CAS Annual Conference 2025: Full Schedule

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10:15am PDT

Bridging the Gap: Streamlining Systems to Welcome and Onboard Multilingual Learners

Thursday March 27, 2025 10:15am - 11:30am PDT

This workshop will equip school administrators with the tools and strategies needed to create effective, efficient systems for welcoming and onboarding multilingual learners into their school district. Participants will explore best practices for establishing seamless enrollment processes, building culturally responsive support systems, and fostering an inclusive school environment. Through practical examples and collaborative discussions, administrators will gain the knowledge to implement clear, scalable procedures that ensure multilingual learners feel valued, supported, and ready to succeed from day one. Join me to learn how to create a welcoming and equitable experience that empowers both students and families in the transition to your school district.

Speakers

Matt Talmadge

Principal, Westbrook Middle School

Matt Talmadge is the principal of Westbrook Middle School and is the PreK-12 MLL Student Services and Family Outreach Coordinator for the district. Westbrook Middle School, a recent school of distinction, has recently been named the top middle school in Middlesex County by Niche.com... Read More →

Thursday March 27, 2025 10:15am - 11:30am PDT
B

10:15am PDT

Building Community in School: The Impact of Technology in a Phone-Based World LIMITED

Thursday March 27, 2025 10:15am - 11:30am PDT

This session equips school leaders with the tools to guide their teachers in creating equitable environments that foster independence and success for all learners. Participants will explore actionable methods to support educators in implementing culturally responsive teaching practices that empower students to take ownership of their learning. Through collaborative discussions, practical examples, and planning opportunities, school leaders will leave with a clear action plan to elevate equity and independence in their schools. By the end of the session, participants will be able to develop a professional learning plan for their staff that includes at least two strategies to promote equitable practices and build student independence in the classroom.

Speakers

Joann Freiberg

Consultant, School Climate Consultants

Jo Ann Freiberg recently retired as an Educational Consultant with the Connecticut State Department of Education working in the Turnaround Office. She managed the wide arena of Bullying, Improving School Climate, Restorative Practices, Childhood Trauma, Cultural Competence and Character... Read More →

Patricia A. Ciccone

Consultant, School Climate Consultants

Pat Ciccone has held positions across the educational spectrum, pre-K through 12 and at the college level and now works as a private Education Consultant with School Climate Consultants, LLC. Holding multiple superintendencies and directorships, Pat’s “North Star” has been improving... Read More →

Thursday March 27, 2025 10:15am - 11:30am PDT
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10:15am PDT

Building Trust to Foster Academic Achievement FILLING

Thursday March 27, 2025 10:15am - 11:30am PDT

Achieving academic excellence requires leaders to foster a culture of trust, inclusion, and belonging. Teachers thrive when they feel safe to take instructional risks and innovate, while students excel when high expectations are paired with appropriate support.
Leaders must navigate staffing challenges, financial constraints, and daily demands while staying steadfast in their vision and mission. This requires intentional practices such as clear communication, data-driven feedback, and a relentless focus on content standards, all while prioritizing teacher empowerment.
In this session, a veteran Principal who achieved Blue Ribbon status and a new Principal striving for the same distinction will share proven strategies and fresh perspectives on building trust, fostering belonging, and driving excellence. Participants will gain actionable insights and develop personalized plans to implement trust-building initiatives, empowering teachers and creating meaningful learning outcomes for students, even amid the complex realities school leaders face.

Speakers

Dr. Dana Perez

Principal, Pembroke Elementary School

Dr. Dana Perez, Principal of Pembroke Elementary School in Danbury, CT, has over 15 years of experience in education within the Danbury Public School system. She earned a Doctorate in Education from Fordham University, a Master’s in School Counseling from Mercy College, and a Bachelor’s... Read More →

Keshia Smith-Davis

Principal, Great Plain School

Dr. Keshia Smith-Davis a visionary educator and leader, has dedicated her career to fostering academic excellence and student success. Beginning as a substitute teacher in Yonkers, she advanced to teaching in Richmond, Virginia, and later served as assistant principal in Farmville... Read More →

Thursday March 27, 2025 10:15am - 11:30am PDT
5

10:15am PDT

Leading For Equity… Empowering Staff To Lead The Work FILLING

Thursday March 27, 2025 10:15am - 11:30am PDT

Leading for equity is one of the most rewarding and difficult challenges leaders face today. It requires time, dedication, persistence, and in many cases “unlearning”. Prior to engaging in equity work with stakeholders leaders must build learning structures and routines that continuously develop racial consciousness in themselves and their staff. In this session, we will provide a detailed analysis of a process for becoming leaders of a culture of self-reflection, distributive/shared leadership, and collective responsibility for equity while providing first hand accounts from staff members on how these changes are spreading throughout the school. The goal of the session is to first understand what equity work is and how we, as educational leaders, can build a systemic culture of equity. A secondary goal is to have session participants reflect on their own racial consciousness and how that can impact their leadership, in turn affect school transformation.

Speakers

Daniel Dias

Principal, John Wallace Middle School

Daniel Dias: Daniel Dias is a passionate educational leader dedicated to nurturing young minds. As principal of John Wallace Middle School, he fosters a welcoming community that values equity, curiosity, and responsibility. Known for his approachable demeanor and open communication... Read More →

Marco Tirillo

Assistant Principal, John Wallace Middle School

Marco Tirillo: With over 20 years in education, I bring extensive experience as a teacher and administrator. My journey includes 8 years of teaching and 13 years as an assistant principal across urban and suburban districts, spanning grades 5-12 in magnet and traditional schools... Read More →

Alicyn Pulcini

Instructional Coach and Reading/Language Arts Consultant, John Wallace Middle School

Alicyn Pulcini: I am an Instructional Coach and Reading/Language Arts Consultant with over 30 years of experience at the elementary and middle school levels. My career reflects a deep commitment to literacy and effective teaching practices. As a Reading Consultant, I lead our school’s... Read More →

Emily Lago

Instructional Coach, John Wallace Middle School

Emily Lago: With nearly a decade in education, I am in my third year as an instructional coach. I began as a high school math teacher, designing a self-paced course for seniors and researching justification in math while implementing the "thinking classroom" model. My experience spans... Read More →

Thursday March 27, 2025 10:15am - 11:30am PDT
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10:15am PDT

Student Lead Restorative Programming FILLING

Thursday March 27, 2025 10:15am - 11:30am PDT

Ballroom

Being a relationships-first school based on the tenets of restorative practices is no easy task. This is not just a program you implement, it is a way of being, a mindset shift. It’s about empowering ALL members of a school community to understand more about the human condition and how our perceptions and emotions impact our interactions and our ability to learn. The state mandate for Restorative Practices training is for staff only. To truly move forward on this journey, the whole school community needs to be engaged, and that includes the majority of every building, the students! Students yearn to be seen, respected, and valued. By empowering the students to lead, this becomes a team effort, rather than something being “done to” them. Utilizing the student's voice allows for increased buy-in.
This workshop will explore ways that all school community members can work “with” each other to effect real change in their school climates and cultures.

Speakers

Annie Mohr

Assistant Principal, Helen Keller Middle School

Annie Mohr is in her 25th year as an educator. She was a Spanish teacher for 17 years and has spent the last 8 years as the Assistant Principal, all at Helen Keller Middle School. Annie has led her school through the transformation process of becoming a relationships-first community... Read More →

Dr. Matt Baca

Science Teacher, Helen Keller Middle School

Matt Baca is in his 6th year as science educator in middle school. He has leadership experience in the education and medical field and is also a medical doctor with research and leadership experience. He has been the advisor for the Peer leadership group for the past 5 years at... Read More →

Robb Armstrong

Program Director, Dylan's Wings of Change

Robb Armstrong is the Program Director for Dylan’s Wings of Change and a Master Trainer for the Wingman Program. He has facilitated social-emotional learning, team building, leadership, staff development, and teacher training for the past 20+ years. Robb is passionate about fostering... Read More →

Thursday March 27, 2025 10:15am - 11:30am PDT
Ballroom

10:15am PDT

Value and Retain Excellence Through Stay Interviews LIMITED

Thursday March 27, 2025 10:15am - 11:30am PDT

Participants will understand the positive impact conducting "Stay Interviews" have in improving organizational health. When thoughtfully implemented and sustained, "Stay Interviews" have to the ability to affirm and sustain a sense of belonging and engagement.

Through observation of a live and interactive simulation, participants will develop and initial understanding of the skills necessary to effectively conduct "Stay Interviews".
This is experience is designed to creatively capture the active listening skills and nuanced decision making necessary to execute this practice.

Participants will learn the fundamentals and be provided with resources to support their efforts back in respective schools / districts.

Speakers

Luke Forshaw

Director of Professional Development Services CES, CES

Luke Forshaw is proud to lead the Cooperative Educational Services Professional Development team. Prior to this role, Luke has been a classroom teacher and educational leader with experience in both building and district service. He continues to teach graduate course work in curriculum... Read More →

Chris LaBelle

Associate Executive Director, CES

Christopher La Belle joined CES in 2005. He has nearly 25 years of educational experience, including nine years as an urban elementary school principal in Connecticut. La Belle was the 2009 Magnet Schools of America Northeast Regional Principal of the Year. He is a veteran of the... Read More →

Lynda Swift

HR Generalist, CES

Lynda Swift is the HR generalist for CES. A passionate and skilled professional, she serves the unique and varied needs of a dynamic RESC.

Thursday March 27, 2025 10:15am - 11:30am PDT
B

12:20pm PDT

Co-creating the Conditions Necessary for Deep Learning in Your School FILLING

Thursday March 27, 2025 12:20pm - 1:35pm PDT

This workshop focuses on the work of Jal Mehta, Michael Fullan, and others who express the need for collaborative transformation of schools to ensure passionate and purposeful learning for students and adults. While district level direction can drive transformation, school leaders can also enact transformative change at the school level. This workshop focuses on how to work within current conditions to lead transformation. Participants will develop a definition of deep learning and identify both the school conditions and leadership actions that support its development. Workshop experiences will lead the exploration of current research in this topic and allow participants to reflect on current practices.

Speakers

Kelly Lyman

Coordinator, Executive Leadership Program, University of Connecticut

For nearly 30 years, Kelly served as a school leader in Connecticut. In her work she focused on systemic improvement efforts designed to develop in students the knowledge, skills, and understandings necessary for success in a rapidly changing global environment. She has long been... Read More →

Thursday March 27, 2025 12:20pm - 1:35pm PDT
A

12:20pm PDT

Empowering Student and Teacher Leadership Through Project-Based Learning LIMITED

Thursday March 27, 2025 12:20pm - 1:35pm PDT

Discover how project-based learning (PBL) fosters collaborative and shared leadership among students and educators. By granting genuine agency and engaging both students and teachers in real-world initiatives—such as leading podcasts and planning school-wide and community-based events—PBL nurtures pride, purpose, and confidence. In this session, you will hear about how our school has implemented these strategies to empower students and teachers as leaders, develop effective collaboration, and create a culture of shared ownership in learning. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how PBL can cultivate leadership, teamwork, and a culture of shared ownership, and will leave with ideas for how to integrate these approaches into their own practice to drive innovation and engagement within their school communities.

Speakers

Dr. Kristy Zaleta

Principal, Rogers Park Middle School

Dr. Kristy Zaleta is in her 21st year with Danbury Public Schools and 7th as Principal of Rogers Park Middle School. A second-career educator, she began as an 8th-grade science teacher before becoming Associate Principal of Instruction for Danbury’s middle schools. Honored as the... Read More →

Thursday March 27, 2025 12:20pm - 1:35pm PDT
B

12:20pm PDT

PDSA in Action: Transforming Professional Learning Systems LIMITED

Thursday March 27, 2025 12:20pm - 1:35pm PDT

This session introduces an innovative building-based professional learning model that prioritizes teacher choice, voice, and creativity. Designed to align with principles of high-quality instruction, this system empowers educators to explore topics of personal interest, implement classroom innovations using the PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) cycle, and share their insights through peer-led sessions. By fostering collaboration and professional advice networks, this approach creates a dynamic environment for continuous growth and impactful instructional practices.

Speakers

Dr. Garan Mullin

Principal, E.C. Adams Middle School

Currently the Principal at E.C. Adams Middle School in Guilford, Garan has worked as a school administrator in CT for over a decade at the building and district level. She served as the middle school coordinator of Special Education for the Fairfield Public Schools and as Assistant... Read More →

Thursday March 27, 2025 12:20pm - 1:35pm PDT
B

12:20pm PDT

Special Education Issues for School Administrators FILLING

Thursday March 27, 2025 12:20pm - 1:35pm PDT

Among many other responsibilities, building leaders often are tasked with addressing a variety of special education issues for their students and related questions from parents and staff. This presentation will discuss important special education legal issues that many school leaders routinely face. The discussion will be led through scenarios and a frequently-asked-questions format, and participants will discuss and learn about child find obligations, preparation versus predetermination; addressing thorny issues that arise during a PPT meeting; ensuring implementation of IEPs and services; and having difficult conversations with parents and staff. An emphasis will be placed on preventative issue-spotting and practical considerations.

Speakers

Julia Wilde

Partner, Shipman and Goodwin

Julia Wilde, from Shipman's School Law Practice Group, advises educational institutions on diverse education, special education, and labor issues. Julia focuses on collaborative dispute resolution, building strong relationships with school stakeholders to proactively address challenges... Read More →

Abby Booth

Associate, Shipman & Goodwin LLP

Abby Booth is a member of the firm’s School Law Practice Group, where she counsels independent and public schools on an array of general education, special education, and labor and employment matters. She also has experience litigating employment disputes on behalf of public schools... Read More →

Thursday March 27, 2025 12:20pm - 1:35pm PDT
7

12:20pm PDT

Tackling Chronic Absence and Accelerating Attendance Gains through Systems & Structures LIMITED

Thursday March 27, 2025 12:20pm - 1:35pm PDT

Are you addressing chronic absence with a cohesive, all-hands-on-deck approach? This workshop focuses on building a district-wide attendance team with all voices at the table, ensuring school attendance teams meet with fidelity, and breaking down silos to avoid duplicating efforts. Participants will reflect on creating a culture that prioritizes attendance and engagement, shifting mindsets, improving systems and structures, and implementing smarter, more effective practices. Through collaborative discussions, problem-solving, and shared insights, attendees will leave equipped with powerful agenda templates and actionable strategies including reflection activities, incentives, and high impact tiered interventions using a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS). Participants will learn about one such high impact intervention – CSDE’s relational home visit model, the Learner Engagement & Attendance Program (LEAP), proven to lead to a 15 percentage point increase in attendance for students who received a LEAP home visit.

Speakers

Caroline Calhoun

Professional Learning & Attendance Specialist and LEAP Coordinator, EdAdvance

Caroline C. Calhoun has 20 years of public school teaching experience in upper elementary and middle school, focusing on Humanities–integrated Language Arts and Social Studies. She currently works for EdAdvance, one of Connecticut’s six RESCs, as a Professional Learning and Attendance... Read More →

Kari Sullivan Custer

Lead Attendance Consultant & LEAP Grant Manager, CSDE

Kari Sullivan Custer serves as the Attendance Lead at the Connecticut State Department of Education. Her work involves coordination across agency divisions and with other state agencies and community providers to reduce non-academic barriers to student attendance. As part of this... Read More →

Thursday March 27, 2025 12:20pm - 1:35pm PDT
5

12:20pm PDT

The Keys to Collaborative Leadership are In Plain Sight LIMITED

Thursday March 27, 2025 12:20pm - 1:35pm PDT

Ballroom

Gaining a greater understanding of, and appreciation for, the unique thoughts, perspectives, and ideas of team members is an integral step in creating an inclusive school culture founded on collaborative and shared leadership. This interactive workshop will include hands-on activities designed to stimulate conversation about leadership, collaboration, and bridging the gap between various leadership styles.

Participants will develop a greater understanding of various leadership styles, and their associated strengths/challenges, while discussing strategies and tactics to improve collaboration and shared leadership responsibilities within their Teams.

Speakers

Dan Jaskot

Owner, Empower Leadership

Dan Jaskot is the Owner of Empower Leadership and serves as its Lead Programmer. Dan has designed and delivered over 3,000 team building and leadership development programs and training workshops with Empower Leadership since 2009. Dan has great passion for teaching leadership, team... Read More →

Robb Armstrong

Program Director, Dylan's Wings of Change

Thursday March 27, 2025 12:20pm - 1:35pm PDT
Ballroom

1:55pm PDT

A refresher/update on DCF-mandated reporting requirements (how to protect students, stay out of trouble, and comply with the law) LIMITED

Thursday March 27, 2025 1:55pm - 3:10pm PDT

School administrators struggle each day with their obligations to make mandated reports of suspected child abuse and neglect to DCF, as there are natural interests/instincts in protecting students while avoiding legal jeopardy. Recent legislative changes may complicate this issue. This workshop will 1) go over the legal mandates, including changes from 2024 legislation, 2) provide practical advice, 3) reinforce best practices, and 4) help administrators feel more at ease when called upon to make these difficult decisions.

Speakers

Mark J. Sommaruga

Attorney, Pullman & Comley

Mark J. Sommaruga, a member of the law firm of Pullman & Comley, has spent over 33 years proudly representing schools in Connecticut. Among other things, Mark has extensive experience in counseling and representing his clients in education, labor, employment, and municipal law issues... Read More →

Kimberly Catala

Attorney, Pullman and Comley

Kimberly Catala is an associate in Pullman & Comley’s Labor and Employment, Education Law, and Litigation practices. Prior to joining Pullman & Comley, Kimberly served as a Law Clerk to Connecticut Supreme Court Justice Andrew J. McDonald in Hartford. Kimberly graduated first in... Read More →

Thursday March 27, 2025 1:55pm - 3:10pm PDT
7

1:55pm PDT

Building Leaders and Belonging Through Student Engagement LIMITED

Thursday March 27, 2025 1:55pm - 3:10pm PDT

Ballroom

Join CAS-CIAC Student Board members for an interactive workshop that highlights how collaborative leadership fosters inclusive school environments where every student thrives. Student presenters will share real-world insights, success stories, and strategies for creating a culture of belonging that values diverse voices. Through dynamic activities and actionable frameworks, administrators will explore how to empower students as co-creators of positive change. Leave with practical tools and inspiration to amplify student voices, enhance leadership opportunities, and build stronger, more inclusive school communities.

Speakers

Cherese Odukwe

Assistant Executive Director, Connecticut Association of Schools

Cherese Odukwe’s career as an educator began during her college years at Central Connecticut State University. Initially a marketing major, her experiences working as a substitute teacher at Prince Technical High School ignited a passion for education and for improving the lives... Read More →

Thursday March 27, 2025 1:55pm - 3:10pm PDT
Ballroom

1:55pm PDT

Empowered to Elevate: Practical Strategies to Lift Leaders and School Communities FILLING

Thursday March 27, 2025 1:55pm - 3:10pm PDT

In today’s evolving educational landscape, effective leadership is key to fostering a positive culture and climate. "Empower to Elevate" is designed for school and district leaders looking to clarify their leadership purpose and strengthen their skills. Through interactive activities, participants will reflect on their core "why" and connect personal values to leadership practices, enabling them to inspire meaningful change.

The session will explore strategies for building trust, promoting collaboration, and creating inclusive environments that support growth and innovation. Leaders will leave with actionable insights and practical tools to elevate their school communities.

Attendees will receive resources for reflective practice, activities for team collaboration, and strategies to address educational fatigue. These tools can be tailored to meet the unique needs of individual schools and districts. Participants will gain practical strategies ready for immediate implementation with leadership teams or faculty to create lasting, positive impacts.

Speakers

Dr. Jennifer P Byars

Superintendent, Region 5 District

Dr. Jenn Byars, Superintendent of Amity Regional School District since 2018, is a seasoned educational leader with expertise in curriculum development, instructional leadership, and school administration. Previously, as Assistant Superintendent of Ledyard Public Schools (2014–2018... Read More →

Jill LaPlante

Director of Counseling, Region 5 District

Jill LaPlante is an educational leader currently serving as the Director of Counseling Services for Amity Regional School District #5 in Connecticut. With over 25 years of experience as a teacher, school counselor, and district administrator, Jill’s compassionate leadership builds... Read More →

Monica Kreuzer

High School Associate Principal, Region 5 District

Monica Kreuzer is an educational leader currently serving as Associate Principal at Amity Regional High School. With a master’s in educational leadership and strong background in science education she has experience in curriculum development, teacher evaluation and school improvement... Read More →

Thursday March 27, 2025 1:55pm - 3:10pm PDT
B

1:55pm PDT

Flex First: Building a Culture of Belonging LIMITED

Thursday March 27, 2025 1:55pm - 3:10pm PDT

Speakers

Michael Yagid

Assistant Principal, Ridgefield High School

Michael Yagid- 20 years in education. Physics and Science research teacher to Assistant Principal.

Elizabeth Karlan

Dean of Students, Ridgefield High School

Elizabeth Karlan- 14 years in education. Social Studies teacher an dean of students.

Danny Martins

Social Students Department Chair, Ridgefield High School

Danny Martins - 20 Years in education and currently hold the position of Social Studies Department Chair at Ridgefield High School.

Thursday March 27, 2025 1:55pm - 3:10pm PDT
C

1:55pm PDT

Transformative Discipline: Using Restorative Practices to Enhance Student Engagement and Responsibility FULL

Thursday March 27, 2025 1:55pm - 3:10pm PDT

"Transformative Discipline: Using Restorative Practices to Enhance Student Engagement and Responsibility" is a professional development session designed to equip administrators with practical strategies for implementing restorative practices in their buildings. Participants will explore how shifting from traditional disciplinary methods to restorative approaches can foster a more positive, inclusive school culture. Through collaborative activities and real-world examples, this session will demonstrate how restorative practices can improve student engagement, strengthen relationships, and promote personal accountability. Administrators will learn how to address conflicts constructively, build empathy, and encourage students to take ownership of their actions, ultimately supporting their academic and social-emotional growth. Learning Outcomes: 1. Participants will be able to implement restorative circles and conferences to address student behavior and promote accountability. 2. Participants will develop strategies to create a restorative school environment that encourages student engagement, collaboration, and responsibility.

Speakers

Dr. Jayme Beckham

Principal, J.M. Wright Technical High School

Dr. Beckham is the principal at JM Wright Technical High School and has been an administrator in the CT Technical Education and Career System for the past 11 years. Her leadership philosophy, both as a principal and lifelong athlete and coach, is centered on creating resiliency and... Read More →

Dr. Rodney Irizarry

Assistant Principal, JM Wright Technical High School

Dr. Rodney Irizarry is the Assistant Principal at J.M. Wright Technical High School, with over 26 years of experience as a department head and teacher, and 3 years in administration. He also serves as an adjunct professor specializing in HR. Dr. Irizarry advocates for restorative... Read More →

Thursday March 27, 2025 1:55pm - 3:10pm PDT
C

1:55pm PDT

Unlocking Joy: Strategies and Approaches for Teaching and Engaging the Teen Brain FULL

Thursday March 27, 2025 1:55pm - 3:10pm PDT

Teaching and working with teens in the 21st century is a hard job - the age group of 10-25 is one of immense challenge and vulnerability, especially in the years after Covid. But middle and high school educators have the power to tap into the potential of this time period.
This session will explore the science of the teen brain and will highlight instructional and behavioral approaches teachers - and leaders - can take to unlock the joy in education.

Speakers

Jen Otte

Associate Principal, Lewis Mills High School

Jen Otte is an innovative educational leader with over 20 years of experience as both a teacher and an administrator in Connecticut. She is energetic and incredibly passionate about all things education, especially when it comes to educating our teens and tweens. Her mission is to... Read More →

Thursday March 27, 2025 1:55pm - 3:10pm PDT
A

3:15pm PDT

Social Hour--RSVP REQUIRED BEFORE MARCH 24 FULL

Thursday March 27, 2025 3:15pm - 4:45pm PDT

TBA

Join CAS and colleagues from around the state for a social hour sponsored by Pearson. We will have complimentary hors d'oeurves and a cash bar. Attendees must select this session if they plan to attend, so we can plan accordingly.

Thursday March 27, 2025 3:15pm - 4:45pm PDT
TBA