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
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
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
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
