Summer Institute for Authentic Learning and Leadership: Full Schedule

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

1:25pm EDT

Blue Lobster Lessons: Designing Unforgettable Learning Experiences! (REPEATED JULY 16, 11:00 am to 11:55 am, Room W2102)

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:25pm - 2:20pm EDT

W2102

What if schools intentionally cultivated “blue lobster” classrooms—rare, unforgettable learning experiences that students talk about for years? Blue lobsters occur only once in every two million lobsters because of a rare genetic trait. In the same way, extraordinary classrooms are created through intentional habits, bold creativity, meaningful relationships, engaging instruction, and innovative use of AI tools.

This high-energy session blends inspiration, humor, practical strategies, and hands-on experiences to help educators transform ordinary lessons into extraordinary ones. Participants will discover how to boost engagement, increase “teacher street cred,” and design memorable learning moments that spark curiosity and excitement. Educators will also explore practical ways to use AI to enhance instruction, spark creativity, personalize learning, save time, and make lessons more interactive and relevant for today’s students.

Through real-world examples, interactive activities, and immediately usable ideas, participants will leave with strategies and AI-enhanced resources they can implement right away to create classrooms that stand out from the crowd.
Whether you are looking to reignite passion in your teaching, inspire innovation in your school, or simply make learning more fun, meaningful, and future-ready, this session will provide the tools and mindset to help students—and teachers—become one in a million.

SESSION REPEATED JULY 16, 11:00 am to 11:55 am, Room W2102

Speakers

Buddy Berry

Superintendent, EIS

Dr. Buddy Berry is the superintendent of Eminence Independent Schools in Kentucky. He founded the innovative model “School on FIRE” (Framework of Innovation for Reinventing Education). Buddy was recognized by the Obama Administration as one of the top 100 School Superintendents... Read More →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:25pm - 2:20pm EDT
W2102

Breakout Presentation

2:30pm EDT

Big Brand Brilliance

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:30pm - 3:25pm EDT

W2102

What’s your brand as an educator? How are you known by your students? What is your teacher “street cred”? Whatever your brand is, this session can help make you more purposeful about your instruction. Come learn how to “better your brand” by taking a deep dive into how the “Big Brands” run things. Learn from some of the principles that drive Disney, Starbucks, Nike, Apple, Buc-ees, and the Savannah Bananas! This is a one-of-a-kind session with a chance to connect mainstream innovation into game-changing instruction!

Speakers

Buddy Berry

Superintendent, EIS

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:30pm - 3:25pm EDT
W2102

Breakout Presentation

3:35pm EDT

Portrait of a Learner: Designing the Student of the Future... Today!

Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:35pm - 4:30pm EDT

W2102

This session takes a deep dive into the glue that holds personalized learning together. Come hear real examples on how to transform your learning outcomes with dynamic, specific suggestions. Highlights include an overview of Graduate/ Learner Profiles, Exemplars, and Innovative Learning Outcomes. Participants will be taken on a guided journey of how to weave Next Practice with Best Practice to create the student of the future! We will spend time on reviewing how to bring a Portrait of a Learner to life.

Speakers

Buddy Berry

Superintendent, EIS

Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:35pm - 4:30pm EDT
W2102

Breakout Presentation

9:55am EDT

The Gift of Student Voice: Creating Schools and Classrooms Where Student Voices Matter

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:55am - 10:50am EDT

W2102

Student voice is more than simply allowing students to share opinions—it is about empowering young people to become active participants, leaders, problem-solvers, and change agents within their schools and communities. When students feel heard, valued, and trusted, classrooms transform from places of compliance into environments filled with ownership, engagement, innovation, and purpose.

In this inspiring and practical session, educators and school leaders will explore how student voice can serve as a powerful catalyst for transformation in schools. Through authentic opportunities for leadership, collaboration, feedback, creativity, and decision-making, students can help shape school culture, improve learning experiences, strengthen relationships, and drive meaningful change. Participants will discover strategies for moving beyond token student input toward creating systems where student perspectives truly influence classroom practices, school initiatives, and community impact.

Using a festive “holiday” theme, this session will highlight how listening to students may be the greatest gift educators can offer. Attendees will explore practical strategies, real-world examples, and AI-enhanced tools that amplify student voice, foster empowerment, and inspire students to become confident contributors in their learning journey.

Participants will leave with actionable ideas for creating schools and classrooms where every student feels seen, heard, empowered, and capable of making a difference—because when students are given a voice, they often become the spark that transforms everything

Speakers