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WCPSS 2026 Summer Leadership Conference
2026 WCPSS Summer Leadership Conference Onward Together - Leading with Compassion and Courage
Type: Leadership Development clear filter
Wednesday, July 22
 

8:30am EDT

Best Practices and Tools for Giving Effective Feedback (New APs)
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Room 19
Objectives* Understand the impact of feedback on teacher growth and student outcomes* Identify research-based best practices for giving feedback* Apply structured feedback tools like SBI (Situation–Behavior–Impact)* Practice giving timely, specific, actionable, and growth-oriented feedback* Develop a personal plan for improving feedback conversations

*No Devices are Required
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Maria Rosa Rangel

Dr. Maria Rosa Rangel

Director of Family and Community Engagement, WCPSS Family & Community Engagement
Dr. MariaRosa Rangel is a distinguished educational leader with more than 30 years of experience dedicated to advancing student success through family engagement, bilingual education, and community partnerships. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to empowering families, supporting... Read More →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Room 19
  Leadership Development, Both

8:30am EDT

Using Change Models to Decrease Barriers and Improve Collaboration
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Room 15
Explore how leaders can leverage proven change models to address resistance, reduce barriers, and foster stronger collaboration within teams. Participants will examine practical frameworks for leading change, aligning stakeholders, and building collective ownership. Emphasis is placed on identifying obstacles, applying structured approaches to navigate them, and creating conditions that support trust, communication, and sustained improvement.
Speakers
avatar for Shejuanna Jacobs

Shejuanna Jacobs

Principal, Leesville Road High School
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Room 15
  Leadership Development, School-Based Leaders

8:30am EDT

Coaching Without Taking Over: Unlocking PLCs Through Strategic Questioning
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Room 14
Support PLCs by asking the right questions at the right time. Whether teams are analyzing data or reflecting on instruction, we’ll explore the four support functions of leadership, with a focus on coaching. Help teachers unlock deeper conversations that drive impact, without taking over the process.
Speakers
avatar for Renee Puckett

Renee Puckett

Teacher Trainer, Office of Professional Learning, WCPSS
Renee joined the Office of Professional Learning and the PLC Team in August of 2023. The WCPSS PLC Team is dedicated to supporting classroom teachers, grade chair facilitators, and school leadership with practical resources that will move learning and instruction forward. Prior to... Read More →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Room 14
  Leadership Development, School-Based Leaders |   Best Practices & Tools for Giving Feedback, School-Based Leaders

8:30am EDT

Support to Impact: Cultivating Mentor Coordinators as Leaders
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Fuquay-Varina
The WCPSS Beginning Teacher Support Program (BTSP) equips mentor coordinators (MCs) and mentors to serve as instructional leaders, building coaching capacity through the Instructional Impact Cycle. MCs design and facilitate professional learning, lead Mentor PLCs, and use teacher development data to provide intentional, differentiated support for Beginning Teachers. The TSP team works in partnership with MCs and school leaders to strengthen instruction and promote growth. This session highlights how administrators can leverage the BTSP model to empower mentor coordinators as impactful leaders.
Speakers
avatar for Mayra Szeto

Mayra Szeto

Director, Teacher Development
BC
JM
JO
PS
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Fuquay-Varina
  Leadership Development, School-Based Leaders |   Best Practices & Tools for Giving Feedback, School-Based Leaders

8:30am EDT

The Power of 2: Less Process, More Impact in PLCs
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Room 17
This session is built around a simple idea: fewer steps, clearer focus. We’ll narrow the PLC process to two essential moves that keep attention on teaching and learning. The result is a more focused PLC that spends less time on process and more time on improving instruction.
Speakers
avatar for Erin Thaler

Erin Thaler

Senior Administrator - PLC, Wake County Public Schools
Erin is a proud member of the Office of Professional Learning's PLC Team, dedicated to creating practical and impactful resources for professional learning communities. She joined Central Service in 2023 after 20 years of working in schools across North Carolina and New Hampshire... Read More →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Room 17
  Leadership Development, School-Based Leaders |   Best Practices & Tools for Giving Feedback, School-Based Leaders |   High-Impact Instructional Strategies, School-Based Leaders

8:30am EDT

Restorative Mindset
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Apex
Student Support Services and Special Education are partnering together to launch work around Restorative Mindsets in school climates. This presentation will talk about the opportunity to begin work focused on creating a restorative school climate in their school. We will discuss training and coaching that may be available to schools but also how schools might create systems within their school to move to a restorative mindset. Learning Model Connection: See Me
Speakers
MW
LA

Lisa Allred

Teacher, Rolesville High School
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Apex
  Leadership Development, Both |   High-Impact Instructional Strategies, Both |   Social-Emotional Learning, Both

11:15am EDT

Phones, Screens, and Face-to-Face: Mastering Customer Care Everywhere
Wednesday July 22, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Room 19
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.
Speakers
avatar for Susan Pullium

Susan Pullium

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 →
avatar for Dr. Eric Chancy

Dr. Eric Chancy

Director of Student Transfers, Wake County Public Schools
Technology in education and counseling, reaching every learner, reaching every parent
LA

Louis Ambrico

senior admininstrator, Wake County Public Schools
Wednesday July 22, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Room 19
  Leadership Development, Both |   Staff Wellness, Both

12:25pm EDT

Ole Pete Key Session
Wednesday July 22, 2026 12:25pm - 1:25pm EDT
Main Auditorium

Speakers
OP

Ole Pete Key

Mansfield Pete Key III, leading growth development strategist and international motivational speaker. He is a life coach, mentor, consultant, speechwriter, and certified HIV/AIDS Instructor. He holds multiple certifications in grief counseling, and 21st Century Leadership. He is certified... Read More →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 12:25pm - 1:25pm EDT
Main Auditorium
  Leadership Development, Both

12:25pm EDT

Connected Leadership: A Case for Microsoft Teams in School Communication
Wednesday July 22, 2026 12:25pm - 1:25pm EDT
Sanford Conference Room
Leading with courage requires clear, transparent, and efficient communication. In this session, we explore how Microsoft Teams can serve as the central nervous system for school-based leadership and central services. By streamlining internal workflows and professional learning communities, leaders can model the Creative Communicator (DLS.CC.6) standard. We will discuss how to move away from "email fatigue" and toward a more "Onward Together" communication model that fosters real-time collaboration, document security, and operational effectiveness.
Speakers
avatar for Charles Patton

Charles Patton

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 →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 12:25pm - 1:25pm EDT
Sanford Conference Room
  Leadership Development, School-Based Leaders |   Operational Services, School-Based Leaders |   Technology Tools, School-Based Leaders

1:35pm EDT

Building Buy-in & Navigating Resistance in PLCs
Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:35pm - 2:35pm EDT
Room 13
This session equips school leaders with practical strategies to build momentum, strengthen buy-in, and navigate resistance leading PLCs to move beyond compliance to a culture of shared ownership and results. Walk away with clear next steps to onboard teams, sustain engagement, and keep the work focused on what matters most: student learning.
Speakers
avatar for DeJuana Richardson

DeJuana Richardson

PLC Coordinating Teacher, Office of Professional Learning, WPCSS
I serve as a PLC Coordinating Teacher for the Office of Professional Learning. 2024-2025 will be my nineteenth year in education. I am a proud two-time graduate of Fayetteville State University. I earned my initial teaching degree in 2005, and received a masters in reading education... Read More →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:35pm - 2:35pm EDT
Room 13
  Leadership Development, School-Based Leaders |   Best Practices & Tools for Giving Feedback, School-Based Leaders

1:35pm EDT

Leading with Compassion: Mindsets that Empower People and Systems
Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:35pm - 2:35pm EDT
Room 17
Educators are reaching breaking points in massive numbers and need meaning, clarity, and psychological safety. Leaders are buffers of energy and morale for groups they support. Safety and empowerment come from facilitating, not influencing the outcome when leading groups. This session invites leaders to examine how their mindsets either constrain or unlock the collective intelligence, resilience, and well-being of their teams. Grounded in the Facilitator Mindsets (Garmston & McKanders), this interactive session moves beyond strategies to focus on how leaders show up – especially in moments that matter most. Participants will experience practical shifts that increase psychological safety, deepen trust, and build more empowered, self-directed teams. Leaders will leave with tools and processes they can immediately apply to create environments where people feel seen, valued, and capable of doing their best work.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Phil Echols

Dr. Phil Echols

Org Leadership & Diversity Specialist, Become Better Global, LLC
Phil Echols, former teacher, school counselor, and administrator of Professional Learning, has experience serving as a Diversity Specialist for WakeMed Health and Hospitals and as a Global Consultant for Public, Private, and International Schools. His expertise includes effective... Read More →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:35pm - 2:35pm EDT
Room 17
  Leadership Development, School-Based Leaders |   Best Practices & Tools for Giving Feedback, School-Based Leaders

1:35pm EDT

It's Posted Where, Now?
Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:35pm - 2:35pm EDT
Room 16
Board materials, policy manuals, and meeting videos — all in one place. Well, three places. We'll show you all of them and explain how to sort through over a decade of material to find exactly what you need. "Surely it's online" is technically correct, but a Google search may not get you there, and AI will confidently hallucinate something and tell you it found it. "I'll search for it later" only works if you know where to look.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Julie Crain

Dr. Julie Crain

Senior Director - Policy, WCPSS
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 →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:35pm - 2:35pm EDT
Room 16
  Leadership Development, Both |   Operational Services, Both

1:35pm EDT

The Whole Principal, The Whole School: Leading with Wellbeing and Belonging
Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:35pm - 2:35pm EDT
Fireside
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.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Jennifer Lecorchick

Dr. Jennifer Lecorchick

Assistant Principal, WCPSS
MB

Michelle Bell

Principal, Wake County

Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:35pm - 2:35pm EDT
Fireside
  Leadership Development, Both |   Staff Wellness, Both

1:35pm EDT

Future Proof
Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:35pm - 3:45pm EDT
Student Auditorium

Speakers
MH
Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:35pm - 3:45pm EDT
Student Auditorium
  Leadership Development, Both

1:35pm EDT

Steering School Success in Dynamic Environments: Part 1 (TITLE 1 ONLY)
Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:35pm - 3:45pm EDT
Room 14
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.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Kim Burton

Dr. Kim Burton

Director of Title I, Wake County Public Schools
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 →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:35pm - 3:45pm EDT
Room 14
  Leadership Development, School-Based Leaders, Title 1

1:35pm EDT

Unlocking Insight: Mastering Your Family Engagement Dashboard (Title 1 ONLY)
Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:35pm - 3:45pm EDT
Room 19
Title I Funded Schools Only: Ready to turn Panorama Family Survey survey numbers into a narrative for your school? In this session, we’ll walk you through the essentials of the Panorama platform, from initial login to navigating your results with ease. You will get a first look at the newly enhanced survey reporting features, which make visualizing trends and pinpointing family needs faster and more intuitive than ever. We will wrap up by discussing how this data serves as a cornerstone for effective school planning. Best fit for: Educators and staff who need foundational support accessing the platform and interpreting initial data sets.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Kim Burton

Dr. Kim Burton

Director of Title I, Wake County Public Schools
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 →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:35pm - 3:45pm EDT
Room 19
  Leadership Development, School-Based Leaders, Title 1

2:45pm EDT

Board Policy Bingo!
Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Room 16
There are many Board policies that are frequent fliers for staff at schools and at central services. Which policies give you flexibility in how you handle things (guardrails) versus those that are specific in their requirements (gates)? What happens if one is mistaken for the other? We'll explore real examples where mistakes happen.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Julie Crain

Dr. Julie Crain

Senior Director - Policy, WCPSS
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 →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Room 16
  Leadership Development, Both |   Operational Services, Both

2:45pm EDT

"E" is for.... Expanding Family Engagement SIP Indicators beyond E1.06
Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Room 17
This session will provide an overview of school based Family Engagement data sets, and how different data points can lead schools to select a variety of School Improvement Indicators outside of E 1.06. This session will include existing data sets, ways to gather additional data from students, families & staff, and how the approach to specific data trends may live in an "E" indicator outside of E1.06.
Speakers
LD
Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Room 17
  Leadership Development, Both |   Social-Emotional Learning, Both
 
Thursday, July 23
 

8:30am EDT

From Data to Dialogue: Advanced Strategy & Impact Planning (TITLE 1 ONLY)
Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Room 16
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.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Kim Burton

Dr. Kim Burton

Director of Title I, Wake County Public Schools
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
  Leadership Development, School-Based Leaders, Title 1

8:30am EDT

StarPower
LIMITED
Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Fireside
Limited Capacity seats available
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
Speakers
avatar for Mary Bohr

Mary Bohr

Senior Director of Professional Learning, Wake
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 →
avatar for Dr. Janeen Perry-Campbell

Dr. Janeen Perry-Campbell

Director for Student and Educator Engagement, WCPSS
Dr. Janeen Perry-Campbell is the Director for Student and Educator Engagement in the Office of Equity Affairs, and education truly runs in her blood! With a family legacy of educators, it’s no surprise she’s spent over 15 years shaping young minds. Janeen’s teaching journey... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Fireside
  Leadership Development, Both

8:30am EDT

The Leadership Mirror: Who You Are Is How You Lead
Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Student Auditorium
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.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Ruth Steidinger

Dr. Ruth Steidinger

Leadership Coach, Steidinger Consulting
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 →
Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Student Auditorium
  Leadership Development, Both

8:30am EDT

Stop Trying to Manage Your Time!
Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Room 13
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.
Speakers
avatar for Frederick Buskey

Frederick Buskey

Speaker, Author, Podcaster, Coach, Strategic Leadership Consulting
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
  Leadership Development, School-Based Leaders |   Operational Services, School-Based Leaders

8:30am EDT

Steering School Success in Dynamic Environments: Part 2 (TITLE 1 ONLY)
Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 11:40am EDT
Room 14
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.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Kim Burton

Dr. Kim Burton

Director of Title I, Wake County Public Schools
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
  Leadership Development, School-Based Leaders, Title 1

10:10am EDT

Principal’s Monthly Report - Understanding the PMR and How the Data Impacts Your School
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am EDT
Holly Spring Conference Room
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
Speakers
SH

Sandi Hunnicutt

Director, WCPSS
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am EDT
Holly Spring Conference Room
  Leadership Development, School-Based Leaders

10:10am EDT

The Dissertation Roadmap: Tools, Timelines, and Tactics
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am EDT
Room 19
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.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Syreeta Smith

Dr. Syreeta Smith

Eastern Area Superintendent, WCPSS
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 →
avatar for Dr. Shawn D. Johnson

Dr. Shawn D. Johnson

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 →
avatar for Terrance Hinnant

Terrance Hinnant

Senior Administrator, WCPSS
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am EDT
Room 19
  Leadership Development, Both

10:10am EDT

Leading with Courage: Navigating Complexity Without Being Overwhelmed
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am EDT
Room 17
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.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Phil Echols

Dr. Phil Echols

Org Leadership & Diversity Specialist, Become Better Global, LLC
Phil Echols, former teacher, school counselor, and administrator of Professional Learning, has experience serving as a Diversity Specialist for WakeMed Health and Hospitals and as a Global Consultant for Public, Private, and International Schools. His expertise includes effective... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am EDT
Room 17
  Leadership Development, School-Based Leaders |   Best Practices & Tools for Giving Feedback, School-Based Leaders

10:10am EDT

Observation and Feedback: Turning Classroom Observations into Teacher Growth
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am EDT
Student Auditorium
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.
Speakers
ES
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am EDT
Student Auditorium
  Leadership Development, School-Based Leaders |   Best Practices & Tools for Giving Feedback, School-Based Leaders

10:10am EDT

Proactive Leadership: Preventing Employee Misconduct
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am EDT
Fuquay-Varina
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.
Speakers
avatar for Carla Withrow

Carla Withrow

Senior Director, Employee Relations, Wake County Public School System
JG
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am EDT
Fuquay-Varina
  Leadership Development, School-Based Leaders |   Best Practices & Tools for Giving Feedback, School-Based Leaders

10:10am EDT

If Only You Knew: Courageous Listening for Compassionate Leadership
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am EDT
Fireside
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.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Brooksie B. Sturdivant

Dr. Brooksie B. Sturdivant

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
  Leadership Development, Both |   Staff Wellness, Both

10:10am EDT

The World Has Changed, Leading with Adaptability
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am EDT
Apex
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.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Leigh Ann Alford-Keith

Dr. Leigh Ann Alford-Keith

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 →
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am EDT
Apex
  Leadership Development, Both |   Staff Wellness, Both |   Operational Services, Both

10:10am EDT

AI Starts with Leadership: Setting Clear Expectations for Schools
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am EDT
Room 13
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.
Speakers
PB

Pam Batchelor

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 →
avatar for Charles Patton

Charles Patton

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 →
avatar for Chris Zirkle

Chris Zirkle

Digital Learning Coordinator, WCPSS
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
  Leadership Development, School-Based Leaders |   Technology Tools, School-Based Leaders

11:45am EDT

100%
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Room 19
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%.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Eric Chancy

Dr. Eric Chancy

Director of Student Transfers, Wake County Public Schools
Technology in education and counseling, reaching every learner, reaching every parent
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Room 19
  Leadership Development, Both

11:45am EDT

From Management to Impact: Leadership Behaviors that Improve School Outcomes
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Room 13
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.
Speakers
avatar for Rob Epler

Rob Epler

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 →
avatar for Eric Fitts

Eric Fitts

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
avatar for Courtney Wall

Courtney Wall

Senior Director, WCPSS
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Room 13
  Leadership Development, School-Based Leaders

11:45am EDT

Sheltered Instructional Observation Protocol (SIOP®) Training for Administrators
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Holly Spring Conference Room
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.
Speakers
avatar for Valeria Murray

Valeria Murray

ESL Director, WCPSS
JH
LD
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Holly Spring Conference Room
  Leadership Development, School-Based Leaders

11:45am EDT

EVAAS for School Leaders
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm 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.
Speakers
avatar for Spencer Ziegler

Spencer Ziegler

Senior Data Trainer, Wake
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 →
avatar for Mellisa Smith

Mellisa Smith

K-12 Assessment Specialist, Wake
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
  Leadership Development, School-Based Leaders |   Best Practices & Tools for Giving Feedback, School-Based Leaders

11:45am EDT

Navigating Employee Relations: A School's Perspective
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Fuquay-Varina
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.
Speakers
SP

Sally Pitofsky

8th Grade ELA, Pine Hollow Middle School
DT
VS
PA
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Fuquay-Varina
  Leadership Development, School-Based Leaders |   Best Practices & Tools for Giving Feedback, School-Based Leaders

11:45am EDT

Designing for All: UDL as a Leadership Lever for Equity
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Sanford Conference Room
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.
Speakers
avatar for Katherine Heywood

Katherine Heywood

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 →
WT
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Sanford Conference Room
  Leadership Development, School-Based Leaders |   Social-Emotional Learning, School-Based Leaders

11:45am EDT

Section 504 Services: Effective Supervision and Support by School Leaders
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Room 16
This workshop explores strategies for fostering collective efficacy and joint accountability among school leaders and the 504 meeting facilitators they supervise. Through collaborative learning and shared decision-making, participants will delve into specific 504 procedures and case law examples to cultivate a deeper understanding of 504 service delivery for their site, which in turn will positively impact student outcomes, and reduce school-based parent grievances. Drawing on research and real-world examples, attendees will gain practical insights into building a balanced support mechanism to ensure that 504 teams operate with confidence and effectiveness. With this session, school leaders will grow beyond a basic understanding of 504 operations and learn how to tackle more low incident challenging events that may appear. This workshop equips leaders with the tools to harness the collective power of their 504 teams for sustained success in supporting the education of 504 disabled students.
Speakers
JM

Joseph Man

Senior Administrator 504, WCPSS
Joseph Man currently serves as a Senior Administrator with WCPSS 504 Services. In this role, he supports 504 non-discrimination policy implementation, staff training, administrative consultation around non-discrimination challenges, and complaints resolution at the local and federal... Read More →
PB
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Room 16
  Leadership Development, School-Based Leaders |   Staff Wellness, School-Based Leaders |   Best Practices & Tools for Giving Feedback, School-Based Leaders

12:45pm EDT

Strength in Numbers: Navigating the Doctoral Journey Together
Thursday July 23, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
Room 19
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!
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Julie Crain

Dr. Julie Crain

Senior Director - Policy, WCPSS
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 →
avatar for Dr. Leigh Ann Alford-Keith

Dr. Leigh Ann Alford-Keith

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 →
avatar for Lindsay Lewis

Lindsay Lewis

SparkLab Leader, Wake County Public School System
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
  Leadership Development, Both

12:45pm EDT

What Leaders Need to Know About Supporting Strong SISP Teams
Thursday July 23, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
Holly Spring Conference Room
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.
Speakers
avatar for Sharhonda Cooper _ Staff - CounselStudentSrv
Thursday July 23, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
Holly Spring Conference Room
  Leadership Development, School-Based Leaders

12:45pm EDT

EVAAS for Central Service Leaders
Thursday July 23, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm 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.
Speakers
avatar for Spencer Ziegler

Spencer Ziegler

Senior Data Trainer, Wake
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 →
avatar for Mellisa Smith

Mellisa Smith

K-12 Assessment Specialist, Wake
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
  Leadership Development, Central Service Leaders |   Best Practices & Tools for Giving Feedback, Central Service Leaders

12:45pm EDT

Instructional Leadership: Real Coaching in Five Minutes (or less)
Thursday July 23, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
Room 13
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.
Speakers
avatar for Frederick Buskey

Frederick Buskey

Speaker, Author, Podcaster, Coach, Strategic Leadership Consulting
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
  Leadership Development, School-Based Leaders |   Best Practices & Tools for Giving Feedback, School-Based Leaders

12:45pm EDT

Leading for Growth: Managing Teacher Performance with Clarity and Confidence
Thursday July 23, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
Fuquay-Varina
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.
Speakers
MH
Thursday July 23, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
Fuquay-Varina
  Leadership Development, School-Based Leaders |   Best Practices & Tools for Giving Feedback, School-Based Leaders

1:50pm EDT

Creating a Culture of Data Use
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm 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.
Speakers
avatar for Spencer Ziegler

Spencer Ziegler

Senior Data Trainer, Wake
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 →
avatar for Mellisa Smith

Mellisa Smith

K-12 Assessment Specialist, Wake
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
  Leadership Development, School-Based Leaders |   Best Practices & Tools for Giving Feedback, School-Based Leaders

1:50pm EDT

The Performance Playbook: Evidence, Feedback, and Accountability in Action for Classified Employees
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm EDT
Fuquay-Varina
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.
Speakers
KH
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm EDT
Fuquay-Varina
  Leadership Development, School-Based Leaders |   Best Practices & Tools for Giving Feedback, School-Based Leaders

1:50pm EDT

So You're on the Board Agenda...
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm EDT
Room 16
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.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Julie Crain

Dr. Julie Crain

Senior Director - Policy, WCPSS
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
  Leadership Development, Both |   Operational Services, Both

1:50pm EDT

More Than Compliance: Building a Culture of Accessibility
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm EDT
Sanford Conference Room
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.
Speakers
avatar for Jessalyn Saunders

Jessalyn Saunders

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 →
avatar for Kurt Hurelbrink

Kurt Hurelbrink

Digital Learning Coordinator, WCPSS
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 →
EW
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm EDT
Sanford Conference Room
  Leadership Development, Both |   Operational Services, Both |   Technology Tools, Both
 

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