievances.
Drawing on empirical research and practical examples, the session provides actionable guidance for establishing a balanced support framework that enables Section 504 teams to operate with confidence and effectiveness. Participants will acquire tools to harness the collective capacity of their Section 504 teams for sustained, effective support of students eligible under Section 504. Participants are requested to bring and use a laptop or tablet (e.g., iPad) for full engagement in the session. This workshop is particularly beneficial for newly appointed WCPSS school administrators.
Joseph Man currently serves as a Senior Administrator with WCPSS 504 Services. In this role, he supports 504 non-discrimination policy implementation, ECATS 504 data management, staff training, administrative consultation around non-discrimination challenges, and complaints resolution... Read More →
This session will equip educational leaders with a framework to combat chronic workplace stress, protect their health, and model sustainable wellness for their staff.
As digital landscapes shift, leaders must balance accessibility with ironclad security. This session introduces the new WakeID Portal and provides a deep dive into critical cybersecurity responsibilities, including KnowBe4 and Lightspeed updates. We will specifically address past challenges with Google "oversharing" by walking participants through best practices for file permissions. Attendees will learn how to audit their current shared files, manage search permissions, and lead their teams in distinguishing between data meant for collaboration and data that must remain protected.
This session is designed to strengthen principals’ and assistant principals’ ability to use evaluation systems as tools for delivering timely, clear, and actionable feedback that improves performance across all roles in a school. Evaluation processes should do more than document performance. They should support meaningful conversations that build clarity, strengthen practice, and drive continuous growth. This session will focus on helping leaders leverage evaluation systems to provide feedback that is specific, relevant, and immediately usable, whether working with teachers or non-instructional staff.
This session focuses on the strategic use of digital tools to maximize HIIS that support Lever 2 (Engage Me!) We will explore how tools can facilitate Global Collaboration (DLS.GC.7) and active participation, ensuring that technology serves as a catalyst for engagement rather than a distraction. Join us to learn how to lead teachers in knowing when and how to utilize technology in building-wide instructional goals.
Digital Learning Coordinator, Digital Learning and Libraries
Wanda Hanley is an innovative educational leader with over two decades of experience in Wake County Public Schools, specializing in transforming classrooms through strategic digital integration. As a Digital Learning Coordinator, she partners with school leaders and educators to build... Read More →
Kurt Hurelbrink is a Digital Learning Coordinator for the Wake County Public School System. He has over 20 years of experience in education. He received his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Eastern Illinois University, a Master of Arts degree in Teaching and Leadership... Read More →
Whether you're contemplating enrolling in a doctoral program or already navigating its challenging terrain, this session is designed to provide insights and support through collaboration and reflection. Foster connections with fellow attendees and the presenters-- sharing experiences, challenges, and strategies for navigating the doctoral journey. Gain clarity and insight through reflective exercises designed to help you assess your motivations, goals, and readiness for, or progress in, doctoral study. Already a doc and still interested in this discussion? Mentors are also welcome! No devices!
Julie began her career in WCPSS at Fuquay-Varina HS in 1995 where she taught English and served as School Improvement Team chair. She transitioned to Wake Education Partnership in 2007 where she managed and developed programs, provided professional development, and covered local... Read More →
Senior Director for Innovative and Strategic Initiatives, WCPSS
Dr. Alford-Keith serves as Senior Director for Innovative and Strategic Initiatives. She grew up in the triangle and has been with WCPSS for 16 years. She earned her EdD from Western Carolina University and is also an alumna of Meredith College and UNC Chapel Hill. Her educational... Read More →
Dr. Lindsay Lewis is a knowledgeable, driven, and experienced educator with a history of working in the K-12 setting, as well as higher education and private industry. Dr. Lewis started her career teaching high school science, and she left the classroom to pursue her PhD, which she... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT Room 19
Strong school-based SISP teams are a key lever for improving student wellness, engagement, attendance, behavior, and academic success. However, their impact depends heavily on leadership understanding and support. This session helps school and district leaders identify the structures, leadership moves, and schoolwide conditions that allow SISP teams to function effectively. Participants will learn what strong implementation looks like, how to recognize common barriers, and how leadership decisions around time, communication, data access, and shared ownership directly influence team effectiveness. Leaders will leave with practical ways to better support and sustain multidisciplinary student support teams within their schools and departments.
We often focus on EVAAS at the school level, but there are reports that also benefit those that work at the district level. In this session, we will provide resources and strategies for leveraging EVAAS at central office. Please check to ensure you have access to EVAAS before this session.
Throughout the years, Spencer has worked as a teacher (middle and high school ELA and History), coach (Instructional Facilitator, Technology Facilitator, Intervention Coordinator), and district administrator (Senior Data Trainer in Data, Research, and Accountability). His team seeks... Read More →
I have been in education for over 25 years, and I have been supporting teachers in my district for over 10 years. I love sharing assessment strategies that worked for me in the classroom and also helped to make math seem more attainable for students.
Thursday July 23, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT Room 17
We became leaders because we wanted to make a difference in people’s lives, but when we spend the majority of our time putting out fires, even productive days can feel purposeless. In this interactive session, we will learn and practice a simple 3-question coaching strategy that will help others grow through reflection and will help you fulfill your leadership purpose. The technique takes less than five minutes, but the impact endures. As a result of this session, you will be able to support teachers and other leaders using a simple reflective process in five minutes or less and will become more aware of the many opportunities you have to use the technique each day.
Frederick Buskey was a K-12 teacher and administrator for 17 years. He is a National Board-Certified Teacher, former middle school and high school teacher and coach, and county office Special Education Coordinator. He has experience working in international schools and rural schools... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT Room 13
This session equips school-based administrators with the knowledge and tools to confidently and effectively address teacher performance concerns. Participants will gain a clear understanding of established processes, including how to collect and document evidence, deliver specific and actionable feedback, and navigate performance issues with consistency and clarity. The session highlights critical steps, common pitfalls to avoid, and best practices that promote transparency and shared understanding. It also emphasizes strategies for leading productive, professional conversations—even in challenging situations—while setting appropriate timelines and using effective observation and evaluation techniques. In addition, participants will explore ways to provide meaningful support to teachers in need of improvement, with a focus on fostering professional growth, accountability, and stronger performance outcomes. Ultimately, this session is designed to strengthen administrators’ capacity to develop, support, and retain high-quality staff in service of improved student success.
Julie began her career in WCPSS at Fuquay-Varina HS in 1995 where she taught English and served as School Improvement Team chair. She transitioned to Wake Education Partnership in 2007 where she managed and developed programs, provided professional development, and covered local... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT Room 16
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 →
Thursday July 23, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT Room 15
In the Wake County Public School System, nearly all data has a location component, but traditional spreadsheets often obscure the relationships between things like student outcomes or the ongoing operations of the District and their environments. The Office of Geospatial Analytics (OOGA) unlocks these insights by applying a geographic lens to support decision-making and improve educational outcomes.This session highlights OOGA’s impact across the district, from public tools like attendance area maps and assignment lookups to internal dashboards monitoring school crowding and facility utilization. Attendees will see how geospatial workflows are transforming operations, including AIG Local Norming and the Indoors Mapping initiative, which supports real-time management across 211+ sites. We will also introduce a centralized System of Record for school and facility data, ensuring trusted, shared information is consistently maintained and accessible. Participants will learn how to leverage this data to move from simply understanding what is happening to where it is happening, enabling better planning, equity, and resource allocation. Finally, we challenge leaders to adopt a geospatial mindset, viewing data as layered, interconnected, and location-driven to uncover patterns, anticipate growth, and create safer, more equitable learning environments.
The Office of Geospatial Analytics, part of the Facilities division, collects, maintains and provides geographic data for the district's administrators, educators, and families. Our mission is to enhance the educational experience and support decision-making processes by leveraging... Read More →
How do you move feedback from a routine task to a powerful driver of teacher growth? In this session, our administrative team shares our journey toward building a more aligned, intentional, and reflective feedback process. We will highlight how we calibrated our practices around evidence collection, elevated teacher voice through structured reflection, and created opportunities for staff to identify their own areas for growth. Participants will learn about the systems and mindsets that led to 100% positive staff feedback on the impact of instructional and professional feedback, as well as the pitfalls we encountered along the way. We will also preview our 2026–2027 plan for strengthening feedback loops to ensure continuous improvement and sustained impact on teaching and learning. Attendees will leave with practical strategies, tools, and structures they can immediately apply in their own schools to enhance the quality and effectiveness of feedback.
Proud Principal at Centennial Campus Center for Innovation Magnet Middle School who believes in Leading Unapologetically, Channeling Influence, and Cultivating Excellence
This professional development session is designed to equip principals and assistant principals with the knowledge and leadership strategies necessary to support effective implementation of the new North Carolina ELA standards for 2027-2028. During the 60-minute session, school leaders will explore the major instructional shifts within the standards and examine how rigorous literacy instruction should appear across grade levels.
I have been a public educator for almost 20 years. I started my teaching career in Pennsylvania as a 7th grade ELA teacher. After teaching middle school for 7 years, I began teaching high school English. When I moved to WCPSS, I served as an Intervention Coordinator and an Assisant... Read More →
Senior Administrator Elementary ELA, Wake County Public School System
Meghan Clark serves as Senior Administrator for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment with the Wake County Public School System, where she leads district initiatives focused on literacy, curriculum development, instructional excellence, and educator professional learning. With 24... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm EDT Room 13
Having a staff that is data literate is not enough to ensure the success of one’s school improvement goals; an administrator should strive to foster a school culture of data use. In this session we will provide strategies and resources for implementing five research-based elements of a culture of data use, as well as offer an opportunity for participants to explore available data.
Throughout the years, Spencer has worked as a teacher (middle and high school ELA and History), coach (Instructional Facilitator, Technology Facilitator, Intervention Coordinator), and district administrator (Senior Data Trainer in Data, Research, and Accountability). His team seeks... Read More →
I have been in education for over 25 years, and I have been supporting teachers in my district for over 10 years. I love sharing assessment strategies that worked for me in the classroom and also helped to make math seem more attainable for students.
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm EDT Room 17
This session equips school-based administrators with the knowledge and tools to confidently and effectively address classified employee performance concerns. Participants will gain a clear understanding of established processes, including how to collect and document evidence, deliver specific and actionable feedback, and navigate performance issues with consistency and clarity. The session highlights critical steps, common pitfalls to avoid, and best practices that promote transparency and shared understanding. It also emphasizes strategies for leading productive, professional conversations—even in challenging situations—while setting appropriate timelines and using effective evaluation techniques. In addition, participants will explore ways to provide meaningful support to classified employees in need of improvement, with a focus on fostering professional growth, accountability, and stronger performance outcomes. Ultimately, this session is designed to strengthen administrators’ capacity to develop, support, and retain high-quality staff in service of improved schoolwide success.
Senior Administrator for Performance, Wake County Public School System
I dedicated 22 years to education with Johnston County Schools, serving in a variety of leadership roles, including 5 years as an Assistant Principal and 5 years as a Principal. In March of this year, I transitioned to Wake County Public Schools, where I currently serve as Senior... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm EDT Fuquay-Varina
You have an item that has been placed on a Board of Education agenda. What does that mean? Which kind of meeting? Are you presenting or not? What is a precis? The deadlines to submit everything are when?!?! This session goes behind the scenes to explain the various kinds of Board meetings and Board materials and the timeline for getting everything published.
Julie began her career in WCPSS at Fuquay-Varina HS in 1995 where she taught English and served as School Improvement Team chair. She transitioned to Wake Education Partnership in 2007 where she managed and developed programs, provided professional development, and covered local... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm EDT Room 16
Compassionate leadership means ensuring that every digital resource—from classroom materials to district-wide communications—is an open door rather than a barrier. Moving beyond "check-the-box" compliance, this session dives into the heart of Lever 3 (See Me!) by prioritizing the dignity and inclusion of every individual we serve. Using WCAG-aligned resources, we will demonstrate practical ways to create accessible Google Docs, Slides, and multimedia. Whether you are a school-based or central services leader, fostering a culture of accessibility allows you to model what it means to be a Digital Citizen (DLS.DC.2) and ensures that "leading together" truly includes everyone.
Digital Learning Coordinator, Wake County Public Schools
Hi there! My name is Jessalyn Saunders and I have been an educator since 2009. After receiving my bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, I spent 8 years as a middle school math/science teacher. In 2017, I earned my Master's of Arts in Educational Media-Instructional... Read More →
Kurt Hurelbrink is a Digital Learning Coordinator for the Wake County Public School System. He has over 20 years of experience in education. He received his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Eastern Illinois University, a Master of Arts degree in Teaching and Leadership... Read More →
In this interactive session, participants will discover how small ergonomic changes can make a big impact on their daily comfort, energy, and overall well‑being. Attendees will explore eye‑opening statistics that show how poor ergonomics affects health and productivity, along with easy, practical tips for setting up a workstation that truly fits you. We’ll highlight the power of quick stand‑and‑stretch breaks each hour, share simple ways to reduce computer eye strain, and demonstrate safe material‑handling techniques to help prevent injuries. Attendees will walk away with actionable strategies they can use immediately to feel better at work and protect their body long‑term.
As a Safety Administrator, my focus is on keeping employees and students safe and strengthening a proactive, risk-aware culture. I partner with schools and central service departments to ensure fire and safety compliance and support a safe working environment.
Senior Administrator Risk Management & Safety, Wake County Public School System
With over 12 years of experience in WCPSS, I have developed a comprehensive perspective across both school-based and central services environments. I leverage this background to foster a strong, district-wide culture of safety. My work focuses on cross-departmental collaboration... Read More →
A principal's guide to efficiently assigning, managing, and supporting your school-based Tech and Inventory Contacts to reduce staff stress and streamline building operations.
Kelli Holden is Digital Learning Coordinator for Wake County Public School System. She has been in education since 2017. She earned her Masters of Arts in Teaching and her MAEd in Instructional Technology from ECU. She has experience in elementary school as a third grade teacher as... Read More →
Amber Pearce is an Information Designer with the Wake County Public School System who turns complex technology processes into clear, practical resources for staff and students. She collaborates with Technology Services and school teams to improve communication, streamline support... Read More →
