Student Engagement

Students do not put up walls to avoid relationships, but to see who cares enough to break the walls down. Research shows that building relationships with students increases engagement, motivation, test scores, and grade point averages while decreasing absenteeism, dropout rates, and discipline issues.

Chepina Rumsey, PhD, is an associate professor of mathematics education at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). In addition to teaching, Chepina leads professional development initiatives and contributes as a consultant for curriculum development companies.

Jody Guarino, EdD, is manager of the Teaching, Learning and Instructional Leadership Collaborative at the Orange County Department of Education and a School of Education lecturer at the University of California, Irvine (UCI).

Liz Davis is currently the superintendent in York Region District School Board in Ontario. She is passionate about school improvement with a particular interest in resilience and working to improve outcomes for students in underperforming/underserved schools.

Kjell Fenn has been an educator since 1995 as a teacher, coach, and curriculum coordinator. He is currently an assistant professor with the Center for Teaching Excellence at Liberty University and an educational specialist with KFenn Education.

In this session, participants will explore innovative strategies and practical tools designed to challenge advanced learners through extended and personalized learning opportunities. Attendees will examine how flexible grouping, tiered assignments, and student choice can transform their classrooms into dynamic spaces that promote deep engagement and continuous learning. By embedding these strategies into their PLC processes, participants will leave equipped to elevate their team's impact on all students.

Brandon J. Larson is an award-winning athletic director, speaker, and leadership consultant. With over 20 years in education and athletics, he specializes in building leaders and strong cultures. He founded OakStrong Performance and Leadership to inspire lasting success in organizations.

With over 30 years experience in education, Jennifer Watt has worked with both new and experienced classroom teachers, supporting them to think about how they can share their knowledge, experience, and practices to establish professional communities and improve student learning.

Joan Reimer is a retired educator and former education officer at the Ontario Ministry of Education. With experience from K–12 classrooms to teacher education, most of her career was spent in Ontario, but she also taught in Manitoba, the Northwest Territories, and Malawi, Africa.

Ronald A. Beghetto, PhD, is Pinnacle West Presidential Chair and Professor of Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation at Arizona State University. His work explores the psychology of human creativity, generative artificial intelligence, and what’s possible in educational settings.