Pre-Conference Workshops

All Pre-Conference Workshops will take place on
Wednesday, February 14

The Next Education Workforce: Team-based Staffing Models for Better Educator & Student Outcomes

Presenters: 
Jan Vesely, AASA Liaison with the Next Education Workforce, Tucson, AZ

Andi Fourlis, Superintendent, Mesa Public Schools, Mesa, AZ

Join this opportunity to learn and discuss the big ideas in Arizona State University’s Next Education Workforce initiative. Several Arizona districts began designing team-based staffing models five years ago and now at least 25 school systems across the country are customizing models in their contexts. This innovative work is embedded in Learning 2025 and can help with both short-term staffing challenges as well as bring about long-term, positive change in schools. Early results show positive outcomes for both educators and students. Hear directly from superintendents and other systems leaders who are at varying stages of implementation. The session will provide several concrete resources for thinking differently about educator staffing as well as the opportunity to join a learning cohort for the coming school year or to prepare to launch a pilot as early as next fall.

Portrait of a Graduate: Creating Coherence in a Future Focused System

Presenters: 
Mike Duncan, CEO and President, Battelle for Kids, Hilliard, OH
Valerie Greenhill, Vice President, Battelle for Kids, Hilliard, OH
Amy Cashwell, Superintendent, Henrico County Public Schools, Henrico, VA
Christopher Lund, Assistant Superintendent, Long Beach Unified School District, Long Beach, CA

Join Battelle for Kids and two visionary superintendents from our national network, EdLeader21, who are using Portraits of a Graduate, Principal, and Educator to transform and align their systems. We will share highlights from these system leaders’ experiences, including what works, what doesn’t and what they wished they had known when they began the process. All participants will receive a rich collection of action templates, resources and artifacts, including access to a future-focused system self-assessment.

Developing Mindful Leaders: Strategies for Adult SEL

Presenters: 
Carrie Patterson, Executive Director, MindUP, Toronto, Canada
Kimberly A. Schonert-Reichl, NoVo Foundation Endowed Chair in Social and Emotional Learning, University of Illinois
Andrew DuRoss, Superintendent, School District 54, Schaumburg, IL
Dido Balla, Head of Education and Brain Trainer, MindUP, Boynton Beach, FL

Join scientific expert, Dr. Kimberly A. Schonert-Reichl, MindUP | The Goldie Hawn Foundation, and School District 54 in Illinois as they delve into groundbreaking research in the field of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and neuroscience. This engaging discussion will be complemented by practical applications and real-life examples, focusing on the crucial role of school leaders in fostering resilience and cultivating a culture of positive well-being within their school community.

During this session, district and school leaders will gain valuable insights and learn effective strategies to support the well-being of their staff and facilitate the implementation of SEL initiatives on a school-wide scale. By exploring the principles of MindUP, participants will deepen their understanding of the brain and how this knowledge can inform their leadership style and influence those around them.

By the end of the session, you will leave with practical tools to help leverage the brain, mindfulness, and well-being to create more positive, resilient communities.

SOLD OUT – Psst! You can still attend by registering for the AASA Leadership in School Communication Program. Details here.

Creating a Comprehensive Communication Strategy

Presenters: 
Renae Murphy, Chief Communications Officer, Rockwall Independent School District, Rockwall, TX
John Villarreal, Superintendent, Rockwall Independent School District, Rockwall, TX
Rosanna Mucetti, Superintendent, Napa Valley School District, Oakland, CA
Julie Borders, Director of Communications and Community Relations, Napa Valley Unified School District, Napa, CA

Using the Rubrics of Practice and Suggested Measures for School Communications published by the National School Public Relations Association, participants will begin to understand the elements of creating a comprehensive communication program. These elements include supporting board policies, training for cabinet level staff, creating a communication plan based in research, social media and branding. Participants will also see the importance of aligning the communication program with the district's strategic plan. In addition, examples of high performing superintendent-communications director teams will be shared. Also, using the Rubrics of Practice, participants will see where their current communication program falls: emerging, established or exemplary.

GenConnect Session — Speed Dating Edition: Connecting Superintendents and Educators with Gen AI Companies

Presenters: 
Andrew Ko, AASA Chief Innovation Advisor, Founder, Kovexa, former Global Amazon Education
Adam Garry, President, StrategicEDU Consulting, Former teacher and led Dell's Education Strategy
Dan Domenech, AASA Executive Director Emeritus
Phil Emer, Senior Director of Innovation, MCNC
Soheil Katal, CIO, Los Angeles Unified School District
Tony Schlorff, Associate Executive Director, Finance, Operations & Technology at AASA

Generative AI (Gen AI) is a technology that has piqued significant interest in the education sector. While many have come across AI presentations, podcasts, and articles, this workshop has been designed to allow participants to meet and engage with over a dozen AI experts in a pitchfest format.

This workshop offers a seamless blend of networking, hands-on experiences, exchanges, and compelling showcases with a significant objective: bridging the gap between education leaders and the ever-expanding landscape of GenAI solutions.

A diverse group of GenAI companies, ranging from major tech players to innovative startups, will be presenting their solutions both in the market and in development. These companies include Google, Amazon Web Services, Age of Learning, Kyron Learning, Kokomo24/7®, Merlyn Mind, LearningMate, Scribo, Cerebry, Thinking Nation, Newsela, Pariveda, Renaissance Learning, and Edapt Technologies.

The companies span various domains, including School Safety, Voice Activations, Literacy, Math, Social Studies, Early Learning, English Language Arts, and more. During the session, you’ll hear their pitch and be able to engage in discussions for efficacy while addressing key considerations such as data security, privacy, authenticity, and professional development. All important for your schools that you’ll get to see first hand.

As a part of your development, you can expect to depart with fresh ideas, envisioning how GenAI can revolutionize student success, streamline processes, and advance education.  As participants, you'll receive a concise packet summarizing the session agenda and providing brief information about the attending companies.

The journey continues with a two-part follow-up session as part of the NCE concurrent Educational Sessions:

Thursday, February 15, at 10:15 A.M. “AI in Schools: Bridging Policy, Innovation Practices, and Measuring Impact for Districts” (Part I).

Friday, February 16 at 2:30 P.M. “AI in Schools: Bridging Policy, Innovation Practices, and Measuring Impact for Districts” (Part II)

Page updated on January 23, 2024.