2025 GOCSD Innovation Summit: Full Schedule

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.

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

Abigail Groves

8th Grade History Teacher, Republic Schools R-III School District

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

AUDIENCE Pre-K - 2, Elementary, Intermediate (4-6), Middle/Junior High, High School, Administrators
LEVEL Any

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

Sierra Hufford

Library Media Specialist, Republic Schools

Marlee Scroggins

Grade 1 Teacher, Republic Schools

Jennifer Renegar

Data & Assessment Specialist, Republic Schools

Thursday July 31, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am CDT
Short Creek 4

Breakout Session Offered 1x

AUDIENCE Pre-K - 2, Elementary, Intermediate (4-6), Middle/Junior High, High School, Administrators, Professional Developers, Instructional or District Specialists
LEVEL Any

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

Nancy Leonard

Staff Wellness Facilitator, Republic School District

Thursday July 31, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am CDT
Short Creek 2

Breakout Session Offered 1x

AUDIENCE Pre-K - 2, Elementary, Intermediate (4-6), Middle/Junior High, High School, Administrators, Professional Developers, Instructional or District Specialists
LEVEL Any

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

Joshua Carter

Teacher, Joplin High School

Thursday July 31, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am CDT
Room Location TBA

Breakout Session Offered 1x

AUDIENCE Pre-K - 2, Elementary, Intermediate (4-6), Middle/Junior High, High School, Professional Developers, Instructional or District Specialists
LEVEL Any

10:30am CDT

SEL: Reshaping Social Skills and Work Habits in the Classroom

Thursday July 31, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am CDT

Cooper Creek 3

Over the past three years, Republic has piloted the work of Social Skills and Work Habits at the classroom, building, and district level. Come and learn more about the process of how and why this work has been foundational to the success of the classroom. In this session we will explore some key research pieces that support the whole child's need of SEL curriculum in the school and practical strategies we have put into place to support teachers, students, and families.

Speakers

Brianna Schaefer

Elementary Educator (1st grade), Republic School District

Thursday July 31, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am CDT
Cooper Creek 3

Breakout Session Offered 1x

AUDIENCE Pre-K - 2, Elementary, Intermediate (4-6)
LEVEL Intermediate

10:30am CDT

What To Do When You Don't Know What To Do: A Focus on Tier Two

Thursday July 31, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am CDT

Short Creek 3

Educators typically begin building MTSS behavior support at the universal, or tier one, level. Yet, very often, there is a need to start with tier two supports as many schools are "fat in the middle," meaning they have over 15% of their students who need some level of behavior support beyond tier one. This session will describe an effective tier two program; "Restorative Reset Method" developed in a Missouri school district that has effectively aligned numbers within tiers and as a result decreased office referrals by 48%. Student data and freely accessible resources will be shared.

Speakers

Andrew Morton

Director of Student Services, Mt. Vernon Schools

Thursday July 31, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am CDT
Short Creek 3

Breakout Session Offered 1x

AUDIENCE Pre-K - 2, Elementary, Intermediate (4-6), Middle/Junior High, Administrators, Professional Developers, Instructional or District Specialists
LEVEL Any

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

Mary Miller

Data Driven Instructional Specialist, Springfield Public Schools

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

AUDIENCE Pre-K - 2, Elementary, Intermediate (4-6), Middle/Junior High, High School, Professional Developers, Instructional or District Specialists
LEVEL Beginners

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

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 →

Wendy Walker

Special Education Teacher, Republic School District

Thursday July 31, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am CDT
Hensley Ferry

Roundtable Session

AUDIENCE Pre-K - 2, Elementary, Intermediate (4-6), Middle/Junior High, High School
LEVEL Beginners

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

Jennifer Renegar

Data & Assessment Specialist, Republic Schools

Thursday July 31, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Short Creek 4

Breakout Session Offered 1x

AUDIENCE Pre-K - 2, Elementary, Intermediate (4-6), Middle/Junior High, High School, Administrators, Professional Developers, Instructional or District Specialists
LEVEL Any

1:00pm CDT

Books as Bridges: Building Language Comprehension Through Read-Alouds

Thursday July 31, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT

Cooper Creek 2

Interactive read-alouds are a powerful way to build language comprehension, but teachers need the right tools to make them impactful. In this session, discover how to develop interactive read-aloud guides and text sets that support vocabulary, background knowledge, and critical thinking. We’ll share our process for creating resources that help our K-3 teachers explicitly teach the language side of Scarborough’s Reading Rope. Walk away with practical strategies and a clear framework for designing read-aloud supports. By the end of this session, participants will understand how to develop and implement interactive read-aloud guides that strengthen comprehension across classrooms.

Speakers

Lindsey Conner

Elementary Literacy Specialist, Logan-Rogersville School District

Lindsey Conner serves as the Elementary Literacy Specialist at the Logan-Rogersville School District, where she leads professional development, supports curriculum development and initiatives, and provides coaching for classroom teachers. Before her current role, she supported young... Read More →

Lindsey Dery

Third Grade Teacher, Logan-Rogersville School District

Thursday July 31, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Cooper Creek 2

Breakout Session Offered 1x

AUDIENCE Pre-K - 2, Elementary, Professional Developers, Instructional or District Specialists
LEVEL Any

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

Nancy Leonard

Staff Wellness Facilitator, Republic School District

Thursday July 31, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Short Creek 2

Breakout Session Offered 1x

AUDIENCE Pre-K - 2, Elementary, Intermediate (4-6), Middle/Junior High, High School, Administrators, Professional Developers, Instructional or District Specialists
LEVEL Any

1:00pm CDT

From Data to Small Groups: A Simple Approach to Targeted Literacy Intervention

Thursday July 31, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT

Room Location TBA

Join us for an engaging session where participants will discover powerful strategies for harnessing data to inform literacy intervention in elementary classrooms. As a seasoned literacy coach, I will share actionable techniques for collecting and analyzing student data to make informed decisions about grouping, instruction, and progress monitoring. Attendees will learn how to seamlessly integrate evidence-based materials tailored to individual student needs, ensuring every learner receives the support they need to thrive. This session provides practical examples and ready-to-use resources for immediate classroom implementation, focusing on flexible grouping and data-driven instruction to boost literacy success in small group settings where personalized learning unlocks student potential. By embracing this transformative approach to flexible grouping for RTI, educators will be empowered to create inclusive and effective learning environments that meet the unique needs of all students.

Speakers

Natosha Hulett

Literacy Coach/ District Reading Facilitator, Waynesville R-VI School District

Thursday July 31, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Room Location TBA

Breakout Session Offered 1x

AUDIENCE Pre-K - 2, Elementary, Intermediate (4-6), Administrators, Professional Developers, Instructional or District Specialists
LEVEL Any

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

Martha Doennig

Director, Professional Learning, Springfield Public Schools

Thursday July 31, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Compton Ferry

Breakout Session Offered 1x

AUDIENCE Pre-K - 2, Elementary, Intermediate (4-6), Middle/Junior High, High School, Administrators, Professional Developers, Instructional or District Specialists
LEVEL Any

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

Taylor Young

Shook Elementary Assistant Principal, Marshfield R-I

Nicki Thompson

Marshfield High School Principal, Marshfield R-I

Thursday July 31, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Roark Creek

Breakout Session Offered 1x

AUDIENCE Pre-K - 2, Elementary, Intermediate (4-6), Middle/Junior High, High School, Administrators, Professional Developers, Instructional or District Specialists
LEVEL Any

1:00pm CDT

Signing for Connection: Enhancing Relationships and Social-Emotional Learning in the Classroom

Thursday July 31, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT

Short Creek 1

Join us to explore how incorporating sign language in the classroom can enhance relationships and boost social-emotional learning. Participants will learn basic signs and discover how using them can strengthen connections between students and staff. By fostering inclusive communication, sign language empowers students, either deaf or hearing, to express themselves with confidence, leading to improved interactions and emotional well-being. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to create a more connected and supportive classroom environment.

Speakers

Erin Geeding

Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Joplin R-VIII School District

Thursday July 31, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Short Creek 1

Breakout Session Offered 1x

AUDIENCE Pre-K - 2, Elementary, Intermediate (4-6)
LEVEL Beginners

2:00pm CDT

Goal Setting: Let It Transform Your Classroom

Thursday July 31, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT

Cooper Creek 3

Are you ready for students to take ownership of their behavior and their learning? In this session participants will learn how to use goal setting as a manageable tool to transform their classroom. This best practice has been adapted from Bill Zima’s "Mindsets & Skill Sets for Learning: A Framework for Building Student Agency" book. Come ready to hear teacher and student testimonials, and plan to leave with strategies to implement in August that will transform your entire year.

Speakers

Jamie Myers

5th Grade Teacher, Branson Public Schools

5th Grade Teacher - Branson Buchanan Intermediate

Thursday July 31, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Cooper Creek 3

Breakout Session Offered 1x

AUDIENCE Pre-K - 2, Elementary, Intermediate (4-6)
LEVEL Any

2:00pm CDT

GoLiteracy Network Session

Thursday July 31, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT

Cooper Creek 2

Looking for strategies to strengthen literacy instruction in your district? Have questions about RSPs? Join us for a collaborative session designed for educators supporting literacy development. Connect with colleagues, gain practical insights, and leave with ideas to implement in your schools. This meeting will serve as the GoLiteracy Network’s first meeting of 2025-26.

Speakers

Lindsey Conner

Elementary Literacy Specialist, Logan-Rogersville School District

Thursday July 31, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Cooper Creek 2

Breakout Session Offered 1x

AUDIENCE Pre-K - 2, Elementary, Intermediate (4-6), Administrators, Professional Developers, Instructional or District Specialists
LEVEL Any

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

Martha Doennig

Director, Professional Learning, Springfield Public Schools

Thursday July 31, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Compton Ferry

Breakout Session Offered 1x

AUDIENCE Pre-K - 2, Elementary, Intermediate (4-6), Middle/Junior High, High School, Administrators, Professional Developers, Instructional or District Specialists
LEVEL Any

2:00pm CDT

STEM Library...more than just books (2024 GoInnovate Grant Recipient)

Thursday July 31, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT

Hensley Ferry

This roundtable discussion will be about the process of implementing and running a STEM Library.

Speakers

Rachael Johnson

STEM Librarian, Laclede County C5, Joel E. Barber School

Thursday July 31, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Hensley Ferry

Roundtable Session, 2024 GoInnovate Grant Recipient

AUDIENCE Pre-K - 2, Elementary, Intermediate (4-6)
LEVEL Any

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

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 →

Jeffrey Pettibone

Instructional Coach, Springfield Public Schools

Thursday July 31, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Cooper Creek 2

Breakout Session Offered 1x

AUDIENCE Pre-K - 2, Elementary, Intermediate (4-6), Middle/Junior High, High School, Professional Developers, Instructional or District Specialists
LEVEL Any

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

Tracie Gones

6th Grade Teacher, Branson Public Schools

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

AUDIENCE Pre-K - 2, Elementary, Intermediate (4-6), Middle/Junior High, High School, Administrators, Professional Developers, Instructional or District Specialists
LEVEL Beginners

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

Kimberly Pragman

Grade 3 Teacher, Republic School District

Kristen Crouch

Grade 1 Teacher, Republic Schools

Jennifer Renegar

Data & Assessment Specialist, Republic Schools

Thursday July 31, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Short Creek 4

Breakout Session Offered 1x

AUDIENCE Pre-K - 2, Elementary, Intermediate (4-6), Middle/Junior High, High School, Administrators, Professional Developers, Instructional or District Specialists
LEVEL Any

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

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

AUDIENCE Pre-K - 2, Elementary, Intermediate (4-6), Middle/Junior High, High School, Administrators, Professional Developers, Instructional or District Specialists
LEVEL Any

3:00pm CDT

Tools to Elevate Tiered Instruction

Thursday July 31, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT

Cooper Creek 1

Meeting the academic needs of all students can be exhausting. Teachers need high-quality tools to utilize in order to expedite this process. This session will explore Joplin School District's journey to support SPED educators with quality tiered instruction. Participants will gain insight and ideas needed to elevate tiered instruction in their district. Samples of instructional tools used by Joplin staff will also be provided.

Speakers

Shauna Stephanchick

President/Founder, STEP UP Consulting

At STEP Up, we recognize systemic flaws in Missouri education, particularly in curriculum design. Amidst record-high teacher turnover, we advocate for replacing curriculum frustrations with curriculum innovation, and we're here to guide you through each step of this transformatio... Read More →

Hannah New

Curriculum Coordinator SPED, Joplin Schools

Thursday July 31, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Cooper Creek 1

Breakout Session-Tier 1 Sponsor Showcase: Partnering with Member District

AUDIENCE Pre-K - 2, Elementary, Intermediate (4-6), Administrators, Professional Developers, Instructional or District Specialists
LEVEL Intermediate

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

KyAnne Weaver

Instructional Coach/BTAP, Marshfield R-1 School District

Debbie Yonke

Director of Professional Learning, Greater Ozarks Cooperating School Districts

Thursday July 31, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Roark Creek

Roundtable Session

AUDIENCE Pre-K - 2, Elementary, Intermediate (4-6), Middle/Junior High, High School
LEVEL Beginners

8:30am CDT

Partnering for Literacy: Empowering Parents to Support Striving Readers

Friday August 1, 2025 8:30am - 9:15am CDT

Fall Creek

To maximize the impact of Reading Success Plans, bridging the school-home gap is essential. This session equips teachers with practical strategies and resources to guide parents in supporting their striving readers. We'll explore how to demystify reading challenges, provide accessible at-home activities, and foster collaborative partnerships that empower both parents and children on their literacy journey.

Speakers

Kristin Maerke

Reading Interventionist, Republic School District

Kristin Maerke serves as a reading specialist for the Republic, Mo. school district. She is passionate about guiding striving readers to be independent problem solvers through explicit phonics instruction. Kristin has been trained in, Orton Gillingham, Reading Recovery and LETRs... Read More →

Friday August 1, 2025 8:30am - 9:15am CDT
Fall Creek

Breakout Session Offered 1x

AUDIENCE Pre-K - 2, Elementary, Administrators, Professional Developers, Instructional or District Specialists
LEVEL Any

8:30am CDT

Missouri Partnership Panel hosted by Curriculum Associates

Friday August 1, 2025 8:30am - 9:15am CDT

Boston Ferry

David will be hosting a panel of Experts from Partner Districts; join us as they explore how Curriculum Associates and i-Ready is enriching the lives of their leaders, educators, and students through Assessment, Core, and Services.

Speakers

Tracy Evans

Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, Lebanon R3

David Rogier

Educational Sales Consultant, Curriculum Associates

Founded in 1969, Curriculum Associates, LLC designs research-based print and online instructional materials, screens and assessments, and data management tools. The company's products and outstanding customer service provide teachers and administrators with the resources necessary... Read More →

Friday August 1, 2025 8:30am - 9:15am CDT
Boston Ferry

Breakout Session-Tier 1 Sponsor Showcase: Partnering with Member District

AUDIENCE Pre-K - 2, Elementary, Intermediate (4-6), Middle/Junior High, Administrators, Professional Developers, Instructional or District Specialists
LEVEL Any

9:30am CDT

Securing Success in Reading Success Plans

Friday August 1, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am CDT

Fall Creek

Reading Success Plans can be complex, and ensuring their effectiveness is crucial. This session will equip you with practical intervention strategies informed by CBM data to accelerate students toward reading proficiency. Participants will leave with practical resources for progress monitoring and instructional planning.

Speakers

Kristin Maerke

Reading Interventionist, Republic School District

Emily Hanson

Assistant Principal McCulloch Elementary, Republic School District

Friday August 1, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Fall Creek

Breakout Session Offered 1x

AUDIENCE Pre-K - 2, Elementary, Administrators, Professional Developers, Instructional or District Specialists
LEVEL Intermediate

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

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

AUDIENCE Pre-K - 2, Elementary, Intermediate (4-6), Middle/Junior High, High School, Administrators, Professional Developers, Instructional or District Specialists
LEVEL Any

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

Josh Welborn

El Specialist, Branson Public Schools

Friday August 1, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Room Location TBA

Breakout Session Offered 1x

AUDIENCE Pre-K - 2, Elementary, Intermediate (4-6), Middle/Junior High, High School, Professional Developers, Instructional or District Specialists
LEVEL Beginners

9:30am CDT

Proactive Prevention: Leveraging MTSS and Effective Tier I Instruction to Address Reading Challenges

Friday August 1, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am CDT

Room Location TBA

Proactively addressing reading challenges requires a strong foundation in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and high-quality Tier I instruction. This engaging session will explore how structured literacy, evidence-based practices, and early identification can prevent reading difficulties before they escalate. Participants will learn how to strengthen Tier I instruction to meet diverse student needs while leveraging MTSS to provide timely, targeted interventions. Through practical strategies and real-world examples, educators will leave equipped to implement a proactive, prevention-focused approach that improves literacy outcomes for all students. Join us for an interactive session designed to inspire and empower educators!

Speakers

Karyn Tomkinson

National Literacy Director, Adjunct Professor, hand2mind

Jenn Wright

Reading Interventionist, MO SOR FB Admin, North Kansas City

Friday August 1, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Room Location TBA

Breakout Session-Tier 1 Sponsor Showcase: Partnering with Member District

AUDIENCE Pre-K - 2, Elementary, Intermediate (4-6), Administrators, Professional Developers, Instructional or District Specialists
LEVEL Any

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

Krystal Simon

Chief Executive Officer, Care to Learn

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

AUDIENCE Pre-K - 2, Elementary, Intermediate (4-6), Middle/Junior High, High School, Administrators
LEVEL Beginners

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

Christina O'Neill

Special Education Teacher, Nixa Public Schools

Friday August 1, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Hensley Ferry

Roundtable Session

AUDIENCE Pre-K - 2, Elementary, Intermediate (4-6), Middle/Junior High, High School, Administrators
LEVEL Any