NEASC2024: Full Schedule

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7:30am EST

Breakfast

Thursday November 21, 2024 7:30am - 9:00am EST

Foyer

Good morning and welcome to Day 1 of the conference. Join us for a light continental breakfast and start your day in good company!

Thursday November 21, 2024 7:30am - 9:00am EST
Foyer

Meal

7:30am EST

Meet our 2024 exhibitors!

Thursday November 21, 2024 7:30am - 5:00pm EST

Foyer

Stop by to say hello to our exhibitors. View the complete exhibitor directory.

Thursday November 21, 2024 7:30am - 5:00pm EST
Foyer

Break/Exhibits

7:30am EST

Welcome/registration desk open

Thursday November 21, 2024 7:30am - 5:00pm EST

Atrium

Make sure you've downloaded the Sched app and connected to the #NEASC2024 event to use the agenda and networking tools. Remember to make your profile "Public" so that you can interact with other attendees.

NEASC staff will be available at the Welcome/registration desk throughout the active hours of the conference. Stop by and say hello!

Thursday November 21, 2024 7:30am - 5:00pm EST
Atrium

Break/Exhibits

9:00am EST

Day 1: Opening Session, EdTalk

Thursday November 21, 2024 9:00am - 9:15am EST

Pacific D-H (Ballroom)

Welcome, Keynote

Speakers

Cameron Staples

President/CEO, NEASC

President/CEO of NEASC since 2011, Cam develops and implements the organization's strategic direction, ensures the value and relevance of the NEASC Accreditation process, and builds partnerships with education agencies, as well as domestic and foreign government leaders, to strengthen... Read More →

Trae Holland

School Director, Pechersk School International (PSI)

Trae joined PSI in 2023 after four years serving as the Executive Director and Head of School at The Safe Passage School, Guatemala City, Guatemala. His career includes over 30 years as a teacher and leader in international education in locations ranging from the USA to IB schools... Read More →

Partners/Sponsors

9ine

9ine equips schools to stay safe, secure and compliant. We give schools access to all the expertise they need to meet their technology, cyber, data privacy, governance, risk & compliance needs - in one simple to use platform. Our team of over 80 experts partner with schools to achieve... Read More →

Curriculum Associates

i-Ready

Curriculum Associates partners with educators to make classrooms better places for teachers and students. That is the mission that has driven us for more than 50 years. We believe all students can excel, and educators play the pivotal role in that. i-Ready combines best-in-class instruction... Read More →

VS America

As a full-service manufacturer, VS America covers both the schools sectors and the office living and working space with intelligent furniture and integrative solutions.Contact: Baird Caner, New England Territory Manager... Read More →

Thursday November 21, 2024 9:00am - 9:15am EST
Pacific D-H (Ballroom)

Keynote/Plenary

9:15am EST

The Future of Dialogue: A Multarity Approach to Belonging

Thursday November 21, 2024 9:15am - 10:20am EST

Pacific D-H (Ballroom)

In today's increasingly complex educational landscape, ensuring belonging and creating safe spaces for dialogue are more critical than ever.

Join Dr. Ginger Carlson and Chris Jones of Möbius Dynamics and The Multarity Project™ on an inspiring journey. Discover how honoring multarities (the intersection of multiple perspectives) and harnessing the power of symbols through artificial intelligence can strengthen shared understanding. Using poignant examples from recent work with educators and students from diverse NEASC member schools, they will demonstrate how we can be empowered to create spaces for dialogue, build empathy, and increase collective intelligence.

Be prepared to leave with actionable insights and a renewed commitment to cultivating both belonging and dialogue in your school.

RESOURCE - Belonging and Dialogue in Education: A Guide to the Multarity Principles

Speakers

Chris Jones

Möbius Dynamics Co-Founder; Multarity Project™, President, The Multarity Project™ by Möbius Dynamics

Chris Jones is a serial entrepreneur with a rare blend of business, technology, and creative vision that has earned the respect of industry leaders across the globe. While his work with organizations like Bain & Company, ExxonMobil, and Schlumberger has been rewarding, his deepest... Read More →

Ginger Carlson

Möbius Dynamics Co-Founder; Multarity Project™, CEO, The Multarity Project™ by Möbius Dynamics

Dr. Ginger Carlson is an influential educator, leader, and innovator with over thirty years of global experience. As an international TEDx and keynote speaker, she has captivated audiences worldwide with her profound insights into creativity, communication, growth, and transformation. With... Read More →

Thursday November 21, 2024 9:15am - 10:20am EST
Pacific D-H (Ballroom)

Keynote/Plenary

10:20am EST

Coffee break with exhibitors

Thursday November 21, 2024 10:20am - 10:45am EST

Foyer

Join us for coffee, company, and conversation!

Thursday November 21, 2024 10:20am - 10:45am EST
Foyer

Break/Exhibits

10:45am EST

Collaborative Approaches to Text Expansion: ELA Curriculum in the Age of Book Challenges

Thursday November 21, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am EST

Mediterranean

In this session, ELA Curriculum Coordinators will present approaches to expanding text offerings while preparing for book challenges. Representation of multiple identities is critical to the English Language Arts curriculum (Bishop 1990), and we are responsible for supporting teachers to expand their offerings and prepare to teach those texts in culturally responsive ways. Diverse texts support students to see multiple modes of language as both acceptable and valuable; this is a critical component of working toward linguistic justice (Baker-Bell 2020). With the onslaught of book challenges and bans across the country, this work has become more urgent. School leaders must develop frameworks for text selection and strategies for approaching book challenges in the classroom and community. We will share strategies for working with teachers around text selection; additionally, we will discuss transferable policy frameworks we have developed in collaboration with our library and DEIB departments to address potential book concerns.

Speakers

Casey Andrews

English Language Arts Coordinator, 8-12, Watertown High School

Deborah Opar

K-7 Literacy and Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator, Watertown Public Schools, Massachusetts

View on LinkedIn

Thursday November 21, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am EST
Mediterranean

Session

10:45am EST

Defining and Interrupting Implicit Bias and Racial Microaggressions in Schools

Thursday November 21, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am EST

Atlantic 3

During this workshop, participants will gain a clear understanding of the definition of implicit bias and racial microaggressions, and how they manifest themselves in schools. The workshop will provide insights into how these phenomena can interrupt and harm the learning process. Most importantly, attendees will learn practices to address these issues. Understanding definitions and theories will only be useful if the knowledge gained leads to improved teaching and learning. Therefore, participants will be exposed to proven strategies to counter the negative effects of microaggressions and implicit bias. Lastly, attendees will have an opportunity to raise questions and discuss challenges in real-time.

Speakers

Kalise Wornum

CEO/Founder, KW Diversity, Inc.

Dr. Kalise Wornum, Founder and CEO of KW Diversity Inc., is a nationally sought-after speaker, educational leader, workshop facilitator, and author in the area of anti-racist education. Continuing concerns about America’s racial academic achievement gap, along with her experience... Read More →

Thursday November 21, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am EST
Atlantic 3

Session

10:45am EST

Fostering Student Engagement Through Competency-Based Education: The Road to Learning Agency and Social Justice Responsibility

Thursday November 21, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am EST

Atlantic 1

Student agency is at the core of meaningful education experiences. Active engagement and reflection in learning processes help students understand themselves not only as individual learners but as members of a learning community. Fostering this type of engagement helps students understand their role as active change agents. In this session, participants will learn about Brooks School's commitment to student engagement, agency, and advocacy through a competency-based education framework. Participants will hear about the development and implementation of two school-wide competencies: Learning Agency and Social Justice Responsibility. The success of a common all-school rubric and upcoming plans to evaluate assessment practices to more fully incorporate social justice responsibility will conclude the presentation portion of the session . Participants will then engage in two collaborative rubric-building exercises that explore classroom engagement, preparation, and advocacy grounded in student agency before asking questions and reflecting upon the session.

Speakers

Joanna McDonough

Dean of Teaching and Learning, Brooks School

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-mcdonough-0b691854/

Currie Joya Huntington

Dean of Academic Affairs, Music Teacher, Brooks School

https://www.linkedin.com/in/currie-joya-huntington/Currie Joya Huntington (he/him/his) joined the Brooks community in 2022 as academic dean and was named dean of academic affairs in 2024. He also teaches music and Self in Community. Huntington earned a B.A. in music from Connecticut... Read More →

Thursday November 21, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am EST
Atlantic 1

Session

10:45am EST

Let's Ignite Change: Building a Learning Community of Leaders

Thursday November 21, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am EST

Atlantic 2

In today's VUCA world, fostering a community of educational leaders with a shared mission to meet the needs of all students is crucial. This aligns with Inventure Academy's core purpose that states, we 'empower learners to realize their full potential, ignite positive change and create a positive impact. The term "learners" implies not only students but also teachers and educational leaders. To achieve this ambitious goal, Inventure Academy's Leadership Development Programme (Ignite Change) supports cultivating a community of leaders who believe in using entrepreneurial data-based approaches, engaging in productive and difficult conversations to solve critical problems that have been collectively identified by faculty and leaders, in order to enable student agency & engagement, personalized & differentiated learning for both students and faculty. We would like to share our program design, share some examples from this program and its impact on the school's learning architecture, culture and environment.

Speakers

Nooraine Fazal

Co-Founder, CEO and Managing Trustee, Inventure Academy

https://www.inventureacademy.com/about-inventure/leadership/

Dr. Sowmya Narayanan

Head, Center of Excellence, Inventure Academy

Meenakshi Elangovan

Head of Professional Development, Inventure Academy

Meenakshi Elangovan is a passionate educator with 25+ years of teaching experience. She has a Masters degrees in Geography & Public Administration and an Advanced Diploma in Professional Practice and Design in Education. She is a CAIE accredited trainer and a NEASC visitor.At Inventure... Read More →

Thursday November 21, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am EST
Atlantic 2

Session

10:45am EST

Students Leading Students:

Thursday November 21, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am EST

Pacific A-B

Students at the International School of Belgium, who are primarily of Asian background, are very proactive in Student Leadership. They have initiated “’Are You Ok?' Day” which is a well-being event aimed at their peers and staff along with student-led counselling at break and lunch times. They alsohave a Student Support Group and bring different faiths together at the Festival of Lights event - Hanukkah, Diwali, Ramadan and Christmas. They also organize inclusive competitions through the House System among many other initiatives. This session features the school’s younger leaders (i.e., age 14–16) as this is a group that often gets neglected when it comes to student leadership, yet they can be powerful drivers in a school if given freedom and encouragement. Participants will take away new ideas and also see how student leadership works in a diverse school context. The students want the session to be interactive and there will be audience participation and a Q and A at the end.

Speakers

Student Presenters

Students will participate in several sessions at this year's Showcase. As an organization dedicated to student agency and to the amplification of diverse voices and perspectives, NEASC is proud to offer a selection of student-centered presentations. See session descriptions for d... Read More →

Wayne Johnson

Head of School, International School of Belgium

I am an experienced school leader who has led international schools in countries. I believe passionately in holistic education and on making schools a centrepiece of the community. Previous to education I also held various senior roles in the media and I have used this media experience... Read More →

Thursday November 21, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am EST
Pacific A-B

Session, Unplugged

10:45am EST

Superintendent Residency Model: Building Relationship in Schools by Being Present, Visible, and Attentive

Thursday November 21, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am EST

Caspian

In this session, participants will learn about one of the most powerful engagement strategies that a district-level leader could employ to make an impactful difference when it comes to making connections with students, families, staff, and administrators. Discover how your schools are working and see, firsthand, how investments that have been made in programs and staffing are benefiting students and enriching school culture. Walk away with a replicable model that will transform your visibility and demonstrate your commitment to leading your schools by understanding every detail of the operation. *Technology Needed: Projector/Screen (unless delivered as an "Unplugged Session")

Speakers

Robert Tremblay

Superintendent, Framingham Public Schools, MA

https://www.framingham.k12.ma.us/Page/5234

Amy Kane

Executive Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools, Framingham Public Schools, MA

Thursday November 21, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am EST
Caspian

Session

11:45am EST

Lunch and conversation

Thursday November 21, 2024 11:45am - 12:15pm EST

Pacific D-H (Ballroom)

Join us for dining and dialogue!

Thank you to our luncheon sponsor, The Multarity Project™ & Möbius Dynamics

Partners/Sponsors

The Multarity Project™

by Möbius Dynamics

Möbius Dynamics was founded in 2023, with the vision “That we may grow.” The company reimagines the future of dialogue by uniting people around challenging issues and deepening understanding. The Multarity Thinking ™ Process, combined with AI-driven technology, analyzes and... Read More →

Thursday November 21, 2024 11:45am - 12:15pm EST
Pacific D-H (Ballroom)

Meal

12:15pm EST

Lunch continues, Student Performance, EdTalks

Thursday November 21, 2024 12:15pm - 1:20pm EST

Pacific D-H (Ballroom)

Continue your lunch and join us as international, independent, and public school leaders come together to discuss important themes in school leadership.

We are also delighted that the student choir from Brockton High School in Massachusetts will join us to share their musical talents.

RESOURCE - Thriving in a World of Pluralistic Contention: a Framework for Schools

Speakers

Mohammad Alammar

Entrepreneur, social activist

Mohammad is a passionate Syrian entrepreneur living in the USA, with over seven years of experience building communities and empowering people through education and entrepreneurship. From refugees to at-risk youth and women, his work has touched thousands of lives, giving them hope... Read More →

John Austin

Head of School, Deerfield Academy

Dr. John Austin became Deerfield Academy’s 56th Head of School in July of 2019. Prior to Deerfield, Dr. Austin served as Headmaster at King’s Academy in Madaba, Jordan, and before that as Academic Dean at St. Andrew’s School in Middletown, Delaware, where he joined the faculty... Read More →

Lizzie Bray

Director of Education Programmes, Amala Education

Lizzie is an experienced educational leader with over 30 years spent in international education from Canada to the Dominican Republic to Bahrain to Singapore, where she was Head of UWCSEA (Dover Campus) until 2022. Upon her return to Canada, she was excited to support Amala in their... Read More →

Thursday November 21, 2024 12:15pm - 1:20pm EST
Pacific D-H (Ballroom)

Keynote/Plenary

1:30pm EST

Beyond Our Echo Chambers: Toward a Pedagogy of Depolarization

Thursday November 21, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm EST

Atlantic 3

At a time when most independent schools are significantly resourcing and prioritizing efforts toward diversity, equity, and inclusion, one form of diversity that is often ignored is ideological diversity. For the past four years, Seniors at BB&N have taken a seminar during their Senior Spring Project entitled "Beyond Our Echo Chambers: Understanding the Other." This seminar, which meets for 90 minutes per week for 10 weeks, involves a virtual exchange between BB&N students and student members of the teenage Republican club in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Borrowing from the methodology of Braver Angels, a national non-profit devoted to cultivating critical dialogue between "Reds" and "Blues," the students move through a series of exercises leading up examination of issues such as abortion, immigration, gun control, Critical Race Theory, Black Lives Matter, climate change, LGBTQIA+ rights, etc. The goal is to practice civil discourse, to humanize the other, and to expand our perspectives beyond our immediate echo chambers. Come to this session to learn more about this approach and how you might incorporate elements in your own school contexts.

Speakers

Jed Lippard

Chief Learning Officer, Buckingham Browne & Nichols School

Dr. Jed Lippard has served as the Chief Learning Officer at Buckingham Brown & Nichols School since August 2020. In this role, he oversees curriculum and instruction, teaching and learning, professional growth and development, and innovation B-12. Prior to joining BB&N, Jed served... Read More →

Student Presenters

Thursday November 21, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm EST
Atlantic 3

Session

1:30pm EST

Designing an Innovative and Collaborative High School Diploma

Thursday November 21, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm EST

Atlantic 1

For years, high schools around the world have been designing innovative pathways for our learners. Unfortunately, most of us have been doing it in isolation, even though the learning experiences we are all designing are similar. This is why we launched the Pathways Summit in 2024 at the American International School of Budapest. We wanted to bring together international schools to design an innovative diploma around a shared purpose.

Now we're excited to share our Global Impact Diploma, a competency-based diploma designed around the core needs of agency, meaningful learning, and wellbeing. The GID has been co-created by educators from more than 100 international schools and will be piloted by 28 schools for the 2025-2026 school year. Find out how your school can be involved moving forward by joining our session, or go to this link if you're unable to attend: https://bit.ly/3UVdbEA.

Speakers

Joseph Bonnici

Innovation Academy Coordinator, Colegio Franklin Delano Roosevelt, The American School of Lima

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-bonnici-ba894b86

Analia Denmon

Director of Learning, Innovation and Development, Istanbul International Community School

Analia is an internationally recognized educator originally from Argentina, boasting over 27 years of experience in the global educational arena. Holding a doctoral degree in leadership, she specializes in complexity leadership and educational transformation. Passionate about innovation... Read More →

Melanie Kempe

Secondary School Principal, American International School of Bucharest (AISB)

Melanie Kempe began her work at AISB in 2021 as an MYP/DP English teacher and now serves as the Secondary School Principal. She has spent the last 16 years as an international educator working in secondary schools with a variety of roles that include being a teacher, grade level leader... Read More →

Graham Maclure

High School Principal, American International School of Budapest

After more than 25 years in international education, I believe our challenge, more now than ever is in helping students find meaning and purpose in their educational experiences by developing their agency and access to a range of experiences. https://www.linkedin.com/in/graham... Read More →

Theressa Smith

High School Principal, Colegio Franklin Delano Roosevelt, The American School of Lima

Theressa Smith has proudly served as the High School Principal at Colegio Franklin D. Roosevelt, The American School of Lima, Peru for the past 9 years. She previously served as the High School Principal at the American International School of Guangzhou, China, and the Anglo-American... Read More →

Corey Topf

Innovation Diploma Coordinator, Innovation Academy Online Director, American International School of Budapest

In his 21st year in education, Corey Topf is still grateful for the opportunity to help solve important problems in schools and design meaningful learning experiences for students. He is the Innovation Diploma Coordinator at the American International School of Budapest, the Director... Read More →

Austin Volz

Product Lead, AEON Learning Sciences

Austin Volz's background bridges experiential education. learning science research, and program design. He has designed, built, and launched a number of innovative programs, originally as a part of Avenues The World School R&D Department and now at AEON Learning Sciences.The co-author... Read More →

Thursday November 21, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm EST
Atlantic 1

Session

1:30pm EST

From Portrait to Practice at Franklin High School PoP UP

Thursday November 21, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm EST

Pacific A-B

Franklin High School was a pilot site for competency-based assessment twenty years ago in New Hampshire, as a precursor to NH's CBA policy. While there were pockets of implementation and innovation, it never fully caught on. Ten years later there was another push for redesign, which was short-lived with administrative changes, budget cuts, and massive teacher layoffs. In 2019, with support from the Barr Foundation, Franklin began again by engaging in a Portrait of a Franklin Graduate process. After five years, Franklin has a competency-based assessment system and through grant funding has had access to resources to put the portrait into practice, AND there still remains a looming fear that after much progress, things will go backward. Learn about our innovations and help us answer our essential question "How do we make sure great innovations stick, and how do we help our students and community leave the fear behind?"

Speakers

Carisa Corrow

Principal Owner, Educating for Good

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carisa-corrow-2b290b124/

David Levesque

Principal, Franklin High School, NH

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-levesque-493a9068/

Student Presenters

Thursday November 21, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm EST
Pacific A-B

Session, Unplugged

1:30pm EST

Innovating for Inclusivity: Advancing DEIB in Schools

Thursday November 21, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm EST

Mediterranean

In order to support all learners, schools must be spaces of innovative and intentional inclusivity. This transformational work spans across focus areas and stakeholders, calling for reflection, inquiry and action from faculty, staff, family, students and the broader community. It necessitates the thoughtful use of research, resources, and authentic collaboration. This session will explore the work at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission Grammar School where the commitment to honoring human identity and experience, coupled with evidence-based practices in school structures and systems, has cultivated a community of excellence rooted in the principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). Participants in this session will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding and commitment to DEIB in schools through a blend of reflection, collaboration and active planning. The session will include opportunities for participants to: - Engage in reflective practice around identity, biases, and impact on current educational work - Analyze the current state of their school’s DEIB work - Explore research, best practices, and examples of building inclusive educational environments while discerning opportunities for their own contexts and futures - Engage in collaborative activities to share ideas and resources with other participants - Outline plans and next steps for implementing inclusive practices and plans in their own schools

Speakers

Aliece Dutson

President, Mission Grammar School

President, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission Grammar Schoolhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-dutson-10b12ba9/

Beth Looney

Mission Grammar School

Marnie Walsh

Lead UPK Teacher and DEIJ Coordinator, Mission Grammar School

Caroline Sliney

Principal, Mission Grammar School

Thursday November 21, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm EST
Mediterranean

Session

1:30pm EST

Inspiring Student Voice through the Co-Creation of Inclusive Communities

Thursday November 21, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm EST

Atlantic 2

There is unlimited learning potential when students and teachers work collaboratively to create an environment that is open and affirming for everyone. Join this session to experience tools and strategies for elevating student voice in any school. From a case study at the International School of Helsinki, we will share what students consider the most pressing jobs to be done to improve our school cultures. Using these student generated ideas and design thinking protocols you will envision the steps that students can take to build healthy learning environments. Through these activities we will consider the benefits for students when they: engage in design thinking around community issues; listen to each other to appreciate diverse perspectives and build relationships; and take action in the community to express their ideas and initiate change. Participants will be inspired to consider opportunities to spark and sustain inclusive student involvement in their unique school environments.

Speakers

Student Presenters

Rachel Thrash

CEO, Co-Founder , Belong Hub

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-thrash-585489318/?originalSubdomain=fiBelong Hub - Building Student Leadership for Thriving Communities

Mustafa Alshihani

Co-Founder and Director of Design, Belong Hub

A creative professional with a multidisciplinary perspective, I value the balance between bold action and quiet reflection. My work is more than problem-solving—it’s about designing spaces that foster connection, empowerment, and lasting positive impact.

Thursday November 21, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm EST
Atlantic 2

Session

1:30pm EST

Representation Matters: We see you but do you see me!

Thursday November 21, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm EST

Caspian

The impact, importance and value of engaging with different stakeholders and ensuring that your leadership and/or
instruction connects students' cultures, languages, and life experience with what they learn in school. Research shows
that having at least one Black teacher between 3rd and 5h grades reduces a black student's probability of dropping out
by 29%. Being culturally responsive isn't a buzzword rather an opportunity to cultivate meaningful relationships with
students and parents, increase student motivation, enthusiasm for learning and academic achievement.

Speakers

Randy Buck

Executive Director of School Leadership, Pawtucket School Department

https://www.linkedin.com/in/randyabuck/

Thursday November 21, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm EST
Caspian

Session

2:30pm EST

Coffee break with exhibitors

Thursday November 21, 2024 2:30pm - 3:00pm EST

Foyer

Thank you to our coffee break sponsor, The Perry Group.

Partners/Sponsors

The Perry Group

The Perry Group is a New England-based public relations, public affairs and marketing agency that believes in the power of a well-told story. Our team of former journalists and in-house marketing and communications leaders deliver game-changing results for a wide range of clients... Read More →

Thursday November 21, 2024 2:30pm - 3:00pm EST
Foyer

Break/Exhibits

3:00pm EST

Building Belonging: Reimagining Schools, Welcoming Newcomers, and Creating Community

Thursday November 21, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Mediterranean

The United State's student population is now the most diverse in its history, comprising a significant number of new immigrants or children of immigrants. This demographic evolution calls for reimagining our education system, focusing on fostering identity, building belonging, and community formation for every student. Our session introduces the Re-Imagining Migration framework, centering on students' voices and visions of inclusive schooling. Led by the co-author of "Building Belonging: Harnessing the Power of Education in a Time of Demographic Change," we'll explore the impact of schools prioritizing nurturing environments for all learners. Through small group discussions, we'll reflect on strategies to promote academic, social, and civic belonging. We'll engage with tools designed to prioritize student agency and share examples of districts embedding belonging into their academic fabric. Participants will leave equipped to champion and spearhead shifts towards inclusive community cultures grounded in reciprocal relationships, and innovative, identity-reflective, and compassionate curricula.

Speakers

Meisha Lamb-Bell

Program Director, Re-Imagining Migration

https://www.linkedin.com/in/meishalambbell/

Thursday November 21, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Mediterranean

Session

3:00pm EST

Creating a Culture of Student Leadership at a New Boarding School

Thursday November 21, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Atlantic 3

As founding leaders of a new boarding school with a diverse student and staff population in an environment without a tradition of community-oriented boarding schools, creating a common purpose and shared culture was an existential necessity for us. This session will explore the principles and processes we followed as we developed a school culture with the singular mission-focused purpose of promoting student leadership. Our time will focus on three areas: 1) how we developed a shared understanding of our mission and shared language to promote the culture of leadership we aspired to, reflecting our "thinking about it" and "working on it" stages; 2) how we created and sustained routines, rhythms, and rituals that support a culture of leadership, reflecting our "living it" phase, and 3) understanding the student experience of building and sustaining a shared purpose, reflecting one pathway for a "what if" inquiry.

Speakers

Student Presenters

Tony Lilly

Dean of Academics, Manara School

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-lilly-a3280928/

Thursday November 21, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Atlantic 3

Session

3:00pm EST

Cultivating Norms of Civil Society and a Culture of Inclusion

Thursday November 21, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Atlantic 2

This panel presentation will discuss strategies we are using at Sacopee Valley High School, a small, rural, high school in western Maine, to help our students develop civility, empathy, and the ability to discuss difficult topics despite differences. A framework we adopted prior to the 2023-2024 school year called the Seven Principles of Constructive Dialogue will be shared and discussed. Specific materials and policies governing topics such as teaching controversial topics and responding to bias-related incidents will be shared. Emphasis will be placed not just on policy language but the manner in which policies are publicized and consistently followed. Session attendees will be asked to discuss selected issues in table groups and share their school/district contexts and responses to problems and situations related to these topics.

Speakers

Britton Wolfe

Principal, Sacopee Valley High School

https://svhs.sad55.org/en-US/staff

Elizabeth Sanborn

Extended Learning Opportunities Coordinator/Civil Rights Team Advisor, Sacopee Valley High School

I am the Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) coordinator at Sacopee Valley High School. Previously, I was the district Gifted & Talented teacher (2016 - 2022) and English 12 and AP Literature & Composition teacher (2008 - 2016).Doctorate in Education, Curriculum & Instruction... Read More →

Claire Richmond

Social Studies Teacher, Sacopee Valley High School

Thomas Rhoades

Social Studies Teacher, Sacopee Valley High School

Thursday November 21, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Atlantic 2

Session

3:00pm EST

Fostering Equity, Empathy, and Cooperative Learning: Transforming the Educational Environment

Thursday November 21, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Pacific A-B

In this interactive session, participants will explore the essential components of a meaningful and effective learning environment. Through engaging activities, attendees will collaboratively establish collective norms and develop a shared understanding of what constitutes a supportive and impactful educational setting. The session will focus on fostering perspective-taking, gaining insight, and cultivating empathy among participants.

By the end of the session, attendees will have a set of practical activities and strategies to implement in their own educational environments, promoting collaborative clarity and enhancing the overall learning experience. Join us to discover how to create an inclusive and empathetic learning community that supports all learners.

Speakers

Courtney Sevigny

Learning Environment Specialist, VS America

https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-sevigny-m-ed-eclps-3996923b/

Baird Caner

New England Territory Manager, VS America

As a full-service manufacturer, VS America covers both the schools sectors and the office living and working space with intelligent furniture and integrative solutions.Follow on LinkedIn: Baird Caner, New England Territory Manager... Read More →

Thursday November 21, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Pacific A-B

Session, Unplugged

3:00pm EST

Prioritizing Student Wellbeing to Foster Deeper Understanding and Engagement

Thursday November 21, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Caspian

How do we create a healthy learning environment that places the well-being of kids (and adults) at the forefront? How do we make the well-being of our students and faculty/staff an organic and inherent part of our practices in and out of the classroom? We will share our approach, the challenges we faced and the deeply held assumptions about school that we had to unlearn to strive for a healthier learning environment. Come and learn about our student-focused approach and discuss how our schedule; assessment practices; courses; different initiatives; and partnership with families place our students and their well-being at the center of what we do, value deep understanding, and put the joy in learning. Let's share ideas on where to go next!

Speakers

Lesley Colognesi

Director of Academic Services, Beaver Country Day School

https://bcdschool.org/contact/lesley-colognesi/

Rick Wilson

Director of Wellness, Counseling, and Health Services, Beaver Country Day School

https://bcdschool.org/contact/rick-wilson/

Thursday November 21, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Caspian

Session

3:00pm EST

Strengthening Student Leadership Programming in High Schools: Embedding Leadership Curriculum and Student-Led Programming

Thursday November 21, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Atlantic 1

The session will outline how this high school has embedded a leadership, ethics and development curriculum (LEAD) for all students 9th through 12th during the school day. This pedagogical approach includes a strong emphasis on leadership for all incoming 9th graders, health and wellness in 10th, and exploration of self and others through service and preparation for exploration of interests. Students have the opportunity to lead an Exploration course, with teacher support embedded in the day. Students, and adults who work with them, will present on each of these components of the program, and highlight the successes and lessons learned from the past five years of development.

Speakers

Student Presenters

Reina Stimpson

Head of Upper School - Director of Student Leadership, Derryfield School

https://www.linkedin.com/in/reina-stimpson-ed-d-62bbb51b/

Thursday November 21, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Atlantic 1

Session

4:10pm EST

Where Do We Go from Here? (Teaching and Leading in 2025)

Thursday November 21, 2024 4:10pm - 4:45pm EST

Pacific D-H (Ballroom)

A presentation by the NASSP’s National Principal of the Year for 2023.

Speakers

Donna Hayward

Principal, Haddam-Killingworth High School

Donna Hayward began her professional career as a high school mathematics teacher after earning her Bachelors and Masters degrees from Smith College. Inspired by her own high school principal, Donna completed her Sixth Year through UCONN and served as Assistant Principal/ Principal... Read More →

Thursday November 21, 2024 4:10pm - 4:45pm EST
Pacific D-H (Ballroom)

Keynote/Plenary

4:45pm EST

Awards and Recognition

Thursday November 21, 2024 4:45pm - 5:00pm EST

Pacific D-H (Ballroom)

A celebration of volunteer service and NEASC Award recipients.

Thursday November 21, 2024 4:45pm - 5:00pm EST
Pacific D-H (Ballroom)

Keynote/Plenary

5:00pm EST

Reception

Thursday November 21, 2024 5:00pm - 7:00pm EST

Foyer

Join us for conversation and connection.
Appetizers and beverages will be served.
Entertainment will be provided.

Thank you to our reception sponsor, Jostens.

Partners/Sponsors

Jostens Renaissance Education

Sales Rep, Jostens

As The Most Trusted Partner in Celebrating Moments That Matter, the essence of our mission is conveyed with three simple words: Capture. Celebrate. Inspire. It’s all about recognizing life’s most important moments, and inspiring the creation and celebration of even more.Jostens... Read More →

Thursday November 21, 2024 5:00pm - 7:00pm EST
Foyer

Networking