10:15 a.m.
SUPER SESSIONS
Empowering Your Teachers: Leveraging AI to Enhance Student Learning
Dr. Scott Harsh, Dr. Paul Cable and Dr. Betty Morris Greater Atlanta Christian School
Session Description:
Artificial Intelligence is transforming the education landscape, offering teachers powerful tools to personalize learning, streamline tasks, and foster student engagement. In this interactive session, educators will explore practical ways to integrate AI into their classrooms, from automating grading and lesson planning to using AI-driven tutoring and feedback systems.
Participants will gain insight into AI tools, discover best practices for ethical and effective implementation, and leave with actionable strategies to enhance learning outcomes. Whether you're an AI novice or already experimenting with technology, this session will equip you with the insights and resources needed to harness AI for student success.
Key Takeaways:
Practical AI tools for lesson planning, assessment, and personalized learning
Strategies to enhance student engagement and critical thinking with AI
Ethical considerations and best practices for AI integration in education
Exploration of AI applications for the classroom
Who Should Attend:
K-12 and higher education teachers, instructional designers, school administrators, and education technology specialists looking to integrate AI into their teaching practices.
Unplugged and Engaged: Removing Cell Phones for a Better Learning Environment
Presented by Andrea Wolf
Session Description:
With cell phones being a constant source of distraction, many schools are choosing to remove them from the classroom entirely—but how do you implement and enforce such a policy effectively? In this session, we’ll explore the benefits of a phone-free learning environment, share strategies for successful implementation, and discuss how to gain buy-in from students, parents, and staff.
Participants will walk away with actionable steps to create a policy that minimizes resistance, maximizes student engagement, and fosters a more focused, productive classroom culture.
Key Takeaways:
The academic and behavioral benefits of removing cell phones from classrooms
Proven strategies for enforcing a no-phone policy
How to communicate the policy to students, parents, and staff for greater buy-in
Addressing challenges and pushback with confidence
Real-world examples of schools that have successfully eliminated classroom phone use
Who Should Attend:
Educators, administrators, and school leaders looking to create a more focused and engaging learning environment by removing cell phones from the classroom.
Navigating the Accreditation Landscape for Accountability & Growth
Dr. David Pahman and Dr. Kyle Thompson–NCSA Accreditation Commissioners
Session Description:
Accreditation is more than just a compliance process—it’s a powerful tool for school improvement, accountability, and long-term growth. In this session, we’ll demystify the accreditation journey, providing practical guidance on how schools can leverage accreditation standards to enhance educational quality, strengthen institutional effectiveness, and drive continuous improvement.
Participants will gain insights into best practices for preparing for accreditation, engaging stakeholders, and using the process as a strategic roadmap for growth. Whether your school is seeking initial accreditation, preparing for renewal, or looking to maximize the benefits of accreditation, this session will provide actionable takeaways to navigate the process with confidence.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding accreditation standards and their role in school improvement
Strategies for preparing for accreditation and ensuring a smooth process
How to use accreditation feedback for meaningful institutional growth
Engaging faculty, staff, and stakeholders in the accreditation journey
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
Who Should Attend:
School leaders, administrators, accreditation coordinators, and educators involved in school accountability, quality assurance, and institutional growth. Schools who have an accreditation visit in the 2025/26 school year need to send at least one representative.
The Art of Feedback: Being Honest AND Kind
Brad Schultz and Melanie Grogan—Lipscomb Academy Nashville, Tennessee
Session Description:
Giving feedback is essential for growth, but navigating the tension between honesty and kindness can be challenging. Too blunt, and it can discourage; too soft, and it may not lead to real improvement. This session will explore strategies for delivering feedback that is clear, constructive, and compassionate—whether to colleagues, students, or staff.
Through interactive discussions and real-world scenarios, participants will learn how to frame feedback in ways that foster trust, inspire growth, and maintain positive relationships. Walk away with practical techniques to navigate difficult conversations while ensuring your message is both heard and valued.
Key Takeaways:
Strategies for delivering feedback that is both honest and supportive
How to tailor feedback to different audiences (students, peers, staff)
Avoiding defensiveness and fostering a growth-oriented mindset
Practical frameworks for structuring constructive conversations
Turning tough feedback into a tool for motivation and improvement
Who Should Attend:
Educators, administrators, team leaders, and anyone looking to improve their feedback skills in a way that strengthens relationships and drives positive change.
Navigating the Financial Landscape: Health Insurance, Retirement, and Teacher Pay in K-12 Schools
Session Description:
As school budgets grow tighter and expectations for teacher compensation rise, understanding the financial aspects of health insurance, retirement plans, and teacher pay is more critical than ever. In this session, we’ll dive deep into the financial strategies and decisions that impact K-12 schools, from balancing health insurance benefits and retirement contributions to structuring competitive and sustainable teacher salaries.
Participants will learn how to navigate these complex financial components to support their faculty, attract top talent, and ensure long-term financial health for the school. Through real-world case studies and expert insights, we’ll explore practical solutions to common challenges and help school leaders make informed decisions that benefit both teachers and the institution as a whole.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding the financial impact of health insurance and retirement plans on school budgets
Strategies for creating sustainable, competitive teacher pay structures
Approaches to balancing the needs of educators with fiscal constraints
Tools for navigating state and federal regulations around teacher compensation and benefits
Best practices for communicating financial decisions to staff and stakeholders
Who Should Attend:
School administrators, finance directors, HR leaders, and anyone involved in school budgeting, compensation, or benefits planning for K-12 schools.