Deeper Learning New York: Full Schedule

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8:00am EDT

Breakfast, Registration and ⚡️ Podcasts Live 🎧

Tuesday July 15, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am EDT

🎙️ ⚡️Podcasts Live 🎧
Step into the spotlight and share your voice! At Podcasts Live, you’ll have the chance to sign up for a 15-minute on-the-spot interview with one of our featured podcasters. Whether you're an educator, student, or thought leader, this is your moment to reflect, inspire, and amplify your story.
Sign-ups will be available throughout the event—jump in, connect, and be heard!

Leading for Deeper Learning with Dr. Jonah Schenker
UNtenured with Yaa Yaa Whaley-Williams
Unlocking Unlimited Potential Stories Show with Dr. Brandon Beck
Measure UP: The Podcast for Transformational School Leaders with Nicole Alioto
EDventUres in Tech with Andrew Nikola, Dan Roberto, and Art Schouten

Speakers

Breakfast Sponsored by LEXIA

Account Manager - NY, LEXIA

Kristy Subik has 20 years of education experience as an elementary teacher, and HSE Adult Literacy teacher. Kristy works at Lexia partnering with districts in NY to implement literacy solutions.

Tuesday July 15, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Field House

Communal

9:00am EDT

Opening Address

Tuesday July 15, 2025 9:00am - 9:15am EDT

Main Stage

Tuesday July 15, 2025 9:00am - 9:15am EDT
Main Stage

Address

9:15am EDT

Keynote Speaker

Tuesday July 15, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am EDT

Main Stage

Speakers

Yong Zhao

Foundation Distinguished Professor, School of Education and Human Sciences, University of Kansas

Yong Zhao is a Foundation Distinguished Professor in the School of Education at the University of Kansas and a professor in Educational Leadership at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education in Australia. He previously served as the Presidential Chair, Associate Dean, and Director... Read More →

Tuesday July 15, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
Main Stage

Keynote Dr. Yong Zhao

10:30am EDT

Animation, Adaptive Sports & Service Animals: Awareness of All Students Across the Curriculum (Part 1 of 2)

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT

Room W111

Bring your device, your team, and your aspiring spirit, to explore achieving workplace and community inclusion of people with disabilities, by building knowledge and awareness with our youngest learners. Let’s learn about and apply animation software that can enrich classroom routines and procedures, get resources across the curriculum for advancing the full inclusion of people with disabilities, and dive deep into tips and tricks for working with service animals in the school environment and reveling in the expanding world of adaptive sports. Tech resources, literacy resources, and experiences with assistive devices will all be a part of this community-building session.

Speakers

Joseph Zesski

Sponsors

Dana Brown

Founder and President, Dana Brown Professional Learning Services

Curriculum expertise, service to students, time management, to captivate better results. Dana Brown has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, with a concentration in behavioral sciences, from Concordia College-Bronxville, a master’s degree in reading and literacy from... Read More →

Peter Quinn

Peter Quinn is a Multimedia Producer at the Northeast ADA Center and Cornell University. His work includes producing the ADA Animated School Series using a variety of technology products. Peter is also an award-winning video journalist, anchor and videographer. Peter worked at the... Read More →

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Room W111

DD 1

10:30am EDT

Artificial Intelligence in Pursuit of Deeper Learning (Part 1 of 2) FULL

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT

Room W103

If our goal through the pursuit of Deeper Learning (DL) is to develop students who are active drivers of their own learning, then how can artificial intelligence (AI) act as a tool to enhance this goal? Participants will build a shared understanding of agency and its critical role in DL. Prepare to be inspired as we dissect real-world, on-the-ground applications of AI from trailblazing educators across the nation. Through a critical lens, we'll uncover precisely how these innovative integrations can either supercharge student agency or inadvertently clip its wings. Together, we’ll gain insights by examining how a shared DL philosophy shapes current and future AI approaches. Bring a laptop so that you can be a driver of your learning using AI tools!

Speakers

Shannon Doody

Director of District and School Success, New Tech Network

Creating authentic, engaging student experiences K-12 is my passion! I've worked in education leadership in varying capacities for 10 years, from state level career pathway work in Indiana to leading city based continuous improvement in Chicago and Tulsa. Now I work for New Tech... Read More →

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Room W103

DD 1

10:30am EDT

Civic Sparks - Igniting your SEL (Part 1 of 2) LIMITED

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT

Room W203

Ready to spark student engagement and build authentic community in your school? In this interactive session, school leaders will experience a fast-paced, hands-on simulation of Project Citizen, one of the Center for Civic Education’s flagship programs that blends civic learning with social-emotional growth. It's experiential learning, authentic assessment, literacy, civic education, all rolled into one amazing curriculum!

Working together, you’ll pick a real-world issue your school community cares about, dig into possible solutions, and design a public policy proposal—with an action plan to match. Then, bring your ideas to life in a “civic showcase” (yes, it’s like a science fair, but way more policy-forward).

Along the way, you’ll practice the same SEL skills students will develop through this program. You’ll leave energized, with a toolkit and game plan to bring Project Citizen back to your staff—and to inspire your students to become changemakers in their communities.

Speakers

Aruna Patel

Aruna Patel is the Center for Civic Education’s Senior Director of Civic Education. She is responsible for supporting her colleagues at the Center in developing and implementing high-priority strategies, goals, and objectives to ensure ongoing success, spur innovation, and lead... Read More →

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Room W203

DD 1

10:30am EDT

Creating the Sawyer Experience: Engagement, Equity, and Empowerment (Part 1 of 2) LIMITED

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT

Room W108

Join Dr. Erceg and Dr. Roraback, the Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent of the Saugerties Central School District, for an inspiring and interactive session that blends storytelling with strategy. Through candid reflections on their shared journey—from challenges to breakthroughs—they’ll show how bold, intentional leadership anchored in the 3 E’s—Engagement, Equity, and Empowerment—has shaped what they call the Ultimate Sawyer Experience.
This session goes beyond theory. You’ll explore how Saugerties CSD:

Elevated student voice in surprising and impactful ways
Shifted leadership expectations to build collective efficacy
Fostered a culture of growth through teacher-led professional learning

Expect meaningful conversation, laughter, and practical ideas as you develop your own actionable step toward transformational leadership. When leaders lead with purpose, every learner wins.

Central leadership focused

Speakers

Dr. Daniel Erceg

Superintendent, Saugerties Central school District

Dr. Gwendolyn Roraback

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Room W108

DD 1

10:30am EDT

Flourishing Cultures: Unlocking Leader Wellbeing to Transform Schools (Part 1 of 2) LIMITED

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT

Room W109

Struggling with leader or teacher burnout, turnover, or disengaged teams?
School culture isn’t just about policies or perks—it’s not even about donuts (really!). It’s about authentically meeting human needs. When educators thrive, students excel. But how can leaders create a culture where staff feel valued, connected, resilient, and energized? In this high-impact, interactive session, we’ll dive into the science of wellbeing-driven leadership—what works, what doesn’t, and how to apply it effectively. You’ll engage in powerful hands-on exercises like:

Character Strengths Overuse/Underuse framework
Active Constructive Responding to build thriving relationships
Breathing techniques designed to regulate the nervous system, build trust, spark creativity, and fuel innovation
Low-prep team exercises that enhance collaboration and strengthen resilience
Practical steps to foster psychological safety, encouraging bold ideas, open communication, and genuine trust
Science-backed tools from positive psychology to energize and empower yourself and your staff

By the end, you’ll walk away with clear, actionable strategies to create a thriving, resilient school culture—both in your leadership and across your team. And the best part? You’ll be surrounded by like-minded leaders who are just as committed to making a difference.

Speakers

Martín Blank

School Wellbeing Solutions

Martín Blank is a former teacher and school administrator turned positive psychology practitioner and school consultant. He founded School Wellbeing Solutions with the mission to support school and district leaders to create conditions for thriving environments that support the wellbeing... Read More →

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Room W109

DD 1

10:30am EDT

From Badges to BYOG: Reinventing Learning, One Grade at a Time (Part 1 of 2) LIMITED

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT

Room W104

Mineola has transformed traditional structures of grading, assessment, and time into a dynamic, student-centered experience. This session will walk participants through our personalized learning journey—from a PreK–2 badging system that eliminated report cards to our innovative high school model, Build Your Own Grade (BYOG). Participants will leave with a fresh perspective, practical ideas and tools for redesigning grading and assessment systems in your own context. We will explore how badges, proficiency scales, and scoreboards build student agency across grade levels. Learn how to implement systems where students collect, reflect on, and defend evidence of learning. Gain insight into Mineola’s Build Your Own Grade model and how it fosters voice, choice, and self-direction.

Speakers

Nicki Gonias

Mineola School District

Dr. Nicki K. Gonias has been a District Instructional Leader for the Mineola School District for the last three years, where she manages the PreK-12 curriculum, provides coaching and support for teachers, and leads professional development opportunities. With over 15 years of experience... Read More →

Georgia Amigdalos

Georgia Amigdalos is a dedicated educator and leader with over two decades of experience in the field of English Language Arts. She earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees from Queens College, launching her career as an ELA teacher at Francis Lewis High School, where she inspired... Read More →

Michael Nagler

Superintendent, Mineola UFSD

Under Dr. Michael Nagler’s leadership as Superintendent, Mineola Union Free School District was one of the first Districts to implement a 1:1 iPad initiative. Mineola’s innovative use of the iPad led Apple to declare Mineola Middle School an Apple Distinguished School, the only... Read More →

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Room W104

DD 1

10:30am EDT

From Display to Disruption: Leading Change by Making Learning Public (Part 1 of 2) LIMITED

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT

Room W214

Making learning public is a transformative way to improve education in your community. This workshop dives into how educators and leaders can leverage public exhibitions to celebrate student learning, foster authentic engagement and drive continuous improvement. Through hands-on activities, collaborative planning, and reflective practices, participants will explore the profound impact showcasing student work to authentic audiences can have on a school community. Together, we’ll identify the essential conditions and strategies needed to create vibrant public exhibitions that inspire school wide innovation and honor the value of student voice.

Essential Questions:
How does making learning public enhance student’s quality of work in my community?
What strategies can school leaders implement to guide their community in creating vibrant, impactful public exhibitions that highlight and celebrate transformative student learning?

Speakers

Nikki Hinostro

Director, School Re-Design, High Tech High Graduate School of Education, Center for Love and Justice

Nikki was born and raised in San Diego where she was often found in one of 3 places: at school, on the soccer field, or at the Boys and Girls Club. She was taught how to love tenaciously and dance with spice by her Abuelita, how to listen and study every detail by her mother, how... Read More →

Dr. Kaleb

Creative Director | Frm CEO HTH, Center for Love and Justice | High Tech High Graduate School

YO!!! Let’s talk about how we reimagine learning—not just for better test scores, but for belonging, creativity, and human dignity. I’m drawn to conversations about liberatory education, youth-led innovation, systems transformation, and the creative practices that can shift... Read More →

Stacey Lopaz

Center for Love and Justice

I believe that projects are one of the most powerful levers we have for equity and deeper learning. Over the past 20+ years, I’ve worked as both a teacher and school leader, using project-based learning to build more just, engaging, and human-centered schools. For six of those years... Read More →

Shani Leader

Lead Designer, High Tech High Graduate School of Education, Center for Love and Justice

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Room W214

DD 1

10:30am EDT

From Seeds to Systems: Nurturing Coherence in Schools and Districts (Part 1 of 2) LIMITED

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT

Room W110

In this session school and district leaders will explore the notion that building coherence is like tending a garden; it requires relentless focus and constant vigilance. Participants will first examine their vision through a Photography Scavenger Hunt. This activity is designed to help you ensure you have a clear, shared understanding of your vision and where elements of your vision already exist within your system. Then leaders will play The Coherence Game; an activity we have created to help system leaders see where in their own system they have strong coherence and where coherence needs to be built.

While individuals are very welcome, this session is a great opportunity for teams to work together on gathering clarity around your vision and how to move it forward.

Speakers

Alisa Berger

Executive Director, Deeper Learning Dozen - Harvard Graduate School of Education

Alisa has over 25 years of experience as an educator, principal, and school leadership coach. She works with schools, districts and networks to support deeper and more engaging instruction for all students.Alisa is Executive Director of the Deeper Learning Dozen, a project out of... Read More →

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Room W110

DD 1

10:30am EDT

Fueling School Growth: Reflective Learning Walks Meet the Think Tank (Part 1 of 2) LIMITED

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT

Room W105

Step into a hands-on session where reflective learning walks and Think Tank collaboration collide to spark real school change. Participants will learn how to gather powerful classroom insights, create vibrant collaborative spaces, and turn observations into bold action. Together, we'll explore how this model builds a culture of reflection, innovation, and continuous improvement. You'll leave with a toolkit of strategies ready to energize your staff, sharpen instructional practice, and drive student success. No experience required—just a passion for growth and an open mind!

Speakers

John Frias

Founder of Inspire Learning Edu & Director at Buffalo Public Schools, Inspire Learning Education

Dr. Frias is an experienced educational leader and dedicated professional in curriculum and instruction. As Director of ENL/MLL, he brings a wealth of expertise from his previous leadership roles, including Program Administrator at Eastern Suffolk BOCES, Principal at Valley Stream... Read More →

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Room W105

DD 1

10:30am EDT

Leading with Impact: Building Academic Mindsets and Problem Solving Skills for Climate Challenges (Part 1 of 2) LIMITED

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT

Room W209

Speakers

Eddie Cohen

The Energy Museum

Dr. Edward Cohen is the founder of the Energy Museum, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering STEAM learning for individuals of all ages, from toddlers to seniors, while exploring the profound role of energy in every facet of our lives. He also serves as the Associate Director... Read More →

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Room W209

DD 1

10:30am EDT

Letting Go and Letting Come: Creating Fertile Ground for Innovation (Part 1 of 2) LIMITED

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT

Room W207

This session explores three key domains of modern school leadership: Managing the Present, Letting Go of the Past, and Creating the Future. Through discussions and activities, participants will examine outdated systems, identify areas for simplification, and learn how leadership through subtraction can foster innovation and renewal. Attendees will gain practical strategies and resources to help their schools embrace change and reimagine education for the future.

Speakers

KK Neimann

National Director of District & Strategic Initiatives, World Saavy

KK has a Master’s in Teaching and Curriculum from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and has been working in education since 2000. She has taught social studies and English at every grade level between 5th and 12th in both public and private school settings, and her passion... Read More →

Melanie Peterson-Nafziger

Professional Learning Facilitator, World Savvy

Melanie Peterson-Nafziger is a World Savvy Professional Learning Facilitator partnering with schools, districts, and communities to re-imagine teaching and learning and the leadership we need to cultivate to support systems change through collaborative innovation. For 30 years Melanie... Read More →

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Room W207

DD 1

10:30am EDT

Nurturing and Retaining Talent (Part 1 of 2) LIMITED

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT

Room W206

This interactive workshop explores the foundational “roots” of teacher retention—core needs and supportive school culture—and the “wings” that enable teachers to thrive, innovate, and stay committed. Through data analysis, collaborative design, and hands-on activities, participants will identify and address systemic factors driving teacher turnover. They’ll develop a customized Retention Toolkit, create a roadmap for fostering a culture of belonging, and design an action plan to implement supportive, equitable strategies at their schools. By the end, attendees will leave with new insights, practical tools, and a teacher-centered approach to making their schools places where teachers can truly spread their wings.

Speakers

Sandra J Simplice

A seasoned educator and dedicated school leader with over 25 years of experience in education, I bring a wealth of expertise in fostering academic excellence and cultivating strong, collaborative school communities. As an Assistant Principal and former Literacy Coach, I have a proven... Read More →

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Room W206

DD 1

10:30am EDT

Portrait of a Graduate in Action: Connecting NYS Standards to the Power of Student Agency (Part 1 of 2) LIMITED

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT

Room W214b

Creating engaging and effective classroom practices that connect academic learning and life-long skills can be challenging. Come explore how learner-centered instructional strategies enable teachers to seamlessly integrate academic content with essential skills development (such as communication and collaboration). In this session, participants will experience and create meaningful and equitable student-centered lessons aligning NYS content standards with the skills identified in the NYS Portrait of a Graduate.

Speakers

Michelle Sweeny

Math and Science Teacher, Tech Valley High School

Michelle Sweeny is a founding teacher of TVHS. She is certified in both physics and mathematics and has significant experience in teaching integrated mathematics and science. She served as department chair for science at St. Joseph Hill Academy in Staten Island, where she taught for... Read More →

Stacia Snow

Director of Network Innovation, New Tech Network

Stacia Snow has been leading change in education for the last 20 years in the classroom as a teacher, then as a district coach and now with the New Tech Network (NTN), a leading non-profit national school development organization, as the Senior Director of Service Design & Development... Read More →

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Room W214b

DD 1

10:30am EDT

Real-World Learning in Action: Hands-On Experiences Without Leaving Campus (Part 1 of 2) LIMITED

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT

Room W204

What role can education play in solving the climate crisis? This workshop will challenge participants to answer this question through hands-on nature journaling, curricula/school programming analysis and exploration, and background of the research that supports this work. Participants will practice integrating Environmental literacy into the standards and programs that take place at their school, to weave environmental literacy into their pre-existing work, rather than starting from scratch. This workshop seeks to support educators and administrators alike in recognizing opportunities to link nature connection with the standards and curricula they already deliver, so students can leave their schools and organizations as environmentally literate global citizens.

Speakers

Rachel Arbor

CEO & Founder; NY State Lead, Gaia Scholastic; SubjectToClimate

I would love to explore all things nature with you! I'd also love to support you in integrating interdisciplinary environmental literacy into your school or district, whatever that means for you.

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Room W204

DD 1

10:30am EDT

Storytelling on the Sojourner Truth Trail with iPad and iMovie (Part 1 of 2) LIMITED

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT

Room W205

Step into history and creativity with this unique, hands-on session! Join us at the newly opened Sojourner Truth State Park (2022) to walk the Sojourner Truth Trail, where the legendary abolitionist once lived and forged her legacy. During this outdoor learning expedition, you’ll capture video footage on iPad, drawing inspiration from the park’s natural beauty and historical significance. Back indoors, we’ll transform your footage into compelling video stories using iMovie. Gain practical skills in video composition, storytelling, and editing while exploring a trail rich with history. Perfect for leaders of all tech experience levels—bring your curiosity and creativity!

As a school leader, you’ll walk away with strategies for empowering teachers to create dynamic, student-centered learning experiences that make content relevant and memorable. You'll also gain insight into how digital storytelling can support civic engagement, and authentic assessment.
Perfect for leaders of all tech experience levels, this experience will spark ideas you can bring back to your schools to inspire students and staff alike. Bring your curiosity and creativity—this is leadership learning in action.

Speakers

Michael Clear

Teacher, Dover High School

A classroom teacher for 27 years, Michael has been teaching science and technology at Dover High School and has been using and teaching Final Cut Pro since 2009. Michael is certified to teach Final Cut Pro as an Apple Authorized Certification Provider. Michael has presented at... Read More →

Paul Vassak

Leadership Executive, Apple Education

Some of the most powerful opportunities for technology are realized in the hands of students and teachers. Apple designs technology that empowers every individual, no matter how they learn and what they love to do. And Apple Education is dedicated to helping schools make the most... Read More →

Amy Gillespie

Director of Instructional Technology, Poughkeepsie CSD

Former classroom teacher, Technology Integration Specialist, and current Director of Technology. Passionate about teaching and learning and making learning accessible to all!

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Room W205

DD 1

12:00pm EDT

Lunch (food trucks!) 🚛 and ⚡️ Podcasts Live 🎧 LIMITED

Tuesday July 15, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

Field House

Leading for Deeper Learning with Dr. Jonah Schenker
UNtenured with Yaa Yaa Whaley-Williams
Unlocking Unlimited Potential Stories Show with Dr. Brandon Beck
Measure UP: The Podcast for Transformational School Leaders with Nicole Alioto
EDventUres in Tech with Andrew Nikola, Dan Roberto, and Art Schouten

Speakers

LUNCH Sponsored by Day Automation

CSO, Day Automation

Richie more than 10 years of dedicated experience in school security. He has served on numerous school security committees at New York state and national levels. He is a recognized thought leader actively involved in shaping security best practices for the education sector. His expertise... Read More →

Tuesday July 15, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Field House

Lunch

1:30pm EDT

From Display to Disruption: Leading Change by Making Learning Public (Part 2 of 2)

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

Room W214

Making learning public is a transformative way to improve education in your community. This workshop dives into how educators and leaders can leverage public exhibitions to celebrate student learning, foster authentic engagement and drive continuous improvement. Through hands-on activities, collaborative planning, and reflective practices, participants will explore the profound impact showcasing student work to authentic audiences can have on a school community. Together, we’ll identify the essential conditions and strategies needed to create vibrant public exhibitions that inspire school wide innovation and honor the value of student voice.

Essential Questions:
How does making learning public enhance student’s quality of work in my community?
What strategies can school leaders implement to guide their community in creating vibrant, impactful public exhibitions that highlight and celebrate transformative student learning?

Speakers

Nikki Hinostro

Director, School Re-Design, High Tech High Graduate School of Education, Center for Love and Justice

Dr. Kaleb

Creative Director | Frm CEO HTH, Center for Love and Justice | High Tech High Graduate School

Stacey Lopaz

Center for Love and Justice

Shani Leader

Lead Designer, High Tech High Graduate School of Education, Center for Love and Justice

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Room W214

DD 1

1:30pm EDT

Animation, Adaptive Sports & Service Animals: Awareness of All Students Across the Curriculum (Part 2 of 2)

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

Room W111

Speakers

Joseph Zesski

Sponsors

Dana Brown

Founder and President, Dana Brown Professional Learning Services

Peter Quinn

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Room W111

DD 2

1:30pm EDT

Artificial Intelligence in Pursuit of Deeper Learning (Part 2 of 2)

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

Room W103

Speakers

Shannon Doody

Director of District and School Success, New Tech Network

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Room W103

DD 2

1:30pm EDT

Civic Sparks - Igniting your SEL (Part 2 of 2)

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

Room W203

Speakers

Aruna Patel

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Room W203

DD 2

1:30pm EDT

Creating the Sawyer Experience: Engagement, Equity, and Empowerment (Part 2 of 2)

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

Room W108

Join Dr. Erceg and Dr. Roraback, the Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent Saugerties Central School District, for an inspiring and interactive session that blends storytelling with strategy. Through candid reflections on their shared journey—from challenges to breakthroughs—they’ll show how bold, intentional leadership anchored in the 3 E’s—Engagement, Equity, and Empowerment—has shaped what they call the Ultimate Sawyer Experience.
This session goes beyond theory. You’ll explore how Saugerties CSD:

Elevated student voice in surprising and impactful ways
Shifted leadership expectations to build collective efficacy
Fostered a culture of growth through teacher-led professional learning

Speakers

Dr. Daniel Erceg

Superintendent, Saugerties Central school District

Dr. Gwendolyn Roraback

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Room W108

DD 2

1:30pm EDT

Flourishing Cultures: Unlocking Leader Wellbeing to Transform Schools (Part 2 of 2)

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

Room W109

Character Strengths Overuse/Underuse framework
Active Constructive Responding to build thriving relationships
Breathing techniques designed to regulate the nervous system, build trust, spark creativity, and fuel innovation

Low-prep team exercises that enhance collaboration and strengthen resilience
Practical steps to foster psychological safety, encouraging bold ideas, open communication, and genuine trust
Science-backed tools from positive psychology to energize and empower yourself and your staff

Speakers

Martín Blank

School Wellbeing Solutions

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Room W109

DD 2

1:30pm EDT

From Badges to BYOG: Reinventing Learning, One Grade at a Time (Part 2 of 2)

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

Room W104

Speakers

Nicki Gonias

Mineola School District

Georgia Amigdalos

Michael Nagler

Superintendent, Mineola UFSD

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Room W104

DD 2

1:30pm EDT

From Seeds to Systems: Nurturing Coherence in Schools and Districts (Part 2 of 2)

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

Room W110

In this session school and district leaders will explore the notion that building coherence is like tending a garden; it requires relentless focus and constant vigilance. Participants will first examine their vision through a Photography Scavenger Hunt. This activity is designed to help you ensure you have a clear, shared understanding of your vision and where elements of your vision already exist within your system. . Then leaders will play The Coherence Game; an activity we have created to help system leaders see where in their own system they have strong coherence and where coherence needs to be built.

While individuals are very welcome, this session is a great opportunity for teams to work together on gathering clarity around your vision and how to move it forward.

Speakers

Alisa Berger

Executive Director, Deeper Learning Dozen - Harvard Graduate School of Education

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Room W110

DD 2

1:30pm EDT

Fueling School Growth: Reflective Learning Walks Meet the Think Tank (Part 2 of 2)

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

Room W105

Speakers

John Frias

Founder of Inspire Learning Edu & Director at Buffalo Public Schools, Inspire Learning Education

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Room W105

DD 2

1:30pm EDT

Leading with Impact: Building Academic Mindsets and Problem Solving Skills for Climate Challenges (Part 2 of 2)

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

Room W209

This session provides a hands-on approach to using design thinking and Project-Based Learning to address renewable energy challenges. Leaders will learn how to create systematic PBL implementation with engineering notebooks that can be used K-12 in cross-curricular ways. Participants will design wind turbines and explore structured inquiry methods supported by an Engineering Notebook from a Human Impact & Understanding Sustainable Energy curriculum. The session focuses on helping educators integrate STEM learning with problem-solving, collaboration, and innovative teaching strategies.

What Attendees Will Experience:
Engineering Notebook Case Study: Work through a detailed example showcasing how students document their understanding of climate systems, renewable energy, and design challenges.
Wind Turbine Design Challenge: Collaboratively design and test wind turbine prototypes, considering environmental, economic, and practical constraints. Redesign for success.
Interactive Brainstorming Activity: Learn a rapid ideation technique that enables students to generate over 46,656 innovative solutions in under 30 minutes.
Phenomena-Based Exploration: Engage with real-world scenarios, such as the trade-offs between electric and gas-powered vehicles and the implications of transitioning to renewable energy systems.

What Attendees Will Learn:
Maker-Centered Learning: Understand how to implement maker pedagogy to foster critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving.
Structured Inquiry and Ideation: Discover how to use the Engineering Notebook to guide students in identifying problems, brainstorming diverse solutions, and documenting their design process.
Climate Education Integration: Gain insights into teaching renewable energy concepts, including wind, solar, and hydropower, and their local and global impacts on sustainability.
Data-Driven Adaptation: Learn strategies to modify instruction and group dynamics based on data collected during ideation and design phases.

What Attendees Will Leave With:
Engineering Notebook Templates: Ready-to-use materials for documenting and guiding student projects.
Comprehensive Design Briefs: Resources for facilitating renewable energy challenges tailored to various grade levels, emphasizing environmental and societal impacts.
Brainstorming Techniques: A step-by-step guide to fostering innovative thinking among students.
Climate Science Resources: Materials linking energy systems and climate change, such as the EPA Climate Science Basics and phenomena-based examples like the Great Energy Debate.
Practical Applications: Insights and best practices derived from employing these techniques with educators across content areas and grade levels.
Participants will leave equipped to inspire students to tackle climate change challenges creatively and collaboratively, fostering critical STEM skills and environmental stewardship. This session blends engineering, sustainability, and innovation into a transformative learning experience.

Speakers

Eddie Cohen

The Energy Museum

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Room W209

DD 2

1:30pm EDT

Letting Go and Letting Come: Creating Fertile Ground for Innovation (Part 2 of 2)

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

Room W207

Speakers

KK Neimann

National Director of District & Strategic Initiatives, World Saavy

Melanie Peterson-Nafziger

Professional Learning Facilitator, World Savvy

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Room W207

DD 2

1:30pm EDT

Nurturing and Retaining Talent (Part 2 of 2)

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

Room W206

Speakers

Sandra J Simplice

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Room W206

DD 2

1:30pm EDT

Portrait of a Graduate in Action: Connecting NYS Standards to the Power of Student Agency (Part 2 of 2)

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

Room W214b

Speakers

Michelle Sweeny

Math and Science Teacher, Tech Valley High School

Stacia Snow

Director of Network Innovation, New Tech Network

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Room W214b

DD 2

1:30pm EDT

Real-World Learning in Action: Hands-On Experiences Without Leaving Campus (Part 2 of 2)

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

Room W204

Speakers

Rachel Arbor

CEO & Founder; NY State Lead, Gaia Scholastic; SubjectToClimate

I would love to explore all things nature with you! I'd also love to support you in integrating interdisciplinary environmental literacy into your school or district, whatever that means for you.

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Room W204

DD 2

1:30pm EDT

Storytelling on the Sojourner Truth Trail with iPad and iMovie (Part 2 of 2)

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

Room W205

Speakers

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Room W205

DD 2

2:45pm EDT

Closing Circle

Tuesday July 15, 2025 2:45pm - 3:00pm EDT

3:30pm EDT

Reception Dinner 🌸

Tuesday July 15, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm EDT

TBA

Tuesday July 15, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm EDT
TBA

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