[Strand] Transformational Teaching & Leadership • [Location] Chastain C • [Audience] All Educators

With Georgia’s new literacy legislation reshaping reading instruction, educators must navigate the intersection of policy and practice. This session unpacks the Science of Reading; what it is, why it matters, and how it aligns with Georgia’s legislative changes. We will explore the critical role of Just Right Reader’s Decodables, in accelerating foundational literacy skills and ensuring students have access to research-backed, engaging texts. Attendees will gain practical insights on implementing evidence-based strategies, leveraging decodables for structured literacy, and ensuring all students develop strong reading proficiency. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, administrator, or literacy leader, this session equips you with the knowledge and tools to accelerate reading achievement in the new era of Georgia education.

[Strand] Transformational Teaching & Leadership • [Location] Chastain I • [Audience] Administrators, Coaches

Collective teacher efficacy has the highest impact on student achievement. Effective collaborative planning is more than a routine meeting—it is a catalyst for shifting school culture and improving student success. When educators believe they can make a difference together, student learning improves significantly. This interactive workshop will guide instructional coaches and lead teachers through a structured, step-by-step approach to implementing and sustaining collaborative literacy planning. Instructional coaching is not about fixing teachers. It is about creating partnerships to support professional growth and student learning. Participants will explore strategies for nurturing educator collaboration, aligning literacy practices with school culture, and addressing challenges in implementation. Through hands-on activities, coaching conversations, and action planning, attendees will leave with practical tools to lead collaborative, literacy-focused transformation in their schools.

[Strand] Transformational Teaching & Leadership • [Location] Chastain G • [Audience] All Educators

In today’s world, students are constantly exposed to complex social, political, and cultural issues. Whether through social media, personal experiences, or current events, these realities shape their perspectives and conversations. As educators, we cannot shield students from the world around them, nor should we. Instead, we must equip them with the skills to engage in meaningful, respectful, and thought-provoking discussions that help them navigate differences and think critically. The ability to engage in civil discourse is fundamental to a thriving democracy, and the classroom provides a critical space for students to practice respectful debate, build understanding across differences, and formulate their own well-informed perspectives. However, in today’s charged climate, educators also need strategies to facilitate these discussions while ensuring psychological safety for all students and protecting themselves professionally.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• How can I foster respectful dialogue and create a safe, inclusive space for discussing controversial topics in my classroom?
• What tools and strategies exist to help me facilitate these conversations with confidence?
• How can I ensure that I am supported when addressing challenging issues in the classroom?

Then this session is for you! Walk away with actionable strategies, research-based frameworks, and the confidence to cultivate BRAVE spaces in your classroom.

[Strand] Technology & AI • [Location] Chastain H • [Audience] Teachers, Administrators, Coaches, Support Staff, Superintendents, Community Partners

AI is no longer the future—it’s the now, and K-12 educators must be ready to harness its power safely and effectively. This introductory workshop is designed for instructional support leaders, instructional coaches, and educators looking to explore how AI can support, not replace, their expertise.

Using my signature framework from my report “AI as an Ally”, this session will provide hands-on strategies to integrate AI into lesson planning, instructional design, and student engagement while keeping equity, accessibility, and ethical use at the center. Participants will:

1- Unpack AI: Learn what AI is (and isn’t) in education.
2- Engage with Real Use Cases: Explore safe AI-powered tools for planning, differentiation, and student-centered learning.
3- Apply the SAFE AI Framework: Ensure AI use aligns with ethical, responsible, and student-first practices.