NEASC Showcase 2025: Full Schedule

Location: Nashua, NH, USA | Event Overview | Venue/Accommodations | Contact Us
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7:45am EDT

Breakfast available

Thursday April 3, 2025 7:45am - 8:30am EDT

Foyer

Thursday April 3, 2025 7:45am - 8:30am EDT
Foyer

Break/Networking

7:45am EDT

Registration

Thursday April 3, 2025 7:45am - 8:30am EDT

Foyer

Thursday April 3, 2025 7:45am - 8:30am EDT
Foyer

Break/Networking

8:30am EDT

Opening/Welcome to the Showcase!

Thursday April 3, 2025 8:30am - 8:50am EDT

Grand Ballroom

Speakers

Alyson Geary

Director for Accreditation and School Improvement, Public Schools, NEASC

Thursday April 3, 2025 8:30am - 8:50am EDT
Grand Ballroom

Plenary

8:50am EDT

Break

Thursday April 3, 2025 8:50am - 9:00am EDT

Foyer

Thursday April 3, 2025 8:50am - 9:00am EDT
Foyer

Break/Networking

9:00am EDT

"Sea" the Past in the Present: Inclusive Culminating Project Design

Thursday April 3, 2025 9:00am - 10:10am EDT

Portsmouth Room

A new ninth-grade course, "Early Modern Encounters and Exchange (EMEE)," encourages students to explore the pre-colonial histories of either the Mediterranean Sea and Sahara or the South China Sea. Students connect a current event to course themes and present their findings on a poster at a peer symposium for their culminating project. Drawing from their experiences, participants will learn and practice strategies for matching course goals and essential questions in a culminating project, breaking down departmental silos by seeking out others' expertise, making adjustments mid-course at decision points, engaging students as partners in the process, marshaling school spaces, community practices, and physical resources, and reflecting upon the process to consider what to do in future years.

Speakers

Hopkins School

Thom Peters

History Faculty and School Archivist, Hopkins School

Errol Saunders

History Faculty; Executive Director, Pathfinder, Hopkins School

Beth Cutler

Hopkins School

Thursday April 3, 2025 9:00am - 10:10am EDT
Portsmouth Room

Session 1

9:00am EDT

Creating an Inclusive Environment through Student Leadership

Thursday April 3, 2025 9:00am - 10:10am EDT

Balsam Room

As educational leaders grapple with budgetary constraints, attendance concerns, and student well-being, it is imperative that to identify and implement cost-effective and tangible strategies to increase connection and belonging in schools. Engage in interactive survey questions to illustrate the initiatives implemented. Learn about the strategies used and the importance of using data to identify the specific needs of each school. Attendees will collaborate and draft action plans using a template. Participants will leave with immediate and long-term plans to begin successfully addressing the unique challenges that their schools face.

Speakers

North Brookfield Junior/Senior High School

Cassondra Pelissier

School Counselor, North Brookfield Junior/Senior High School

John Diorio

Principal, North Brookfield Junior/Senior High School

Tova Margolis

Adjustment Counselor, North Brookfield Junior/Senior High School

Thursday April 3, 2025 9:00am - 10:10am EDT
Balsam Room

Session 1

9:00am EDT

Expose, Explore, Experience: A Vision for Community Collaboration

Thursday April 3, 2025 9:00am - 10:10am EDT

Hollis Room

Learn how to synergize classroom learning with engaging out-of-the-building experiences and community collaboration. In 2018, Aspire Gorham was created to bridge student learning and community engagement. This transformative initiative encourages students in every grade to think about their futures, connects students to professionals for career exposure and exploration, and prepares students for employment and citizenship. Data shows students' perceptions increased about their work in high school being relevant to their future selves, and staff feels greater responsibility for students' post-secondary success. Hear from students about their work with teachers and community mentors to pursue authentic career experiences directly tied to future goals and learn specific strategies to implement this transformative program in any school.

Speakers

Gorham High School

Brian Jandreau

Principal, Gorham High School

Eliza Kenigsberg

Career Aspirations & ELO Coordinator, Gorham High School

Kyra Hamblen

Gorham High School Alumni, Gorham High School

Thursday April 3, 2025 9:00am - 10:10am EDT
Hollis Room

Session 1

9:00am EDT

Redesigning Advisory for a Meaningful Student Experience

Thursday April 3, 2025 9:00am - 10:10am EDT

Conway Room

Learn about the process of advisory redesign from idea to implementation. Learn how an advisory redesign launch team reinvented the advisory experience for students; including auditing past practice, redesigning new structures and non-negotiables, curating resources, and delivering professional development. Participants will learn how a high school advisory block can be structured to ensure an equitable and consistent student experiences where meaningful lessons take place for academic, college and career, and social emotional readiness. Participants will learn how to embed 1:1 student conferencing in advisory where advisors meet regularly with students to monitor academic performance through goal setting and frequent check-ins. Participants will receive coaching on how to deliver effective student conferencing through live demonstration, questioning techniques that enhance the conferencing process, strategies for monitoring the effectiveness of advisory redesign implementation, and resources for collecting input from faculty and students on advisory redesign.

Speakers

Chariho Regional High School

Andrea Drake

Principal, Chariho Regional High School

Andrea J. Drake is the Principal of Chariho Regional High School. Prior to her current role, she served as the Assistant Principal for Teaching & Learning for 5-years, the district's Assistant Director of Special Education for 4-years and, prior to that, the district's Response... Read More →

Jean Bradanini

Assistant Principal, Chariho Regional High School

Thursday April 3, 2025 9:00am - 10:10am EDT
Conway Room

Session 1

9:00am EDT

Self-direction: The Key to Authentic Differentiation in a Post-Pandemic Era

Thursday April 3, 2025 9:00am - 10:10am EDT

Chesterfield Room

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically shifted the educational landscape, highlighting the need for flexible and personalized learning experiences. Students' ability to access course material at different times is essential as needs grow more complex. Participants will step into learners' shoes as they experience and explore a classroom model that combines teacher-curated resources and self-paced learning journeys to increase learner agency and autonomy, which increases engagement, motivation, and mastery. Participants will be able to (1) describe the principles and benefits of learner-centered instruction, (2) apply a tiered-level system to differentiate a new or current unit of study, (3) design a physical or digital progress tracker based on shared templates and samples, (4) collect practical strategies for implementing a similar model in their classrooms, and (5) access implementation support and resources for additional professional development.

Speakers

Lexington Christian Academy

Student Presenters

As an organization committed to student agency and to the amplification of diverse voices and perspectives, NEASC is honored to host student speakers and student-centered presentations at this year's event. See session descriptions for details.

Eileen Ng

Head of STEM, Biology Teacher, Lexington Christian Academy

Eileen Ng is a high school biology teacher and the head of STEM at Lexington Christian Academy in Lexington, MA. She coaches and mentors teachers in her school and across the country in innovative, research-backed practices that meet the needs of today’s student.

Nichole Freeman

Educational Consultant, Seasoned Scholar Mentors

I am a veteran educator who served at the elementary level as a classroom teacher and reading specialist for more than 25 years. I’ve recently retired and shifted my focus to supporting educators and homeschoolers.

Thursday April 3, 2025 9:00am - 10:10am EDT
Chesterfield Room

Session 1

9:00am EDT

The Journey: A Roadmap to Implementing Portrait of a Graduate

Thursday April 3, 2025 9:00am - 10:10am EDT

Wentworth Room

In this session, participants will learn how the Newburyport Public Schools made the portrait of a graduate vision a reality. Participants will learn about and experience several of the learning activities that teachers, teacher leaders, and administrators incorporated to bring to life the portrait of a graduate. Participants will also learn how to incorporate the portrait of a graduate across the school district.

Speakers

Newburyport High School

Brandon Sturma

History Teacher, Newburyport High School

Erin Hobbs

Science Teacher, Newburyport High School

Tim Mahan

History & Technology Teacher, Newburyport High School

Tom Abrams

District Literacy Coordinator, Newburyport High School

Thursday April 3, 2025 9:00am - 10:10am EDT
Wentworth Room

Session 1

9:00am EDT

Understanding Is Not Endorsement: Empathy and Discourse in Humanities Classrooms

Thursday April 3, 2025 9:00am - 10:10am EDT

Amherst Room

Learn how role-playing games can be used to hone written and analytical skills through play. Participants will simulate a brief activity to showcase how students can practice using evidence in argumentation, underscoring the influence of perspective in determining the actions of diverse historical actors. Participants will be briefed on the background on the historical period before assigning roles and objectives. Attendees will role-play a town meeting in a fictional French town during World War I. Participants must use their role sheets to decide whether to alert the local military commander, who will destroy their beloved church to root out a foreign threat, or save their church by saying nothing, and hoping the threat passes. Learn how the activity can be adapted to emphasize writing, discussion, and research skills and cultivate curiosity and empathy without agreement with historical actors' decisions.

Speakers

The Williams School

Victoria Skelton

History Faculty, The Williams School

Thursday April 3, 2025 9:00am - 10:10am EDT
Amherst Room

Session 1

9:00am EDT

United We Share: Embracing Imperfect Contributions and Visible Thinking to Empower Student-led Discussions

Thursday April 3, 2025 9:00am - 10:10am EDT

Bedford Room

Often, student-led discussions focus on how those discussions are structured through format, roles, and assessment. Students are shown how to participate but often lack the missing link of the ability to structure and envision thinking to share. Participants will receive a handout with a set of community aspirations and agreements and a menu of visible thinking routines. Beginning with the essential questions "What motivates students to participate in classroom discussions?" and "Why do our students hesitate to participate?" participants will share examples of student-led discussions. Learn how the framework is used and the enculturation of imperfect contributions built together to create greater equity in and frequency of participation in classroom discussions, especially among diverse learners. Engage in a sample discussion using this framework. There will be time for questions and answers.

Speakers

Brewster Academy

Jonathan Browher

Chair, History &amp; Social Sciences Department. Head Climbing Instructor., Brewster Academy

Educator in the classroom & on the crags. I believe that learning best happens when you empower others to create & to explore. The best thinking doesn't have to make your brain hurt! Climb what you can't. Ways of Thinking for Student-Led Discussions-- https://docs.google.com/document/d/1B0uzMIuayNfYx7LDM1-ePlr8ALuoR4e0dgL4f_vTtno/edit?usp=drivesdk... Read More →

Thursday April 3, 2025 9:00am - 10:10am EDT
Bedford Room

Session 1

10:10am EDT

Break

Thursday April 3, 2025 10:10am - 10:20am EDT

Foyer

Thursday April 3, 2025 10:10am - 10:20am EDT
Foyer

Break/Networking

10:20am EDT

Autonomy and Activism: Helping Students Become Informed and Engaged Citizens

Thursday April 3, 2025 10:20am - 11:30am EDT

Chesterfield Room

Educators will explore strategies to enhance student autonomy and civic engagement in the classroom. Attendees will gain specific and immediately applicable techniques to increase student civic voice in the classroom or school. Educators will reflect on the degree to which they use practices that promote civic engagement and collaborate with peers to evaluate their own teaching practices and identify opportunities for growth. Student presenters will share their real-world learning experiences across different disciplines and grade levels that promote civic awareness. Attendees will engage with peers to discuss the opportunities and brainstorm ways to overcome potential roadblocks in using these new strategies and have time to consider how they could incorporate those ideals and get feedback from peers to refine their plan. This session is applicable to department and school leaders who seek to create a culture of student engagement in their schools.

Speakers

Scituate High School

Heather Willinger

High School Social Studies Teacher, Scituate Public Schools

Samantha Lesniak

History/Social Studies Department Chair, Scituate Public Schools

Thursday April 3, 2025 10:20am - 11:30am EDT
Chesterfield Room

Session 2

10:20am EDT

CANCELED - Take Flight: Learning about Aviation and Building a Plane

Thursday April 3, 2025 10:20am - 11:30am EDT

Portsmouth Room

Come and learn about the Take Flight course experience has exceeded expectations! Using the curriculum from Tango Flight and funds raised by the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire, students engage in project-based learning by building an RV 12iS in a hangar behind the school. During this session, teachers and students will share the process, lessons learned, and results of their work so far. Participants experience the close reading needed to understand the blueprints and use the rivet gun.

Speakers

Lebanon High School

Thursday April 3, 2025 10:20am - 11:30am EDT
Portsmouth Room

Session 2

10:20am EDT

Case Studies to Teach Entrepreneurial Mindset

Thursday April 3, 2025 10:20am - 11:30am EDT

Hollis Room

Discover how to ignite Entrepreneurial Mindset in middle and high school students through the power of case studies! In this interactive session, I will share insights and key learnings from my experiences teaching the entrepreneurial mindset to young learners at New England Innovation Academy. Participants will explore one multimedia case study activity designed to engage students in problem-solving and critical thinking. Together, we'll dive into the case study, analyze its challenges, and discuss potential solutions in a dynamic and collaborative format. This session offers a firsthand experience of how case studies can foster creativity, resilience, and innovation in the classroom. We'll conclude with a Q&A, providing an opportunity to discuss practical applications, challenges, and strategies for incorporating case studies into your teaching practice. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or simply curious about entrepreneurship education, this session will equip you with actionable ideas to inspire your students!

Speakers

New England Innovation Academy

Baldev Singh Rawat

Entrepreneurship Teacher, New England Innovation Academy

Entrepreneurship Educator || Babson MBA || CM @TiE BostonTalk to me about brewing the perfect espresso.

Thursday April 3, 2025 10:20am - 11:30am EDT
Hollis Room

Session 2

10:20am EDT

Math in Action: Using Games to Build Understanding, Fluency, and Curiosity

Thursday April 3, 2025 10:20am - 11:30am EDT

Conway Room

Discover how to bring math to life for elementary students through engaging, hands-on games that build both conceptual understanding and procedural fluency. Explore science-based strategies for math instruction that benefit all learners, regardless of ability. Using visual slides and interactive demonstrations, gain insights into how conceptual and procedural knowledge work in harmony to support mathematical growth. Participants will try out fun, student-centered math activities designed to spark curiosity, promote problem-solving, and develop self-directed learners. Leave with practical tools and ideas to foster a love of math in the classroom while helping students become confident, flexible thinkers. Key takeaways will be understanding how science-based math instruction supports all learners, and exploring the interplay between conceptual understanding and procedural fluency. Learn how fostering mathematical curiosity helps develop self-directed learners. Prepare to play, explore, and ignite a passion for math in your students!

Speakers

Greens Farms Academy

Kelly Raymond

Learning Specialist, Greens Farms Academy

Sarah Crawford

Lower School Math and STEAM, Greens Farms Academy

Thursday April 3, 2025 10:20am - 11:30am EDT
Conway Room

Session 2

10:20am EDT

Neurodiversity: Strategies for Best Supporting All Learners in the Classroom

Thursday April 3, 2025 10:20am - 11:30am EDT

Amherst Room

Improve outcomes for the most at-risk learning profiles. Focus on the root causes of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, substance abuse, and anxiety, and develop strategies to directly benefit these students.

Speakers

Woodsville High School

Hayden Coon

Principal, Woodsville High School

Thursday April 3, 2025 10:20am - 11:30am EDT
Amherst Room

Session 2

10:20am EDT

Self-Pacing in a Modern Classroom: Leveraging Student Autonomy for Buy-in and Differentiated Learning

Thursday April 3, 2025 10:20am - 11:30am EDT

Bedford Room

Learn about implementing the Modern Classrooms Project model. This pedagogy centers on three main ideas: self-pacing, blended instruction, and mastery-based learning. The self-pacing component, such as the use of progress trackers, optimizes ability to support a wide array of learners, who bring diversity to the classroom in many forms. From quiet kids to the ones who are always raising their hands, from those who have spent years in independent schools to those who will be first generation high school graduates; a self-paced curriculum keeps the door open for each student and ensures they have the tools to succeed and feel ownership of their learning.

IMPORTANT: Headphones/earbuds for your personal device (laptop, phone, etc.) are recommended for this session, but not required for attendance.

Speakers

Concord Academy

Student Presenters

Carmen Welton

Teacher and Chair of the Modern and Classical Languages Department, Concord Academy

Thursday April 3, 2025 10:20am - 11:30am EDT
Bedford Room

Session 2

10:20am EDT

Supporting Argument-based Research Paper Writing Elementary through High School

Thursday April 3, 2025 10:20am - 11:30am EDT

Wentworth Room

Learn how the Monadnock Regional School district aligned writing and reading rubrics for kindergarten through sixth grade to support the seventh to twelfth grade writing rubrics and curriculum. The purpose is to prepare all students for their aspirations of higher education, a career, the military or other goals, and learn how to write well developed argumentative research papers. The implementation of this system supports future ready learners and evaluates developing students' skills and confidence, so they can demonstrate competency and mastery of skills that reach beyond the English language arts classroom. Participants will learn a process to implement and support students' capacity to research and vet resources, analyze, synthesize information to construct their writing for understanding and learning, and improve writing scores. Participants are encouraged to bring writing samples and rubrics to share and discuss.

Speakers

Monadnock Regional Middle High School

Student Presenters

Erin Kelley

English Teacher, Monadnock Regional Middle High School

This is my 17th year teaching English at Monadnock Regional High School. I have worked with grades 9-12. Currently, I teach grade 9 English, Eleven Honors English, Sports Literature, and AP Literature and Composition. My colleagues Assistant Superintendant Lisa Spencer, Librarian... Read More →

Lisa Spencer

Assistant Superintendent, Monadnock Regional School District

Thursday April 3, 2025 10:20am - 11:30am EDT
Wentworth Room

Session 2

10:20am EDT

The Big Buddy Program: The Power of Peer-to-Peer Mentoring

Thursday April 3, 2025 10:20am - 11:30am EDT

Balsam Room

Participants will learn about the Big Buddy Program's creation and successful high school implementation for 20 years. Upper-class students serve as mentors for incoming freshman students beginning in the eighth grade. Big Buddies host several engaging events such as an Eighth Grade Open House, Shadow Day where the eighth graders are matched up with a Big Buddy for the school day, Summer Orientation Day, and Freshmen First Day. The program addresses the needs and concerns of ninth graders, builds a sense of community and connectedness with peers and their new school, and better prepare them for the demands, expectations, and stressors of high school life. Through leadership and pride, the Big Buddies promote a safe and inclusive school environment.

Speakers

Somerset Berkley Regional High School

Student Presenters

Ann Nassiff

School Adjustment Counselor, LMHC, Somerset Berkley Regional High School

Thursday April 3, 2025 10:20am - 11:30am EDT
Balsam Room

Session 2

11:30am EDT

Lunch and Panel Discussion, "Preparing Future-Ready Learners"

Thursday April 3, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Grand Ballroom

In a changing world driven by technology, innovation, and global connectivity, it’s essential that we equip students with the skills, mindsets, and resources they need to thrive in the future. This panel will explore actionable strategies for developing future-ready learners who are not only academically proficient but also adaptable, resilient, and equipped for lifelong success. Panelists will discuss the importance of fostering critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, as well as strategies for integrating real-world problem solving and personalized learning into the curriculum.

Speakers

Steven Beals

Principal, Alvirne High School, Hudson, NH

Paul Brenton

Superintendent, Plainfield Public Schools, Plainfield, CT

Marissa May Carroll

Assistant Head of School, Washington Academy, East Machias, ME

Jeffrey Philbrick

Headmaster, Jesse Remington High School

I am the HOS at Jesse Remington High School in Candia NH, a position I have held for 30 years. I lead a small team of educators at our Christian day school that features both traditional and project based learning. I also serve as a commissioner for NEASC for the Independent schools... Read More →

Blake St. Louis

Director, Research and Design Center, Beaver Country Day School, Chestnut Hill, MA

My name is Blake (she/her/hers) and I'm the Director of Beaver's Research + Design Center. I manage a team of 6 educators that span skillsets and teaching responsibilities. We are support students and teachers in leveraging R+D resources in ways that help engage, enhance and extend... Read More →

Thursday April 3, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Grand Ballroom

Plenary

12:30pm EDT

Break

Thursday April 3, 2025 12:30pm - 12:40pm EDT

Foyer

Thursday April 3, 2025 12:30pm - 12:40pm EDT
Foyer

Break/Networking

12:40pm EDT

Creating and Developing a Mission-aligned Advisory Curriculum!

Thursday April 3, 2025 12:40pm - 1:50pm EDT

Conway Room

Does your school have an advisory curriculum that aligns with its mission? In this interactive session, teachers, advisors, and school administrators will learn tools, tips, and tricks to immediately deploy to improve their advisory program. Attendees will leave with a step-by-step process for strategically aligning the advising system with the school's mission. This is a collaborative session! Come to this collaborative session and be prepared to share what is working at your school and learn from others!

Speakers

Crossroads Academy

Dan Morrissey

Head of School, Crossroads Academy

Thursday April 3, 2025 12:40pm - 1:50pm EDT
Conway Room

Session 3

12:40pm EDT

Improving Student Access and Engagement through VR Integration in the Science Classroom

Thursday April 3, 2025 12:40pm - 1:50pm EDT

Portsmouth Room

This interactive presentation is designed for curriculum developers, administrators and teachers interested in integrating virtual reality (VR) technology into the curricula. Participants will be introduced to the methodology to integrate VR into general education classrooms. Common issues and considerations will be discussed and student feedback will be shared. Attendees will be invited to participate in several VR experiences currently being used in the presenters' classrooms. These experiences will include a virtual field trip, Kayaking through the Mangroves, a virtual anatomy dissection and meditation experience.

Speakers

Weymouth High School

Ashley Gosselin

Director of Science, Weymouth High School

Thursday April 3, 2025 12:40pm - 1:50pm EDT
Portsmouth Room

Session 3

12:40pm EDT

Learning by Leading: Students Designed Immersive Experience

Thursday April 3, 2025 12:40pm - 1:50pm EDT

Chesterfield Room

What happens when students co-design an immersive learning experience? Hear from two student leaders about their journey in designing and leading a week-long experience for their peers focused on understanding the challenges and needs of the unhoused in Boston. Through field trips and hands-on volunteering experiences, students built empathy and understanding of the complexity of this issue and connected with existing nonprofits and advocacy groups. Students identified ways to become more involved in improving the quality of life for unhoused community members by the end of the week. Hear advice on how to incorporate these leadership opportunities in your community.

Speakers

Beaver Country Day School

Blake St. Louis

Director, Research and Design Center, Beaver Country Day School, Chestnut Hill, MA

Thursday April 3, 2025 12:40pm - 1:50pm EDT
Chesterfield Room

Session 3

12:40pm EDT

Pathways to Student Understanding

Thursday April 3, 2025 12:40pm - 1:50pm EDT

Bedford Room

In many schools, teachers navigate a variety of learners and learning styles each day. By using diverse engagement strategies, educators can enhance learning for all students. Drawing on the work of Jay McTighe, Grant Wiggins, and Harvey Silver in Understanding by Design and Teaching for Deeper Learning, explore how different facets of understanding, such as explaining, interpreting, applying, gaining perspective, empathizing, and self-assessing, can help teachers support student growth. Examine engagement tools that empower educators to guide students toward greater success. Participants are encouraged to bring an existing unit plan, engage in discussions with peers, and consider how to apply these strategies in their classrooms. Leave with a concrete plan for an upcoming lesson that incorporates the session's ideas, helping all students achieve greater understanding and success.

Speakers

Jesse Remington High School

Cheryl Crawford

Administrator, Jesse Remington High School

Administrator at Jesse Remington High School.

Susan Sicard

Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Jesse Remington High School

I serve as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction at JRHS. Additionally I teach Chemistry, Physics, Algebra II, PreCalc, Geometry and a variety of field based project classes. I am passionate about helping students engage in the learning process.

Thursday April 3, 2025 12:40pm - 1:50pm EDT
Bedford Room

Session 3

12:40pm EDT

Speaking in Public: The Ultimate Fear and Opportunity for Students

Thursday April 3, 2025 12:40pm - 1:50pm EDT

Amherst Room

Since 2020, many students and teachers have been inundated with technology tools and virtual learning training in the growing demands of education in our electronically connected world. The ability to be successful in the digital space has received much attention. In this new pedagogical framework, public speaking, presentations, and direct verbal communication have taken a backseat. Coupled with growing diagnoses in anxiety and erosion of some social skills due to technology, teachers are less inclined to create assessments that call out fears in public speaking. This session will provide data, strategies, and encouragement encouragement for teachers to bravely engage in assessments that involve public speaking and provide administrators and school counselors with ways to provide space and practice for adults in the school setting to role model the skills. Come spend some time practicing public speaking with your peers!

Speakers

Washington Academy

Marissa May Carroll

Assistant Head of School, Washington Academy, East Machias, ME

Thursday April 3, 2025 12:40pm - 1:50pm EDT
Amherst Room

Session 3

12:40pm EDT

Uncovering Hidden Voices: Empowering Change in School Culture

Thursday April 3, 2025 12:40pm - 1:50pm EDT

Hollis Room

Join this immersive workshop that highlights how one high school tackled challenges in school culture and climate through innovative collaborations between students and faculty. Using Housatonic High School as a case study, participants will be guided through a three-part journey: (1) uncovering root issues through Community Mapping research, (2) empowering voices with bias response programs (BIRS/BERT), and (3) sustaining change with equity-focused professional learning for staff. Experience the approach to uncovering “the whispers that don’t get recorded” in traditional survey data and understanding the often-hidden social dynamics that shape your school’s environment. Through engaging discussions, reflective activities, and actionable insights, participants will be empowered to envision and implement positive change in their schools. This session is ideal for middle and high school students, educators, and anyone passionate about advancing educational equity and growth, and fostering a positive school culture.

Speakers

Housatonic Valley Regional High School

Student Presenters

Carolyn Corrado

CEO/Founder & Principal Facilitator, Doing The Work

Ian Strever

Principal, Housatonic Valley Regional High School

Micah Conway

Math Teacher, Housatonic Valley Regional High School

Thursday April 3, 2025 12:40pm - 1:50pm EDT
Hollis Room

Session 3

12:40pm EDT

Vision of a Graduate: Capstone Programming that Highlights Preparation, Passion, and Personal Growth

Thursday April 3, 2025 12:40pm - 1:50pm EDT

Wentworth Room

This hands-on workshop explores how to design and implement capstone programs that equip students with the skills, mindset, and experiences to thrive in an ever-changing world. With the goal of aligning capstone projects with the vision of a graduate, actionable strategies for creating pathways that encourage learner agency, intellectual curiosity, and self-directed learning will be shared. Participants will learn how to design real-world learning experiences that connect to the competencies and attributes of the school's vision, foster global citizenship, and develop student's unique interests. Concrete examples from Simsbury High School's Capstone program, which empowers students to pursue their passions, demonstrate mastery, and engage with their communities meaningfully will be provided.

Speakers

Thursday April 3, 2025 12:40pm - 1:50pm EDT
Wentworth Room

Session 3

2:00pm EDT

Showcase ends. Thank you for joining us!

Thursday April 3, 2025 2:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

Plenary