Empowering Leaders' Symposium 2026

How can leaders use new flexibility around student growth measures to ensure continuous instructional improvement

How can leaders use new flexibility around student growth measures to ensure continuous instructional improvement

How can leaders use new flexibility around student growth measures to ensure continuous instructional improvement

Instructional improvement doesn't happen because teachers are told to take more risks. It happens when leaders intentionally create the conditions where taking risks feels safe, supported, and worthwhile. This interactive session explores how school leaders can foster a culture of courage through trust, feedback, productive struggle, and shared learning. Participants will examine practical leadership actions that can be implemented immediately to support teachers, strengthen classrooms, and improve learning across their schools.
Designed for elementary administrators, however this session is relevant for leaders at all levels.

Click here for the slide deck.

When ESL and content teachers collaborate effectively, the classroom transforms into a powerhouse for student achievement. School leaders must move beyond simply scheduling collaboration; they must strategically lead co-planning pairs for maximum impact. This session will help you examine effective structures for collaboration between general education and LIEP teachers and introduce observation tools for co-teaching. We will clarify the distinct roles at the planning table: the content teacher provides the rigor of the standards, and the ESL teacher provides the linguistic pathways to achieve them. Learn how to ensure your teams seamlessly merge WIDA Language Expectations with Core Content Standards to create a single, cohesive lesson. Finally, we will discuss creative administrative solutions for the greatest challenge—securing and protecting shared planning time as a non-negotiable for multilingual learner success.

When ESL and content teachers collaborate effectively, the classroom transforms into a powerhouse for student achievement. School leaders must move beyond simply scheduling collaboration; they must strategically lead co-planning pairs for maximum impact. This session will help you examine effective structures for collaboration between general education and LIEP teachers and introduce observation tools for co-teaching. We will clarify the distinct roles at the planning table: the content teacher provides the rigor of the standards, and the ESL teacher provides the linguistic pathways to achieve them. Learn how to ensure your teams seamlessly merge WIDA Language Expectations with Core Content Standards to create a single, cohesive lesson. Finally, we will discuss creative administrative solutions for the greatest challenge—securing and protecting shared planning time as a non-negotiable for multilingual learner success.