K–12 Learning Leaders 2026: Full Schedule

Welcome to K-12 Learning Leaders, where passionate educators, administrators, and thought leaders come together to explore innovative strategies, share best practices, and reimagine the future of K–12 education.

Join us as we build a collaborative community committed to equity, excellence, and lifelong learning—equipping today’s educators to prepare tomorrow’s leaders.

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9:00am CDT

Opening Remarks & Spoken Word Performance

Saturday July 19, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am CDT

Auditorium – Riverbend Main Stage

Start the summit with a powerful spoken word performance by Nia Wallace, setting the tone for learning, reflection, and inspiration.

Speakers

Michael J. Alvarez

Principal, Roosevelt Middle School

Michael leads with heart and humor. He believes strong schools are built on community trust and shared leadership.

Artists

Nia Wallace

Teaching Artist / Spoken Word Educator, EduLeads Collective

Nia blends spoken word poetry with education to create powerful openings at conferences and school events. She sets the tone with energy and truth.

Sponsors

EduSpark

Saturday July 19, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am CDT
Auditorium – Riverbend Main Stage 2420 Riverside Drive, Austin, TX 78741

Opening Session, Performance

Host Organization K–12 Learning Leaders

9:30am CDT

Keynote: Leading with Equity from the Inside Out

Saturday July 19, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CDT

Room 102 - Equity Hall

Amina Patel explores what it really means to lead schools and teams through an equity-centered approach, and how small shifts can have lasting impact.

Speakers

Dr. Amina Patel

Chief Learning Officer, Thrive Education Network

Amina works to support educators and school systems in making equity actionable. She’s passionate about helping teachers lead change from within.

Exhibitors

Rachel Cohen

Elementary Teacher, Chicago Public Schools

Rachel teaches first grade and is always looking for new ways to bring SEL into everyday routines. Her classroom runs on kindness and sticky notes.

Sponsors

BrightBoard

Saturday July 19, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Room 102 - Equity Hall 2423 Riverside Drive, Austin, TX 78741

Keynote, Equity & Inclusion

Host Organization K–12 Learning Leaders

11:00am CDT

Workshop: SEL in Action – What It Looks Like in Real Classrooms

Saturday July 19, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT

Room 103 - Leadership Lounge

Join Rachel Cohen for a hands-on session where she shares low-prep SEL practices that can be embedded into any classroom routine, especially for early grades.

Speakers

Rachel Cohen

Elementary Teacher, Chicago Public Schools

Rachel teaches first grade and is always looking for new ways to bring SEL into everyday routines. Her classroom runs on kindness and sticky notes.

Sponsors

TogetherEd

Platinum Sponsor, TogetherEd LLC

TogetherEd partners with schools and communities to build inclusive, relationship-centered learning environments. Their programs focus on culturally responsive practices, restorative approaches, and elevating student voice across all grade levels.SPECIAL OFFERLearn about the special... Read More →

Saturday July 19, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Room 103 - Leadership Lounge 2421 Riverside Drive, Austin, TX 78741

Workshop E4E4E4, Social-Emotional Learning

Host Organization K–12 Learning Leaders

1:00pm CDT

Panel: Supporting New Teachers Without Burning Out Your Veterans

Saturday July 19, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT

Room 101 - Innovation Lab

This panel explores how schools can create strong support systems for early-career teachers, while sustaining and valuing experienced staff.

Speakers

Franklin Moore

Mentor Coach, Wake County Public Schools

Franklin spent over 30 years in public education and now supports new school leaders through mentoring. He’s known for his dry humor, steady presence, and always having peppermints in his pocket.

Jasmine Okafor

Director of Curriculum, Oakland Unified School District

Jasmine helps schools design curriculum that reflects every student’s voice. She’s passionate about culturally responsive teaching.

Sponsors

Class Forward

Saturday July 19, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Room 101 - Innovation Lab 2422 Riverside Drive, Austin, TX 78741

Panel, Leadership & Growth

Host Organization K–12 Learning Leaders

2:15pm CDT

Break Energizer: Move, Breathe, Reset

Saturday July 19, 2025 2:15pm - 2:30pm CDT

Auditorium – Riverbend Main Stage

Take a quick break with Marcus Bell as he leads a short energizer session to help you reset between workshops.

Artists

Marcus Bell

Youth Engagement Specialist, VibeED

Marcus works with schools to create more engaging environments for students and staff. At events, he runs energizers and interactive transitions that bring the crowd together without making anyone cringe.Role as artist: Facilitates energizers & fun transitions between sessions

Sponsors

EduSpark

Saturday July 19, 2025 2:15pm - 2:30pm CDT
Auditorium – Riverbend Main Stage 2420 Riverside Drive, Austin, TX 78741

Energizer, Wellness

Host Organization K–12 Learning Leaders