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“I don’t like reading” is a phrase teachers hear all too often. But, what if reading did not mean sitting in silence? Active literacy strategies like reader’s theater transform reading into a social and engaging activity that builds fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Once seen as only for the elementary grades, research now shows that reader’s theater also empowers secondary students. This session will share practical strategies — including reader’s theater, interactive fiction, and word games — that turn reluctant readers into confident participants.
Stop fighting student apathy and start building learner agency. Discover how our district replaced traditional ELA with high-interest, choice-based pathways like Game On: Sports Literature and Travel Tales. We will share our framework for mapping Missouri Learning Standards to thematic units while integrating Real World Learning (RWL). Participants will receive an implementation toolkit, including sample course frameworks and student interest surveys. You will leave with a replicable model to increase engagement. Join us to transform your secondary ELA curriculum into a dynamic system that empowers students through voice and choice.
This session connects educators and leaders who are committed to supporting staff wellness. Through collaboration and shared ideas, participants will explore innovative, practical, and evidence-informed strategies to strengthen well-being in their schools and districts. This meeting will serve as the GOWellness Networks’s first meeting of 2026-2027.
This session examines how clearly defining school culture can lead to significant gains in attendance and engagement. Billings Schools developed a shared vision that shaped attitudes, behaviors, and daily routines—resulting in stronger relationships and measurable improvements in attendance rates. Attendees will learn practical steps to build a culture that inspires both students and staff to show up and thrive.
I am just finishing my 20th year in education. I was a HS PE teacher/Varsity Baseball Coach/JH Volleyball coach for most of my career, with some basketball mixed in early for the first 15 years of my educational career. I am one of the few people who got to end their coaching car... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am CDT Short Creek 4
This session explores how Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI) empowers teachers to build on students’ natural mathematical thinking. Participants will learn how to use student strategies to guide instruction, ask purposeful questions, and create a classroom where all learners can succeed. Through real- world classroom examples and experiences, and hands-on problem solving, educators will leave with practical tools to differentiate instruction, increase engagement, and deepen conceptual understanding in math for every student.
How can you teach students to communicate effectively while also making it relevant to the digital environment all around us? Podcasting! In this session, attendees will hear one teacher's experience bringing podcasting into her classroom and how it can be adapted for other ages or subjects. Participants will leave with materials to help them supply, plan, and teach podcasting in their own classroom.
In this workshop, teachers will learn how to build and maintain a truly student-led classroom. When run correctly, the facilitator's main focus shifts to the following: 1:Maintain positive relationships with students 2:Maintain a relevant & rigorous curriculum 3:Give introductions to keep students excited about the content 4:Digitally record grades 5:Ensuring the classroom is well-stocked and students are kept safe. Teachers will leave the workshop with detailed student job descriptions, rubrics, and other digital resources to speed up implementation.
Nathan Fleming started teaching high school science in 2000. Because he taught his first ten years at two small rural schools, he has learned the value of strong student relationships and gained experience teaching nearly every subject. In 2004 Fleming started an ongoing comprehensive... Read More →
What does it actually take to move from vision to classroom impact? In this interactive workshop, leadership teams co-design a clear, actionable 3-year implementation plan grounded in real constraints like time, culture, and staff readiness. Facilitated by Magnify Learning and leaders from Joplin Schools, participants will leave with aligned priorities, next steps, and a roadmap to build momentum—not just another initiative. This session models the same process used over the last decade in successful district implementations nationwide.
Magnify Learning partners with schools and districts to implement Project Based Learning that boosts learner engagement, achievement, and future-ready skills. Our proven PBL Mastery Program creates sustainable PBL at the leadership and teacher levels to transform school culture.
Discover how strong partnerships between families and schools can transform a school community through the power of the Leader in Me framework (you do not need to be a Leader in Me school to walk away with many valuable resources). In this engaging session, presenters will share their unique perspective serving on both the Staff Lighthouse Team and the Parent Lighthouse Team, working together to bridge the gap between home and school. Learn how intentional collaboration has led to increased family engagement and a thriving school culture. This session will highlight impactful initiatives such as school-wide assemblies, Family Nights, Parent Lighthouse efforts, and community-building events like the Turkey Trot 5K, Pancakes with the Grinch, and quarterly PLC treats. Participants will also explore growth over time through MRA survey data, showcasing the journey from where the school began to where it is today. Walk away with practical ideas, inspiration, and strategies to strengthen your own school-family partnership because truly, it takes a village.
Students often spend hours listening and reviewing curricular content, yet 70% of new information is forgotten within 24 hours. This isn't a lack of effort; it's a lack of retrieval. This session empowers 7-12 educators to move students from "looking over" material to "pulling it out," making learning stick for good. Groundbreaking research by Roediger & Karpicke (2006) reveals that retrieval practice produces significantly higher long-term retention than repetitive reading, regardless of student ability. Based on this research and the research of others, we offer a toolkit of “Power Ups” —quick, evidence-based habits that turn every lesson into a lasting memory.
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 →
I’m starting my 30th year in education—26 as a classroom teacher and currently serving as an instructional coach for grades 7–12 in Ozark. I’m passionate about brain research, student engagement, instructional practices, and curriculum design, especially in ELA and Social... Read More →
Students in grades 3 and above who are significantly behind in reading require more than typical instruction—they need targeted, intensive intervention. This session explores evidence-based strategies to rebuild foundational skills, including phonemic awareness, decoding, and fluency, while accelerating progress toward grade-level expectations. Learn how to identify skill gaps, prioritize instruction, and provide explicit, systematic support for older struggling readers. Whether you are a classroom teacher or interventionist, you will leave with practical tools to help students close gaps, build confidence, and become more proficient, independent readers.
Have you found understanding school finance to be difficult? You are not alone, most educators, parents and community members find it very complex and hard to understand. This session is designed to strengthen financial literacy among educators and administrators by breaking down the complexities of Missouri’s public school funding system. Participants will deepen their understanding of key components of the state’s funding formula and identify major revenue sources, including local, state, and federal contributions. The session will also explore how legislative decisions shape school funding, with opportunities to analyze proposed bills and their potential impact on districts. Through this learning, attendees will be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to effectively advocate with state legislators, develop strong communication strategies with policymakers, and engage thoughtfully in education policy discussions that influence the future of their schools and communities. Participants will leave with a School Finance 101 Quick Guide and Advocacy Toolkit.
By middle and high school, we often assume students “have language”—but gaps in speaking and listening quietly limit comprehension, participation, and achievement. This session will show you how to: Turn classroom talk into a tool for thinking—not just participation Structure discussions so every student processes, speaks, and learns Maintain rigor while reducing linguistic barriers Through practical, classroom-ready strategies, you’ll learn how to increase engagement, strengthen reasoning, and improve retention—without adding more to your plate.
District ELA Facilitator, Carthage R9 School District
I am the math Instructional Facilitator for the Carthage R9 school district. I am have my Masters in Education and my Reading Specialist K-12 certification.
ADHD is not a behavior problem, it’s an executive functioning challenge. In this session, educators will gain a clear understanding of how the ADHD brain works and why traditional strategies often fall short. Participants will learn practical, classroom-ready interventions that support focus, task completion, and independence. This session will also reframe common 504 accommodations into more effective, brain-based approaches that align with how students with ADHD actually function.
This presentation will highlight how Administrative Probation and attendance incentives are transforming the culture of our Southeast Missouri high school. Administrative Probation provides a structured system of accountability and support for students who fall below expectations in academics, attendance, or behavior. Combined with positive attendance incentives, these strategies are helping create a school culture that values responsibility, engagement, and student growth.
This session introduces educators to beginner-friendly AI tools designed to simplify lesson planning, grading, and communication. Participants will explore how AI can save valuable time, enhance instructional design, and personalize learning experiences for all students—including effective applications to support English Language Learners. Real classroom examples will illustrate how these tools can reduce workload and create more space for meaningful student interaction. Bring a charged laptop for guided hands-on practice.
This is our first GOSPED Network meeting of the 26-27 school year. We will network and discuss current topics in special education and set the course for our upcoming year.
This workshop shares how our school used Lead4Change to empower students as leaders and problem-solvers. Participants will learn how we integrated leadership lessons into daily routines, guided students through identifying real school and community needs, and supported them in planning and implementing service projects. We’ll highlight structures that built student voice, collaboration, and ownership, along with practical strategies for getting started, including an introduction to the free curriculum. Attendees will leave with ready-to-use ideas, resources, and inspiration to build a culture of leadership and meaningful change in their own schools.
PreK-12 educational leader and OER fan & advocate from southwest Missouri. Recently completed dissertation which examined the OER adoption process in Missouri's #GoOpen schools. Participant in ISKME collaborative group focused on policy and advocacy for OER. Excited to learn more... Read More →
Coaching looks different everywhere–and that’s where the learning lives. This session invites anyone whose role includes "coaching" to connect and explore what is working, what’s evolving, and how others are adapting their coaching to meet educator and student needs. This meeting will serve as the GOCoach Network’s first meeting of 2026-27.
What do you do when students don’t master essential standards? This session offers a focused look at high-impact RTI practices for grades 6–12, grounded in the RTI at Work model from Solution Tree. Designed specifically for the unique structures and constraints of secondary schools, participants will explore how to identify skill gaps, group students strategically, and deliver targeted support within limited time. Built on a “by student, by standard” approach, this session highlights practical strategies for creating RTI cycles, using assessment to drive decisions, and measuring impact on student learning. This condensed session includes access to full resources.
This session provides classroom teachers with a practical framework for using AI to reduce workload while maintaining high instructional standards. Participants will explore how AI supports lesson planning, content creation, grading, and differentiation, including maximizing prompts aligned to state standards and district curriculum. Attendees will leave with ready-to-use prompt structures, practical classroom examples, and clear guidelines for responsible use. Emphasis is placed on teacher oversight, academic integrity, and long-term classroom use.
This session will provide an overview of the brain and the central nervous system and how student behavior is shaped by the state and function of the CNS. Attendees will learn to recognize brain states and respond appropriately, using conscious presence and somatic techniques to guide the student toward regulation.
According to John Hattie’s research, teacher clarity is a top-ten influence on achievement. Without it, students are 50% less likely to invest the mental energy required to stay on task. Constantly responding to “Why do I have to learn this?” is exhausting! In today’s distracted secondary classrooms, clarity is a lifeline. In this interactive presentation, you’ll gain a ready-to-use toolkit to frame every lesson so students can confidently answer: What am I learning today, why does it matter, and how will I know when I have learned it?
I’m starting my 30th year in education—26 as a classroom teacher and currently serving as an instructional coach for grades 7–12 in Ozark. I’m passionate about brain research, student engagement, instructional practices, and curriculum design, especially in ELA and Social... Read More →
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 →
This session provides practical strategies for addressing challenging behaviors in both special education and general education classrooms. The presentation incorporates insights from CPI, Autism Helper, and Conscious Discipline, along with classroom-tested approaches developed through years of experience. Attendees will also explore a visual schedule format that has been successfully implemented and adapted over the past decade to align with evolving curriculum demands and the integration of educational technology.
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!
District ELA Facilitator, Carthage R9 School District
I am the math Instructional Facilitator for the Carthage R9 school district. I am have my Masters in Education and my Reading Specialist K-12 certification.
When teachers experience industry firsthand, classroom learning becomes more relevant and career-connected for students. Branson Public Schools addressed this challenge through its Teacher Externship Program, placing educators with local businesses to design authentic client-connected projects. In this interactive session, participants will examine the externship structure, explore logistics for implementation, and analyze examples of real-world projects developed with community organizations. Participants will collaborate to identify strategies they can use to launch or strengthen externship experiences in their own districts. Attendees will leave with a practical framework, planning tips, and partnership ideas to implement a successful teacher externship model to make real-world learning available for all students.
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.
What if some of the most meaningful real-world learning experiences for students aren’t found in curriculum guides—but in the traditions and responsibilities already embedded in school life? As a prom sponsor, I quickly realized that students were developing critical life and career skills without a single worksheet or rubric in sight. Managing deadlines, communicating professionally with peers and adults, handling financial responsibility, and navigating accountability became authentic learning experiences with real stakes. In this session, participants will examine how prom planning naturally mirrors project management and workplace expectations. Through real examples, reflection strategies, and classroom connections, attendees will learn how to identify similar opportunities in their own schools and intentionally make the learning visible—without over-structuring or losing authenticity. This session is ideal for educators seeking practical, low-lift ways to implement Real World Learning that truly prepares students for life beyond the classroom.
Language Arts Teacher, Poplar Bluff R-1 School District
Cassie Nobles is a veteran ELA teacher with 17 years in the classroom at Poplar Bluff High School. She teaches English and juggles serving as a Peer Coach, PBHS Ambassador, Prom Sponsor and in an interesting twist of fate, Dungeons and Dragons sponsor. She loves creating real-world... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT Compton Ferry
Teachers often feel pressure to do more to increase engagement with more activities, more worksheets, and more noise. Research shows rigor and engagement come from thinking, not workload. In this interactive session, participants will experience simple engagement protocols that increase thinking, discussion, and productive struggle without adding planning time. They will use these protocols to transform low rigor tasks into rigorous learning experiences and redesign one of their own lessons. Attendees will leave with ready to use protocols and a practical framework for creating rigorous learning experiences where less teacher work produces more student thinking.
This session explores how a school reimagined Response to Intervention time to ensure every student benefits from intentional, structured learning. Through consistent routines—mini lessons, goal setting, accountability, re-teaching, formative checks, and purposeful work time—educators created a system that maximizes instructional minutes, reinforces essential skills, and builds student ownership. By aligning targeted interventions with meaningful learning for all students, this approach strengthens engagement and ensures no time is lost, fostering a culture where every learner is supported to grow.
Students often struggle with math when problems feel disconnected from their real lives. In this session, participants will explore how MagicSchool AI can be used to create personalized “rooms” and game-based practice spaces that act as on-demand tutors, meeting students where they are and helping them build understanding at their own pace while increasing engagement. Participants will also learn how ChatGPT can help teachers quickly create engaging, real-world math tasks that connect to experiences students recognize, making abstract concepts more accessible. Examples from Building Thinking Classrooms environment will highlight tasks built around familiar contexts like sports and everyday scenarios.
Students cannot access academic content when they are dysregulated. This session explores how self-regulation, coping skills, and executive functioning impact learning across K–12 settings. Participants will leave with practical, brain-based strategies they can implement immediately to support student behavior, increase engagement, and improve academic outcomes.
Stories are one of the most powerful tools for learning. In this session, participants will explore how storytelling can transform any classroom into a space where students not only learn content but also develop the qualities of a Portrait of a Graduate. Through immersive narratives, character-driven historical moments, and reflective discussion, students practice empathy, critical thinking, communication, adaptability, and confidence. Attendees will see practical examples of how historical storytelling increases engagement while intentionally developing character and leadership skills. This is not just for history teachers. Walk away with strategies to turn lessons into powerful stories that shape both knowledgeable students and strong future citizens.
This ready-to-use learning session equips educators with 20 high-impact literacy strategies designed to meet the diverse needs of today’s learners. Participants will explore practical, classroom-tested approaches that support comprehension, vocabulary development, engagement, and differentiation across content areas. The session includes modeling, examples, and adaptable resources that can be implemented immediately in grades 5–8 classrooms. Strategies are tailored to support a range of learners, including struggling readers, advanced students, and multilingual learners. Educators will leave with a toolkit of interactive techniques, graphic organizers, and scaffolds to enhance literacy instruction and create an inclusive, student-centered learning environment.
In a world of instant answers, innovative classrooms must shift from information retrieval to "Cognitive Wrestling." This hands-on session provides a practical framework to transform searchable assignments into high-rigor challenges AI can’t solve alone. Participants will audit a current lesson using our "Un-Googleable Rubric" and leave with four "Task-Hacking" strategies to immediately deepen Tier 1 instruction. Move beyond the AI panic and rediscover the power of task design that demands human critical thinking.
I'm a Technology Instructional Specialist at Jackson R-2 School District in Jackson, Missouri. I taught 7th and 8th grade science for 11 years. I taught Co-taught science, ELL students, and science electives.
Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT Fall Creek
Are you "drowning" in the complexities of Missouri state assessments? This session introduces the MAP, EOC, and CCR Prep Assistant, a set of custom Google Gemini "Gems" designed to translate dense DESE blueprints and item specifications into actionable classroom tools. The goal is to SAVE YOU TIME! Every state assessed teacher who attends will receive access to an individualized Gem for YOUR specific grade and content! Participants will explore how to instantly generate practice questions that mimic state-mandated rigor and use "Scorer’s Mindsets" to provide high-impact feedback. You will leave with a personalized "Test Prep Action Plan" and the skills to automate your most time-consuming planning tasks while maintaining strict alignment with Missouri Learning Standards.
Director of Learning Systems & Client Relations, StepUp Consulting
At Step Up we want to be your “How To” guide when it comes to tackling school initiatives! With our Curriculum Management Tool (CMT), Missouri Assessment Teaching Tool (MATT) Book, and our RSP Fast Tracking Tool we strive to help you organize and streamline your process to give... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT Short Creek 1
In this roundtable discussion, participants will explore the Panther Grown Egg Project and the importance of providing hands-on agricultural experiences for both elementary and secondary students.
This session highlights how all freshmen engaged in Real World Learning through client-connected projects in Freshman Focus. Students worked in teams of four to six to partner with community members, develop professional skills and dispositions, and deliver authentic products or solutions to real problems. Participants will learn how the projects were structured, how community partnerships were established, and how the culminating Showcase event was designed to celebrate student learning and impact.
Ashley has dedicated her career to teaching students the skills & dispositions needed to succeed after high school. She worked to develop a curriculum aligned with her district's portrait of a graduate for two classes. The first is a required Freshman course and the second is a senior... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT Cooper Creek 1
