20th Annual Teacher Leadership Institute: Inspiring Excellence

Do you ever wish you had a personal assistant? Someone you could bounce ideas off of, someone who could proofread your work, someone who could do a bit of research for you and then report back? What about someone who could do monotonous work for you so that you have time for more interesting tasks? In this introductory session, we will explore how generative AI (artificial intelligence) tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot can fill that role and be used to help boost your thinking and productivity. Bring your laptop as you’ll get hands-on practice using a chatbot, discover effective communication strategies to harness its potential as a thought partner, and gain valuable insights to apply to your own professional practice.
Note: We will not be discussing student use of AI in this session.

Discover how coaching can happen in everyday moments—not just formal meetings—by rethinking what coaching looks like in your role. In this session, teachers, administrators, and teacher leaders will reflect on your current environment, assess your readiness to engage in or offer coaching, and explore where meaningful conversations can take root. Through real scenarios and practical tools, you'll identify ways to support growth in yourself and others. Leave with ideas and strategies to help build a culture of continuous learning, no matter your title.

Artificial intelligence is transforming education, offering innovative ways to support both teachers and students. In this interactive session, we’ll explore how MagicSchool.ai can enhance literacy instruction and personalize learning with ease. Discover 5 powerful tools—Decodables, Text Levelers, Vocabulary Lists, Rubric Generator, and UDL Choice Boards—and learn how they can streamline lesson planning, expand student choice, and elevate instruction. Through hands-on practice, you’ll gain practical strategies for integrating AI-driven resources into your daily routine, saving time while maximizing student engagement. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, instructional coach, or administrator, this session will equip you with actionable insights to leverage AI effectively for student success. Please bring your own laptop or device for the most interactive experience.

Pursuit of National Board Certification is one of the most challenging and rewarding professional learning opportunities in which educators can participate. Study after study proves the impact of the National Board process on student learning, student gains, teacher efficacy, and teacher retention. In this session, participants will learn how the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards can be used by all educators and applied to all professional learning.

In this engaging session, you’ll gain valuable insights into the art of creating schools that thrive. We’ll explore the three crucial elements of trust, accountability, and growth that underpin a dynamic and successful learning environment. As we delve into these principles, you’ll uncover actionable strategies and practical wisdom to nurture a culture that empowers both educators and students.

Discover how coaching can happen in everyday moments—not just formal meetings—by rethinking what coaching looks like in your role. In this session, teachers, administrators, and teacher leaders will reflect on your current environment, assess your readiness to engage in or offer coaching, and explore where meaningful conversations can take root. Through real scenarios and practical tools, you'll identify ways to support growth in yourself and others. Leave with ideas and strategies to help build a culture of continuous learning, no matter your title.

Discover how to turn everyday phenomena into powerful science lessons that spark curiosity and critical thinking. In this hands-on session, you’ll explore the Ambitious Science Teaching framework and learn how to design lessons that are both engaging and equitable. Bring a laptop and a science lesson you've used recently—we'll work together to add in engaging elements. You'll leave with practical strategies and clear next steps to make science instruction more meaningful for all learners.

Every teacher is a leader—whether in the classroom, among colleagues, or within the broader school community. This session celebrates the leadership you already demonstrate daily and offers practical strategies to build on your strengths. Through reflection, discussion, and collaborative activities, we’ll explore how to recognize the influence you have, amplify your impact, and foster positive change from wherever you stand. Whether you're leading students, mentoring peers, or shaping school culture, this session will leave you feeling empowered, appreciated, and equipped to continue leading from your current role and realize that everyone is a leader who can make a difference.

In this engaging session, you’ll gain valuable insights into the art of creating schools that thrive. We’ll explore the three crucial elements of trust, accountability, and growth that underpin a dynamic and successful learning environment. As we delve into these principles, you’ll uncover actionable strategies and practical wisdom to nurture a culture that empowers both educators and students.