Imagine classrooms where every student feels empowered, every subject comes alive, and every day sparks meaningful engagement and deeper learning. This interactive session provides educators with versatile, AVID-inspired strategies designed to boost student voice, promote critical thinking, and foster collaborative experiences across all grade levels and content areas. Come explore practical methods to ignite engagement, energize instruction, and create consistent, powerful learning experiences that reach every student, every day.
Effective math instruction requires both structure and flexibility—shaping strong foundations while strengthening student learning. In this interactive session, participants will explore the five columns of the Florida’s Formula for Success and how they work together to support high-quality mathematics instruction.
Yearling Middle School, in collaboration with Our Village, a community-based organization, has implemented innovative strategies to support students academically, socially, and emotionally. Through this partnership, the school established a Reset Room, staffed by Our Village peer support specialist, providing peer support and guidance for students. This initiative, along with a revamp of the PBIS structure, relationship circles, relationship agreements, and positive affirmation training for staff, has led to a remarkable 56% decrease in student discipline referrals at mid-year. This session will explore the strategies, impact, and best practices of this partnership to inspire similar collaborations in other educational settings.
Tuesday June 17, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am EDT Tarpon 2
This session will focus on specific leadership practices and data mining which yields maximum output from staff and students Facilitator will also delve into strategies of accountability for school leaders, employees and stakeholders.
Tuesday June 17, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am EDT Tarpon 3-4
School branding goes far beyond aesthetics; it's about your institution's very identity and purpose. In this session, we’ll look into how a powerful school brand goes beyond the visuals to connect deeply with our stakeholders. This session will explore how everyone – teachers, administrators, and staff – plays a vital role in communicating our mission, shaping perceptions, and fostering a strong sense of belonging. Learn practical strategies to align our daily actions and communications with our core values, build trust within our community, and ensure our school remains the clear choice for families. Discover how a unified brand, rooted in our commitment to students, is essential for our continued success.
Ready to make a real difference—and maybe have a little fun along the way? Join us for It Takes a Village, an interactive, hands-on session designed to bring together educators, counselors, administrators, and support staff in a powerful mission: ensuring every student experiencing homelessness feels seen, supported, and safe at school.
Through team-based challenges, real-life scenarios, role plays, and a few surprises along the way, you’ll deepen your understanding of the McKinney-Vento Act, learn to spot the signs of housing instability, and discover how your role fits into the bigger picture of student support. Whether you’re in the classroom, front office, or out in the community, you’ll leave this session with practical tools, fresh ideas, and a renewed sense of purpose.
This professional learning session is designed to equip educators with the knowledge, strategies, and resources needed to strengthen civics instruction across grade levels. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the K–12 vertical alignment of the civics and government benchmarks and explore practical teaching strategies that promote student engagement and cross-curricular connections. The session will also highlight the ongoing support available through the Regional Civics Literacy Team, including assistance with benchmark alignment, instructional planning, and classroom implementation. Educators will leave with ready-to-use activities and a toolkit of ideas to enhance civics education in their classrooms.
Student-centered instruction is one of the characteristics of high-quality instruction found in the Formula for Success. In this session, we will collaborate on what student engagement looks like in the classroom and how you can incorporate Mathematical Thinking and Reasoning standards (MTRs) in your classroom to help create student engagement.
Join us for an exciting and informative presentation from one of The School Board of Highlands County's Instructional Technology Teachers showing how Lake Placid High School successfully launched its Esports program from the ground up. Our team will walk you through the entire process—from conceptualization to implementation—including a showcase of the high-performance gaming equipment used by the team.
The School Board of Highlands County's Technical Director will delve into the technical aspects of establishing a dedicated, enterprise-level gaming network, sharing practical strategies and solutions for overcoming common challenges. We’ll also cover the funding strategies that brought the program to life, offering insights for schools looking to build similar initiatives.
Speakers will also include the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Director for The School Board of Highlands County (SBHC), who will discuss how Esports aligns with career pathways in Computer Science and Programming, and how it can be integrated into a comprehensive CTE curriculum.
The session will conclude with a live Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with the presenters.
Don't miss this opportunity to explore how Esports can transform student engagement and drive innovation in education!
This session explores the evolving landscape of computer science education in Florida, focusing on updated standards, new courses and the distinction between technology integration and computer science instruction. Participants will examine how computer science enhances student outcomes, fosters career readiness and supports workforce development. Through interactive discussions and real-world classroom applications, attendees will gain insights into best practices for implementing CS instruction while reviewing enrollment trends and predictions for future growth.
Strong classrooms are built on strong connections. In this engaging, hands-on session, educators will explore how intentional team-building activities can shape inclusive, respectful learning environments and strengthen the relationships that support academic success. From kindergarten to high school, team building lays the foundation for trust, collaboration, and a true sense of community.
In today’s high-stakes educational climate, strategy alone won’t save a struggling school—relationships will. Join Brandy Tackett, a seasoned school turnaround leader and author of Lead With Heart, Transform With Purpose, as she shares real-world stories, research-based practices, and leadership tools that empower administrators to lead with emotional intelligence. This session will explore the five culture killers that sabotage school improvement, and teach participants how to create a climate where trust, teacher voice, and student growth thrive. If you're ready to move from compliance to connection, this session is your blueprint.
This session will explore effective strategies for promoting Advanced Placement (AP) opportunities within schools. Participants will learn how to engage key stakeholders to increase AP enrollment and success. Topics will include leveraging AP Potential data, organizing impactful parent nights and student seminars, and aligning course offerings with student interest and readiness.
Empower students to become confident and strategic problem solvers with daily routines that build mathematical thinking over time. In this interactive session, we will explore key insights from Daily Routines to Jump-Start Math Problem Solving by John J. SanGiovanni and examine how consistent, purposeful tasks can shape student understanding and strengthen their reasoning skills. Participants will engage with high-leverage routines designed to develop flexible thinking, perseverance, and a deep grasp of mathematical concepts. Leave equipped with ready-to-implement strategies that align with your instructional goals and support the development of independent problem solvers in every classroom.
Feeling overwhelmed by IEPs, 504 Plans, or gifted education requirements? You’re not alone—and you’re in the right place. This breakout session is designed specifically for Teachers, Guidance or any new staff who are new to supporting exceptional learners. In a judgment-free, supportive environment, we’ll break down the key components of ESE (Exceptional Student Education), 504 Plans, and Gifted programming. You’ll gain a foundational understanding of legal requirements, accommodations, and how to meet the diverse needs of your students. Best of all? You’ll walk away with practical tools, boosted confidence—and just enough knowledge to keep you out of “ESE jail.”
