School leaders play a critical role in creating systems that develop, support, and retain effective educators. This session is designed for principals, district leaders, and instructional administrators seeking to strengthen teacher growth through intentional leadership practices.
Participants will explore strategies for building comprehensive onboarding and mentoring programs that support new teachers from their first day through their first three years in the profession. The session will also examine how leaders can establish a culture of data ownership by equipping teachers with the tools, knowledge, and accountability needed to monitor student progress and drive instructional improvement.
Additionally, attendees will learn how to lead and support Professional Learning Communities focused on Questions 3 and 4 of the PLC process: ensuring timely interventions for students who have not yet mastered essential learning and providing meaningful extensions for those who have. Through practical examples and leadership-focused strategies, participants will gain actionable ideas for building systems that improve teacher effectiveness and increase student achievement across their schools and districts.
District School Improvement Specialist, Jonesboro Schools
Mandy Zipfel is the District School Improvement Specialist in the Jonesboro School District. She is starting her 20th year in education. Prior to her current role, Mrs. Zipfel served as mid-level ELA/Social Studies teacher, school counselor, school improvement specialist, assistant... Read More →
Bring our research-based products to your classroom to help all of your students succeed. i-Ready®, i-ReadyClassroom Mathematics, and Ready® deliver meaningful assessment and data-driven, differentiated instruction.Magnetic Reading Foundations connects the art of teaching with the... Read More →
Today's school staff are navigating a complex mix of financial pressures and family responsibilities that extend well beyond the classroom. This session examines the most common concerns affecting the education workforce and explores how districts can respond with meaningful, practical support. Participants will gain insight into the challenges their staff face outside of work and leave with strategies for building a workplace culture that acknowledges and addresses those needs, ultimately improving retention, morale, and overall staff well-being.
Protecting student data shouldn't be a mystery. Join me to learn the essential technique for masking student identities and 'Creating the Digital Ghost' to ensure your district stays ahead of digital privacy risks.
Technology Director (former educator), West Side School District
Technical translator & PII obfuscation authority in education. "Privacy isn't just a feature you buy; it's a philosophy you build." The Reality: We are looking at a system built on financial risk mitigation rather than actual data protection. The district protects itself from lawsuits... Read More →
Tuesday July 28, 2026 12:20pm - 1:05pm CDT Salon C (M)
In this engaging and practical session, senior executive and longtime educator Dana Lamb will unpack a series of proven, effective, and easy-to-implement tools for handling conflict with heart. Drawing from more than 20 years in the classroom and 20 years with Capturing Kids’ Hearts, Dana brings real stories, relatable examples, and the kind of wisdom that helps leaders stay centered when moments get tough.
SchoolCEO's newest research uncovers how AI is reshaping the roles of school leaders. This session explores how artificial intelligence can free leaders from administrative overwhelm—automating routine tasks, crafting personalized communications, and giving leaders back precious time for the work that truly matters: supporting students and staff. But transformation requires wisdom. Participants will navigate the real challenges together: safeguarding data privacy, ensuring security, and building a culture where every team member feels confident with new tools. Participants will leave equipped to champion AI adoption that empowers their people, cut through the hype, and bring even the skeptics on board. This isn't about chasing technology—it's about reclaiming time and amplifying impact.
Family engagement has always been one of the strongest predictors of student success. When families feel connected to their district and confident navigating school systems, students show better attendance, stronger academic outcomes, and deeper community support.
But many districts struggle to create meaningful engagement because communication is fragmented. Families search for answers across websites, emails, phone calls, and social media, while staff spend hours managing inbound questions and reactive attendance outreach.
In this session, participants will explore how districts are rethinking communication as a foundation for family engagement. Attendees will see how modern districts are creating unified communication experiences that help families find answers, ask questions, and engage in meaningful conversations with their schools—all within a secure, district-branded platform.
Through examples including Community Experience and Attendance Pro, this session will show how districts can reduce communication friction, engage families earlier, and build stronger partnerships that support student success.
