Schools are being asked to provide high quality education that is relevant, engaging and has real world applications but yet given few resources. This is especially harder in community schools similar to our network. One of the best ways to do that is to create partnerships between schools and local organizations.
In this session, attendees will learn why community partnerships are essential for schools that need the resources the most. Then, they will learn where to begin. How do we know what’s out there? How to reach out to them? What are some strategies to communicate with them? How to create those connections that are sustainable? How to utilize those partnerships to increase student engagement, learning and transform school culture positively.
Assistant Principal of Academics, STEM, SOH - HSA Columbus High
Oktay Ince is the Assistant Principal of Academics responsible for STEM education at HSA Columbus High School. A recipient of numerous prestigious national and international educator fellowships, grants, and awards, Mr. Ince is passionate about bringing high-quality STEM education... Read More →
Tuesday June 17, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CDT Wildrye
Shifting school culture from the traditional, teacher-centric model to a student-centric, project-based learning (PBL) approach is one of the most significant challenges educational leaders face.
In this session, educational leaders will learn how to implement project-based learning models across all classrooms using proven best practices that are relevant, timely, job-embedded, and ongoing. Additionally, participants will gain insights into how they can develop their own expertise in this area to better support their school communities.
This session aligns with one of Cognia’s four key characteristics—Leadership for Learning—and addresses standards #7 through #15.
Educational leaders will leave the session inspired and motivated to explore ways to enhance high-quality teaching and learning, as well as overall organizational effectiveness, within their schools.
Assistant Principal of Academics, STEM, SOH - HSA Columbus High
Oktay Ince is the Assistant Principal of Academics responsible for STEM education at HSA Columbus High School. A recipient of numerous prestigious national and international educator fellowships, grants, and awards, Mr. Ince is passionate about bringing high-quality STEM education... Read More →
Tuesday June 17, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CDT Wildrye
This session, led by Mr. Zen from HSA Columbus High School, provides a detailed roadmap for schools aiming to achieve STEM designation. It outlines the pre-application process, including site visits to STEM schools, reading relevant literature, and initiating discussions with the administration to align STEM with the school culture. A strong emphasis is placed on PBLWorks training for both administrators and teachers to build foundational knowledge in project-based learning. The session also covers strategic planning elements such as assigning a STEM coordinator, adjusting schedules to allow for collaboration, and establishing incentives for teacher engagement. Communication strategies like staff meetings and parent letters are highlighted to ensure community support. Finally, the presentation reflects on the school’s journey through Cognia accreditation (2020) and obtaining ODE STEM Designation (2021), sharing insights into challenges faced and the importance of maintaining consistency and flexibility during the transition.
Ugur Zengince is an experienced school leader with a strong background in STEM education, Career Technical Education, and charter school development. As Principal of Horizon Science Academy Columbus High School, he has led initiatives that earned the school a STEM designation and... Read More →
