20th Annual Teacher Leadership Institute: Inspiring Excellence

Struggling to solve a problem? Wish you had a way to break down the barriers standing in your way? Join us for a dynamic and interactive session where we’ll explore Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in action. Through a hands-on simulation, we’ll uncover hidden barriers, collaborate with peers, and develop practical strategies to create more welcoming and effective solutions. Whether you're new to UDL or looking to deepen your understanding, this session will equip you with the tools to approach challenges with a fresh perspective!

Ecucators at all levels and in all roles are welcome as we discover how to harness your personal power to influence change in your community and beyond. Through an engaging blend of discussion, self-reflection, and actionable strategies, participants will explore what power means, how to embrace it authentically, and ways to leverage it for impactful advocacy. Whether you're seeking to lead in your classroom, school, or community, this session will leave you energized and ready to make a difference.

In this interactive session, K-12 educators and administrators will explore practices that honor the backgrounds, experiences, and strengths of all students. You’ll engage with strategies that promote thinking, fairness, connection, and reflection to build stronger classroom communities. You’ll leave with actionable strategies and a personalized plan to create a learning environment where every student feels seen, supported, and valued. No matter your role, you’ll gain insight on how to influence school-wide change with purpose and impact.

In this session, you’ll explore how student interests and local connections can spark meaningful, community-driven learning experiences. Together, we’ll break down the key elements of designing a community-engaged learning unit and consider how it can align with your role, content, and learners. You'll map out how this approach could look in your own context and discover ways to stay connected through a collaborative network. As part of the experience, you’ll have the opportunity to join an in-person or online CEL cohort and/or the CommunityShare network to continue growing your practice.

Get ready to dig into the "why" behind student thinking in math! In this interactive session, you'll explore powerful thinking routines that help students make sense of math concepts—not just memorize them. Try out hands-on strategies, including manipulatives, to uncover common misconceptions and encourage deeper understanding. You'll leave with a small, ready-to-use math task and fresh ideas for building confident, flexible thinkers in your 4th-8th grade classroom.