Leadership

As educators and leaders across the nation grapple with the challenge of changing policies, practices, and procedures to ensure high levels of learning for all students, the inability to effectively change the mindsets of colleagues, faculty, and staff is proving to be the biggest hurdle of all. Hence, in order for systems to change, outlooks will also need to change.

Kyle is the principal of Powell Middle School in Powell, Wyoming. Prior to administration, he was an elementary teacher where he developed the passion for professional learning communities and the power behind building a strong culture and teamwork in a school.

Margaret Coughlan, EdD, is a classroom teacher, district leader, researcher, and adjunct faculty member at Saint Mary’s College of California. Her professional work includes teaching elementary students, teachers, and graduate school master’s candidates.

Building and sustaining a culture of collective responsibility requires a learning environment that fosters reflection, dialogue, and the courage to act. To create a culture of empowerment and a commitment to continuous improvement, educators need to engage in meaningful conversations about professional best practices.

Mark Anthony Gooden, PhD, is a Christian Johnson Endeavor professor of education leadership at Teachers College, Columbia University. Dr. Gooden has spent over two decades in higher education developing and teaching courses in culturally responsive leadership, race, law, and research methods.

Dr. Dawn Brooks DeCosta, EdD, is a distinguished educator and leader, currently serving as the deputy superintendent for Harlem Community School District 5. She is a renowned advocate for culturally responsive teaching and social-emotional learning.

A high-performing school district that functions as a professional learning community (PLC) reflects thoughtful alignment and integration of the PLC process by the superintendent and board of directors, central office, individual schools, and teacher teams. While highlighting the efforts of highly successful school districts, Janel Keating will describe how districts organize and align at each level to implement PLC concepts and practices systemwide.

What does the future demand of education leaders? Co-Creating the Future: A Leadership Simulation to Catalyze School Change immerses school and district leaders in engaging, hands-on activities to envision and design transformative educational systems. This webinar empowers leaders to co-create thriving, future-ready schools.

Sheldon L. Eakins, PhD, is an author, speaker, and founder of the Purposeful Teaching Academy. He helps educators create student-centered learning environments where all students thrive, specializing in leadership development, school culture, and practical teaching strategies.

With expertise in instructional design, professional learning, and systemic school improvement, Kayla Duncan, EdD, supports schools in developing sustainable, data-driven strategies that enhance student performance and educator effectiveness.