The Speakers

Keynote Speakers

David Williams

David Williams is an experienced educational leader dedicated to fostering student success through a strong school culture and innovative instructional practices. As the principal of Hancock Place High School, he leads efforts to implement competency-based learning, flexible scheduling, and data-driven instruction to ensure all students achieve mastery.

With over 17 years of experience as a middle and high school administrator in Missouri and on the east coast, David has built a reputation for creating student-centered learning environments. His background as a classroom teacher and researcher in science and biology informs his approach to instruction and leadership.

As a keynote speaker, David will share insights on how culture can be a catalyst for success in schools. His keynote, Winning Culture for Students and Teachers, will explore the foundations of a thriving school environment and how personalized competency-based education (PCBE) can transform student achievement. His message will inspire educators to rethink traditional structures and embrace strategies that create meaningful, lasting change.

Shauna Stephanchick

Shauna Stephanchick is a passionate advocate for equitable education and the President and Founder of StepUp. Through her leadership, StepUp partners with over 200 Missouri schools to strengthen curriculum, assessment, and instruction systems. Her work focuses on breaking down systemic barriers in education by equipping schools with the strategies, tools, and professional learning they need to create lasting change.

With extensive experience as a teacher, instructional coach, principal, and consultant for the Missouri State Department of Education, Shauna understands the challenges educators face. She works alongside school leaders and teachers to implement data-driven practices, develop high-quality curriculum, and create collaborative learning environments that drive student success. Her mission is to support Missouri schools in retaining high-quality teachers while fostering innovative and effective instructional practices.

As a keynote speaker, Shauna brings a wealth of experience and a passion for meaningful change in education. She envisions a future where Missouri’s schools are places where educators thrive, and all students have access to meaningful learning opportunities that prepare them for success.

Breakout Session Presenters

Dr. Melissa Miller ﹀

Meet Your New Wingman: Reduce Anxiety, Elevate PD, and Use Your New AI Bestie to Transform Your Leadership

Dr. Melissa Miller serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Academic Services for the Excelsior Springs School District, bringing over 20 years of experience in education. Her career has spanned multiple roles, including middle and high school teacher, instructional coach, high school assistant principal, and now district leadership, where she focuses on creating curriculum that makes a difference and intentional instruction that impacts our students. Dr. Miller is deeply committed to ensuring that student success remains at the heart of every decision. She is passionate about empowering educators, not only by fostering teacher growth but also by equipping principals to be strong instructional leaders. Her leadership is driven by a belief that when school leaders are supported, entire learning communities thrive. With a track record of implementing effective instructional strategies and championing professional development, Dr. Miller continues to make a lasting impact on the district. Her dedication to excellence in education reflects her unwavering focus on creating the best possible learning experiences for all students.

Breakout Session Info:

Description: Leadership in education comes with big decisions, tough conversations, and the constant pressure to support staff effectively—all while staying focused on what truly matters. What if you had a reliable, unbiased thought partner to help you navigate it all? In this engaging session, discover how AI can be your ultimate wingman, making your leadership more intentional, your professional development more impactful, and your decision-making more confident. Learn how to use AI to prepare for difficult conversations, generate fresh ideas, and alleviate anxiety by offering objective insights and support. Walk away with practical strategies to integrate AI into your daily leadership practice, empowering you to lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Utilize AI as a Leadership Thought Partner – Explore how AI can provide objective feedback, generate ideas, and support decision-making to enhance leadership effectiveness.
Enhance Professional Development with AI – Learn how AI can streamline the creation of engaging, relevant, and personalized professional learning experiences for educators.
Prepare for and Navigate Difficult Conversations – Discover how AI can assist in structuring and refining communication strategies to approach challenging discussions with confidence.
Reduce Leadership Anxiety and Improve Focus – Identify AI tools that help manage workload, prioritize tasks, and maintain a clear focus on staff and student success.
Implement AI in Everyday Leadership Practices – Gain actionable strategies to seamlessly integrate AI into daily workflows, making leadership more efficient, purposeful, and impactful.

Melanie Rucker ﹀

Excellence Occurs Where the Light Shines

Melanie's unrelenting focus on student academic success has not wavered over the past 28 years as an educator. As the Elementary Principal at Cameron R-I School District, she knows that the foundation of success lies with teachers and their impact. Teachers transform student learning through instruction and assessment analysis to determine next steps. She views the role of administration as essential in shining a light on instruction and assessment through collaborative processes with teachers.

Throughout her career, Melanie has held several roles, including classroom and special education teacher, special education director, Title programs supervisor, and elementary principal—allowing her to approach education from multiple perspectives. She is especially proud of her staff and school for earning the Missouri Gold Star School and National Blue Ribbon Award for Exemplary Performance in 2022. The dedication, commitment, and focus on instruction and assessment led to those achievements.

You won’t want to miss her breakout session, Excellence Occurs Where the Light Shines, where she will share how to support the use of common assessments by leading game-changing collaborative meetings on instruction and assessment.

Breakout Session Info:

Description: When the light shines on instruction and assessment, students and staff will also shine. This session will focus on the clarity of rigorous common assessments and how to lead effective instructionally aligned collaborative meetings. Missouri Assessment Program results, Missouri Assessment and Teaching Tool resource, and proficiency forms will all be included in this learning session.

Objectives: The participant will determine ways to support assessment. The participant will apply instructional collaborative meetings.

Chris Gabriel ﹀

Curriculum Management and Design - Pulling it All Together

Chris Gabriel is a seasoned Missouri educator with 25 years of experience in various roles, including teacher, coach, principal, and district administrator. He currently serves as the Executive Director of Educational Services for the Fort Osage School District, where his responsibilities encompass curriculum management and development, district testing coordination, summer school administration, as well as various other educational services programming. Previously, as an elementary principal in the Liberty School District, he was honored as a Missouri Distinguished Principal and served as the MAESP Federal Relations Coordinator. Mr. Gabriel holds a BA from the University of Iowa and an M.Ed. and Ed.S. from Northwest Missouri State University. He and his wife, Dr. Carrie Gabriel, have three children.

Breakout Session Info:

Description: Join this session to discover how Fort Osage is leading the way in curriculum review and revision. Dr. Gabriel will share insights into Fort Osage’s revision process and how they are integrating Visible Learning principles to support their journey toward Competency-Based Education as part of the Missouri Success-Ready Schools Network. Learn how these efforts are enhancing learning outcomes and providing meaningful support for teachers across the district.

Objectives:

Explore Fort Osage’s curriculum review and revision processes
Learn how Visible Learning principles support all learners
Understand strategies for aligning curriculum with instructional best practices

Lindsay Leonard ﹀

Writing is Our Game!

Lindsay Leonard is in her 10th year as an elementary principal in the Pilot Grove School District. She has experience teaching both primary and intermediate grades as a classroom teacher. Passionate about curriculum, she is dedicated to fostering student growth through a growth mindset and positive connections.

Breakout Session Info:

Description: Writing is a process! Gaining clarity of the standards, knowing how to organize and structure prewrites, set goals/common expectations and grow is exactly what we needed at Pilot Grove. Our teachers in all content areas learned ways to utilize graphic organizers and provide common expectations to see writing improve across the district.

Objectives: Teachers and administrators will:

Gain knowledge in starting a writing improvement team
Gain clarity of writing standards
Leave with writing tools and resources to support writing growth

DESE's Office of Quality Schools ﹀

Assessment & Accountability: Key Updates

Breakout Session Info:

Description: Stay informed with the latest updates from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE) Office of Quality Schools. This session will cover essential assessment updates, including key changes and considerations for the upcoming year. Attendees will also gain insights into new data reports set to be released in late June and early July, helping districts prepare for implementation and data-driven decision-making. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from DESE!

Dr. Jennifer Renegar ﹀

From Data to Action: Practical Strategies for Educators

Dr. Renegar is a seasoned educator with 27 years of experience in K-12 education. She has served as a high school math teacher, K-12 Math Curriculum Coordinator, Secondary Curriculum Specialist, and currently as the Data & Assessment Specialist for Republic Schools. In this role, she collaborates with teachers and administrators to analyze data, set measurable goals, and develop action plans that drive student success. Jennifer specializes in using data at multiple levels—guiding classroom teachers in checks for understanding, formative assessments, and common assessments; supporting PLCs in data-driven instructional decisions; and working with administrators to develop system-wide strategies. Her expertise in Excel and Google Sheets streamlines data processes, making insights more accessible and actionable. Beyond K-12 education, Dr. Renegar serves as an adjunct instructor at Evangel University, where she guides future educational leaders in data-driven decision-making. She also leads a regional professional learning network through GOCSD, fostering collaboration among educators supporting data and assessment processes. Passionate about transforming data into meaningful action, she is committed to empowering educators with the tools and strategies needed to drive continuous improvement.

Breakout Session Info:

Description: Educators collect and analyze data constantly—but how do we ensure it leads to meaningful action? In this session, we’ll explore practical strategies for guiding teams and administrators through data analysis and decision-making. We’ll examine how to use data at multiple levels, from classroom checks for understanding to common assessments that drive instructional shifts. Additionally, we’ll dive into structured protocols that streamline the data conversation, ensuring teams move from analysis to action efficiently. Dr. Renegar will introduce her favorite data protocol, sharing how it fosters collaboration, identifies instructional next steps, and supports PLCs in making data-driven decisions. Participants will leave with concrete strategies for leading effective data discussions, equipping their teams with tools to turn insights into impactful action.

Objectives:

Understand how to use data effectively at multiple levels, from classroom checks for understanding to system-wide decision-making.
Explore structured data protocols that support collaborative analysis and action planning.
Gain practical strategies for facilitating productive data conversations that lead to meaningful instructional changes.

Shelia Littlefield ﹀

Organizing for Success: Leading Instruction through Effective Curriculum Support Utilizing the Missouri Assessment Teaching Tool (MATT)

With 19 years of experience in education, Shelia Littlefield has dedicated her career to fostering student growth and supporting teachers in their professional development. Her journey began in the classroom, teaching 3rd and 4th grade, followed by a role as a Title I interventionist, where she provided targeted support to struggling students.

For the past eight years at Cassville Intermediate in the Cassville School District, Shelia has served as an Instructional Coach, collaborating closely with teachers to offer guidance, resources, and professional development opportunities that enhance classroom instruction and student achievement. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to creating a positive learning environment where both students and educators can thrive.

Passionate about empowering teachers to reach their full potential while helping students achieve academic success, Shelia brings a deep understanding of instructional strategies and curriculum design. Through this work, she strives to make a lasting impact on both the educational community and the future of the students she serves.

Breakout Session Info:

Description: This session will highlight how the Missouri Assessment and Teaching Tool (MATT) can be used as a resource to enhance instructional planning and assessment practices. I will share practical strategies and organizational methods that have been instrumental in supporting teachers through curriculum documents and guiding them toward deeper instruction, with a focus on integrating the Missouri Assessment Teaching Tool (MATT). Utilizing all the resources and tools provided by DESE we turned our pacing guides into hyperdocs that allow for collaborative planning sessions and encourage reflective teaching practices which promote student-centered learning. Through this session, districts can gain insights into how to effectively support teachers in navigating curriculum materials, maximizing their impact in the classroom, and delivering instruction that engages students at a deeper level. By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with practical tools and strategies for leading curriculum-focused professional development, fostering collaboration, and building a strong foundation for instructional excellence across their districts.

Objectives: Attendees will walk away with actionable strategies for leading curriculum-focused professional development, fostering collaboration, and utilizing the Missouri Assessment Teaching Tool to ultimately strengthen the overall instructional framework and student achievement within their districts.

David Williams (Keynote) ﹀

Leading for Change

Breakout Session Info:

Description: Join David Williams for an engaging and practical session designed to empower educational leaders with the tools to drive meaningful and sustainable change. Grounded in the principles of organizational change management, this workshop will help district- and building-level leaders navigate school reform complexities, overcome resistance, and build a culture that fosters innovation and continuous improvement.

This session will blend research-based frameworks with David's real-world experiences leading PCBE transitions. Participants will leave with actionable strategies and practical tools that they can apply in the context of their own schools and districts.

Objectives: Using the transition to personalized competency-based education (PCBE) as a real-world case study, participants will explore how to:

Build a Culture of Innovation: Provide stakeholders with the clarity, skills, and support they need to embrace change and adopt continuous improvement practices that will ensure innovation becomes part of the organizational culture.
Navigate the Emotional Roller Coaster of Change: Understand the phases of change and learn how to leverage formal structures and informal relationships to create an environment where adaptability and innovation thrive.
Manage Resistance Effectively: Identify sources of resistance and implement strategies to address concerns while maintaining momentum.

Dr. Sarah Mwangi ﹀

Remediate with MATT in Mind

Sarah Mwangi is an educational leader dedicated to improving student learning through strategic curriculum design and evidence-based instructional practices. As Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services for Joplin Schools since 2019, she has led district-wide initiatives to strengthen curriculum development using backward design, ensuring alignment between instruction, assessment, and intervention. She guides teams through foundational district work, emphasizing professional learning communities (PLCs) and data-driven decision-making. Leveraging resources like the MATT books, she helps educators clarify learning expectations and design meaningful instruction that meets student needs. With experience as both a classroom teacher and administrator, Sarah bridges the gap between district planning and classroom realities. She empowers educators by providing structures and tools that promote coherence, high-impact teaching, and collaborative problem-solving. Committed to lasting change, Sarah continues to lead efforts that enhance instructional excellence, build teacher capacity, and create dynamic learning experiences for all students.

Breakout Session Info:

Description: Join us for an engaging session on Remediate with MATT in Mind —designed with educators in mind! This session focuses on practical strategies from the MATT (Missouri Assessment and Teaching Tool) book to help teachers address challenges in their classrooms and foster student success. You'll learn tools to strengthen support systems, boost student engagement, and create a positive, inclusive learning environment. This is a great chance to collaborate with other educators, share ideas, and walk away with actionable techniques to make an immediate impact on your teaching. Don't miss this opportunity to take your teaching practice to the next level!

Libbie Burd ﹀

Remediate with MATT in Mind

Libbie Burd is an accomplished Elementary Curriculum Coordinator in the Joplin School District, specializing in designing and implementing curriculum initiatives that drive student success across the district. As a certified LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) Facilitator, she equips educators with the knowledge and tools to transform instruction.

In her role, Libbie utilizes the MATT book to help groups of teachers deeply understand educational standards, enabling them to identify the essential learning students need to achieve. By bridging this gap, she supports educators in aligning their instruction with clear objectives that lead to improved student outcomes.

Through close collaboration with principals, teachers, literacy specialists, and upper administration, Libbie fosters a cohesive approach to curriculum development, empowering teachers to deliver high-quality, standards-driven instruction tailored to the diverse needs of learners.

Breakout Session Info:

Hannah New ﹀

Remediate with the MATT in Mind

Currently serving as the Curriculum Coordinator for Student Services in the Joplin School District since July 2024, Hannah New oversees curriculum development and student services. Prior to this role, she taught Math at Joplin High School (2018-2024), where she designed and aligned curriculum for Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2, earning two Golden Apple Award nominations. Before that, she taught 8th-grade science at Webb City Junior High (2014-2018), focusing on differentiated instruction and curriculum alignment across grades 5-9.

Hannah holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership (2023), a Master of Science in Special Education (2019), and a Bachelor of Science in Education (2014). Her skills include relationship building, data-driven instructional decisions, curriculum design, and mentoring new teachers, demonstrating a strong commitment to enhancing student success and fostering professional growth in education.

Breakout Session Info:

Dr. Amanda Kilgore ﹀

Breakout 1: Stronger Together: Collaboration and Growth for Elective Educators

Breakout 2: Empowering Educators with AI: Transforming Learning Through Innovation

Amanda Kilgore passionately works to help teachers find creative ways to engage students in the learning process. She has spent 22 years in the Raymore-Peculiar School District where she is an Innovation Instructional Coach. She has held a variety of positions and has been a member of a variety of committees in the district. Most recently helping with initiatives in: Real World Learning, Competency Based Learning, Launching a virtual school, Project Based Learning, and developing high quality curricula. Amanda specializes in transforming boring classroom lessons into student-driven experiences. Amanda obtained her doctoral degree from Walden University focusing on the area of Teacher Leadership. She has presented at numerous conferences, and worked as an Adjunct Professor of Education. Amanda is a creative problem solver excited to embark on new adventures to assist teachers in igniting student engagement. Dr. Kilgore has been married to her college sweetheart, Derek, for 24 years. Derek is a graphic artist and provides much of the artwork for EduSoulSisters. Amanda and Derek have 2 children and 2 dogs. There are always fun stories about what the kids or pets are doing around the Kilgore house. They love traveling as a family and playing games.

Breakout Session Info:

Breakout 1: Stronger Together: Collaboration and Growth for Elective Educators

Description: Elective educators often juggle multiple preps, unique content areas, and the challenge of feeling like they’re on an island. This session highlights the power of relationship-building—listening, celebrating successes, and fostering collaboration—to strengthen connections with colleagues and district networks. Participants will explore strategies for managing diverse courses, aligning with standards, and using curriculum frameworks and feedback tools. Through discussions and real-world examples, educators will gain actionable strategies to enhance instruction, promote learner agency, and build a strong professional community.

Breakout 2: Empowering Educators with AI: Transforming Learning Through Innovation

Description: Join us for an interactive session on the role of AI in education! Learn how AI supports instruction and creates more effective learning environments. Participants will explore different types of AI, practical applications in classrooms, and strategies for integrating AI while maintaining ethical and secure practices. Through discussions and real-world examples, educators will gain actionable strategies to leverage AI’s potential, promote student success, and navigate the future of AI-powered learning.

Tammy Novak ﹀

Breakout 1: Stronger Together: Collaboration and Growth for Elective Educators

Breakout 2: Empowering Educators with AI: Transforming Learning Through Innovation

Tammy Novak is an inspirational motivator for districts wanting to transform education. She has 31 years of experience in education with 29 of those years teaching for the Raymore-Peculiar School District where she currently is an Innovation Instructional Coach. Recently, she has been part of transforming the district's alternative high school. In addition, she is involved in education reform that incorporates Project-Based Learning, and Real World Learning. She is a certified eMINTS Teacher, and an eMINTS Educational Technology Specialist. In addition, she received her master’s degree in Educational Technology. She has had opportunities to present both regionally and nationally, including The eMINTS National Center Conference and The Powerful Learning Conference. Being a consultant for FiredUp Consulting allows her to work with other districts throughout Missouri. Tammy Novak is a creative innovative educator that pursues excellence in all that she does. Mrs. Novak has been married to her husband, Donald, for almost 30 years who is a retired educator. In addition, they have two sons, one is an Industrial Systems and Manufacturing Engineer and the other is in college to be a Mechanical Engineer. As a family they enjoy being active in church, playing games, and going to the lake.

Breakout Session Info:

Breakout 1: Stronger Together: Collaboration and Growth for Elective Educators

Breakout 2: Empowering Educators with AI: Transforming Learning Through Innovation

Johna-Kay Sutton ﹀

Leading with Confidence - Cultivating Purpose, Mastery, and Impact in Education

Mrs. Johna-Kaye Sutton, a dedicated educator based in Kansas City, Missouri, is deeply committed to fostering educational success for all students. Raised in central Missouri within a family of educators, she continues a proud legacy of dedication to the field. Currently serving as Principal at Siegrist Elementary in the Platte County R-3 School District, Mrs. Sutton brings a wealth of experience from her diverse roles, including classroom teacher, instructional coach, district coordinator, and Board of Education Member. Believing profoundly in the transformative power of education, Mrs. Sutton views her role as an educator as the most rewarding profession. She is a staunch advocate for the collaborative potential of teamwork in achieving positive outcomes for both students and communities. Mrs. Sutton is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces where every individual feels seen, valued, and heard, thereby fostering environments conducive to growth and learning. Residing in Kansas City for over 25 years with her husband and two sons, Mrs. Sutton is deeply rooted in the community she serves. Her ultimate goal is to cultivate a learning environment where every student can thrive and succeed, continually inspiring and empowering educators and staff to reach new levels of excellence in their profession.

Breakout Session Info:

Description: Confidence in education leadership is about more than expertise—it’s about having a clear sense of purpose, trusting your abilities, and leading with authenticity. Whether you're a teacher, instructional coach, or administrator, developing confidence allows you to make a greater impact, navigate challenges with resilience, and inspire those around you. When educators have autonomy over their work, pursue mastery through continuous learning, and connect their efforts to a greater purpose, they develop the confidence needed to lead effectively. Leaders who step up, adapt, and take ownership of challenges create a positive and lasting impact in their schools. Embracing vulnerability as a strength, showing up for others, and leading with clarity help educators move past self-doubt and into action. This session provides practical strategies to strengthen confidence, overcome common barriers, and develop leadership presence. Through self-reflection, interactive exercises, and real-world leadership scenarios, participants will walk away with tools to lead with purpose, take initiative, and create meaningful change in their schools.

Objective:

Enhance Self-Awareness: Develop a deeper understanding of personal leadership strengths and areas for growth through reflective practices.
Cultivate Resilience: Learn strategies to manage and overcome self-doubt, including techniques to address imposter syndrome and fear of failure.
Implement High-Impact Practices: Adopt effective habits that promote autonomy, continuous learning, and purposeful action in educational leadership roles.

Amber Huskey ﹀

The Power of Partnership: Enhancing Instructional Coaching for Student Success

Amber Huskey is a co-founder of The Link Development STL, providing professional development and instructional coaching to educators. She holds a bachelor's in elementary education and a master's in educational administration. Amber has worked in districts across Missouri, including Kirkwood, North Kansas City, Hazelwood, Brentwood, Ladue, and Webster Groves. She has expertise in balanced literacy, phonics implementation, best practice instruction, and math workshop. She also helped open Windmill School of Denver, contributing to its instructional framework. As an instructional coach, Amber collaborates with teachers and leaders across the state, fostering strong relationships and effective classroom practices. She is also the co-host of The Link Podcast, where she shares insights on education and instructional leadership. Passionate about creating authentic learning experiences, she is dedicated to enhancing student achievement and motivation.

Breakout Session Info:

Description: Join us for an engaging session on building effective instructional coaching and/or leadership partnerships that drive student learning. Presented by Amber Huskey of The Link STL, this session will explore strategies to refine coaching models, foster collaboration, and implement data-driven practices. We’ll dive into The Big 5 Coaching Components—data-driven, instructional leadership, systematic approaches, communication, and partnerships—and provide actionable tools for supporting teachers. Participants will engage in reflective exercises, discuss real-world challenges, and develop personalized coaching action plans. Whether you’re a new or experienced instructional coach, administrator, or educator, this session will equip you with strategies to build strong, trust-based partnerships that enhance teacher capacity and, ultimately, student achievement. Let’s collaborate to strengthen instructional coaching and create impactful learning environments!

Objectives:

Define and Apply Effective Coaching Strategies – Participants will explore The Big 5 Coaching Components and learn how to implement data-driven, student-centered coaching practices that enhance teacher effectiveness and student outcomes.
Strengthen Coaching Partnerships – Attendees will develop strategies for building trust-based, collaborative relationships with teachers and administrators to foster a supportive learning culture.
Create an Actionable Coaching Plan – Participants will engage in reflective exercises and hands-on activities to develop a personalized coaching action plan that aligns with their instructional leadership goals.

Rebecca Kessler ﹀

Competency Based Education - Getting Started

Rebecca Kessler is an experienced educator and instructional specialist with a background in curriculum development, assistive technology, and professional training. She began her career as a dance and color guard coach, where she honed her ability to motivate individuals toward a shared goal. This early experience shaped her approach to education—fostering creativity, adaptability, and strategic problem-solving. Rebecca holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Middle School Mathematics from the University of Central Missouri and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Her teaching experience spans multiple grade levels, including elementary reading intervention, middle school mathematics and special education, high school Algebra and Geometry, and postsecondary special education in real-world learning environments. Recognizing the need for more engaging and applicable professional development, Rebecca has dedicated her career to designing and delivering training that empowers educators and professionals to implement research-based strategies effectively. As an Assistive Technology Coordinator, she explored innovative training techniques, technology integration, and engagement strategies to enhance learning outcomes.

Breakout Session Info:

Description: Competency-Based Education (CBE) shifts the focus from seat time to mastery as students develop real-world skills at their own pace. But how do educators transition to this model? This session provides an introduction to CBE, breaking down key concepts, implementation strategies, and common challenges. We’ll break down the core principles of CBE, define competencies, design assessments that measure mastery, and structure flexible learning pathways. Participants will explore strategies for shifting classroom practices, leveraging technology for progress tracking, and fostering student ownership of learning. Whether exploring CBE for the first time or looking for actionable strategies to bring it to your school, you'll walk away with practical tools, real-world examples, and the confidence to take the first steps toward a competency-based learning model.

Objectives:

Understand the Core Principles of Competency-Based Education.
Develop strategies for implementation.
Apply CBE practices to your own educational setting.

Sue Herrera ﹀

Every Child Deserves a Champion

Sue Herrera’s career in education spans 37 years, during which she has held various roles, including Administrator, Instructional Coach, classroom teacher, mentor and Champion of Students. Her extensive experience in suburban, rural, and urban settings in grades K-6 has equipped her with a wealth of knowledge in educational leadership that have benefited the students, teachers and families she has served.

Throughout her tenure she has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and an unwavering dedication to the success of our students. Her impact as principal has been truly transformative. Under her guidance, the school community thrived, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment. Her dedication, vision, and instructional leadership have inspired students and staff, setting a high standard of excellence and has created a culture of continuous growth and improvement. Herrera took pride in motivating and coaching teachers to become principals, instructional coaches, district leaders and Teachers of the Year. Throughout her tenure in education, Sue and her husband, Mike of 40 years, have raised 4 children and have welcomed 4 grandchildren to the family. She is inspired daily by her faith and family.

Sue retired from public education in July of 2023 and is anxious to share her expertise and passion for instruction with teachers and leaders throughout the state of Missouri.

Breakout Session Info:

Description: This session is based on the Rita Pierson Ted Talk, “Every Child Deserves a Champion”. Learn how to implement systems and strategies to ensure that every child in your school has at least one caring adult who can “champion” their journey.

Objectives:

Attendees will leave with the forms and processes necessary to implement the "Champion Mindset".

Jessica Gray ﹀

Standards-Based Grading: Turning Theory into Action

Jessica has spent the last decade of her career serving as a Missouri educator in Southwest Missouri. She graduated from Missouri State University (MSU) in 2014 with a degree in Elementary Education. She returned to MSU in 2017 and received a Masters of Elementary Education along with an Elementary Mathematics Specialist Certificate. In her 10 years of experience, Jessica has served as a 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, and 6th grade teacher, taught 3rd-6th grade math, and spent 3 years serving as a Title 1 Math and Reading Interventionist. She has also led her districts in various leadership roles, serving on district and building-wide PLC teams and as the Professional Development Committee Chair. One of her favorite roles was her spent time as Curriculum Director. Jessica’s wide range of experience has transformed into a passion of bringing educational equity to all Missouri students, regardless of their district, building, or teacher. She loves working with teachers and empowering them with tools and resources that allow them to bring high quality learning into their classrooms. Jessica resides in Brighton, MO with her husband Dustin and two beautiful girls, Alice and Josie. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and keeping up with her busy girls.

Breakout Session Info:

Description: Join us for an engaging session on Standards-Based Grading (SBG) that will demystify the process and provide you with practical tools to take back to your school. This presentation will explore the why behind SBG, highlight its benefits for student learning, and break down common challenges. You’ll leave with actionable steps, clear strategies, and ready-to-use resources to begin or refine SBG implementation in your classroom or school community. Empower your students with meaningful feedback and take the next step toward educational growth!

Objectives:

Breakdown the barriers districts face with standards-based grading.
Understand the value of SBG and its connection with Universal Design for Learning and CBE.
Clear, actionable steps to implement in your own district's SBG process.

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