2026 GOCSD Innovation Summit: Full Schedule

Access the pages below to view the sessions, and learn more about our speakers and sponsors. Log in to view your schedule of selected sessions. The Attendees Guide has everything you need to have the best experience!

10:30am CDT

Fluency First Aid: Practical Interventions for Striving Readers

Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am CDT

Compton Ferry

This past year, we noticed a frustrating pattern in our reading intervention data: students’ phonics skills and decoding accuracy were improving, yet their overall reading progress had stalled. This led us to dig deeper to find the missing piece of the puzzle. The answer? Fluency! In this session, participants will explore how targeted fluency intervention can unlock progress for striving readers who appear “stuck.” Using real case studies from an elementary intervention room, participants will examine practical routines that build accuracy, automaticity, and prosody. Attendees will leave with research-informed strategies and a clear plan for strengthening fluency during intervention.

Speakers

Lindsey Conner

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 →

Anna Schneider

Reading Interventionist, Logan-Rogersville School District

Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am CDT
Compton Ferry

Breakout Session Offered 1x

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

10:30am CDT

GOWellness Network Session

Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am CDT

Boston Ferry

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.

Speakers

Nancy Leonard

Wellness Facilitator, Republic R-III School District

Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am 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

10:30am CDT

Start Small, Think Big: Real-World Learning Made Practical

Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am CDT

Short Creek 3

What if the curriculum you already have is the starting point for meaningful, real-world learning? In this session, you’ll learn how to connect standards and curriculumn like puzzle pieces to create engaging, real-world projects. Walk away with steps and strategies that feel manageable and realistic to try for your classroom.

Speakers

Xann Boyd

Classroom/STEM Educator, Reeds Spring School District

I’m an educator who loves creating hands-on, real-world learning experiences that make students excited to think, explore, and problem solve. I’m passionate about connecting learning across subjects, building strong classroom community, and helping students see themselves as capable... Read More →

Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am CDT
Short Creek 3

Breakout Session Offered 1x

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

10:30am CDT

Supercharge Your Culture

Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am CDT

Short Creek 1

In this session, participants will get proven strategies to supercharge their District, Building, or Classroom.

Speakers

Matt Pearce

Studer Education Coach, Republic Schools/Studer Education

Erin Wayt

Principal, Republic School District

Wednesday July 29, 2026 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, Professional Developers, Instructional or District Specialists
LEVEL Any

10:30am CDT

From Vision to Action: Designing Your 3-Year School Transformation

Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am CDT

Cooper Creek 1

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.

Speakers

Brian Owen

VP of Strategic Partnerships, Magnify Learning

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.

Rachelle Antcliff

Director of Transformation, Magnify Learning

Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am CDT
Cooper Creek 1

RWL Breakout Session Offered 1x, Tier 1 Sponsor Showcase: Partnering with Member District

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

GoLiteracy Network Session

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT

Compton Ferry

Kick off the 2026–27 school year with the GoLiteracy Network! This session invites literacy leaders (coaches, interventionists, administrators, university professors, and other educators leading literacy efforts in their context) to reconnect and refocus for the year ahead. Participants will network with colleagues, share priorities and challenges, and strengthen our professional community supporting literacy improvement. We will also launch this year’s GoLiteracy book study, introducing the selected text and outlining how our learning will unfold throughout the year. Join us to start the year with new connections, fresh ideas, and a shared commitment to improving literacy outcomes for students.

Speakers

Lindsey Conner

Literacy Specialist, Logan-Rogersville School District

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Compton Ferry

Breakout Session Offered 1x

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

1:00pm CDT

It Takes a Village: Reimagining School Community

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT

Short Creek 1

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.

Speakers

Niki Dailey

4th Grade Co-teacher, Waynesville R-VI School District

Natosha Hulett

Building Instructional Coach, Waynesville R-VI School District

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Short Creek 1

Breakout Session Offered 1x

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

1:00pm CDT

To Infinity and Beyond: How to utilize AI in the classroom. (Beginner AI Usage)

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT

Short Creek 4

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.

Speakers

Josh Welborn

ELL Specialist, Branson Public Schools

Wednesday July 29, 2026 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, Professional Developers, Instructional or District Specialists
LEVEL Any

1:00pm CDT

GOSPED Network Roundtable

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT

Hensley Ferry

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.

Speakers

Chris O'Neill

Teacher, Nixa Public Schools

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Hensley Ferry

Roundtable Session

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

1:00pm CDT

Portrait of a Learner: The "How-To" Session

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT

Cooper Creek 1

We will explore how each elementary building in the Republic School District is using current structures and strategies to implement newly developed Portrait of a Learner competencies. Session presenters will highlight how building educators are using student leadership teams and specials/electives/fine arts teams to explore career pathways and competencies. They will also share how current leadership portfolio practices can be used with competencies. There will be information on how to implement competency vocabulary across grade levels, as well. This is a great session for all educators.

Speakers

Christy Coursey

Executive Director of Elementary Learning, Republic School District

Amy Summers

Elementary Educator, Republic Schools

Alissa Basta

Elementary Educator, Republic Schools

Alison Holt

Elementary Educator, Republic Schools

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Cooper Creek 1

RWL Breakout Session Offered 1x

AUDIENCE Pre-K - 2, Elementary, Administrators
LEVEL Beginner

2:00pm CDT

From Absences to Engagement: A PBIS Approach to Improving Attendance

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT

Boston Ferry

Schools across the country are working to address chronic absenteeism and rebuild strong attendance habits. This session will highlight how one elementary school used PBIS systems to create a positive culture around attendance while engaging both students and families. Presenters will share practical strategies including incentive structures, family engagement ideas, and data tracking methods that helped increase attendance and strengthen school climate. Participants will leave with ready-to-implement ideas and tools that can be adapted for their own schools and grade levels.

Speakers

Tiffany Buttram

Teacher, Hollister R-V School District

Dallas DeWeese

Assistant Principal, Hollister R-V School District

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Boston Ferry

Breakout Session Offered 1x

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

2:00pm CDT

GOCoach Network Session

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT

Hensley Ferry

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.

Speakers

Brooke Gantt

Professional Learning Specialist, Nixa Public Schools

Lydia Ross

Instructional Coach, Rolla School District

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Hensley Ferry

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

2:00pm CDT

The Brain Behind Behavior: What Every Educator Should Know

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT

Main Ballroom (Enter right side)

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.

Speakers

Audra Kingery

School Counselor, Ste. Genevieve R-II

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Main Ballroom (Enter right side)

Breakout Session Offered 1x

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

2:00pm CDT

Tips and Tools for Behaviors and Teaching in a Special Education Classroom

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT

Short Creek 4

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.

Speakers

Rachel Ward

Special Education Teacher, Branson Public Schools

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Short Creek 4

Breakout Session Offered 1x

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

2:00pm CDT

Real Businesses, Real Projects: Designing Teacher Externships That Drive Authentic, Real-World Learning

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT

Cooper Creek 1

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.

Speakers

Kristen Mills

GO CAPS Facilitator, Branson Public Schools

Brad Brown

Branson High School Counselor, Branson Public Schools

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Cooper Creek 1

RWL 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

Assess, Impress, Progress: Crafting Quality Assessments and Tracking Growth

Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT

Short Creek 3

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

Wednesday July 29, 2026 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

Skills Before Content: Teaching Self-Regulation for Lifelong Success

Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT

Main Ballroom (Enter left side)

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.

Speakers

Jennifer Shipley

Elementary Counselor, West Plains R-VII School District

Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Main Ballroom (Enter left side)

Breakout Session Offered 1x

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

8:30am CDT

Breaking the Busy Work Cycle: Authentic Enrichment for Advanced Learners

Thursday July 30, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT

Fall Creek

Stop the cycle of "extra work" and transform your classroom into a hub for deep thinkers. This session moves beyond repetitive practice to explore authentic enrichment—experiences that enhance the curriculum through high-level inquiry and creative application. Learn to replace standard assignments with impactful strategies like "Fermi Problems," curriculum compacting, and tiered tasks without the burden of writing a second lesson plan. By shifting from "more" to "deeper," you will gain practical tools to challenge advanced learners effectively.

Speakers

Christina Wallace

Gifted Teacher & Facilitator, Waynesville R-VI School District

Chandi Koeppel

Gifted Teacher, Waynesville R-VI School District

Thursday July 30, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT
Fall 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

8:30am CDT

Making Growth Visible with Effect Size, Quadrants, and Routines

Thursday July 30, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT

Short Creek 3

As accountability systems like APR place equal weight on achievement and growth, schools need practical ways to monitor and respond to both. While achievement is frequently measured, growth often remains invisible until benchmark or state assessments. This session introduces a classroom-connected framework for making growth visible in real time using effect size from common assessments. Participants will use a Growth–Achievement Matrix to identify student needs, select targeted instructional routines, and plan next steps. Attendees will engage in hands-on application and leave with actionable strategies to improve student outcomes and positively impact APR performance.

Speakers

Jennifer Renegar

Data & Assessment Specialist, Republic Schools

Thursday July 30, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am 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

8:30am CDT

Quick Coping Strategies You Can Put Into Practice This School Year

Thursday July 30, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT

Short Creek 4

As educators, we know our students are showing an increase in behavioral issues and struggle with emotional regulation. According to the Child Mind Institute, approximately 10 percent of students struggle with mental health concerns. That means potentially one to two students in EVERY classroom need instruction on coping strategies. At the end of this session, you will be able to implement actionable coping strategies in your day-to-day lesson plans which will benefit your students who currently need them and those who will undoubtedly face stressors in their future. Also, 10 attendees will have a chance to win a "Take 5 Box!"

Speakers

Elizabeth Deckard

Special Education Teacher, Pleasant Hope R-VI

I have worked in education for 7 years. I have been with the Pleasant Hope district since 2019. I worked as a special education paraprofessional while completing my teaching certification in Missouri. Now, I teach at the Pleasant Hope Ranch school supporting students with behavioral... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am 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

8:30am CDT

Sprinkling Joy: Everyday Ways to Uplift Your School Community

Thursday July 30, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT

Old Glory - Hilton Promenade

Small gestures can lead to big change. This session highlights fun, meaningful ways to “sprinkle joy” among staff all year long while engaging parents and the wider community. Participants will walk away with ideas to inspire, connect, and sustain teacher happiness and school spirit.

Speakers

Maggie Barnett

Kindergarten Teacher, Hollister School District

Thursday July 30, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT
Old Glory - Hilton Promenade

Breakout Session Offered 1x

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

8:30am CDT

Unleashing Mathematical Brilliance: What Students Need to Truly Understand

Thursday July 30, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT

Compton Ferry

Results from NAEP show only 36% of 4th graders and 26% of middle school students are proficient in mathematics (NCES, 2022). In this session, participants will explore the foundational understandings that unlock mathematical thinking across number, fractions, and proportional reasoning. Through student vignettes, hands-on tasks, and thought experiments, we will examine common curricular barriers, and the specific ideas students must develop to move forward. Participants will leave with practical strategies and ready-to-use experiences designed to strengthen these critical understandings in their own classrooms.

Speakers

Patrick Sullivan

Professor of Mathematics, Missouri State University

The Southwest Missouri District Association of Mathematics Teachers (SWMDAMT) is a regional professional mathematics education association organized to support the following goals:  promotes excellence in teaching mathematics in elementary, middle, junior high and senior high schools... Read More →

Brandi Compass

Instructional Coach, Springfield R-12

Thursday July 30, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT
Compton Ferry

Breakout Session Offered 1x

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

8:30am CDT

Wild About Wellness: Helping Staff Bloom to Support Student Success

Thursday July 30, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT

Main Ballroom (Enter right side)

Discover how to design and implement a comprehensive staff wellness program at both the district and building levels. Like a well-tended garden, intentional support helps staff take root, grow, and flourish, strengthening student success and overall school culture. Presenters will share practical, easy-to-implement wellness strategies, ideas for building community partnerships, and approaches that extend beyond traditional pillars of nutrition and fitness to include mental, financial, and social health. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to cultivate a sustainable wellness program where both staff and students can thrive.

Speakers

Nancy Leonard

Wellness Facilitator, Republic R-III School District

Taylor Shields

Process Coordinator, Republic R-III School District

Thursday July 30, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT
Main Ballroom (Enter right side)

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

8:30am CDT

Wonder in the Elementary Classroom

Thursday July 30, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT

Short Creek 1

In classrooms where joy and curiosity are intentionally cultivated, students take on the cognitive heavy lifting. When learning is infused with a sense of wonder, engagement shifts from compliance to genuine investment. Educators can spark this transformation by designing experiences that invite exploration—through purposeful games, rich partner discourse, and thoughtfully crafted puzzles.

Speakers

Patricia Rodriguez

3rd Grade Teacher, West Plains Public Schools

Hello! I am Patricia Rodriguez. I am moving back to the classroom after instructional coaching for 5 years. I’ll teach 3rd grade!

Thursday July 30, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT
Short Creek 1

Breakout Session Offered 1x

AUDIENCE Pre-K - 2, Elementary
LEVEL Any

8:30am CDT

Between the Lines: A Roundtable for Instructional Coaches

Thursday July 30, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT

Hensley Ferry

Every instructional coach knows that the most important work often happens in the margins—between the data points, the formal evaluations, and the "I’m just fine" hallway conversations. Join us for a dynamic roundtable where we’ll dive into the nuanced art of building-level leadership. From decoding teacher resistance to fostering a culture of critical thinking, we’re moving beyond the clipboard to discuss what actually moves the needle in Missouri classrooms. Whether you’re a veteran lead teacher or a first-year coach, bring your toughest scenarios and your best "wins" for a collaborative deep dive into the craft of coaching. The goal? To leave with fresh strategies for reading the room and refining the result.

Speakers

Lydia Ross

Instructional Coach, Rolla School District

Thursday July 30, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT
Hensley Ferry

Roundtable Session

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

9:30am CDT

Aligning Your Actions with Your Priorities in the Principalship

Thursday July 30, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am CDT

Short Creek 4

This session will provide strategies for individuals serving in leadership roles to align the time they spend each day with their priorities. Current school principals will share how they use the process of prioritization to clarify the most-important actions they must take each day. Participants will reflect on how their own actions align with the priorities of their schools and will explore tools that can help manage and organize their time.

Speakers

Christy Coursey

Executive Director of Elementary Learning, Republic School District

Camie Lyons

Elementary Principal, Republic School District

Erin Wayt

Principal, Republic School District

Thursday July 30, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Short Creek 4

Breakout Session Offered 1x

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

9:30am CDT

From Burnout to Balance: Building Habits That Support Well-Being

Thursday July 30, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am CDT

Short Creek 1

According to the 2025 MSTA teacher survey over 71% of educators said they have considered leaving the profession this year, with 41% of respondents saying job-related stress was a factor. The first half of this session will go over tools and practical daily habits, educators can utilize to set clear, consistent work boundaries so they can focus attention to other passions outside of school. Participants will also engage in activities, like some simple restorative stretches, that can improve their mental and physical well being. Participants will come away with new skills and supports so they can avoid the teacher burnout.

Speakers

Rachel N. Johnson

Kindergarten Teacher, Truman Elementary, Rolla 31 School District

Thursday July 30, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Short Creek 1

Breakout Session Offered 1x

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

9:30am CDT

The Great! The Good! The Bark! Therapy Dogs Paws-itively Impacting Student Success!

Thursday July 30, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am CDT

Compton Ferry

Therapy dogs are a powerful way to support student success! This session will highlight how a therapy dog can transform a school environment by building relationships, supporting emotional regulation, and increasing student engagement. Participants will gain insight into how a therapy dog can positively impact school culture, while also receiving practical, real-world guidance for implementing a successful program. From training and safety to scheduling and expectations, this session will equip you with the tools and confidence to bring the power of paws into your school!

Speakers

Amy Jo Kilgore

Early Childhood Center Principal, Hollister RV School District

Thursday July 30, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am 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

9:30am CDT

Math You Can Touch: Everyday Objects That Make Math Click!”

Thursday July 30, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am CDT

Hensley Ferry

Discover how simple, everyday items can become powerful math manipulatives. In this roundtable session, we’ll share quick, classroom-ready ideas for using common objects to model concepts, increase engagement, and deepen understanding. Participants will exchange strategies and leave with practical activities they can use right away.

Speakers

Tanya Ketchum

7th grade Math Teacher, Cassville R IV School District

Whitney Wenzel

8th grade Math Teacher, Cassville R IV School District

Thursday July 30, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Hensley Ferry

Roundtable Session

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

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