Back-to-School ConnectED Conference 2026: Full Schedule

8:15am EDT

Opening Keynote: What Great Educators Do Differently

Friday July 31, 2026 8:15am - 9:15am EDT

Speakers

Todd Whitaker

Speaker, Author

Dr. Todd Whitaker has been fortunate to be able to blend his passion with his career. Recognized as a leading presenter in the field of education, his message about the importance of teaching has resonated with hundreds of thousands of educators around the world. Todd is a research... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 8:15am - 9:15am EDT
Gym

Keynote

Audience General Audience, Admin, Bookkeepers, Office Staff, Attendance Clerks, School Counselors, Nurses, Related Arts, Athletics, Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle, High, K4, New to District, Special Education, Classroom Assistants

9:30am EDT

Power Partnering: Unlocking the Full Potential of Your TA

LIMITED

Friday July 31, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am EDT

403

Limited Capacity seats available

Discover how a well-utilized teaching assistant can transform your classroom. In this session, you’ll gain simple, high-impact strategies to strengthen collaboration, streamline support, and accelerate student learning.

Speakers

Chelsea Roberts

Kindergarten Teacher, West Pelzer Elementary School

Chelsea Roberts is an elementary teacher with 14 years of experience in kindergarten through 2nd grade. She loves creating engaging, hands-on lessons that build strong foundations in literacy and math. Chelsea is passionate about helping students grow as independent learners and enjoys... Read More →

Emily Owens

Kindergarten Teacher Assistant, West Pelzer Elementary School

Friday July 31, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
403

Elementary (EC/ES)

Audience Early Childhood, Classroom Assistants, Special Education

12:45pm EDT

Teacher Assistant to Teacher

LIMITED

Friday July 31, 2026 12:45pm - 1:30pm EDT

519

Limited Capacity seats available

Join us to find your path to classroom teaching! This session is for any teacher assistant who is interested in teaching, regardless of your level of education.

Speakers

Becky Brady

Assistant Superintendent of Personnel, District Office

Melissa Tollison

Executive Director of Personnel, District Office

Friday July 31, 2026 12:45pm - 1:30pm EDT
519

General Audience

Audience Classroom Assistants, Special Education

1:45pm EDT

The Heart of the Classroom

LIMITED

Friday July 31, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT

404

Limited Capacity seats available

The importance of your role as a Special Education Assistant. How to effectively support and communicate with your lead teacher.

Speakers

Beth Price

Teacher Assistant, Powdersville Middle School

My name is Beth Price and I am currently a Teacher Assistant at PVMS. I will be going into my ninth year as a Special Education Assistant. I previously taught K4 and K5, and have been in the Education field in some capacity for over 20 years. I have been married for 30 years and have... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
404

General Audience