Education Week’s 2024 Leadership Symposium will take place live and in person in Arlington, VA, just 5 minutes outside of Washington, DC. Join school and district leaders from across the nation for 3 days of empowering strategies, networking, and inspiration.
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Explore and discuss some of the most critical issues education leaders are facing and discover ideas for solutions through a variety of session formats, guests, and topics. You will leave inspired by new ideas, empowered with actionable takeaways that can be applied in your own schools and districts, and connected to an expanded network of K-12 leaders.
Gain insights and ideas to:
- Build momentum and sustainability for student learning
- Get proven tactics to help guide your strategy for the 2024-25 school year
- Discover the latest findings and best practices from EdWeek’s journalists and researchers
- Find inspiration, empowerment, and community
Need some help convincing your boss or school board that you should attend? Most Leadership Symposium attendees have the costs of their registration badge paid for by their school or district. Download this letter template that you can use to convince your school board or administrator to approve and fund your trip.
Teaching & Learning
The State of Teaching: Big Takeaways for School and District Leaders; Improving Literacy Instruction and Achievement at Scale; Lessons From a State Chief; Write a Smart AI Policy for Your School or District
Thriving Students
Real Talk With Students on the Mental Health Supports They Say Help Most; Embracing AI in Education
Resilient Leadership
De-implementation: Creating the Space to Focus on What Works; The Long Game: A Superintendent's Lessons on Leading a Multi-Year Improvement Effort; Collective Leader Efficacy: How to Strengthen Instructional Leadership Teams; The Perils of Speaking Out: How Education Leaders Can Deftly Navigate Public Debates Over Curriculum, Culture Wars, and Politics; Be an Emotionally Intelligent Leader
This year’s symposium will feature two half-days (Wed. 5/1 and Friday 5/3) and one full day (Thursday 5/2) of content focused on Teaching & Learning, Thriving Students, and Resilient Leadership.
Click on each day below to see the schedule and check back as we continue to fill the program with empowering sessions, inspiring speakers, and valuable networking opportunities.
Wednesday, May 1
1:00pm - 2:00pm ET
Check-In and Networking
2:00pm - 2:15pm ET
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Michele J. Givens
Chief Executive Officer,
Education Week
Michele J. Givens is the President & CEO of Education Week and EdWeek Market Brief.
2:15pm - 2:35pm ET
Leaders to Learn From Recognition Ceremony
Get to know this year's honorees - leaders who are driving innovation in their districts.
2:35pm - 3:15pm ET
Panel Discussion: The State of Teaching: Big Takeaways for School and District Leaders
The teaching profession is at a critical inflection point. The increasing demands of the job, along with intense public scrutiny and sometimes negative storylines in the media, are straining all parts of the profession’s talent pipeline. At the same time, the supports that students need to develop and succeed academically and socially are more complex. Through presentation of new nationally representative data and conversation with experts, this panel will highlight what district and school leaders need to know and what they can do to build and keep a more satisfied workforce of teachers.
Holly Kurtz, PhD
Director,
EdWeek Research Center
Madeline Will
Staff Writer, Education Week
3:15pm - 3:30pm ET
Industry Perspective: Successfully Navigating the Staffing Crisis
Sponsor content provided by Amergis Educational Staffing
Districts are challenged with fulfilling staffing requirements in addition to individual student needs while managing increasing financial constraints. Join Amergis Educational Staffing and Sunburst Workforce Advisors for an intimate fireside chat. Hear what staffing experts think about the current staffing crisis, how districts can overcome it, and how K-12 leaders can get back to what matters most - their students.
Districts are challenged with fulfilling staffing requirements in addition to individual student needs while managing increasing financial constraints. Join Amergis Educational Staffing and Sunburst Workforce Advisors for an intimate fireside chat. Hear what staffing experts think about the current staffing crisis, how districts can overcome it, and how K-12 leaders can get back to what matters most - their students.
Ryan Lamping
Vice President of Sales,
Amergis Educational Staffing
With 8 years of experience, Ryan has successfully been a part of providing staffing support to some of the largest districts in the country.His expertise lies in creating impactful educational staffing solutions that enhance learning environments and promote student achievement. Outside of work, he cherishes his role as a husband to an educator/administrator and as a father to a son with autism, which has deepened his passion for supporting inclusive and diverse learning communities.
Maurice Bakley
Publisher,
EdWeek Market Brief
3:30pm - 3:45pm ET
Networking Break
3:45pm - 4:00pm ET
Interactive Polling Session: Teacher Morale and Satisfaction
Give your take on the state of teacher morale and satisfaction in your schools and districts and what you think the longer term outlook is for the profession. See how your impressions and ideas on this critical issue compare to those of your colleagues.
Lesli Maxwell is managing editor of Education Week.
Elizabeth Rich is the assistant managing editor, opinion for Education Week.
4:00pm - 5:00pm ET
Learn & Reflect: De-implementation: Creating the Space to Focus on What Works
Principals’ workloads have increased over the last two decades, putting them at risk of constantly being reactive rather than proactive. Learn how to declutter ineffective practices, understand why it’s important, and find the balance between implementation and de-implementation.
By the end of this session participants will be able to:
• Define de-implementation and what constitutes low value practices
• Identify how our mindsets force us to contribute to our own workload
• Decide what to replace or reduce and begin decluttering
• Start getting their lives back and rediscover the joy in teaching, learning and leading
By the end of this session participants will be able to:
• Define de-implementation and what constitutes low value practices
• Identify how our mindsets force us to contribute to our own workload
• Decide what to replace or reduce and begin decluttering
• Start getting their lives back and rediscover the joy in teaching, learning and leading
Peter DeWitt
Opinion Contributor, Education Week
A former K-5 public school principal turned author, presenter, and leadership coach, Peter DeWitt provides insights and advice for education leaders. He pens an opinion blog for Education Week, Finding Common Ground and is the host of A Seat at the Table.
5:00pm ET
Day 1 Closing Remarks
5:15pm - 6:45pm ET
Cocktail Reception
Join us for food, drink, and networking.
Thursday, May 2
8:00am - 9:00am ET
Topic-Focused Networking Breakfast
Do you specialize in literacy, SEL, or another area? Connect with other leaders who share your topical focus over breakfast. Tables will be labeled with topics of interest to guide your networking.
9:00am - 9:15am ET
Flash Briefing: Taking the Pulse on AI's Uptake in Schools
See how much teachers, principals, and district leaders are using ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence tools to work in their roles and other key insights on the rapidly evolving tech.
Holly Kurtz is the director of the EdWeek Research Center.
9:15am - 10:00am ET
Panel Discussion: Embracing AI in Education
What does smart and responsible use of artificial intelligence look like in districts and schools and how can educators keep up with the rapid proliferation of the tech? What policies and guidance should districts and schools be developing and providing to administrators, teachers, and students? In this discussion, experts dig into some of the key philosophical, practical, and logistical facets of AI in education.
Alyson Klein is an assistant editor for Education Week.
Jun Kim
Directory of Technology,
Moore School District, OK
Jun Kim is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in education and technology. In his current role, he oversees the design and implementation of IT solutions for a district comprising 25,000 students, 2000 staff, and 36 instructional sites. Kim’s journey in education began as a science teacher and coach, leading him back to Moore Public Schools in 2002, where he progressed from an assistant principal to his current position. His educational philosophy centers on the belief that “kids are kids, no matter where they call home,” emphasizing a mindset to care, commitment, and create transformative connections to positively impact students’ lives.
Tara Nattrass
Managing Director of Innovation Strategy at ISTE
Dr. Tara Nattrass serves the Managing Director of Innovation Strategy at ISTE+ASCD collaborating with educators on transformational learning experiences, innovative programs and learning models, emerging technologies, and cybersecurity. She has been actively supporting educators in navigating the integration of AI, including serving on Al task forces and the steering committee of Teach Al.
Pat Yongpradit
Chief Academic Officer, Code.org and Leader of TeachAI
Pat Yongpradit is the Chief Academic Officer for Code.org, a non-profit dedicated to promoting computer science education, and lead of TeachAI, a global initiative to guide education leaders in rethinking education in an age of AI. Pat has influenced each stage of the education system, from policy to practice, in the legislature, and in the classroom. He has been featured in the book, “American Teacher: Heroes in the Classroom,” and has been recognized as a Microsoft Worldwide Innovative Educator. Although Pat spends most of his time in policy conversations, he still finds ways to sneak into the classroom.
10:00am - 10:15am ET
Industry Perspective: Beyond Survival: Thriving with Innovative Leadership in Today's Schools
Sponsor content provided by Digital Promise
The educational landscape is rapidly and constantly evolving. New technologies, ever-shifting expectations, and changing student needs demand innovative leaders who are committed to pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. Join us for a dynamic conversation with two visionary superintendents from the Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools, where they'll share their insights on:
• Why innovative leadership is critical in today's schools - challenges and opportunities that necessitate a shift towards innovative leadership
• Key strategies for fostering innovation - practical tips and tools to cultivate a culture of continuous improvement, creativity, and experimentation in your district.
• Leading from the front lines - how superintendents make the case for and drive innovation in their districts
The educational landscape is rapidly and constantly evolving. New technologies, ever-shifting expectations, and changing student needs demand innovative leaders who are committed to pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. Join us for a dynamic conversation with two visionary superintendents from the Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools, where they'll share their insights on:
• Why innovative leadership is critical in today's schools - challenges and opportunities that necessitate a shift towards innovative leadership
• Key strategies for fostering innovation - practical tips and tools to cultivate a culture of continuous improvement, creativity, and experimentation in your district.
• Leading from the front lines - how superintendents make the case for and drive innovation in their districts
Jillian Doggett
Director of Network Support,
Digital Promise
Jillian Doggett leads the League of Innovative Schools, designing impactful events and experiences to connect and support the most forward-thinking leaders in education. Formerly, Jillian held various roles for Verizon Innovative Learning Schools, leading community network events and designing professional learning experiences for schools and districts nationwide. Jillian’s unwavering commitment to educational equity comes from her experience as a secondary science and robotics teacher, technology integration coach, and science instructional specialist in the San Antonio Independent and Clack County School Districts. Jillian believes that by building bridges and fostering collaboration between educators, system leaders, communities, and researchers, we can co-create lasting solutions, spark innovation, and push the bounds of what’s possible in education to advance equity and shape a brighter future of learning for all.
Vilicia Cade
Superintendent, Capital School District (DE), League of Innovative Schools Member
Dr. Vilicia Cade is the Chief Executive Officer of Capital School District in Dover, Delaware. She is known for her visionary leadership and her belief that education, including digital inequities, is a 21st century civil rights issue. Her tenure as an educational leader has been characterized by her demonstrated success in improving outcomes for students through non-traditional programs and partnerships.
Erik Gundersen
Superintendent, Suffern School District (NY), League of Innovative Schools Member
Dr. Erik Gundersen is an educational leader known for developing innovative practices to improve educational opportunities and experiences for the students and staff he and his team serve. With 14 years experience as a superintendent, Gundersen is known for working closely with colleagues in the Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools to improve outcomes for all students. Industry certification programs, virtual learning, student well-being, and instructional technology initiatives are some of the areas Gundersen is most known for. Erik also continues his work and passion for teaching physics as the author of The Handy Physics Answer Book and Applied Physics. Erik and his family live in Allendale, New Jersey, where he enjoys spending time sailing with his wife, two boys, and German Shepherd.
10:15am - 10:30am ET
Interactive Polling Session: Emotional Intelligence of Leaders (What You Think; What Teachers Think)
Tell us how you rate yourself on traits like empathy and find out how teachers rate their principals and district leaders on emotional intelligence.
Lesli Maxwell is managing editor of Education Week.
10:30am - 10:50am ET
Networking Break
10:50am - 11:45am ET
Keynote: Fostering Purpose and Inclusion to Drive Student Success in College and Careers
It’s the highest calling for K-12 leaders: To provide an excellent and equitable education that puts all students on a solid path to success after high school, no matter who they are or where they come from. To achieve that goal requires leaders’ unwavering commitment to create and sustain a culture of “inclusive excellence” that aims to give students what they need to be successful learners and people. Learn what it takes from someone who achieved it: Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski, III, president emeritus of the University of Maryland Baltimore County. One of the most influential leaders in modern American education, Dr. Hrabowski transformed a regional campus into the nation’s leading producer of Black undergraduates who complete STEM Ph.D’s. UMBC is also a national leader in producing students of all races in STEM and other disciplines. In addition, Hrabowski and his colleagues have also developed exemplary pre-K-12 initiatives. Even as he led the growth of UMBC’s enrollment, reputation, and national profile, Hrabowski has personally mentored hundreds of students, faculty, and staff—a powerful example of purposeful, inclusive leadership.
Freeman Hrabowski
President Emeritus,
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Freeman A. Hrabowski, III, President Emeritus of UMBC (The University of Maryland, Baltimore County) served as president from 1992 to 2022. His research and publications focus on science and math education, with special emphasis on minority participation and performance. He chaired the National Academies’ committee that produced the 2011 report, Expanding Underrepresented Minority Participation: America’s Science and Technology Talent at the Crossroads. He was named in 2012 by President Obama to chair the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans. His 2013 TED talk highlights the “Four Pillars of College Success in Science.” In 2022, Dr. Hrabowski was elected to the National Academy of Engineering and he was also named the inaugural ACE Centennial Fellow, to be served upon his retirement from UMBC. In addition, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) launched the Freeman Hrabowski Scholars Program ($1.5 billion) to help build a scientific workforce that more fully reflects our increasingly diverse country. In October 2022, he was named the inaugural Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Lecture Speaker by Harvard University. In April 2023, The National Academy of Sciences awarded him the Public Welfare Medal, the Academy’s most prestigious award, and inducted him as a member of the academy, for his extraordinary use of science for the public good.
11:45am - 12:00pm ET
Industry Perspective: Insights from Educators: Making In-School, High-Impact Tutoring Work
Sponsor content provided by Saga Education
As we transition into the post-pandemic period, school systems have highlighted the critical role of high-impact tutoring as an efficient and scalable intervention approach to foster equity in education. During this session, we will examine the fundamental aspects of high-impact tutoring and showcase methods for its integration within the regular school schedule. We will also explore how high-impact tutoring programs contribute to academic recovery and address teacher shortages and diversity issues.
As we transition into the post-pandemic period, school systems have highlighted the critical role of high-impact tutoring as an efficient and scalable intervention approach to foster equity in education. During this session, we will examine the fundamental aspects of high-impact tutoring and showcase methods for its integration within the regular school schedule. We will also explore how high-impact tutoring programs contribute to academic recovery and address teacher shortages and diversity issues.
Alan Safran
CEO, Co-Founder, and Chair of the Board, Saga Education
Alan Safran has had a 30-year career in public education, at the state and local levels. He served 9 years at the Massachusetts Department of Education, including a period as the state’s Deputy Commissioner of Education for Policy and Administration.
Alison Harris Welcher
Senior Director, Technical Assistance Program Management,
Chiefs for Change
Alison leverages her extensive experience in education leadership to support school districts and state education departments. She has championed successful school transformation efforts throughout her career and earned recognition for her work. Before her current role, she served as a teacher, principal, district administrator, and vice president focused on scaling educational initiatives. Alison holds a doctorate in educational leadership and brings a passion for empowering educators to her work.
12:00pm - 1:30pm ET
Lunch
12:00pm ET
Book Signing by Freeman Hrabowski
Dr. Freeman Hrabowski III will sign copies of his most recent book, The Resilient University. The book offers invaluable insight into how the qualities of openness, resilience, courage, passion, and hope can be harnessed in times of crisis to guide their institutions to thrive.
1:30pm - 2:45pm ET
Interactive Breakout Session 1: Collective Leader Efficacy: How to Strengthen Instructional Leadership Teams
Collective leader efficacy is a school or district leadership team’s ability to develop a shared understanding and engage in collaborative work that includes evaluating the impact they have on the learning of adults and students in a school. Many school leadership teams never take the time to be intentional about their focus, which means they miss an opportunity to foster a whole school approach to professional learning. In this session, Peter DeWitt and Michael Nelson will provide the research, explain the drivers, and engage participants in the cycle of inquiry that will help leadership teams develop collective leader efficacy.
Participants will:
· Define collective leader efficacy
· Develop an understanding of how leadership teams should function
· Understand the drivers necessary to develop collective leader efficacy
· Engage in a cycle of inquiry and begin developing an action plan
Participants will:
· Define collective leader efficacy
· Develop an understanding of how leadership teams should function
· Understand the drivers necessary to develop collective leader efficacy
· Engage in a cycle of inquiry and begin developing an action plan
Peter DeWitt
Opinion Contributor, Education Week
A former K-5 public school principal turned author, presenter, and leadership coach, Peter DeWitt provides insights and advice for education leaders. He pens an opinion blog for Education Week, Finding Common Ground and is the host of A Seat at the Table.
Michael Nelson is a leadership coach and thought partner for the Instructional Leadership Collective. He is now co-blogging Peter DeWitt’s Finding Common Ground Education Week Opinion blog.
1:30pm - 2:45pm ET
Interactive Breakout Session 2: The Perils of Speaking Out: How Education Leaders Can Deftly Navigate Public Debates Over Curriculum, Culture Wars, and Politics
For the foreseeable future, divisive politics and genuine debates in education will challenge how--or if--a school system's most visible leaders speak out on issues like racism, war, and the curricula and lessons being used in classrooms. The questions of how and whether leaders communicate in these strained times has never been more critical. How should district and school leaders weigh the very real risks and challenges, but also the potential benefits of weighing in on controversial topics in their communities? In this session, we'll discuss best practices for leadership communications, knowing who your key audiences are, and how to decide when to speak out and how. Participants will: Delve into the experiences of leaders who've seen a positive impact of having constructive dialogue on these topics; get tips from seeking input from key communities before crafting a message; ideas for framing communications clearly and inclusively; and a roadmap for thinking through the challenges of leading in polarized times.
Caitlynn Peetz is a reporter for Education Week who covers school district leadership and management.
Dr. Katy Anthes
Commissioner of Education in Colorado from 2016-2023,
Director, FORWARD at Public Education & Business Coalition
Commissioner of Education in Colorado from 2016- 2023, Dr. Katy Anthes is widely respected for her commitment to listen to diverse perspectives and develop solutions that are founded on productive middle ground. Keeping students’ best interests as her top priority, she focuses on providing high quality expertise and support to policymakers, districts and educators working to enhance student achievement. As Commissioner, Anthes worked with the Colorado State Board of Education, the Legislature and the Governor to craft and implement a vision of education for Colorado. She led the Colorado Department of Education, an $8 billion dollar agency, dedicated to helping districts achieve great things for students. During her time as Commissioner, she served on the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) Board of Directors and the Education Commission of the States (ECS), Steering Committee.
Gustavo Balderas
Superintendent,
Beaverton Beaverton School District, OR
Dr. Gustavo Balderas began his life as the child of migrant farm workers in the Eastern Oregon town of Nyssa and developed his love of learning and passion for education in Oregon Public Schools, from kindergarten through his doctoral degree in educational leadership at the University of Oregon.
Aaron Spence
Superintendent,
Loudoun County Public Schools, VA
A passionate, visionary leader in public education for nearly three decades, Dr. Aaron Spence is committed to ensuring all students have access to the rigorous coursework, innovative learning opportunities and resources they need to prepare them for success. He’s been credited with creating and fostering a work culture where differences are celebrated and employee voice is valued. Dr. Spence serves as Superintendent of Loudoun County Public Schools, where he is responsible for the instructional leadership and administrative operation of 96 schools and centers that serve 83,000 students. Prior to that he served as Superintendent of Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS), where he was named State Superintendent of the Year in 2018. He has been Superintendent in North Carolina and held various roles in Central Office and as a school principal in Texas and Virginia. Spence began his career in 1994 as a French and photojournalism teacher.
1:30pm - 2:45pm ET
Interactive Breakout Session 3: Write a Smart AI Policy for Your School or District
Figuring out how to write a good and adaptable policy to guide the use of AI in districts and schools is challenging given how new and rapidly evolving the technology is. But some good models are emerging that can help district and school leaders develop their own. In this session, experts will provide an overview of why having a policy is critical, what the key building blocks are, and which stakeholders need to be involved in shaping it.
Alyson Klein is an assistant editor for Education Week.
Jun Kim
Directory of Technology,
Moore School District, OK
Jun Kim is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in education and technology. In his current role, he oversees the design and implementation of IT solutions for a district comprising 25,000 students, 2000 staff, and 36 instructional sites. Kim’s journey in education began as a science teacher and coach, leading him back to Moore Public Schools in 2002, where he progressed from an assistant principal to his current position. His educational philosophy centers on the belief that “kids are kids, no matter where they call home,” emphasizing a mindset to care, commitment, and create transformative connections to positively impact students’ lives.
Tara Nattrass
Managing Director of Innovation Strategy at ISTE
Dr. Tara Nattrass serves the Managing Director of Innovation Strategy at ISTE+ASCD collaborating with educators on transformational learning experiences, innovative programs and learning models, emerging technologies, and cybersecurity. She has been actively supporting educators in navigating the integration of AI, including serving on Al task forces and the steering committee of Teach Al.
1:30pm - 2:45pm ET
Interactive Breakout Session 4: Give Students a Voice--Get Big Results
Engaging students is a major challenge for many schools, but one of the most underutilized and proven ways to get kids excited to show up and learn is to give them a voice and influence over what happens in their classrooms, their schools, their districts and communities. Learn how leaders in two different districts created robust opportunities for students to shape their school experiences--one to design and review curriculum, the other to design and advance a climate action plan--and how their lessons can inform your own efforts to deepen student engagement.
LeeAnn Kittle
Executive Director of Sustainability,
Denver Public Schools, CO
LeeAnn (Westfall) Kittle is a seasoned sustainability professional, and her story is one of passion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to a sustainable future. Equipped with a Master’s in Business Administration and a BS in Environmental Science, LeeAnn’s academic foundation mirrors her dual commitment to business acumen and environmental stewardship. For over 15 years, LeeAnn has inspired the public on sustainability initiatives through program development and project management. She came to Colorado in 2011 from Cleveland, Ohio where she was responsible for one of Northeast Ohio’s first green roofs which was later named the “Huber-Westfall Garden” by the City of Cleveland.
Kate Maxlow
Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment,
Hampton City Schools, VA
Dr. Kate Wolfe Maxlow is the director of curriculum, instruction, and assessment for Hampton City Schools, Virginia, as well as an adjunct professor for Old Dominion University, where she earned her PhD with a study on equity in digital learning. She began her career as an elementary school teacher, and has also worked as an instructional coach, an educational consultant, and a director of innovation. In 2022, Dr. Maxlow helped found the Future of Learning Experience (FLEx) online school for grades K-6 in which students engage in games, role-plays, puzzle quests, escape rooms, and hands-on projects to bring learning to life. She has authored or edited multiple books including: 20 Formative Assessment Strategies that Work (Routledge); Look, Listen, Learn, LEAD: A District-Wide Systems Approach to Teaching and Learning in PreK-12 (IAP); Creating, Grading, and Using Virtual Assessments: Strategies for Success in the K-12 Classroom (Routledge Eye on Education); and Design Thinking: Research, Innovation, and Implementation (IAP). In 2020, Dr. Maxlow received the Virginia Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (VASCD) Leadership Award for her work coordinating efforts to innovate the Hampton City Schools curriculum.
2:45pm - 3:00pm ET
Networking Break
3:00pm - 3:45pm ET
Panel Discussion: Real Talk With Students on the Mental Health Supports They Say Help Most
How much can schools do to help students' emotional, physical, and mental well-being, especially in an era of nonstop use of tech and social media? Hear directly from students on what they think about cellphone bans, tech use at school, and other supports they say actually work to improve their mental health and overall well-being.
Lauraine Langreo is an Education Week staff writer, covering education technology and learning environments.
Ava Havidic
President, National Student Board Member Association | Student Adviser,Broward County Public Schools
Ava Havidic serves as the president of the National Student Board Member Association and the student adviser for Broward County Public Schools. As the president of NSBMA, she represents 30+ million students and 300 board members from all 50 states. She had to undergo an online campaign to be elected by student members of the board all across the nation. As Broward County Public Schools student adviser, she serves as a voice at all school board meetings for the 6th largest school district in the nation of 251,000+ students, representing 177+ countries and 153+ languages. She serves as chair of the Superintendent Student Advisory Committee, leading initiatives at the Florida State Capitol with “Rally to Tally” and online with “The Future Networks.” Ava holds partnership calls with the National Center on Education, travels and meets with state student councils, state student and adult board members, and state associations, and plans conferences, such as START (Student Trustee Action Readiness Training).
Anjali Verma
Student,
Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School University Scholars Program
Anjali Verma is a high school junior at the Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School University Scholars Program. Mental health advocacy is important to Anjali because she wants teens, especially, to understand the value of their voices and know that they are never alone. Anjali just concluded her term in February as the 2023 State President of the Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils where she created a Statewide Mental Health Initiative to increase awareness and action that she is continuing to expand upon. She is also the Activation Team Co-Lead on Work2BeWell’s National Student Advisory Council where she empowers wellness in communities across the country and is the President and Co-Founder of her school’s first mental health related organization. Additionally, she serves as a student intern for #ICANHELP + Digital4Good where she works on online wellness and safety programs for youth and as a Morgan’s Message Ambassador for student-athlete mental health awareness.
3:45pm - 4:00pm ET
Industry Perspective: Thriving Learners: Design for One, Design for All
Sponsor content provided by Understood
All students learn differently, and all can thrive with the right support. Research suggests that up to 20% of us are neurodivergent, and that inclusive strategies benefit all students. In this session, Dr. Andy Kahn, who identifies as neurodivergent and served as a school-based psychologist for 20 years, and Juliana Urtubey, 2021 National Teacher of the Year, will discuss how we create neuroinclusive classrooms by leveraging the power of behavioral science.
All students learn differently, and all can thrive with the right support. Research suggests that up to 20% of us are neurodivergent, and that inclusive strategies benefit all students. In this session, Dr. Andy Kahn, who identifies as neurodivergent and served as a school-based psychologist for 20 years, and Juliana Urtubey, 2021 National Teacher of the Year, will discuss how we create neuroinclusive classrooms by leveraging the power of behavioral science.
Andrew Kahn
Associate Director, Behavior Change & Expertise,
Understood
Andrew Kahn, a licensed psychologist, focuses on ADHD, learning differences, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, behavior, executive function, and emotional regulation.
Juliana Urtubey
Special Education Bilingual Teacher, Program Director, Arizona K12 Center, and Understood Teacher Fellow
Juliana Urtubey, the 2021 National Teacher of the Year, has taught in special education settings and developed a schoolwide, multi-tiered system of supports. In 2022, President Biden appointed her to the President’s Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics.
4:00pm - 4:30pm ET
Leadership Interview: What Happens When School and District Leaders Prioritize Family Engagement
Students are most successful when their families feel connected to their childrens' teachers and larger school community. Those connections matter for attendance, engagement, academic achievement, and overall well-being. Two district leaders will discuss their philosophies, strategies, and lessons for districts and schools on how to build relationships and collaborate with families in ways that benefit students, educators, and school communities.
Daniela Franco Brown is an Assistant Managing Editor for race, opportunity and equity.
Sharon Bradley
Director of Family and Social Services,
Plano Independent School District, TX
Sharon Bradley is a national educational consultant/speaker and director for Plano Independent School District where she has helped shape the district’s approach to social and emotional development and truancy prevention for all students. Throughout her 23 years in education, she has served as director, alternative high school principal, assistant principal, dropout prevention program coordinator, general education teacher, and special education teacher. In her current role, she supports programs such as: Character Development, Attendance/Chronic Absenteeism and Restorative Practices. Sharon Bradley has recently been recognized by Education-First and D Magazine for her innovative efforts of leveraging SEL to help decrease chronic absenteeism. Sharon is the author of the reference guide “Chronic Absenteeism: Prevention and Intervention Strategies for Schools, Families and Communities”. She is a graduate of Mississippi State University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Special Education; and her master’s degree in Educational Administration from Prairie View A & M University.
Ana Pasarella
Director of Family and Community Engagement ,
Alvin Independent School District, TX
Ana Pasarella, originally from Venezuela, earned degrees in Communications and Education Administration upon relocating to the USA in 1995. Over the past 16 years, she has excelled at Alvin Independent School District, prioritizing family and community outreach through collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships.
4:30pm - 4:45pm ET
Industry Perspective: Exploring Effective Instructional Strategies in a Diverse School District
Sponsor content provided by Be GLAD.
Discover the transformative impact of effective research-based strategies in diverse learning environments. During this session, an administrator will share firsthand experiences with both teachers and English Language Learners (ELL) students in their district, highlighting specific language acquisition boosts and academic improvements. Hear about the challenges faced during the integration process and get insights on how to overcome these obstacles. You’ll increase your understanding of the practical benefits and educational shifts prompted by effective methodologies.
Discover the transformative impact of effective research-based strategies in diverse learning environments. During this session, an administrator will share firsthand experiences with both teachers and English Language Learners (ELL) students in their district, highlighting specific language acquisition boosts and academic improvements. Hear about the challenges faced during the integration process and get insights on how to overcome these obstacles. You’ll increase your understanding of the practical benefits and educational shifts prompted by effective methodologies.
Luis Pelayo Zepeda
ELD Program Specialist,
Del Norte County Office of Education
Luis Pelayo Zepeda has served Del Norte Unified School District for over ten years as an elementary and secondary educator. He is also an instructor for the School of Education at Cal Poly Humboldt where he has taught both Multicultural Foundations and Bilingual Theory and Methods. Luis earned his Masters in Education from Humboldt State with an emphasis on Multicultural Literacy and his Masters in History from Arizona State University. He has presented at regional and statewide conferences on social justice related topics, literacy, and multicultural education. Luis has been a Certified Agency Trainer for Be GLAD since 2017 and has trained educators throughout the nation on best teaching practices through the Be GLAD model. Currently, Luis is the ELD Program Specialist for Del Norte County Office of Education.
4:45pm - 5:15pm ET
Featured Speaker: U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona will share remarks and answer questions about the top issues facing K-12 education today in a fireside chat with EdWeek Editor-in-Chief Beth Frerking.
Miguel Cardona
U.S Secretary of Education
Dr. Miguel A. Cardona became the 12th U.S. Secretary of Education after a distinguished career as an elementary school teacher, principal, district administrator, and Connecticut education commissioner. He is a firm believer that being an educator isn’t only a job – it’s an extension of your life’s purpose.
5:15pm ET
Day 2 Closing Remarks
Friday, May 3
8:00am - 9:00am ET
Breakfast
9:00am - 9:20am ET
Interactive Polling Session: Student Engagement and Motivation
Share how levels of student engagement and motivation look in your schools and districts this year, how it compares to others, and how your peers view the challenges and possible solutions.
Lesli Maxwell is managing editor of Education Week.
9:20am - 9:30am ET
Travel to Breakout Sessions
9:30am - 10:45am ET
Interactive Breakout Session 1: Collective Leader Efficacy: How to Strengthen Instructional Leadership Teams
Collective leader efficacy is a school or district leadership team’s ability to develop a shared understanding and engage in collaborative work that includes evaluating the impact they have on the learning of adults and students in a school. Many school leadership teams never take the time to be intentional about their focus, which means they miss an opportunity to foster a whole school approach to professional learning. In this session, Peter DeWitt and Michael Nelson will provide the research, explain the drivers, and engage participants in the cycle of inquiry that will help leadership teams develop collective leader efficacy.
Participants will:
· Define collective leader efficacy
· Develop an understanding of how leadership teams should function
· Understand the drivers necessary to develop collective leader efficacy
· Engage in a cycle of inquiry and begin developing an action plan
Participants will:
· Define collective leader efficacy
· Develop an understanding of how leadership teams should function
· Understand the drivers necessary to develop collective leader efficacy
· Engage in a cycle of inquiry and begin developing an action plan
Peter DeWitt
Opinion Contributor, Education Week
A former K-5 public school principal turned author, presenter, and leadership coach, Peter DeWitt provides insights and advice for education leaders. He pens an opinion blog for Education Week, Finding Common Ground and is the host of A Seat at the Table.
Michael Nelson is a leadership coach and thought partner for the Instructional Leadership Collective. He is now co-blogging Peter DeWitt’s Finding Common Ground Education Week Opinion blog.
9:30am - 10:45am ET
Interactive Breakout Session 2: The Perils of Speaking Out: How Education Leaders Can Deftly Navigate Public Debates Over Curriculum, Culture Wars, and Politics
For the foreseeable future, divisive politics and genuine debates in education will challenge how--or if--a school system's most visible leaders speak out on issues like racism, war, and the curricula and lessons being used in classrooms. The questions of how and whether leaders communicate in these strained times has never been more critical. How should district and school leaders weigh the very real risks and challenges, but also the potential benefits of weighing in on controversial topics in their communities? In this session, we'll discuss best practices for leadership communications, knowing who your key audiences are, and how to decide when to speak out and how. Participants will: Delve into the experiences of leaders who've seen a positive impact of having constructive dialogue on these topics; get tips from seeking input from key communities before crafting a message; ideas for framing communications clearly and inclusively; and a roadmap for thinking through the challenges of leading in polarized times.
Caitlynn Peetz is a reporter for Education Week who covers school district leadership and management.
Dr. Katy Anthes
Commissioner of Education in Colorado from 2016-2023,
Director, FORWARD at Public Education & Business Coalition
Commissioner of Education in Colorado from 2016- 2023, Dr. Katy Anthes is widely respected for her commitment to listen to diverse perspectives and develop solutions that are founded on productive middle ground. Keeping students’ best interests as her top priority, she focuses on providing high quality expertise and support to policymakers, districts and educators working to enhance student achievement. As Commissioner, Anthes worked with the Colorado State Board of Education, the Legislature and the Governor to craft and implement a vision of education for Colorado. She led the Colorado Department of Education, an $8 billion dollar agency, dedicated to helping districts achieve great things for students. During her time as Commissioner, she served on the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) Board of Directors and the Education Commission of the States (ECS), Steering Committee.
Gustavo Balderas
Superintendent,
Beaverton Beaverton School District, OR
Dr. Gustavo Balderas began his life as the child of migrant farm workers in the Eastern Oregon town of Nyssa and developed his love of learning and passion for education in Oregon Public Schools, from kindergarten through his doctoral degree in educational leadership at the University of Oregon.
Aaron Spence
Superintendent,
Loudoun County Public Schools, VA
A passionate, visionary leader in public education for nearly three decades, Dr. Aaron Spence is committed to ensuring all students have access to the rigorous coursework, innovative learning opportunities and resources they need to prepare them for success. He’s been credited with creating and fostering a work culture where differences are celebrated and employee voice is valued. Dr. Spence serves as Superintendent of Loudoun County Public Schools, where he is responsible for the instructional leadership and administrative operation of 96 schools and centers that serve 83,000 students. Prior to that he served as Superintendent of Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS), where he was named State Superintendent of the Year in 2018. He has been Superintendent in North Carolina and held various roles in Central Office and as a school principal in Texas and Virginia. Spence began his career in 1994 as a French and photojournalism teacher.
9:30am - 10:45am ET
Interactive Breakout Session 3: Write a Smart AI Policy for Your School or District
Figuring out how to write a good and adaptable policy to guide the use of AI in districts and schools is challenging given how new and rapidly evolving the technology is. But some good models are emerging that can help district and school leaders develop their own. In this session, experts will provide an overview of why having a policy is critical, what the key building blocks are, and which stakeholders need to be involved in shaping it.
Alyson Klein is an assistant editor for Education Week.
Jun Kim
Directory of Technology,
Moore School District, OK
Jun Kim is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in education and technology. In his current role, he oversees the design and implementation of IT solutions for a district comprising 25,000 students, 2000 staff, and 36 instructional sites. Kim’s journey in education began as a science teacher and coach, leading him back to Moore Public Schools in 2002, where he progressed from an assistant principal to his current position. His educational philosophy centers on the belief that “kids are kids, no matter where they call home,” emphasizing a mindset to care, commitment, and create transformative connections to positively impact students’ lives.
Tara Nattrass
Managing Director of Innovation Strategy at ISTE
Dr. Tara Nattrass serves the Managing Director of Innovation Strategy at ISTE+ASCD collaborating with educators on transformational learning experiences, innovative programs and learning models, emerging technologies, and cybersecurity. She has been actively supporting educators in navigating the integration of AI, including serving on Al task forces and the steering committee of Teach Al.
9:30am - 10:45am ET
Interactive Breakout Session 4: Give Students a Voice--Get Big Results
Engaging students is a major challenge for many schools, but one of the most underutilized and proven ways to get kids excited to show up and learn is to give them a voice and influence over what happens in their classrooms, their schools, their districts and communities. Learn how leaders in two different districts created robust opportunities for students to shape their school experiences--one to design and review curriculum, the other to design and advance a climate action plan--and how their lessons can inform your own efforts to deepen student engagement.
LeeAnn Kittle
Executive Director of Sustainability,
Denver Public Schools, CO
LeeAnn (Westfall) Kittle is a seasoned sustainability professional, and her story is one of passion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to a sustainable future. Equipped with a Master’s in Business Administration and a BS in Environmental Science, LeeAnn’s academic foundation mirrors her dual commitment to business acumen and environmental stewardship. For over 15 years, LeeAnn has inspired the public on sustainability initiatives through program development and project management. She came to Colorado in 2011 from Cleveland, Ohio where she was responsible for one of Northeast Ohio’s first green roofs which was later named the “Huber-Westfall Garden” by the City of Cleveland.
Kate Maxlow
Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment,
Hampton City Schools, VA
Dr. Kate Wolfe Maxlow is the director of curriculum, instruction, and assessment for Hampton City Schools, Virginia, as well as an adjunct professor for Old Dominion University, where she earned her PhD with a study on equity in digital learning. She began her career as an elementary school teacher, and has also worked as an instructional coach, an educational consultant, and a director of innovation. In 2022, Dr. Maxlow helped found the Future of Learning Experience (FLEx) online school for grades K-6 in which students engage in games, role-plays, puzzle quests, escape rooms, and hands-on projects to bring learning to life. She has authored or edited multiple books including: 20 Formative Assessment Strategies that Work (Routledge); Look, Listen, Learn, LEAD: A District-Wide Systems Approach to Teaching and Learning in PreK-12 (IAP); Creating, Grading, and Using Virtual Assessments: Strategies for Success in the K-12 Classroom (Routledge Eye on Education); and Design Thinking: Research, Innovation, and Implementation (IAP). In 2020, Dr. Maxlow received the Virginia Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (VASCD) Leadership Award for her work coordinating efforts to innovate the Hampton City Schools curriculum.
10:45am - 10:55am ET
Networking Break
10:55am - 11:25am ET
Learn & Reflect: How to Teach Students to Be the Ultimate STEM Problem Solvers
We'll explore how schools in the United States are integrating the teaching of real-world problem-solving and entrepreneurial thinking into STEM instruction in some very creative and relevant ways. This session—which will feature exclusive survey data and original reporting and video coverage from Education Week—will highlight what those approaches look like in action (or should look like) for elementary and secondary students; how curriculum and instructional priorities are changing to make this happen; and why such changes are so important at this moment in time.
Kevin Bushweller oversees coverage of educational technology and learning environments for Education Week.
11:25am - 11:55am ET
Leadership Interview: Improving Literacy Instruction and Achievement at Scale: Lessons From a State Chief
Mandates to dramatically shift how young students are taught to read continues to have strong momentum as more than half of all states have passed 'science of reading' laws or policies in the last 5 years. But passing laws and approving new policies is hardly a guarantee that the evidence-based practices that make up the science of reading will change teachers' practice and reach students in classrooms. Dr. Carey Wright, the interim state superintendent for Maryland and the former state chief in Mississippi where reading achievement has significantly improved over a 10-year-period, discusses what that state did, the lessons she learned, and best practice advice she has for school and district leaders.
Carey Wright
State Superintendent of Schools, Maryland
Carey M. Wright, Ed.D., was appointed Interim State Superintendent of Education by the Maryland State Board of Education in October 2023. A native Marylander, she previously served for nine years as State Superintendent of Education for Mississippi, where she is credited with its elevation as a national leader in literacy instruction and outcomes.
Dr. Wright is a former member of the Chiefs for Change Board of Directors. Notably, the U.S. Secretary of Education appointed her in 2019 to the National Assessment Governing Board, which sets policy for NAEP, the Nation’s Report Card. Her honors include the 2022 Mississippi Top 50 Most Influential Leaders Award. She is a University of Maryland graduate, earning undergraduate, advanced and doctoral degrees in education.
Dr. Wright is a former member of the Chiefs for Change Board of Directors. Notably, the U.S. Secretary of Education appointed her in 2019 to the National Assessment Governing Board, which sets policy for NAEP, the Nation’s Report Card. Her honors include the 2022 Mississippi Top 50 Most Influential Leaders Award. She is a University of Maryland graduate, earning undergraduate, advanced and doctoral degrees in education.
Stephen Sawchuk is an assistant managing editor for Education Week, leading coverage of teaching, learning, and curriculum.
11:55am ET
Closing Remarks
Who will I hear from?
Learn from senior K-12 district and school leaders and nationally recognized leadership and policy experts. Check back for an updated speaker list.
Miguel Cardona
U.S Secretary of Education
Freeman Hrabowski
President Emeritus, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Carey M. Wright
State Superintendent of Schools, Maryland
Sharon Bradley
2024 EdWeek Leader to Learn From | Director of Family and Social Services, Plano Independent School District, TX
Aleesia Johnson
2024 EdWeek Leader to Learn From | Superintendent, Indianapolis Public Schools, IN
Jun Kim
2024 EdWeek Leader to Learn From | Directory of Technology, Moore School District, OK
LeeAnn Kittle
2024 EdWeek Leader to Learn From | Executive Director of Sustainability, Denver Public Schools, CO
Kate Maxlow
2024 EdWeek Leader to Learn From | Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, Hampton City Schools, VA
Ana Pasarella
2024 EdWeek Leader To Learn From | Director of Family and Community Engagement, Alvin Independent School District, TX
Katy Anthes
Commissioner of Education in Colorado from 2016-2023
Gustavo Balderas
Superintendent, Beaverton Beaverton School District, OR
![GustavoBalderas Headshot Color[31]](https://epe.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/33a0d97/2147483647/strip/true/crop/944x944+0+33/resize/255x255!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fepe-brightspot.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2F44%2Fe4%2F04ec1d70438e9ca5fbcc8b0e81bd%2Fgustavobalderas-headshot-color31.jpeg)
Vilicia Cade
Superintendent, Capital School District (DE), League of Innovative Schools Member
Jillian Doggett
Director of Network Support, Digital Promise
Erik Gundersen
Superintendent, Suffern School District (NY) and League of Innovative Schools Member
Ava Havidic
President, National Student Board Member Association | Student Adviser, Broward County Public Schools
Andrew Kahn
Associate Director, Behavior Change & Expertise, Understood
Ryan Lamping
Vice President of Sales, Amergis Educational Staffing
Tara Nattrass
Managing Director of Innovation Strategy at ISTE
Mike Nelson
Assistant Executive Director, Washington Association of School Administrators
Alan Safran
Co-Founder, CEO and Chair of the Board, Saga
Aaron Spence
Superintendent, Loudoun County Public Schools, VA
Juliana Urtubey
Understood Teacher Fellow and 2021 National Teacher of the Year
Anjali Verma
Student, Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School University Scholars Program
Alison Harris Welcher
Senior Director, Technical Assistance Program Management, Chiefs for Change
Pat Yongpradit
Chief Academic Officer, Code.org and Leader of TeachAI
Luis Pelayo Zepeda
ELD Program Specialist, Del Norte County Office of Education
Maurice Bakley
Publisher, Education Week
Libby Stanford
Reporter
Thank you to all our symposium sponsors
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Hotel & Travel Information
The Symposium will be held at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, VA. Located just 5 min. outside of Washington, DC, it features stunning views of the nation’s monuments and easy access to the city's historic structures, diverse neighborhoods, and green spaces.
The nearest airports are Ronald Raegan National Airport (DCA), Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI).
The nearest airports are Ronald Raegan National Airport (DCA), Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI).