WCPSS 2026 Summer Leadership Conference: Full Schedule

2026 WCPSS Summer Leadership Conference Onward Together - Leading with Compassion and Courage

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

8:30am EDT

Best Practices and Tools for Giving Effective Feedback (New APs)

Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

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

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

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

Michele Woodson

WCPSS

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

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 →

Dr. Eric Chancy

Director of Student Transfers, Wake County Public Schools

Technology in education and counseling, reaching every learner, reaching every parent

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

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

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

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

Dr. Jennifer Lecorchick

Assistant Principal, WCPSS

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

Mary Hemphill

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

Leadership Development, Both

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

Dr. Julie Crain

Senior Director - Policy, WCPSS

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

Laura Dieudonne

Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Room 17

Leadership Development, Both | Social-Emotional Learning, Both

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

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 →

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

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

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

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 →

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 →

Terrance Hinnant

Senior Administrator, WCPSS

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am EDT
Room 19

Leadership Development, Both

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dr. Julie Crain

Senior Director - Policy, WCPSS

Dr. Leigh Ann Alford-Keith

Senior Director for Innovative and Strategic Initiatives, WCPSS

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

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

Dr. Julie Crain

Senior Director - Policy, WCPSS

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

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 →

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 →

Elizabeth Walton

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm EDT
Sanford Conference Room

Leadership Development, Both | Operational Services, Both | Technology Tools, Both

8:30am EDT

8:30am EDT

11:15am EDT

12:25pm EDT

1:35pm EDT

1:35pm EDT

1:35pm EDT

2:45pm EDT

2:45pm EDT

8:30am EDT

8:30am EDT

10:10am EDT

10:10am EDT

10:10am EDT

11:45am EDT

12:45pm EDT

1:50pm EDT

1:50pm EDT

Get help with the event