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Access the pages below to learn more about our conference, registration, speakers and sponsors. Visit our Innovation Summit site for details about the venue, food, lodging, purchasing a t-shirt, and more.
Company: High School clear filter
Thursday, July 31
 

10:30am CDT

Building a Better Curriculum: Align, Assess, Achieve
Thursday July 31, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am CDT
Boston Ferry
A guaranteed and viable curriculum is the foundation of student success, but how do we ensure alignment, meaningful assessment, and impactful instruction? This session will explore a practical, step-by-step approach to curriculum review that prioritizes essential standards, intentional unit planning, and common assessments. Learn how to create clarity, consistency, and collaboration in your curriculum design while keeping student learning at the center. Whether you’re refining an existing curriculum or starting fresh, this session will provide actionable strategies to align, assess, and achieve results. Walk away with tools and insights to build a better curriculum in your school or district.
Speakers
avatar for Tiffany Jones

Tiffany Jones

Secondary Curriculum Specialist, Nixa Public Schools
MV

Melissa Villanueva

Secondary Curriculum Specialist, Nixa Public Schools
Thursday July 31, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am CDT
Boston Ferry
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

10:30am CDT

Calibrate Confidently: Examples of Creating Consistent Grading Pratices
Thursday July 31, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am CDT
Short Creek 1
Do you ever feel like you grade harder or not hard enough compared to your teammates and you gave the same assignment or assessment? Are you wanting to create a more consistent grading environment for the students in your school? At the end of this presentation, participants will have research and examples of practices to take back to the classroom and their team on ways to calibrate the grading process to create consistency for their students.
Speakers
avatar for Abigail Groves

Abigail Groves

8th Grade History Teacher, Republic Schools R-III School District
avatar for Candace Miller

Candace Miller

8th Grade History Teacher, Republic Schools R-III School District
Thursday July 31, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am CDT
Short Creek 1
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

10:30am CDT

Feedback That Fuels Growth
Thursday July 31, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am CDT
Short Creek 4
Feedback is one of the most powerful tools educators have to impact student learning and growth. In this engaging session, we'll unpack evidence-based feedback practices grounded in research from Hattie and Marzano. Participants will gain practical strategies for providing effective, timely feedback that boosts student agency, clarifies learning targets, and promotes deeper understanding.
Speakers
avatar for Sierra Hufford

Sierra Hufford

Library Media Specialist, Republic Schools
MS

Marlee Scroggins

Grade 1 Teacher, Republic Schools
avatar for Jennifer Renegar

Jennifer Renegar

Data & Assessment Specialist, Republic Schools
Thursday July 31, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am CDT
Short Creek 4
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

10:30am CDT

Fostering a Trauma Sensitive Classroom with Rigor
Thursday July 31, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am CDT
Cooper Creek 2
Come elevate your current practices on how to balance rigor, relationship building, routines, rituals, and maximize student potential in your classroom. Come see how microshifts can make MACRO progress and performance.
Speakers
CF

Cristen Frazier

Algebra Teacher, Waynesville R VI School District
Thursday July 31, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am CDT
Cooper Creek 2
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

10:30am CDT

From Dreams to Action: Empowering Students with "I Can" Goal-Setting
Thursday July 31, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am CDT
Roark Creek
Discover how to empower students through goal setting with "I Can" statements! This session will explore strategies for helping students take ownership of their learning by setting meaningful goals and tracking their progress. Learn how to guide students in using "I Can" statements to define clear objectives, self-evaluate, and reflect on their growth. Gain insight into how our department successfully implemented these strategies and the impact it had on student learning. At the end of the presentation, participants will be able to implement “I Can” statement routines in their own classrooms to foster student reflection and ownership. Walk away with practical tools to help students turn their aspirations into action!
Speakers
HA

Heather Argaez

Teacher, Republic School District
avatar for Cheri Downs

Cheri Downs

Teacher, Republic School District
Thursday July 31, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am CDT
Roark Creek
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

10:30am CDT

GOWellness Network: Building a Collaborative Community for Staff Wellness
Thursday July 31, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am CDT
Short Creek 2
The GOWellness Network is an opportunity for educators, administrators, and wellness champions to come together and build a supportive community focused on staff well-being. This session will foster collaboration, allowing participants to share best practices, explore innovative wellness strategies, and walk away with practical tools to enhance wellness initiatives in their schools and districts.
Speakers
NL

Nancy Leonard

Staff Wellness Facilitator, Republic School District
Thursday July 31, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am CDT
Short Creek 2
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

10:30am CDT

How to Win Students and Influence Behaviors
Thursday July 31, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am CDT
Room Location TBA
In this breakout session, I’ll introduce the Rule of Seven, a concept from marketing in the business world that suggests people need at least seven positive impressions before taking action. In education, this means making intentional, daily connections with students—like greeting them at the door, attending their events, or a personalized class playlist. I’ll share practical examples for elementary through high school and provide a simple framework for implementing this in any classroom. These consistent interactions build trust and foster relationships, creating a safe, supportive environment where students feel valued, increasing engagement, participation, and their willingness to take academic risks.
Speakers
avatar for Joshua Carter

Joshua Carter

Teacher, Joplin High School
Thursday July 31, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am CDT
Room Location TBA
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

10:30am CDT

Unlocking Literacy: Harnessing the Science of Reading for Grades 6-12
Thursday July 31, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am CDT
Compton Ferry
Join us for an insightful session where we’ll share effective strategies and ideas for 6-12 classroom teachers, grounded in the science of reading. Drawing on the valuable insights from our district’s 6-12 teachers participating in LETRS, this presentation will offer practical, research-based approaches to enhance literacy instruction. Whether you're looking to strengthen reading comprehension, vocabulary, or writing skills, you'll leave with actionable strategies to support diverse learners and improve outcomes in your classroom. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from both research and real-world teacher experiences!
Speakers
avatar for Brittany Thompson

Brittany Thompson

K-12 ELA Instructional Facilitator/K-3 Reading Specialist, Carthage R-9 School District
avatar for Shanna Pugh

Shanna Pugh

District K-12 Math Facilitator, Carthage R-9 School District
I am an instructional facilitator for the Carthage R9 school district.
Thursday July 31, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am CDT
Compton Ferry
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

10:30am CDT

Who Knew Creating CFAs Could Be So Easy?
Thursday July 31, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am CDT
Cooper Creek 1
This session will provide attendees the ability to work smarter, not harder, when designing common formative assessments. AI can be an excellent addition to any professional's toolbox. Presenters will show attendees how to use AI effectively and carefully to increase the rigor and quality of assessments, while maintaining coherence with district curriculum, standard expectations, and even standardized testing format. At the end of the presentation, participants will be able to create their own common formative assessments quickly and easily using AI as a thinking partner.
Speakers
avatar for Mary Miller

Mary Miller

Data Driven Instructional Specialist, Springfield Public Schools
avatar for Cary Sikes

Cary Sikes

Data Driven Instructional Specialist, Springfield Public Schools
Thursday July 31, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am CDT
Cooper Creek 1
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

10:30am CDT

The Power of a PoG: A case study
Thursday July 31, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am CDT
Fall Creek
Empower your school district with a compelling Portrait of a Graduate. This presentation explores how defining shared aspirations for student success fuels meaningful community engagement. Discover how collaborative development of a Portrait unites stakeholders, fostering ownership and investment in transforming education. We'll delve into success beyond standardized tests, showcasing how a Portrait prioritizes essential skills important to your community. Learn how this framework transforms schools, aligning curriculum and instruction with real-world outcomes, and ultimately, preparing students for thriving lives.
Speakers
avatar for Theresa Ewald

Theresa Ewald

Associate Director, i4PL
Dr. Theresa Ewald is the former Assistant Superintendent of the Kettle Moraine School District,and an educational consultant with 30 years of experience in transforming learning for allstudents. Theresa coaches and mentors educational leaders, organizations and state leaders asthey... Read More →
avatar for Lance McClard

Lance McClard

Assistant Superintendent, Ste Genevieve Schools
Thursday July 31, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am CDT
Fall Creek
  Breakout Session-Tier 1 Sponsor Showcase: Partnering with Member District

10:30am CDT

From Struggle to Success: Response to Intervention as a Tool in Special Education
Thursday July 31, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am CDT
Hensley Ferry
“Struggle to Success” is often used as a metaphor in special education to describe the journey students with disabilities or learning challenges take, from facing difficulties to achieving personal growth and academic success. This concept emphasizes the importance of resilience, support and individualized strategies to overcome barriers and help these students realize their full potential. Ultimately, RTI as a tool in special education is about fostering an inclusive environment where students are given the resources, strategies, and encouragement they need to succeed. Participants will walk away with valuable tools to provide interventions to special education students in both their special education and regular education classrooms.
Speakers
avatar for Amy Wood-Van Horn

Amy Wood-Van Horn

Special Education Process Coordinator, Republic School District
My name is Amy Wood-Van Horn.  I am blessed to have served as a Special Educator in various roles during my career.  With over 12 years of experience in the Special Education field, I have developed a love for building successful students through positive interventions.  Throughout... Read More →
WW

Wendy Walker

Special Education Teacher, Republic School District
Thursday July 31, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am CDT
Hensley Ferry
  Roundtable Session

1:00pm CDT

#ShowMeApprentices in Southwest Missouri
Thursday July 31, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Cooper Creek 1
A panel of Southwest Missouri schools will showcase real world experiences through Registered Youth Apprenticeships and discuss the processes and experiences they have experienced with program implementation. Panelists will share their perspectives of helping students achieve success in obtaining a market-value asset with occupations that they have been able to utilize within their career pathways, the related-training instruction required and the industry partnership experiences that they have encountered. This session will define the basic concepts of RYA and some quick easy steps to begin implementing this into local school districts.
Speakers
avatar for Betty Glasgow

Betty Glasgow

Registered Youth Apprenticeship Consultant, Missouri State University
After 32 years in education, I have spent the last year as the Southwest Regional Registered Youth Consultant for the state of Missouri. Before retiring, I spent the last 5 years building the BoMO Works Internship and Apprenticeship program for Bolivar High School. It is my passion... Read More →
Thursday July 31, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Cooper Creek 1
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

1:00pm CDT

Assess, Impress, Progress: Crafting Quality Assessments and Tracking Growth
Thursday July 31, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Short Creek 4
We will dive into practical, research-backed strategies for crafting high-quality assessments that drive student growth. Participants will explore how to design a variety of assessment items and track progress effectively, ensuring assessments are clear, aligned with learning goals, and impactful. We’ll also discuss time-saving tools, including AI, to streamline the creation of proficiency scales and assessment item banks. By the end of the session, attendees will have actionable insights to enhance their assessment practices and support ongoing student progress.
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Renegar

Jennifer Renegar

Data & Assessment Specialist, Republic Schools
Thursday July 31, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Short Creek 4
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

1:00pm CDT

Fresh Start: Foundational Wellness to Kick Off the School Year
Thursday July 31, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Short Creek 2
As educators, we dedicate ourselves to student success, but sustainable impact begins with our own well-being. Research shows that foundational wellness—including movement, proper nutrition and hydration, and quality sleep—directly affects cognitive function, emotional resilience, and overall job performance. This session will equip educators with evidence-based strategies to build and maintain wellness habits, fostering a more energized, focused, and resilient school year.
Speakers
NL

Nancy Leonard

Staff Wellness Facilitator, Republic School District
Thursday July 31, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Short Creek 2
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

1:00pm CDT

Intentional Professional Learning Design Resulting in Implementation
Thursday July 31, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Compton Ferry
Professional learning that transfers from workshop to workplace with high levels of implementation is a challenge for all who lead professional learning sessions. Examine and apply a design model that supports the development of a quality professional learning session that increases the probability of implementation of learning into practice with the goal of making a difference for student learning.
Speakers
avatar for Martha Doennig

Martha Doennig

Director, Professional Learning, Springfield Public Schools
Thursday July 31, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Compton Ferry
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

1:00pm CDT

Power in Partnership: Enhancing Tier 1 Instruction Through Co-Teaching
Thursday July 31, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Fall Creek
This presentation will explore the power of collaboration in the classroom through co-teaching, focusing on how effective partnerships between educators can enhance Tier 1 instruction. Attendees will learn practical strategies for integrating co-teaching models that promote inclusive, differentiated instruction, ensuring all students thrive. We will discuss the benefits of shared responsibility, continuous assessment, and fostering a positive classroom environment where every student’s needs are met. This session offers actionable insights to strengthen teaching practices and improve student engagement and achievement in diverse classroom settings.
Speakers
avatar for Amy McElroy

Amy McElroy

Special Education Teacher, Jackson R2
Hello, everyone!  I am a 17th year teacher who spent 15 years in general education and now work in special education.  I am so excited to discuss co-teaching, and what a phenomenal method of teaching it really is for all of our learners.
TB

Taylor Brady

Special Education Teacher, Jackson R2
Thursday July 31, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Fall Creek
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

1:00pm CDT

Relationships, Relationships, Relationships: The Foundation to Parent Communication and Engagement
Thursday July 31, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Roark Creek
Have you ever stared at your computer struggling to find the right words to put in an email to a parent? Have you felt panic rising as you clutch the phone prior to calling a parent? Do you find yourself needing practical strategies to increase parent involvement and engagement? If you can relate to any of these questions, this session is for you! Parent communication and engagement are critical to a student’s success, but we recognize this task can feel overwhelming and anxiety-inducing. In this session we will share ways to strengthen parent communication and engagement through practical experiences and research- based practices. You will learn the importance of strong communication in order to increase engagement and support from families, walking away with strategies to immediately implement in your own practice.
Speakers
avatar for Taylor Young

Taylor Young

Shook Elementary Assistant Principal, Marshfield R-I
avatar for Nicki Thompson

Nicki Thompson

Marshfield High School Principal, Marshfield R-I
Thursday July 31, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Roark Creek
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

1:00pm CDT

Shifting Your School/Classroom from Reactive to Proactive
Thursday July 31, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Short Creek 3
This session explores proactive, research-based strategies rooted in the science of behavior analysis to build a structured framework for student academic and behavioral success. Participants will examine key studies on student achievement, behavior management, and school-wide frameworks like MTSS, PBIS, and RTI. The session highlights evidence-based instructional strategies, including differentiated learning, formative assessment, and fostering a growth mindset. Additionally, it covers behavioral approaches such as PBIS, social-emotional learning, and restorative practices. Through discussion and action planning, attendees will develop practical steps to apply behavior analytic principles in their schools, ensuring a supportive environment that promotes both academic progress and positive student behavior.
Speakers
CR

Crystal Reiner

Principal/ Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Licking R-8 School District
Thursday July 31, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Short Creek 3
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

1:00pm CDT

Navigating Freshman Year: Tips and Tricks for a Seamless Start
Thursday July 31, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Hensley Ferry
In this roundtable discussion, we’ll explore effective strategies to help freshmen transition smoothly into high school. We’ll discuss ideas for freshman orientation, tips for the first days of class, and the benefits of year-long freshman orientation courses. Share your experiences, learn from others, and discover new ways to support students during this critical time. By the end of the session, you’ll have actionable tools to ensure your students start their high school journey strong, with the skills and mindset needed to thrive both academically and socially throughout the year.
Speakers
avatar for Ashley Bateman

Ashley Bateman

College and Career Instructor/ A+ Coordinator, Lebanon R-3
Thursday July 31, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Hensley Ferry
  Roundtable Session

2:00pm CDT

Beyond the Buzzword: Making RTI Work in Your Secondary Classroom
Thursday July 31, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Short Creek 2
Struggling to make RTI work at the secondary level? This session will provide practical, time-saving strategies to support all learners without overwhelming teachers. We’ll break down effective tiered interventions, explore data-driven decision-making, and discuss ways to engage students in meaningful progress. Learn how to implement RTI in a way that fits your classroom while fostering student growth. Whether you’re new to RTI or looking to refine your approach, this session offers realistic solutions you can use immediately. By the end of this session, participants will be able to implement targeted RTI strategies that drive student success at the secondary level.
Speakers
avatar for Mikayla Siebert

Mikayla Siebert

English Teacher, Republic High School
avatar for Katheryn Twente

Katheryn Twente

English Teacher, Republic High School
Thursday July 31, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Short Creek 2
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

2:00pm CDT

Building a Culture of Instructional Improvement in the Secondary Environment
Thursday July 31, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Roark Creek
Are you a building administrator, instructional leader, or teacher leader seeking to positively contribute to the culture of instructional improvement in your building? In this session we will explore examples of collaboration, learning walks, teacher self-evaluations, and teacher-led PD which participants can implement to contribute to a richer culture of instructional improvement in the secondary environment. Emphasis will be placed on how to engage administrators and teachers in instructional conversations and coaching; implementation and organization of processes; and examples of how to encourage instructional risk-taking and growth mindset among teachers. Participants will leave this session with immediately-applicable resources.
Speakers
avatar for Nicki Thompson

Nicki Thompson

Marshfield High School Principal, Marshfield R-I
BH

Brad Hurley

Assistant Principal, Marshfield R-I
avatar for Kylie McCoy

Kylie McCoy

Assistant Principal, Marshfield R-I
Thursday July 31, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Roark Creek
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

2:00pm CDT

Engage and Inspire: Effective Teaching Strategies for Today's Learners
Thursday July 31, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Cooper Creek 1
In today's classroom, educators face the challenge of competing with distractions and students' limited attention spans. This session provides strategies to capture and maintain engagement through effective hooks, engagement techniques, and the importance of repetition and review, supported by the Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve. Additionally, we will explore the key prerequisites for achieving cognitive engagement. At the end of the presentation, participants will be able to implement engagement hooks, sustain student attention, incorporate effective reps and review, and identify prerequisites for cognitive engagement in the classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Katherine Morrison

Katherine Morrison

Instructional Coach, Ozark R6
I'm working my 17th year in education, the last six being as the math instructional coach for Ozark grades 7-12.  I love talking engagement strategies for any content area, but am focused on math.   I loved the book, Building Thinking Classrooms by Peter Liljedahl.  Personally... Read More →
avatar for Melisa Dodd

Melisa Dodd

Instructional Coach, Ozark R6
Thursday July 31, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Cooper Creek 1
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

2:00pm CDT

Maximizing Collaborative Practices for Impact on Student Learning
Thursday July 31, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Compton Ferry
Professional Learning Communities are successful as a result of high levels of collaboration that are focused on the right outcomes in which all team members are highly engaged. While often taken for granted, to achieve this level of collaboration requires intentional group member engagement and careful facilitation. Explore strategies and skills needed of all group members that will result in teams collaborating around desired outcomes with the greatest effectiveness and efficiency.
Speakers
avatar for Martha Doennig

Martha Doennig

Director, Professional Learning, Springfield Public Schools
Thursday July 31, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Compton Ferry
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

3:00pm CDT

3D Printing For STEM Classes and Beyond
Thursday July 31, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Cooper Creek 3
3D printing has many applications for all classrooms including allowing the creation of custom models, and creating replicas of objects that otherwise would be out of reach of most classrooms. This session would focus on implementing the technology of 3D printing to the classroom. Teachers will be instructed on the basics of 3D printing, implementation, where to find models to print, 3D printing’s advantages and disadvantages, and the finances of 3D printing. The session will include a live demonstration of printing and an example lesson. Teachers will be given access to our collection of models for their own use.
Speakers
JL

John Locke

Science Teacher, Lebanon High School
Thursday July 31, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Cooper Creek 3
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

3:00pm CDT

Ask Away! Sparking Engagement and Turning Reluctant Learners into Active Responders!
Thursday July 31, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Cooper Creek 2
In this session, we'll dive into two powerful strategies from Marzano's framework to engage reluctant learners and boost classroom participation. Learn how to craft and ask in-depth questions that spark curiosity and encourage critical thinking, while also exploring techniques to increase response rates from students who are hesitant to participate. Through practical tips and actionable strategies, you'll walk away with tools to foster a more interactive and inclusive learning environment, ensuring every student has a voice.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Brandi Compass

Dr. Brandi Compass

Instructional Coach, Springfield Public Schools
With 16 years of experience in education, I have taught a wide range of subjects including kindergarten, 5th grade, 6th–8th grade mathematics, pre-algebra, algebra I, and geometry. I currently serve as an instructional coach at the middle school level, supporting teachers in refining... Read More →
avatar for Jeffrey Pettibone

Jeffrey Pettibone

Instructional Coach, Springfield Public Schools
Thursday July 31, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Cooper Creek 2
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

3:00pm CDT

Empowering Future-Ready Learners: Lesson Sequencing for Teaching Digital Literacy & 21st Century Skills
Thursday July 31, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Fall Creek
In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, students need more than just academic knowledge; they must be equipped with the skills to navigate and succeed in a digital society. This session will focus on strategies and lesson sequencing to teach students the core principles of digital literacy and 21st-century skills in a meaningful, engaging way. Attendees will leave with practical tools, real-world examples, and ready-to-use lesson plans that can be integrated into various grade levels, from middle school to high school. Educators will have a clear plan for scaffolding these skills in the classroom while supporting a variety of learning standards.
Speakers
ML

Morgan Lockmiller

Library Media Specialist, Republic Middle School
Thursday July 31, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Fall Creek
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

3:00pm CDT

How to Build a Thinking Classroom
Thursday July 31, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Compton Ferry
"A thinking student is an engaged student." - Peter Liljedahl. When students are highly engaged and thinking critically, their learning is deeper and lasts longer. Students standing instead of sitting, working at vertical surfaces, and working collaboratively are all practices that keep students engaged and thinking critically. In this session, you will learn how two teachers implemented the ideas from Peter Liljedahl's groundbreaking book Building Thinking Classrooms in their classrooms. Participants do not need to have read the book in order to participate in this introductory session.
Speakers
avatar for Tracie Gones

Tracie Gones

6th Grade Teacher, Branson Public Schools
avatar for Tori Poor

Tori Poor

1st Grade Teacher, Branson Public Schools
I am normal teacher, trying my best to meet the needs of my students. I'm a life-long learner dedicated to improving my teaching craft. I currently am excited to be incorporating mindfulness, movement, and nature into the rigor of everyday learning.
Thursday July 31, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Compton Ferry
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

3:00pm CDT

Quick coping strategies for students…and maybe the teacher, too!
Thursday July 31, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Short Creek 2
As educators, we know our students are showing an increase in behavioral issues and struggle with emotional regulation. A survey done by Education Week shows that students’ problematic behaviors have increased, and teachers’ morale has decreased. The need for social and emotional learning (SEL) in the school setting cannot be denied. So how do we as teachers put that into action in our classrooms among all the other important lessons we are trying to teach our students? At the end of this session, you will be able to implement SEL and actionable coping strategies in your day-to-day lesson plans.
Speakers
avatar for Elizabeth Deckard

Elizabeth Deckard

Special Education Teacher, Pleasant Hope R-VI
Thursday July 31, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Short Creek 2
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

3:00pm CDT

Unlocking Depth: Critical Thinking and Routines for Student Growth
Thursday July 31, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Short Creek 4
In this session, we’ll dive into the transformative strategies outlined in Michael McDowell's Rigor Redefined to elevate critical thinking in the classroom. Participants will explore how to effectively engage students in surface, deep, and transfer learning, ensuring that all learners can apply knowledge in meaningful ways. We'll also focus on routines that promote growth. Additionally, we’ll explore how AI tools can support and enhance these strategies, helping you facilitate critical thinking and growth in new, innovative ways. Join us for an enriching session that empowers you to drive rigorous learning outcomes in your classroom!
Speakers
avatar for Kimberly Pragman

Kimberly Pragman

Grade 3 Teacher, Republic School District
KC

Kristen Crouch

Grade 1 Teacher, Republic Schools
avatar for Jennifer Renegar

Jennifer Renegar

Data & Assessment Specialist, Republic Schools
Thursday July 31, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Short Creek 4
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

3:00pm CDT

Unlocking the Power of Data: Optimizing your Data Collection System for Meaningful Impact
Thursday July 31, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Short Creek 3
Join us for an interactive session where you'll discover proven strategies for effective data collection that engages all stakeholders. Learn how to create systems that streamline data gathering, ensure inclusivity, and empower teachers, students, and families alike. Walk away with actionable insights on using data to drive impactful interventions that support student success. Whether you're new to data collection or looking to refine your approach, this session offers practical tools to enhance your school’s data-driven decision-making. Don’t miss the chance to transform your data into powerful action!
Speakers
CO

Christina O'Neill

Special Education Teacher, Nixa Public Schools
Thursday July 31, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Short Creek 3
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

3:00pm CDT

Connecting Classes to Community Project Giving Student a Real World Experience (2024 GoInnovate Grant Recipient)
Thursday July 31, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Hensley Ferry
Getting started on a project that brings Ag. Science, Pro-Start Foods, and Marketing together to get healthy foods to our community. Learning to work in groups with students that have different expertise and interest, but seeing how it can feed into a worth while endearvor.
Speakers
CN

Chantel Nicolay

Business Teacher, Librarian and FBLA Advisor, Spokane School District
avatar for Melanie Jordan

Melanie Jordan

Teacher, Spokane School District
KS

Kristi Stults

FACS Teacher and FCCLA Advisor (High School and Middle School), Spokane School District
Thursday July 31, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Hensley Ferry
  Roundtable Session, 2024 GoInnovate Grant Recipient

3:00pm CDT

Support, Share & Succeed---A Collaborative Connect Time for Early Career (Years 1-3) Teachers
Thursday July 31, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Roark Creek
Calling all Year 1-3 teachers—let’s kick off the school year together! Join fellow educators from across the region for an energizing and informal meet-up designed just for you. 🌟 What to Expect: ✅ A supportive space to share ideas, ask questions, and swap resources ✅ The chance to connect with other new teachers—because you’re not in this alone! ✅ A free resource table to stock up on helpful materials ✅ Grab N’ Go snacks to keep you fueled No need to be a GOCSD BTC/BTAP member—everyone is welcome! Bring a friend and get ready to start your year feeling supported, inspired, and ready to thrive.
Speakers
KW

KyAnne Weaver

Instructional Coach/BTAP, Marshfield R-1 School District
avatar for Debbie Yonke

Debbie Yonke

Director of Professional Learning, Greater Ozarks Cooperating School Districts
Thursday July 31, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Roark Creek
  Roundtable Session
 
Friday, August 1
 

8:30am CDT

BOOM! Leadership Systems That Save Time, Energy, and Your Sanity
Friday August 1, 2025 8:30am - 9:15am CDT
Cooper Creek 2
This high-energy BOOM session will walk attendees through four powerful leadership systems designed to streamline operations, empower teacher leaders, and build sustainable structures that save time and reduce stress. Each segment will be fast-paced and full of ready-to-use templates, calendars, tools, and ideas to take back immediately. When the timer buzzes, the next topic begins—whether you’re ready or not! At the end of the presentation, participants will be able to implement at least three time-saving systems in their building or department that support instructional leadership, culture building, and staff empowerment.
Speakers
VV

Veronica Vergara

Middle School Principal, Lebanon R3 School District
avatar for Kyle Nelson

Kyle Nelson

Assistant Principal, Lebanon R3
avatar for Greg White

Greg White

Assistant Principal, Lebanon R3
I have a passion for education and giving students experiences that inspire their desire for learning.
Friday August 1, 2025 8:30am - 9:15am CDT
Cooper Creek 2
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

8:30am CDT

Is This For a Grade?
Friday August 1, 2025 8:30am - 9:15am CDT
Cooper Creek 3
This session invites educators to reflect critically on their grading practices. To do this, teachers will be encouraged to reflect on what they are grading and whether those grades accurately represent what students truly know and can do independently. Through guided reflection and group discussion, teachers will explore strategies to ensure that assessments are meaningful and align with standards. The next time teachers hear, “Is this for a grade?” or “Will I ever use this?” they can provide an answer with confidence.
Speakers
AB

Allison Boyer

Instructional Coach, Logan-Rogersville
avatar for Alicea McDonald

Alicea McDonald

Literacy Specialist, Logan-Rogersville School District
Friday August 1, 2025 8:30am - 9:15am CDT
Cooper Creek 3
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

8:30am CDT

Lead & Learn: Turning Students into Classroom Leaders
Friday August 1, 2025 8:30am - 9:15am CDT
Short Creek 1
What if your students took the lead in their own learning—engaging more, thinking critically, and inspiring their peers? In this dynamic session, you’ll discover powerful Leader in Me strategies to transform students from passive learners into proactive leaders in the classroom. Learn how to foster student-led discussions, encourage peer mentoring, and create a culture where everyone has a voice and choice in their learning journey. By the end of this session, you’ll walk away with actionable techniques to empower students to seek first to understand, synergize with peers, and take ownership of their growth. Get ready to lead—and learn—as we cultivate a classroom culture of responsibility, independence, and collaboration that prepares students to thrive both inside and outside the classroom!
Speakers
ND

Niki Dailey

3rd grade co-teacher, Waynesville R-VI School District
CS

Candice Sullivan

District Instructional Coach, Waynesville R-VI School District
Friday August 1, 2025 8:30am - 9:15am CDT
Short Creek 1
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

8:30am CDT

Press Start To Level Up Your Classroom: Using Gamification To Turbocharge Engagement
Friday August 1, 2025 8:30am - 9:15am CDT
Roark Creek
Are you interested in gamifying your classroom but don't know where to start? Gamification can be as simple or involved as you want. Choose from three levels of integration: Easy, Medium, and Advanced. Gamify an individual lesson, a unit, or even a whole course. Zachary Hamby, a 2020 Missouri Teacher of the Year Finalist, will share his own experiences with gamification—including projects such as choose-your-own-adventure writing assignments, Pokemon-style card games, content-related social deduction games, gamified scoring guides, and even a semester-long house challenge and badging system. Teachers will leave with access to free resources for gamifying their own classrooms!
Speakers
avatar for Zachary Hamby

Zachary Hamby

High School Teacher, Ava R-1 Schools
For the last eighteen years, Zachary "Zak" Hamby has been a high-school English teacher in rural Missouri, and in 2020 he was a finalist for Missouri Teacher of the Year. Zak is also the author of a variety of textbooks: the Mythology for Teens series, the Reaching Olympus series... Read More →
RH

Rachel Hamby

High School Teacher, Ava R-1 Schools
Friday August 1, 2025 8:30am - 9:15am CDT
Roark Creek
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

8:30am CDT

Effective Co-Teaching leads to Meaningful Interventions
Friday August 1, 2025 8:30am - 9:15am CDT
Short Creek 3
Co-Teaching is growing and knowing how to effectively co-teach is not easy. We will go over the co-teaching model with how to effectively use it from the Regular Educator and Special Educator perspectives. Effective Co-teachings leads to effective interventions with all struggling learners and we will model examples of effective interventions. Co-taught or not you will leave with ideas to improve your teaching and make more effective interventions in your classroom/school for the 2025-2026 school year.
Speakers
DH

Dr. Hadlee Goldberg

Special Education Teacher, Ozark High School
avatar for Brandi David

Brandi David

Mathematics Specialist, Hand2Mind
Friday August 1, 2025 8:30am - 9:15am CDT
Short Creek 3
  Breakout Session-Tier 1 Sponsor Showcase: Partnering with Member District

9:30am CDT

Fact & Fiction: Integrating Literature with History for Deeper Learning
Friday August 1, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Roark Creek
Should content areas be like foods sectioned off on a cafeteria tray—complementary but never touching—or blend for richer learning? While history deals with facts and literature with fiction, both express important truths about the past. History grounds literature in reality while literature gives history a voice. This session will demonstrate how literature and history can work together to provide students with a richer, more immersive learning experience. In this session, Zak and Rachel Hamby will share practical strategies and resources for incorporating history into everything from ancient literature to modern classics.
Speakers
avatar for Zachary Hamby

Zachary Hamby

High School Teacher, Ava R-1 Schools
For the last eighteen years, Zachary "Zak" Hamby has been a high-school English teacher in rural Missouri, and in 2020 he was a finalist for Missouri Teacher of the Year. Zak is also the author of a variety of textbooks: the Mythology for Teens series, the Reaching Olympus series... Read More →
RH

Rachel Hamby

High School Teacher, Ava R-1 Schools
Friday August 1, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Roark Creek
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

9:30am CDT

From Stigma to Strength: How Student Leaders Are Revolutionizing Mental Health
Friday August 1, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Short Creek 3
Picture this: A high school where students thrive as mental health ambassadors, breaking stigmas and transforming their school’s culture. That's exactly what's happening at Branson High School, Missouri's leader in mental wellness classes. In this eye-opening session, dive into the journey of how they’ve turned traditional mental health support on its head by putting students in the driver's seat through partnerships with Burrell Behavioral Health and Sources of Strength. At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to communicate the benefits and barriers to such programs and create a plan to launch within their own campuses.
Speakers
avatar for Hannah Banderman

Hannah Banderman

High School ELA Teacher, Branson Public Schools
avatar for Josh Cheezum

Josh Cheezum

High School Social Studies Teacher, Branson Public Schools
Friday August 1, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Short Creek 3
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

9:30am CDT

The Elephant in the School: Efficacy Development to Shift Learning in Your System
Friday August 1, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Boston Ferry
We all want efficacy in our schools, but are we willing to do what it takes to create it? Are we creating the necessary time and space to design for the sources of efficacy? Are we manipulating the structures we have control over to ensure that talent is maximized and turnover is minimized? Explore one district’s attempt to reorganize time and space to create a collaborative climate and culture that maximizes staff efficacy development by paying attention to the sources that create it.
Speakers
GL

Garrett Lowder

Assistant Superintendent: Academics, Marshfield R-1 School District
Friday August 1, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Boston Ferry
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

9:30am CDT

The Power of CONNECTION CODES: Building Better Teams, Stronger Students, and a Thriving School Culture
Friday August 1, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Short Creek 4
Discover how the CONNECTION CODE can transform your school’s culture from the inside out. In this engaging session, Dr. Jarad Rinne and Mrs. Angela Loughridge share real-world strategies for using CONNECTION CODES to strengthen staff collaboration, enhance student relationships, and improve behavior across campus. Learn how understanding personality styles leads to more productive teams, empowered students, and a thriving educational environment.
Speakers
JR

Jarad Rinne

High School Principal, Licking R-8
AL

Angela Loughridge

JH Principal, Curriculum Director, Licking R-8
Friday August 1, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Short Creek 4
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

9:30am CDT

Think Big: Transforming Special Education Math with Building Thinking Classrooms
Friday August 1, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Short Creek 3
In this hands-on session, explore how to apply Peter Liljedahl’s 14 Building Thinking Classrooms principles in a special education setting. Engage in dynamic thinking tasks that reveal student thought patterns, provide meaningful practice for consumer math, and build student confidence. Discover how these fun, semi-structured tasks promote problem-solving and communication while offering creative opportunities for earning low-stakes points. Walk away with practical strategies to foster deeper mathematical thinking. At the end of the presentation, participants will have the tools to implement thinking tasks that encourage risk-taking, promote productive struggle, enhance math confidence, and uncover valuable student insights.
Speakers
RW

Rubecca Wilson

Special Education Math Teacher, Republic High School
Friday August 1, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Short Creek 3
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

9:30am CDT

To Infinity and Beyond: How to utilize AI in the classroom.
Friday August 1, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Room Location TBA
One of the most common concerns among teachers is feeling overwhelmed by the countless tasks they are expected to complete. With growing class sizes and the diverse needs of each student, keeping up can be challenging. Many of the most meaningful aspects of teaching are limited by time and energy constraints. My goal is to change that by helping teachers use AI to eliminate tedious tasks from their schedules, allowing them to focus on the most important part of teaching—building relationships with students. I will be giving a presentation over some of the most powerful AI tools available today, and explain how they can save you energy and time. We will get hands on with these tools; please bring a charged laptop.
Speakers
avatar for Josh Welborn

Josh Welborn

El Specialist, Branson Public Schools
Friday August 1, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Room Location TBA
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

9:30am CDT

White Walls, Bright Lights, and Other Bad Decisions
Friday August 1, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Cooper Creek 3
What if there is a way to increase engagement and achievement without a new initiative or costly curriculum? Companies spend millions each year improving employees' workspaces because employee comfort is directly tied to their productivity and the company’s bottom line. Engagement and achievement are our bottom lines, but we rarely examine the impact of students’ working conditions in high schools. This session merges research from psychology and architecture with education and draws on original research with responses from 120 schools. Participants will be able to make tangible, practical changes to high school classrooms that increase student engagement and achievement.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Jamie Higgins

Dr. Jamie Higgins

English Teacher and Speech/Debate Coach, Clever R-V School District
Dr. Higgins spent most of her childhood in Pennsylvania before moving back to the Ozarks as a teenager. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in English Secondary Education, her Master of Arts degree in Teaching, and her Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership in Curriculum... Read More →
Friday August 1, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Cooper Creek 3
  Breakout Session Offered 1x

9:30am CDT

Taking Care of Priority One - Our Students!
Friday August 1, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Cooper Creek 1
Learn how school districts can build a culture that empowers teachers and school staff to meet their students' health, hunger, and hygiene needs so they can succeed in school. This session explores how Care to Learn helped Republic School District build connections and community by meeting students' basic needs.
Speakers
KS

Krystal Simon

Chief Executive Officer, Care to Learn
avatar for Matt Pearce

Matt Pearce

Superintendent, Republic School District
Friday August 1, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Cooper Creek 1
  Breakout Session-Tier 1 Sponsor Showcase: Partnering with Member District

9:30am CDT

GOSPED Roundtable: Networking Opportunity for Educators with an Interest in Special Education
Friday August 1, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Hensley Ferry
**Networking Roundtable for Educators & Administrators** Join us for a dynamic networking roundtable where educators and administrators from all grade levels (PreK-12) can come together to share resources, ask and answer questions, and exchange innovative ideas. This collaborative space offers a unique opportunity to connect with peers, learn from each other’s experiences, and build a strong professional network. Whether you're seeking solutions to challenges or looking to inspire new initiatives, this roundtable is your chance to engage in meaningful conversations with fellow educators. Don’t miss out on this chance to grow and learn together!
Speakers
CO

Christina O'Neill

Special Education Teacher, Nixa Public Schools
Friday August 1, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Hensley Ferry
  Roundtable Session
 
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