CAS Annual Conference 2025

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.

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.

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.


 

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.

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.

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.