Back-to-School ConnectED Conference 2026

Back-to-School ConnectED Conference 2026

8:15am EDT

Opening Keynote: What Great Educators Do Differently

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

Gym

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

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

Bridging Cultural Gaps: Empowering Multiligual Families

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

513

Limited Capacity seats available

This session explores how the Parent Liaison role in Anderson One supports multilingual families by bridging cultural and educational gaps through strong partnerships with teachers, counselors, and caregivers. Participants will learn about the district’s cultural diversity, the four key focus areas: communication, advocacy, engagement, and newcomer support, and how these efforts nurture the whole child. Attendees will also gain practical tools and strategies to confidently collaborate with families and foster inclusive, supportive learning environments.

Speakers

Gabriela Brady

Parent Liaison, District Office

Ni Riddle

Parent Liaison, District Office

I serve as a Parent Liaison and Spanish Interpreter for Anderson District One Schools, where I help bridge communication between families and educators. With over six years of experience in education, I support Spanish-speaking families by interpreting meetings, translating documents... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
513

General Audience

Audience General Audience

9:30am EDT

Canva Classroom: A Beginner's Guide to Using Canva for Teachers

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

407

Limited Capacity seats available

The design space we all love, but not sure how to utilize with only a little time. Canva Classroom will be a dive into Canva for beginners as well as those wanting to know more!

Speakers

Danielle Harrelson

Second Grade Teacher, Wren Elementary School

My name is Dani Harrelson, I am a second grade teacher at Wren Elementary. I am a proud mom of my 9 year old chocolate lab and a lover of Chicago hot dogs! I am so excited to help you create things you can use in your classroom!

Friday July 31, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
407

General Audience

Audience General Audience

9:30am EDT

Classroom Management From The Ground Up

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

Gym

Classroom management can make or break your teaching. Whether you have been teaching one year or twenty-one years, it is often the biggest frustration we face and it affects our teaching and job satisfaction each day. Every teacher does the best they know how when it comes to classroom management, and this session is designed so that we can all learn to be even better. This fun, high-energy workshop, based on the popular book of the same name, will help you gain effective strategies for designing, and improving your classroom management from the ground up.

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 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
Gym

General Audience

Audience General Audience

9:30am EDT

Clearing the Noise: Everyday Mental Wellness Habits for Educators

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

201

Limited Capacity seats available

By mid-morning, many already feel like their brains are in overdriveThe constant stream of decisions, interruptions, and “stuff” can make it hard to think clearly or turn work off at the end of the day. This session offers a chance to slow the mental spin and pick up realistic habits that protect your focus and peace of mind. Participants will identify energy drains during the school day and learn quick reset routines they can use between classes, meetings, or tasks. Attendees will leave with simple, doable ideas they can start using the next day to feel more centered, less scattered, and more in control of their mental energy.

Speakers

Josh Ray

Educational Speaker, Author, Teacher welness?

Joshua Ray, EdD, is an educational speaker and author who has led the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) at Work® process at the elementary, secondary, and district level. He is passionate about building healthy school cultures, the work of collaborative teams, systems of support... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
201

General Audience

Audience General Audience

9:30am EDT

Ever Thought About Becoming a Foster Parent?

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

503

Limited Capacity seats available

Through no fault of their own, the children in the Lutheran Services Carolina program have experienced challenges. LSC’s Foster Care program helps them change course by pairing them with foster parents who are invested in their well-being and committed to providing a smoother path forward. Attend this session to learn more about how to become a foster parent.

Speakers

Jayla Coley

Friday July 31, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
503

General Audience

Audience General Audience

9:30am EDT

How Can I Help Students Prepare For College Admissions?

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

204

Limited Capacity seats available

Explore how to support students preparing for college, demystify the admissions and financial aid process, and provide practical strategies for teachers to guide students toward postsecondary success, especially for first-generation students.

Speakers

Dr. Christian Barrientos

Associate Director for Curriculum and Assessment in the Division of Community Engagement, Belonging, and Access, Clemson University

Friday July 31, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
204

General Audience

Audience General Audience

9:30am EDT

Sending out an SOS: Strategies to Save Your Sanity (and Your Lesson)

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

413

Limited Capacity seats available

We’ve all had those moments...when the lesson isn’t landing, engagement is low, looking for a way to check for understanding, and you need a quick reset. This session is your SOS. We’ll spotlight easy, effective instructional strategies you can pull out in real time to re-engage students and get learning back on track using Discovery Education tools.

Speakers

Pam Inabinett

Director, Partner Success, SE, Discovery Education

Pam Inabinett brings two decades of South Carolina classroom experience and just the right amount of tech-loving enthusiasm. She started as a classroom teacher before becoming an Instructional Technology Specialist in Dorchester School District Two, where she first discovered the... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
413

General Audience

Audience General Audience

9:30am EDT

The Focus Formula: How the 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) Help Us Achieve What Matters Most

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

514

Limited Capacity seats available

Most schools have goals—but not every school consistently achieves them. The difference isn't working harder; it's having a process that keeps everyone focused on what matters most. In this interactive session, you'll discover how the 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) can transform classroom, grade-level, and school goals into meaningful action and measurable results. Learn how wildly important goals, lead measures, compelling scoreboards, and accountability can create momentum that lasts. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of 4DX and practical strategies they can implement immediately with students, teams, or school initiatives.

Speakers

Jamie Spinks

Leader in Me Coach and Consultant, FranklinCovey

Jamie Spinks is a full time Leader in Me Coach and Consultant. He is an enthusiastic educator who has served in different roles including teacher, assistant principal, college instructor, and 16 years as a principal. His principal experience includes leading two schools in the Leader... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
514

General Audience

Audience General Audience

9:30am EDT

Trauma-Informed Teaching That Works

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

410

Limited Capacity seats available

This session will equip educators with trauma-informed practices that strengthen relationships, support emotional regulation, and create calmer classrooms. Participants will explore easy-to-implement routines and language shifts that make a big impact on student behavior and learning. Attendees will walk away with strategies they can use the very next day.

Speakers

Randy Coleman

Fifth Grade Teacher, Spearman Elementary School

Randy Coleman is an elementary educator dedicated to building trauma-informed, relationship-centered classrooms where all students feel safe, supported, and capable of success. He brings a strong background in instructional leadership, data-driven teaching, and literacy development... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
410

General Audience

Audience General Audience

9:30am EDT

Elevate Your Impact: Summer Book Study Culmination

Friday July 31, 2026 9:30am - 11:15am EDT

Wren High School Auditorium

Limited Capacity seats available

This sesssion is only for people who have been a part of the summer book study with TJ Rumler.

Speakers

TJ Rumler

TJ Rumler Consulting

I didn't always know...
that I wanted to be a social worker, but I always knew I loved helping others. I am incredibly grateful to be able to serve others, and in my role as consultant help you as you continue to serve others in your capacity. If you've landed on this page you probably want to know a little... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 9:30am - 11:15am EDT
Wren High School Auditorium

General Audience

Audience General Audience

10:30am EDT

Bridging Cultural Gaps: Empowering Multiligual Families

Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT

513

Limited Capacity seats available

This session explores how the Parent Liaison role in Anderson One supports multilingual families by bridging cultural and educational gaps through strong partnerships with teachers, counselors, and caregivers. Participants will learn about the district’s cultural diversity, the four key focus areas: communication, advocacy, engagement, and newcomer support, and how these efforts nurture the whole child. Attendees will also gain practical tools and strategies to confidently collaborate with families and foster inclusive, supportive learning environments.

Speakers

Gabriela Brady

Parent Liaison, District Office

Ni Riddle

Parent Liaison, District Office

I serve as a Parent Liaison and Spanish Interpreter for Anderson District One Schools, where I help bridge communication between families and educators. With over six years of experience in education, I support Spanish-speaking families by interpreting meetings, translating documents... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
513

General Audience

Audience General Audience

10:30am EDT

Clearing the Noise: Everyday Mental Wellness Habits for Educators

Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT

201

Limited Capacity seats available

By mid-morning, many already feel like their brains are in overdriveThe constant stream of decisions, interruptions, and “stuff” can make it hard to think clearly or turn work off at the end of the day. This session offers a chance to slow the mental spin and pick up realistic habits that protect your focus and peace of mind. Participants will identify energy drains during the school day and learn quick reset routines they can use between classes, meetings, or tasks. Attendees will leave with simple, doable ideas they can start using the next day to feel more centered, less scattered, and more in control of their mental energy.

Speakers

Josh Ray

Educational Speaker, Author, Teacher welness?

Joshua Ray, EdD, is an educational speaker and author who has led the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) at Work® process at the elementary, secondary, and district level. He is passionate about building healthy school cultures, the work of collaborative teams, systems of support... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
201

General Audience

Audience General Audience

10:30am EDT

Communication with Multi-Lingual Families

Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT

210

Limited Capacity seats available

We will focus on ways to communicate with non-English speaking families to help them be involved and feel welcome. We will also talk about Syncroz.

Speakers

Melissa Thomas

ML Teacher, Powdersville Elementary School

Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
210

General Audience

Audience General Audience

10:30am EDT

Ever Thought About Becoming a Foster Parent?

Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT

503

Limited Capacity seats available

Through no fault of their own, the children in the Lutheran Services Carolina program have experienced challenges. LSC’s Foster Care program helps them change course by pairing them with foster parents who are invested in their well-being and committed to providing a smoother path forward. Attend this session to learn more about how to become a foster parent.

Speakers

Jayla Coley

Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
503

General Audience

Audience General Audience

10:30am EDT

How Can I Help Students Prepare For College Admissions?

Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT

204

Limited Capacity seats available

Explore how to support students preparing for college, demystify the admissions and financial aid process, and provide practical strategies for teachers to guide students toward postsecondary success, especially for first-generation students.

Speakers

Dr. Christian Barrientos

Associate Director for Curriculum and Assessment in the Division of Community Engagement, Belonging, and Access, Clemson University

Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
204

General Audience

Audience General Audience

10:30am EDT

How to Use NotebookLM

Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT

519

Limited Capacity seats available

In this session, we will be discussing NotebookLM and how to effectively use it for planning and development of lessons and activities

Speakers

Cam Hays

Sixth Grade ELA, Palmetto Middle School

Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
519

General Audience

Audience General Audience

10:30am EDT

Inventing Environments: World-Building Through Art and Writing

Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT

515

Limited Capacity seats available

This workshop is designed to guide you through imaginative world-building through various art and writing techniques. Aimed to help you teach your students to explore imagination, visualization, and storytelling, the workshop is open to any content area and any grade-level. Artist and art teacher Haley Nichols will teach you how to engage the five senses to create immersive environments to build characters, setting, and concepts through accessible art making and journaling prompts.

Speakers

Haley Nichols

High School Art Teacher, Wren High School

Haley Nichols is a certified k-12 Art Educator and Artist with experience in both middle and high school art. She teaches at Wren High School, and is also the chair of the Fine Arts department, as well as Wren High School's 2026-2027 Teacher of the Year. Haley received her teaching... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
515

General Audience

Audience General Audience

10:30am EDT

Outwit, Outlast, Outplay the Barriers: Scaffolding for Student Success

Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT

510

Limited Capacity seats available

Learning and mastering content shouldn’t be a challenge to students but when they enter our classroom with barriers, we often don’t know how to support learning at their level, when feeling the pressure to teach on-grade level standards. Come learn what scaffolding is and how it can support ALL learners inside your classroom.

Speakers

Ashley Brewer

Instructional Coach, Powdersville Middle School

Passionate public school educator of 16 years who has taught both middle school and high school English. Spent the last four years in Pickens County where I served as an At-Risk Coach and Instructional Coach. Excited to be back in A1!

Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
510

General Audience

Audience General Audience

10:30am EDT

Q-Matrix: Rigorous Questioning and Extension Activities

Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT

410

Limited Capacity seats available

This session will give teachers a simple tool to enhance student engagement and critical thinking through strategic questioning techniques. The Q-Matrix can be adapted for practically any grade level or subject area to ramp up the rigor in a lesson.

Speakers

Jessica Cansler

Gifted and Talented (Launch) Teacher, Spearman Elementary School

Sarah Coyle

GT, Wren Elementary School

Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
410

General Audience

Audience General Audience

10:30am EDT

Sending out an SOS: Strategies to Save Your Sanity (and Your Lesson)

Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT

413

Limited Capacity seats available

We’ve all had those moments...when the lesson isn’t landing, engagement is low, looking for a way to check for understanding, and you need a quick reset. This session is your SOS. We’ll spotlight easy, effective instructional strategies you can pull out in real time to re-engage students and get learning back on track using Discovery Education tools.

Speakers

Pam Inabinett

Director, Partner Success, SE, Discovery Education

Pam Inabinett brings two decades of South Carolina classroom experience and just the right amount of tech-loving enthusiasm. She started as a classroom teacher before becoming an Instructional Technology Specialist in Dorchester School District Two, where she first discovered the... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
413

General Audience

Audience General Audience

10:30am EDT

Team Time Tracker

Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT

509

Limited Capacity seats available

PLC Team Time can be an overwhelming process (especially for new teachers or teams) between links, folders, documents, sheets, and resources. With the introduction of my Canva tracker template, a team will be set up for success all in one place! In this session I'll guide you through how to copy and edit my tracker to allow for customization. I'll demonstrate how to effectively use the tracker and insert team links and documents so that every member has everything they need all in one place.

Speakers

Shannon Ford

Instructional Coach and Test Coordinator, Palmetto Middle School

Welcome in! This is my 12th year working in ASD1. I started my career teaching 3rd grade for 6 years at Hunt Meadows Elementary School. I transitioned to a math interventionist role at Palmetto Middle School to pursue a love of math and get closer to home. Over the course of my time... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
509

General Audience

Audience General Audience

10:30am EDT

The Focus Formula: How the 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) Help Us Achieve What Matters Most

Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT

514

Limited Capacity seats available

Most schools have goals—but not every school consistently achieves them. The difference isn't working harder; it's having a process that keeps everyone focused on what matters most. In this interactive session, you'll discover how the 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) can transform classroom, grade-level, and school goals into meaningful action and measurable results. Learn how wildly important goals, lead measures, compelling scoreboards, and accountability can create momentum that lasts. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of 4DX and practical strategies they can implement immediately with students, teams, or school initiatives.

Speakers

Jamie Spinks

Leader in Me Coach and Consultant, FranklinCovey

Jamie Spinks is a full time Leader in Me Coach and Consultant. He is an enthusiastic educator who has served in different roles including teacher, assistant principal, college instructor, and 16 years as a principal. His principal experience includes leading two schools in the Leader... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
514

General Audience

Audience General Audience

10:30am EDT

Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences: An Intro for Educators

Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT

508

Limited Capacity seats available

This session provides educators with a brief introduction to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their impact on student learning, behavior, and well-being. Participants will explore how trauma can affect the developing brain and gain foundational strategies for creating supportive, trauma-informed classroom environments.

Speakers

Lauren Blackston

School Counselor, Powdersville High School

Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
508

General Audience

Audience General Audience

10:30am EDT

What to Expect When Calling DSS

Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT

415

Limited Capacity seats available

This session will go over the different instances that could lead to the need for a DSS report. We will also go over what to expect when making the report and the potential outcomes.

Speakers

Miranda Roberts

School Counselor, Palmetto Elementary School

Miranda Roberts is a dedicated school counselor at Palmetto Elementary School who is passionate about advocating for every child's success and well-being. She works closely with students, families, and staff to create a supportive and inclusive school environment where all children... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
415

General Audience

Audience General Audience

11:30am EDT

Lunch - Multiple Locations

Friday July 31, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Multiple Locations

Lunch is provided at three lunch stations around the building. If your second session is in the Library, WRHS, or a 200 Classroom, you will pick up your lunch in the WRMS Cafeteria. If your second session is in a 400 classroom, you will pick up your lunch in the WRMS main hallway. If your second session is in a 500 classroom, you will pick up your lunch in the WRMS learning stairs area. Eating locations include: gym, cafeteria, learning stairs, courtyards, outside tables, or a classroom.

Friday July 31, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Multiple Locations

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

12:00pm EDT

Q&A With Todd Whitaker and Seth Young

Friday July 31, 2026 12:00pm - 12:30pm EDT

Gym

Bring your lunch and come join Todd Whitaker and Seth Young for a Q&A session. Open to everyone!

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 →

Dr. Seth Young

Superintendent, District Office

Friday July 31, 2026 12:00pm - 12:30pm EDT
Gym

General Audience

Audience General Audience

12:45pm EDT

Academic SWIRLS: Supporting ML Students

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

408

Limited Capacity seats available

Get connected to practices that directly increase the learning of multilingual students in any academic setting. Participants will link together speaking, writing, interaction, reading, and listening for an easy formula to increase the learning for all students.

Speakers

Christie Shealy

Director of Student Services, District Office

Friday July 31, 2026 12:45pm - 1:30pm EDT
408

General Audience

Audience General Audience

12:45pm EDT

Beyond Behavior: Cultivating a Safe and Respectful Classroom

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

410

Limited Capacity seats available

This session will examine the current factors influencing classroom behaviors and student learning. We will analyze these factors across three distinct categories: Classroom Flow, Teacher Regulation, and Student Regulation.

Speakers

Angie Evatt

Interventionist, Oak Hill Elementary School

Angie Evatt possesses 12 years of experience as a homeschooling mother, in addition to serving 15 years in public education. Her teaching background encompasses Kindergarten, 4th grade, 5th grade, Leadership, and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in schools across Mississippi, North... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 12:45pm - 1:30pm EDT
410

General Audience

Audience General Audience

12:45pm EDT

Bookkeeper 101

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

209

Limited Capacity seats available

Interested in becoming a bookeeper, or are you a bookkeeper with less than three years of expierence? Join Cyndi Durham, Director of Finance, to learn about bookkeeping essentials.

Speakers

Cyndi Durham

Director of Finance, District Office

Friday July 31, 2026 12:45pm - 1:30pm EDT
209

General Audience

Audience General Audience

12:45pm EDT

Bridging Cultural Gaps: Empowering Multiligual Families

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

513

Limited Capacity seats available

This session explores how the Parent Liaison role in Anderson One supports multilingual families by bridging cultural and educational gaps through strong partnerships with teachers, counselors, and caregivers. Participants will learn about the district’s cultural diversity, the four key focus areas: communication, advocacy, engagement, and newcomer support, and how these efforts nurture the whole child. Attendees will also gain practical tools and strategies to confidently collaborate with families and foster inclusive, supportive learning environments.

Speakers

Gabriela Brady

Parent Liaison, District Office

Ni Riddle

Parent Liaison, District Office

I serve as a Parent Liaison and Spanish Interpreter for Anderson District One Schools, where I help bridge communication between families and educators. With over six years of experience in education, I support Spanish-speaking families by interpreting meetings, translating documents... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 12:45pm - 1:30pm EDT
513

General Audience

Audience General Audience

12:45pm EDT

Combining the Guiding Coalition & Lighthouse Team

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

411

Limited Capacity seats available

Strong schools are built through strong teams with a shared vision and purpose. This session will explore how we combined our Guiding Coalition and Lighthouse Team into one unified leadership team where their goals align to support the overall mission and growth of the school. Participants will learn practical strategies for building trust, creating shared ownership, strengthening student and teacher leadership, using data to guide decisions, and developing systems that support continuous improvement. Through reflection and discussion, school leaders will leave with ideas for aligning leadership structures, empowering stakeholders, and creating a collaborative culture where everyone works together to support student success.
Impact:
Educators will walk away with practical ideas and strategies for merging the work of a Guiding Coalition and Lighthouse Team into one aligned leadership structure that supports the mission and goals of the school. Participants will gain tools for strengthening collaboration, building shared ownership among staff and students, aligning leadership efforts, and creating systems that support continuous improvement, student leadership, and a positive school culture.

Speakers

Miranda Leopard

Principal, West Pelzer Elementary School

Miranda Leopard is an experienced educational leader currently serving as the principal of West Pelzer Elementary School. She brings over 20 years of experience in education, including the last 12 years at West Pelzer, where she has served as a literacy coach, assistant principal... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 12:45pm - 1:30pm EDT
411

General Audience

Audience General Audience

12:45pm EDT

Communication with Multi-Lingual Families

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

210

Limited Capacity seats available

We will focus on ways to communicate with non-English speaking families to help them be involved and feel welcome. We will also talk about Syncroz.

Speakers

Melissa Thomas

ML Teacher, Powdersville Elementary School

Friday July 31, 2026 12:45pm - 1:30pm EDT
210

General Audience

Audience General Audience

12:45pm EDT

From Welcome to Wow: You Always Win with People!

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

407

Limited Capacity seats available

This session will provide practical strategies and best practices for creating a successful and meaningful experience for student teachers and college practicum students. Participants will learn how to build strong relationships, provide effective support and feedback, and create a classroom environment where future educators can grow and thrive. Together, we will explore how mentoring the next generation of teachers strengthens both our profession and our schools.

Speakers

Carol Brooks

Induction Coordinator, District Office

I currently serve as the Induction Coordinator and a recruiter for Anderson School District One, where I have the privilege of supporting and growing the next generation of educators. I firmly believe that students deserve teachers who love what they do and bring genuine passion into... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 12:45pm - 1:30pm EDT
407

General Audience

Audience General Audience

12:45pm EDT

How Can I Help Students Prepare For College Admissions?

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

204

Limited Capacity seats available

Explore how to support students preparing for college, demystify the admissions and financial aid process, and provide practical strategies for teachers to guide students toward postsecondary success, especially for first-generation students.

Speakers

Dr. Christian Barrientos

Associate Director for Curriculum and Assessment in the Division of Community Engagement, Belonging, and Access, Clemson University

Friday July 31, 2026 12:45pm - 1:30pm EDT
204

General Audience

Audience General Audience

12:45pm EDT

LEADING WELL: Protecting Your People Without Losing Yourself

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

201

Limited Capacity seats available

Being a leader often means carrying everyone else’s questions, worries, and deadlines, sometimes at the expense of your own well-being. Over time, it can become hard to tell where the job ends and your life begins. In this session, Dr. Josh Ray draws on his experiences in educational leadership and ideas from his book, Finding Your Balance, to explore what sustainable leadership can look like in real schools. Participants will reflect on common patterns that pull leaders toward burnout and learn practical ways to set boundaries, protect thinking time, and model healthy practices for staff. Attendees will leave with concrete ideas they can begin using right away to support both their own wellness and the success of the people they lead.

Speakers

Josh Ray

Educational Speaker, Author, Teacher welness?

Joshua Ray, EdD, is an educational speaker and author who has led the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) at Work® process at the elementary, secondary, and district level. He is passionate about building healthy school cultures, the work of collaborative teams, systems of support... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 12:45pm - 1:30pm EDT
201

General Audience

Audience General Audience

12:45pm EDT

Making Content Accessible to MLs

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

506

Limited Capacity seats available

Participants will learn different strategies and tools they can use in their classroom to support all learners and particularly ML learners regardless of the subject matter.

Speakers

Jobie Henderson

GT Teacher, Oak Hill Elementary School

Jobie Henderson has a background in teaching elementary school. For the last three years, she has split her time between teaching Gifted and Talented students at PVES and Multilingual learners at Concrete Primary and PVHS. She is currently pursuing her masters in TESOL.

Rachel Loftus

Multilingual Teacher 9-12, Powdersville High School

Rachel Loftus has a background in teaching mathematics at the high school level. She was previously in the mission field in Guatemala and is now back in the states as an Multilingual Learner teacher. She has been at PVHS for two years as an ML teacher for grades 9-12.

Friday July 31, 2026 12:45pm - 1:30pm EDT
506

General Audience

Audience General Audience

12:45pm EDT

Running on Empty: Burnout Prevention Toolkit for Educators

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

415

Limited Capacity seats available

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
Define burnout and understand how it differs from everyday stress and fatigue.
Explain why educators are particularly vulnerable to burnout.
Recognize the early warning signs of burnout in themselves and others.
Apply practical strategies to build resilience and prevent "running on empty."

Speakers

John Barnett

John Barnett has been a teacher for 11 years, spent 30 years in church ministry and
has been a licensed marriage and family therapist for the last 5. He has been married
for 46 years to his wife Teresa and has two grown children, John and Tiffany, who are
graduates of the Wren sc... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 12:45pm - 1:30pm EDT
415

General Audience

Audience General Audience

12:45pm EDT

Teaching Matters

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

Gym

We have chosen the most important profession that there is, yet sometimes it is difficult to remember that. All of us have times where we do not feel as valued as we should. This session will help all of us regain the drive that encouraged us to choose education as our profession. You will leave with specific ideas that can be immediately implemented into your schools, classrooms, and personal lives that will make a difference to your students and to yourself. With a combination of humor, emotion, and practical ideas, you will remember why you chose education and rekindle the spirit that teaching really does matter.

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 12:45pm - 1:30pm EDT
Gym

General Audience

Audience General Audience

12:45pm EDT

Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences: An Intro for Educators

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

508

Limited Capacity seats available

This session provides educators with a brief introduction to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their impact on student learning, behavior, and well-being. Participants will explore how trauma can affect the developing brain and gain foundational strategies for creating supportive, trauma-informed classroom environments.

Speakers

Lauren Blackston

School Counselor, Powdersville High School

Friday July 31, 2026 12:45pm - 1:30pm EDT
508

General Audience

Audience General Audience

12:45pm EDT

Visible Learning in Action: Turning Hattie's Research into Everyday Practice with Leader in Me

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

514

Limited Capacity seats available

John Hattie's research tells us what has the greatest impact on student achievement—but how do we consistently bring that research to life in our classrooms and schools? This session explores how Leader in Me provides the "how" behind the "what," helping educators create cultures where high-impact practices become everyday habits. Discover practical connections between Hattie's research and Leader in Me that empower both teachers and students to achieve greater success.

Speakers

Jamie Spinks

Leader in Me Coach and Consultant, FranklinCovey

Jamie Spinks is a full time Leader in Me Coach and Consultant. He is an enthusiastic educator who has served in different roles including teacher, assistant principal, college instructor, and 16 years as a principal. His principal experience includes leading two schools in the Leader... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 12:45pm - 1:30pm EDT
514

General Audience

Audience General Audience

12:45pm EDT

What if Disney Ran Your Classroom?

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

510

Limited Capacity seats available

Since 1923, the Walt Disney Company has served as a model for business growth and customer service. Through the pursuit of excellence, especially in its theme parks, it has become the leader in a rapidly changing industry that other companies strive to replicate. There are lessons to be learned from analyzing the "Disney Way," and its strategies can elevate your classroom instruction, climate, and student engagement. You may never teach in the Magic Kingdom, but you can create a classroom that Walt himself would approve.

Speakers

Chris Chapman

Assistant Principal - Freshman Academy Dir., Wren High School

Friday July 31, 2026 12:45pm - 1:30pm EDT
510

General Audience

Audience General Audience

12:45pm EDT

Elevate Your Impact: Summer Book Study Culmination

Friday July 31, 2026 12:45pm - 2:30pm EDT

Wren High School Auditorium

Limited Capacity seats available

This sesssion is only for people who have been a part of the summer book study with TJ Rumler.

Speakers

TJ Rumler

TJ Rumler Consulting

I didn't always know...
that I wanted to be a social worker, but I always knew I loved helping others. I am incredibly grateful to be able to serve others, and in my role as consultant help you as you continue to serve others in your capacity. If you've landed on this page you probably want to know a little... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 12:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
Wren High School Auditorium

General Audience

Audience General Audience

1:45pm EDT

Academic SWIRLS: Supporting ML Students

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

408

Limited Capacity seats available

Get connected to practices that directly increase the learning of multilingual students in any academic setting. Participants will link together speaking, writing, interaction, reading, and listening for an easy formula to increase the learning for all students.

Speakers

Christie Shealy

Director of Student Services, District Office

Friday July 31, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
408

General Audience

Audience General Audience

1:45pm EDT

Bridging Cultural Gaps: Empowering Multiligual Families

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

513

Limited Capacity seats available

This session explores how the Parent Liaison role in Anderson One supports multilingual families by bridging cultural and educational gaps through strong partnerships with teachers, counselors, and caregivers. Participants will learn about the district’s cultural diversity, the four key focus areas: communication, advocacy, engagement, and newcomer support, and how these efforts nurture the whole child. Attendees will also gain practical tools and strategies to confidently collaborate with families and foster inclusive, supportive learning environments.

Speakers

Gabriela Brady

Parent Liaison, District Office

Ni Riddle

Parent Liaison, District Office

I serve as a Parent Liaison and Spanish Interpreter for Anderson District One Schools, where I help bridge communication between families and educators. With over six years of experience in education, I support Spanish-speaking families by interpreting meetings, translating documents... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
513

General Audience

Audience General Audience

1:45pm EDT

Canva Unlocked

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

504

Limited Capacity seats available

Most know how to pick a template, but few have scratched the surface of Canva’s most powerful "hidden" capabilities. This session moves beyond the basics to reveal the secret toolkit that transforms Canva from a simple design app into a powerhouse for instructional efficiency and student engagement.

Speakers

Jared Fricks

Chorus Teacher, Palmetto High School

Joanna Watkins

Librarian, Palmetto High School

Friday July 31, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
504

General Audience

Audience General Audience

1:45pm EDT

From Compliance to Commitment: The Power of Student Agency

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

514

Limited Capacity seats available

What transforms students from simply doing school to truly owning their learning? The answer is student agency. While compliance may produce short-term results, commitment creates engaged learners who think critically, take initiative, and achieve at higher levels. In this interactive session, we'll explore the research behind student agency and discover practical, high-impact strategies that cultivate student voice, choice, and ownership. You'll leave equipped to create a classroom culture where students aren't just following directions—they're leading their own learning.

Speakers

Jamie Spinks

Leader in Me Coach and Consultant, FranklinCovey

Jamie Spinks is a full time Leader in Me Coach and Consultant. He is an enthusiastic educator who has served in different roles including teacher, assistant principal, college instructor, and 16 years as a principal. His principal experience includes leading two schools in the Leader... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
514

General Audience

Audience General Audience

1:45pm EDT

From Welcome to Wow: You Always Win with People!

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

407

Limited Capacity seats available

This session will provide practical strategies and best practices for creating a successful and meaningful experience for student teachers and college practicum students. Participants will learn how to build strong relationships, provide effective support and feedback, and create a classroom environment where future educators can grow and thrive. Together, we will explore how mentoring the next generation of teachers strengthens both our profession and our schools.

Speakers

Carol Brooks

Induction Coordinator, District Office

I currently serve as the Induction Coordinator and a recruiter for Anderson School District One, where I have the privilege of supporting and growing the next generation of educators. I firmly believe that students deserve teachers who love what they do and bring genuine passion into... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
407

General Audience

Audience General Audience

1:45pm EDT

How Can I Help Students Prepare For College Admissions?

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

204

Limited Capacity seats available

Explore how to support students preparing for college, demystify the admissions and financial aid process, and provide practical strategies for teachers to guide students toward postsecondary success, especially for first-generation students.

Speakers

Dr. Christian Barrientos

Associate Director for Curriculum and Assessment in the Division of Community Engagement, Belonging, and Access, Clemson University

Friday July 31, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
204

General Audience

Audience General Audience

1:45pm EDT

LEADING WELL: Protecting Your People Without Losing Yourself

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

201

Limited Capacity seats available

Being a leader often means carrying everyone else’s questions, worries, and deadlines, sometimes at the expense of your own well-being. Over time, it can become hard to tell where the job ends and your life begins. In this session, Dr. Josh Ray draws on his experiences in educational leadership and ideas from his book, Finding Your Balance, to explore what sustainable leadership can look like in real schools. Participants will reflect on common patterns that pull leaders toward burnout and learn practical ways to set boundaries, protect thinking time, and model healthy practices for staff. Attendees will leave with concrete ideas they can begin using right away to support both their own wellness and the success of the people they lead.

Speakers

Josh Ray

Educational Speaker, Author, Teacher welness?

Joshua Ray, EdD, is an educational speaker and author who has led the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) at Work® process at the elementary, secondary, and district level. He is passionate about building healthy school cultures, the work of collaborative teams, systems of support... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
201

General Audience

Audience General Audience

1:45pm EDT

Practical Classroom Strategies

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

410

Limited Capacity seats available

Is your bag of tricks feeling stale? Seating charts and brain breaks not working like they used to? Then come on in and learn some more tricks for your classroom management utility belt!

Speakers

Sam Line

High School Social Studies Teacher, Powdersville High School

Sam is a 12th Year teacher who has taught in Aiken County, St. Johns County (FL.), and Anderson One. He enjoys connecting with students, being outside, and playing with his two year old daughter.

Friday July 31, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
410

General Audience

Audience General Audience

1:45pm EDT

Running on Empty: Burnout Prevention Toolkit for Educators

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

415

Limited Capacity seats available

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
Define burnout and understand how it differs from everyday stress and fatigue.
Explain why educators are particularly vulnerable to burnout.
Recognize the early warning signs of burnout in themselves and others.
Apply practical strategies to build resilience and prevent "running on empty."

Speakers

John Barnett

John Barnett has been a teacher for 11 years, spent 30 years in church ministry and
has been a licensed marriage and family therapist for the last 5. He has been married
for 46 years to his wife Teresa and has two grown children, John and Tiffany, who are
graduates of the Wren sc... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
415

General Audience

Audience General Audience

1:45pm EDT

The Power of Positive Communication, Even When Dealing with Difficult People

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

Gym

One of the most essential aspects of being an effective educational leader is being able to communicate successfully with everyone we come in contact with, even those who can be difficult! Understanding what to say and how to say it are critical components in building relationships with parents, students, and other educators. This workshop will help you develop and refine your skills in effectively communicating every day.

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 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
Gym

General Audience

Audience General Audience

1:45pm EDT

UDL and Differentiation For All Levels of Learners

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

506

Limited Capacity seats available

Participants will learn the following: What is UDL and Differentiation?; Why is this important for our classrooms/students?; Resources that assist teachers with implementing both in their day to day lessons; How this can impact the learning that is happening in the classroom.

Speakers

Heidi Stilwell

10-12 resource and inclusion teacher, Wren High School

Heidi is a veteran Special Education teacher who is passionate about ensuring that all students have access to the curriculum, regardless of disability or ethnicity. Having taught in multiple states, and multiple classroom environments, Heidi has worked with some of the most challenging... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
506

General Audience

Audience General Audience

1:45pm EDT

What if Disney Ran Your Classroom?

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

510

Limited Capacity seats available

Since 1923, the Walt Disney Company has served as a model for business growth and customer service. Through the pursuit of excellence, especially in its theme parks, it has become the leader in a rapidly changing industry that other companies strive to replicate. There are lessons to be learned from analyzing the "Disney Way," and its strategies can elevate your classroom instruction, climate, and student engagement. You may never teach in the Magic Kingdom, but you can create a classroom that Walt himself would approve.

Speakers

Chris Chapman

Assistant Principal - Freshman Academy Dir., Wren High School

Friday July 31, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
510

General Audience

Audience General Audience

1:45pm EDT

Work Smarter, Not Harder: Your Shortcut to Standards-Aligned Success

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

413

Limited Capacity seats available

Lesson planning doesn’t have to feel like a puzzle. In this session, we’ll show you how Discovery Education’s Curriculum Alignment Resources do the heavy lifting for you. Quickly find standards-aligned content, simplify your planning process, and spend less time searching and more time teaching. Walk away with easy ways to stay aligned, save time, and feel confident in every lesson.

Speakers

Pam Inabinett

Director, Partner Success, SE, Discovery Education

Pam Inabinett brings two decades of South Carolina classroom experience and just the right amount of tech-loving enthusiasm. She started as a classroom teacher before becoming an Instructional Technology Specialist in Dorchester School District Two, where she first discovered the... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
413

General Audience

Audience General Audience

Back-to-School ConnectED Conference 2026

Register to attend