What does it really take to support an international teacher? Supporting ambassador teachers goes beyond the classroom. This session explores the real experiences of educators adjusting to life and work in the United States, the common challenges they face, and the phases of transitioning to a new country. Administrators will dive into best practices for providing meaningful, culturally responsive feedback that builds on the teachers' strengths. Walk away with practical strategies and explore the pathways of support our district provides for ambassador teachers.
This session will explore the results from an investigation conducted by Library Media Services and Data, Research, and Accountability into what and how practices and policies affect student engagement with the elementary school library as measured by outcomes such as if a student ever checks out a book and how many books they check out. Through this collaborative partnership and efforts by participating schools, discernable positive outcomes are identified for students across subgroups. As a result, school administrators will learn what action steps they can take to improve library outcomes as they impact students.
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 Data Strategy and Analytics, Wake County Public School System
Elc Estrera, PhD, works in the Data, Research & Accountability Office of the 15th largest school district in the nation (and the largest in North Carolina). He works with district leaders to identify opportunities to leverage data--especially longitudinal administrative data--to make... Read More →
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.
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 →
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 →
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 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 →
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 →
