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Learn strategies for optimizing your leadership to create thriving learning communities from experts, top district leaders and leading practitioners.

Keynote
Pep Talked: Change, Culture, Kid Presidents, and Corndogs
Dive into a refreshing and inspiring glimpse at people creating positive change for young people. New York Times best-selling author and illustrator, Brad Montague, set out to create a project that encouraged people to listen to children. That project— Kid President—became a cultural phenomenon and has since led its creator on a years-long journey of discovery and hope. Leave with a renewed vision of great leaders, great classrooms around the world, and key ways to improve the emotional, relational, and imaginative health of your community (kids and former kids).

Brad Montague, Author and Illustrator
Facebook: Montague Workshop, Instagram: @bradmontague,  Newsletter: The Enthusiast , X: @thebradmontague,

Regulated: How to Find and Lead from the Eye of the Storm
The pandemic is technically over, but we continue to see the wake of damage including lost academic and behavioral learning and teacher shortages. Emerson noted “the wise [leader] in the storm prays to God not for safety from danger, but for deliverance from fear…it’s the storm within that endangers, not the storm without.” Learn how emotional intelligence is a storm-calming tool and create a plan to regulate not just ourselves as leaders, but the entire campus as well.

Adam L. Saenz, PhD, Psychologist and CEO, The Applied EQ Group
Social media: @AdamSaenzPhD

Making Bricks Without Straw 
Educating all children is not only possible, but also probable only when we understand the power we possess and commit to acting with intention and passion to ensure excellence for all. The challenge lies in applying systematically and courageously what we know to what we do with creativity, commitment, and consistency.

Michael McFarland, EdD, Superintendent, Crowley ISD
X: @Dr_McFarland

Growth Mindset: Which is more important: “growth” or “mindset?”
Which is more important: “growth” or “mindset?” The answer is both, but let’s flip the terms. First, a leader must have the right mindset, and only then can a leader nurture growth. Jack Welch, longtime CEO of GE, said, “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” Discover ways to flourish in education in this engaging session on leadership and the growth mindset.

Chris Shade, MEd, Educator, Speaker and current counseling intern
Facebook: @underwhoseshade, X: @underwhoseshade

From Surviving to Thriving…A Leadership Journey
Discover your purpose as a school leader and reclaim your time. Refocus on your why and find joy in leading. Regardless of your leadership position, gain life lessons and valuable tools for success.

Danieli Parker, Director of Innovation and Instructional Technology, Hallsville ISD
Instagram: @danieliparker, X: @danieli_parker

Cristi Parsons, Former Texas National Distinguished Principal and Solution Tree Associate
Instagram: @cristirambinparsons, X: @cristiparsons

Executive Leadership Forum
Explore leadership tips and strategies during this engaging panel with top Texas school leaders.