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Core Curriculum
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MODEL SCHOOLS CONFERENCE
2026 Event Agenda
June 28-July 1 | Marriott World Center Orlando
Empowering Bright Futures
Join us to lead change and inspire students in districts, schools and classrooms across the country and beyond.
Topics include:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Assessment and data
- English language learners/multi lingual learners
- Intervention and MTSS
- Literacy, math, engagement and instructional strategies
- School improvement and accountability
- Strategies for building transformative relationships with at-risk students
- Reducing burnout: re-igniting passion in education professionals
- AND MORE!
2026 Featured speakers
Dr. Adam Drummond
Author, Senior Director; Center for Model Schools
Toney Jackson
Teacher, Poet, Author
Kristina Smekens
Educator, Literacy Consultant
Dr. Lucretia Prince
Principal
Natasha Brown
Principal
Karen Cagle
Instruction and Leadership Coach
Dr. Marc Cohen
Instruction and Leadership Coach
Dr. Heather Davis Schmidt
Former Superintendent; Instruction and Leadership Coach
Stascia Hardy
Instruction and Leadership Coach
Robert Thornell
Author and Instruction and Leadership Coach
Oatanisha Dawson
Instruction and Leadership Coach
Leah Lecomte
Instruction and Leadership Coach
MSC 2026 Model Schools, Innovative Districts, and Epic Educators
Learn from educators driving transformational change.
The Model Schools 2026 class will be announced March 1, 2026.
- Model elementary schools
- Model middle schools
- Model high schools
- Innovative districts
- Epic educators
Model Elementary Schools:
- Double digit growth
- Adaptable, replicable strategies
- Zero to low cost to impact growth
- Challenging circumstances
- Team approach to change
- Focused on the needs of students
Model Middle Schools:
- Double digit growth
- Adaptable, replicable strategies
- Zero to low cost to impact growth
- Challenging circumstances
- Team approach to change
- Focused on the needs of students
Model High Schools:
- Double digit growth
- Adaptable, replicable strategies
- Zero to low cost to impact growth
- Challenging circumstances
- Team approach to change
- Focused on the needs of students
Innovative districts:
- Double digit growth
- Adaptable, replicable strategies
- Zero to low cost to impact growth
- Challenging circumstances
- Team approach to change
- Focused on the needs of students
- Systemwide approach
Epic educators:
- Single or double digit growth
- Adaptable, replicable strategies
- Zero to low cost to impact growth
- Challenging circumstances
- Focused on the needs of students
Featured programming
| Sunday, June 28 | |
|---|---|
| 9:00am–7:00pm | Registration |
| 11:00am–4:00pm | Pre-Conference Sessions (optional, lunch included) |
| 7:00pm–8:00pm | Opening Keynote Experience—Cypress Ballroom |
| Monday, June 29 | |
|---|---|
| 7:00am–8:00am | Light Breakfast—included* |
| 7:00am–4:00pm | Registration |
| 8:00am–9:00am | Opening Keynote—Cypress Ballroom |
| 9:30am–12:00pm | Concurrent Sessions |
| 12:00pm–1:30pm | Lunch—included* |
| 1:30pm–4:00pm | Concurrent Sessions |
| Tuesday, June 30 | |
|---|---|
| 7:00am–8:00am | Light Breakfast—included* |
| 7:00am–4:00pm | Registration |
| 8:00am–12:00pm | Concurrent Sessions |
| 12:00pm–1:30pm | Lunch—included* |
| 1:30pm–4:00pm | Concurrent Sessions |
| Wednesday, July 1 | |
|---|---|
| 7:00am–8:00am | Light Breakfast—included* |
| 8:00am–12:00pm | Concurrent Sessions |
| 11:00am–12:00pm | Closing Keynote—Cypress Ballroom |
*Breakfast and Lunch included on Monday and Tuesday and Breakfast on Wednesday
Marriott World Center | 8701 World Center Dr, Orlando, FL 32821
Building Trust and Navigating AI in K–12 Leadership
In this immersive pre-conference session, K–12 leaders will explore how to cultivate trust—among staff, students, and communities—with responsible integration of artificial intelligence. Based on over 20 years of research from The University of Chicago Consortium on School Research on the 5Essentials® for school improvement, trust is the foundation for strong collaboration and effective instructional practice. Through scenario-based learning rooted in real-world examples, participants will examine how AI tools can enhance learning, streamline operations, and strengthen decision-making without compromising transparency or ethics. Leaders learn strategies and build confidence with emerging technologies while maintaining a people-first culture. Participants leave the session with practical tools to amplify collaboration, communication, and clarity in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Join us to discover how trust and AI together can empower your school community to thrive in the future of education.
Learning Outcomes
- Establish Ethical AI Guidelines:
Develop a plan for safely and responsibly incorporating artificial intelligence into district and school operations—grounded in transparency, data privacy, and equitable access that maintain trust. - Enhance Leadership Efficiency:
Explore practical ways to leverage AI tools to streamline administrative tasks, improve communication, and make more informed, data-driven decisions—freeing time to focus on instructional leadership. - Empower and Equip Staff:
Gain evidence-based strategies to build staff confidence and capacity in using AI, fostering a culture of trust, curiosity, and continuous learning across the school community.
Teaching with Trust in the Age of AI
In this engaging pre-conference session K–12 teachers explore how artificial intelligence can enhance—not replace—the heart of great teaching: human connection and trust. Based on over 20 years of research from The University of Chicago Consortium on School Research on the 5Essentials® for school improvement, trust is the foundation for strong collaboration and effective instructional practice. Participants will explore practical ways to use AI to streamline lesson planning, personalize learning, and support student creativity while maintaining professional judgment and ethical boundaries. Through interactive activities and real-world examples, teachers will discover how to balance innovation with intention, ensuring technology serves as a trusted partner in the classroom. Together, we’ll unpack what it means to teach confidently, compassionately, and creatively in an AI-empowered world.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply AI Responsibly in Instruction:
Identify safe, ethical, and effective ways to integrate AI tools into classroom practice to support student learning and engagement. - Increase Efficiency and Creativity:
Explore how AI can save time on tasks like grading, feedback, and resource creation—allowing more focus on student relationships and meaningful instruction. Foster Trust and Empower Students:
Apply evidence-based strategies to empower students to become thoughtful, responsible users of emerging technologies.
Experience Unique, Impactful Professional Learning
Explore 160+ sessions designed to help you tackle today’s most pressing educational challenges head-on.
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