All admin that support extracurriculars or athletics should plan to attend one of these sessions. Attendees learn about the work of the Extracurriculars, Athletics, and Events Strategic Plan Committee and our goals to better support schools in offering robust programs. Starting with the 2025–2026 school year, Concept Schools will begin using PowerSchool to track extracurricular activities and athletics. This shift will provide valuable data to help both schools and the network make informed decisions and offer practical support for administrators, coaches, and club sponsors.
A key portion of the session will focus on how to effectively use PowerSchool to track clubs and activities. Attendees will also have the opportunity to share successful club ideas from their schools, exchange best practices, and collaborate on future planning.
Director of Specials (Art, Music, Physical Education, Athletics), Central Office
Sheila Crotty-Kagan began her career as a music teacher in Waukegan (IL) Public Schools in January 2003. She completed her masters in educational leadership from Northeastern Illinois University in 2012. At that time, she accepted the position of Enrichment Coordinator with Waukegan... Read More →
In this interactive session, instructional leaders will deepen their understanding of the Danielson Framework for Teaching by closely examining a single component. The session begins with a live modeling of how to unpack the chosen element and identify clear, observable indicators of effective practice. Participants will then work collaboratively to apply the same process to additional components, followed by small group practice to build confidence and consistency in classroom observations
Dr. Zach Paley has been in education for over 13 years and with Concept Schools for four years fulfilling roles as an instructional coach, assistant principal of academics, and regional director of teaching and learning. He earned his Ed.S and Ed.D. through Indiana Wesleyan University... Read More →
Wednesday June 18, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT Hollyhock
Based on the books, The Five Dysfunctions of A Team, by Patrick Lencioni, and John Maxwell's 360 Degree Leader, you will discover powerful leadership practices to become a leader of influence and best practices to grow healthy, high-functioning teams in your school. Are your teams cohesive, or in disarray? Are team meetings active and productive? Does each team member understand their role? Even the best of teams struggle at times. Building cohesive teams is difficult, but it is not complicated.
Attendees will learn:
How to be a leader of influence by leading up - influencing your leader, leading across - leading colleagues and other leaders, and leading down - helping your team grow and be successful.
How to overcome a lack of trust among team members.
Ways to help a team engage in constructive conflict.
How to follow a clear, concise and practical guide to using the five dysfunctions model to improve your team.
What to do to achieve the real power of teamwork.
By developing your skills to become a 360 degree leader, you'll open opportunities for growth and development. Communicate the vision and goals for your school in a way that inspires action and focus. You will become a leader that is loved and respected.
Director of Teaching and Learning, NOH - NOH Regional Office
With over 35 years of experience in education, Lea Hammond has dedicated her life to the education of children in school, at church and her own. For the past 19 years, she has proudly served with Concept Schools, where her journey has included roles as an office assistant, art teacher... Read More →
Director of Teaching and Learning, SOH - SOH Regional Office
Jessica holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership and a Superintendent licensure, bringing 25 years of expertise in education, with a specialization in charter schools across all grade levels. With a deep understanding of curriculum development, special education, and English Language... Read More →
Wednesday June 18, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT Trillium
For many, understanding the value of school culture is not a priority. For some, they have no idea what that means. This training is designed to help leaders understand what school culture is and why it matters. The theme of this year’s summit is: "From Action to Impact: Leading Learning with Purpose" therefore understanding school culture is vital if we truly desire lead with purpose.
My name is Dr. Jeanetta Searcy- Cooper, and I am excited to share a little bit about myself with you. I am originally from Fort Worth, Texas but my husband and I have resided in Minnesota for the past six years. I have been married for 16 years and my husband is a Pastor and an Chef... Read More →
Wednesday June 18, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT Hazelnut
This presentation will highlight the importance of utilizing Facebook and Instagram to engage current families and attract prospective ones. We will explore effective content strategies for each platform, discuss the impact of consistent posting on audience interest, and demonstrate how a strong social media presence can serve as a bridge between the school community and families—bringing classroom moments directly to their devices.
Mitchell Deligio has been with Concept Schools for 2 years now. In his time at the organization, he has developed a wide range of social media templates designed specifically for teachers to help streamline their online communication across Facebook and Instagram. In addition to his... Read More →
Wednesday June 18, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT Bluestem
Director of Specials (Art, Music, Physical Education, Athletics), Central Office
Sheila Crotty-Kagan began her career as a music teacher in Waukegan (IL) Public Schools in January 2003. She completed her masters in educational leadership from Northeastern Illinois University in 2012. At that time, she accepted the position of Enrichment Coordinator with Waukegan... Read More →
Wednesday June 18, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT Cottonwood
Join us in this presentation, where we discuss the top 5 essential concepts every principal should know about special education. By focusing on these five areas, principals can create an equitable and effective learning environment for all students.
Director of Pupil Services, SOH - SOH Regional Office
Melissa Woodruff is a dedicated special education professional with 34 years of experience serving as an Intervention Specialist, Special Education Coordinator, and Director of Special Education. Throughout her career, she has been committed to supporting students with diverse learning... Read More →
Director of Special Education, MO - MO Regional Office
Trudy Williams brings over forty years of hands-on experience in both special and general education, along with a strong background in educational leadership. She has been a dedicated team member at Concept Schools for the past seven years and currently serves as the Director of Special... Read More →
Wednesday June 18, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT Red Oak A
What exactly does your front office staff say to families when they answer the phone? Join Chris Bultman as he shines a light on an often overlooked, yet VERY powerful role in the Concept Schools network: The Registrar! Crush your enrollment goals with this engaging and interesting session in which attendees will learn about: - Phone skills and sales techniques for improved enrollment - Actionable ideas from the "Lunch & Learn" training series with Indiana registrars - Leveraging word of mouth advertising and referrals - The Anatomy of a Sales Call - How to develop and manage a Rockstar Registrar! Take the guesswork out of enrollment and registration, join this session today!
Regional Director of External Affairs, IN - IN Regional Office
My life as a digital nomad screeched to a halt in March 2020. Returning home from Europe, I needed a job. I booked a Zoom interview for Indiana Math and Science Academy and was hired on the spot, virtually. Little did I know this interview would signal a new trajectory for... Read More →
Wednesday June 18, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT Arrowhead
This presentation explores how to build a school-wide culture where students lead the way in science learning—shifting from passive receivers of information to active investigators. Rooted in research-based instructional design, this session blends inspirational leadership stories with practical strategies to foster classrooms where students drive learning from initial curiosity to evidence-based conclusions. Participants will engage with frameworks that emphasize phenomena-driven instruction, collaborative sensemaking, and iterative problem-solving, aligning with NGSS and STEM best practices. Leaders and instructional coaches will explore how to support and sustain these shifts using tools such as Danielson-aligned observations, instructional walkthroughs, and collaborative planning structures that promote consistency, rigor, and equity across classrooms. Emphasis is placed on how leadership can cultivate teacher mindsets that center student agency and deeper learning. Through real-world examples—like student-led investigations, research challenges, and community-based problem solving—participants will leave with both the inspiration and a clear roadmap to lead science instruction with purpose. This 90-minute session equips leaders with actionable techniques to cultivate an inquiry-driven, high-achievement science culture where students confidently take ownership of their learning journey.
Feriha Kazmi is an educator and instructional leader currently serving as a Regional Instructional Coach and Career & Technical Education (CTE) Coordinator for Concept Schools. In this role, she supports school leaders and teachers across the network in building high-quality, purpose-driven... Read More →
Esra Solmaz is the Assistant Principal of STEM & Career and Technical Education (CTE) at Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park in Chicago, Illinois. With over a decade oAf teaching experience spanning middle and high school levels, she has instructed subjects such as General Science... Read More →
Wednesday June 18, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT Wildrye
