Back-to-School ConnectED Conference 2026: Full Schedule

9:30am EDT

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

Limited Capacity seats available

This session will highlight how schools can intentionally give students a voice through the development and structure of a Lighthouse Team. Participants will learn how student leaders can be selected, organized, and empowered to create a positive school culture, lead initiatives, and provide meaningful input throughout the school year. Teachers will leave with practical ideas for building student leadership opportunities that promote ownership, collaboration, and engagement in their own schools.

Speakers

Nicole Phibbs

8th Grade Math Teacher, Wren Middle School

Angie Gaines

8th Grade Inclusion Teacher, Wren Middle School

Friday July 31, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
508

Secondary (MS/HS)

Audience Middle

10:30am EDT

Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences: An Intro for Educators

LIMITED

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

12:45pm EDT

Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences: An Intro for Educators

LIMITED

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

508

Limited Capacity seats available

Speakers

Lauren Blackston

School Counselor, Powdersville High School

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

General Audience

Audience General Audience

1:45pm EDT

Building Variety Into Your Unit Plans

LIMITED

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

508

Limited Capacity seats available

Do you ever feel like you do the same types of assignments and activities day after day, unit after unit, year after year? This session is designed to help you re-evalutae your unit planning process to build in variety in content delivery, student practice, and assessment options while still staying focused on essential standards.

Speakers

Leslie Martin

Social Studies Teacher, Powdersville High School

Leslie has been teaching since 2005. She has experience teaching middle school through college, is a master teacher with Clemson University's teacher residency program, and has a Doctorate of Education in Curriculum and Assessment from Southern Weslyan University.

Friday July 31, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
508

Secondary (MS/HS)