2026 AAEA Summer Conference

Elementary school administrators share brief presentations on leadership topics they are passionate about.

Leadership is a constant balancing act. Effective school leaders must confront difficult issues with clarity and accountability while also creating a culture where students and staff feel valued, energized, and connected. Strong schools require both courage and connection because leadership is not about choosing between the hard work and the heart work. It is learning how to lead with both. In this session, participants will gain practical strategies for strengthening instructional and professional accountability while also exploring engaging ways to build positive culture through community partnerships, High Five Fridays, and meaningful staff and student celebrations.

Leadership is a constant balancing act. Effective school leaders must confront difficult issues with clarity and accountability while also creating a culture where students and staff feel valued, energized, and connected. Strong schools require both courage and connection because leadership is not about choosing between the hard work and the heart work. It is learning how to lead with both. In this session, participants will gain practical strategies for strengthening instructional and professional accountability while also exploring engaging ways to build positive culture through community partnerships, High Five Fridays, and meaningful staff and student celebrations.

What happens when creativity becomes the heartbeat of instruction? In this engaging and practical breakout session, participants will explore how arts integration can transform student engagement, strengthen academic achievement, and build a thriving school culture. Through real classroom examples, interactive experiences, and ready-to-use strategies, attendees will discover how the arts can move beyond "specials" and become a powerful tool for deeper learning across all content areas. Whether you are a classroom teacher, instructional coach, arts specialist, or school leader, this session will leave participants inspired with creative ideas, collaborative strategies, and practical next steps for bringing learning to life in your school.

This presentation shares the story of why one educator remains committed to education, even when the work around us feels increasingly challenging. It is designed as an interactive session that invites participants to reflect deeply on their own "why": why they continue to serve as administrators, teachers, and educators. Participants will engage in meaningful dialogue and reflection, recognizing that this experience will be mutually enriching, with the presenter learning just as much from participants as they will from the presentation.