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JCPS Leadership 2026
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Wednesday, July 15
 

7:00am EDT

Breakfast
Wednesday July 15, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am EDT
Cafeteria

Speakers
avatar for Dr. David Pearce

Dr. David Pearce

Superintendent

Wednesday July 15, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am EDT
Cafeteria

8:15am EDT

Welcome Dr. Pearce
Wednesday July 15, 2026 8:15am - 8:30am EDT
Auditorium

Speakers
avatar for Dr. David Pearce

Dr. David Pearce

Superintendent

Wednesday July 15, 2026 8:15am - 8:30am EDT
Auditorium

8:30am EDT

Wednesday Keynote: NVE's (Nihilistic Violent Extremists), NLM (No Live Matter), 764: What administrators should know...
Wednesday July 15, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Auditorium
This session is intended for all Principals, APs, and Senior Leadership.  This threat briefing by the Assistant Special Agent in Charge at the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation will provide an overview on Nihilistic Violent Extremists, or NVEs. These are individuals engaged in criminal acts and violence based primarily on the hatred of humanity and the desire to create chaos. Such topics covered will include the Com/764 network, No Lives Matter (NLM), and more.  This is tentative for now as we try to mesh our schedules with our NCSBI partners.
Speakers
TS
Wednesday July 15, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Auditorium

9:00am EDT

Wellness Fair for Leaders (Floating)
Wednesday July 15, 2026 9:00am - 1:30pm EDT

Speakers
avatar for Michelle Bizzell

Michelle Bizzell

School-Based Mental Health Specialist & School Social Worker
Michelle Bizzell is the School-Based Mental Health (SBMH) Specialist for Johnston County Public Schools, where she supports the development and coordination of co-located services across schools and agency partners. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Master’s... Read More →
avatar for Amanda Allen

Amanda Allen

Executive Director of Student Services
Amanda Hudson Allen, Ph.D., LCMHCS, NCC, NBCT-SC serves as Executive Director of Student Services for Johnston County Public Schools, where she leads districtwide work in student support, safety, and success. With over 16 years of experience in JCPS, she brings practical, real-world... Read More →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 9:00am - 1:30pm EDT

9:45am EDT

SchoolNet for Admin
FILLING
Wednesday July 15, 2026 9:45am - 10:30am EDT
Room 228
Limited Capacity filling up
Support Administrators in utilizing Schoolnet Reporting to support PLC conversations
Speakers
avatar for Chrystal Trammell

Chrystal Trammell

Data and Assessment Coordinator
As the Data & Assessment Coordinator, Chrystal specializes in managing assessment and survey platforms, the formative assessment cycle, reporting, and the analysis of data to support data-driven decision making.
avatar for Christina Barone

Christina Barone

9-12 Math Teaching and Learning Specialist

Wednesday July 15, 2026 9:45am - 10:30am EDT
Room 228

9:45am EDT

Shifting to a Leadership Mindset (Required for All)
FILLING
Wednesday July 15, 2026 9:45am - 10:30am EDT
Media Center
Limited Capacity filling up
Audience: Required for All 
Leadership is not a title—it’s a mindset. In this impactful session, Dr. Sims challenges individuals to shift from task-focused thinking to people-centered, purpose-driven leadership. This session is ideal for emerging leaders, veteran leaders, managers, executives, educators, and community leaders.
Key Takeaways:
•Difference between managing and leading •Building trust and accountability
• Leading through change and pressure
• Developing a leadership mindset at any level
•Creating a culture of growth and performance
Speakers
DM
Wednesday July 15, 2026 9:45am - 10:30am EDT
Media Center
  Required

9:45am EDT

Walkthroughs That Matter: Transforming Data into Instructional Impact (Elementary/Middle/High) (One representative per school)
FILLING
Wednesday July 15, 2026 9:45am - 10:30am EDT
Distance Learning Lab
Limited Capacity filling up
Audience: Elementary/Middle/High
(One representative per school) 

What if your daily classroom visits could become one of the most powerful tools for driving schoolwide improvement? When leveraged effectively, walkthrough data provides school leaders with real-time insight into instructional practices, student engagement, and the implementation of district priorities—turning observations into actionable strategy. This professional learning session provides an overview of how to effectively use the i-LEADR Classroom Walkthrough Tool to strengthen instructional leadership and accelerate continuous improvement. Participants will learn how to conduct focused instructional walkthroughs, capture meaningful evidence of teaching and learning, and analyze trends across classrooms and grade levels. Emphasis will be placed on using walkthrough data to identify patterns, inform targeted professional development, monitor initiative implementation, and promote equitable instructional practices. Leaders will leave with clarity and confidence in leveraging the i-LEADR data to enhance feedback conversations, align coaching efforts, and make strategic decisions that elevate teaching and learning across their schools.
Speakers
avatar for Selena Sutton

Selena Sutton

MTSS Coordinator
Selena Sutton serves as the district MTSS Coordinator for Johnston County Public Schools. She works with schools and staff to support student success through our MTSS framework.
AB
SC
BB
Wednesday July 15, 2026 9:45am - 10:30am EDT
Distance Learning Lab
  Required

9:45am EDT

Leading with Purpose: Empowering Staff WIDA Framework
LIMITED
Wednesday July 15, 2026 9:45am - 11:15am EDT
Room 216
Limited Capacity seats available
Discover how to make multilingual learner (ML) support more visible, intentional, and seamlessly embedded into your school systems. This session will explore the WIDA Framework as a foundation for equitable instruction, highlight the Multiple Measures Tool (MMT) as an official alternate exit pathway for multilingual learners, and share practical schoolwide practices that strengthen collaboration and student success. Learn how clear structures and shared responsibility can transform ML support from an isolated initiative into a seamless, schoolwide commitment that empowers both educators and students.
Speakers
avatar for Micheline Aoun

Micheline Aoun

Title III Lead Program Specialist, Johnston County Public Schools
Micheline Aoun serves as the JCPS Title III Lead Program Specialist and is deeply committed to advancing equitable educational opportunities for multilingual learners. She holds a master’s degree in Teaching from North Carolina State University and a master’s degree in Instructional... Read More →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 9:45am - 11:15am EDT
Room 216

9:45am EDT

Making Grades Meaningful: Leading Coherent Systems for Instruction and PLCs
LIMITED
Wednesday July 15, 2026 9:45am - 11:15am EDT
Room 222
Limited Capacity seats available
This session positions grading as a leadership lever that connects instruction, assessment, and student experience. Participants will engage in a structured protocol to examine grading from the perspectives of teachers, students, and families, uncovering barriers, inconsistencies, and opportunities for greater coherence.
Leaders will explore how grading practices are directly influenced by instructional design — including rubric development, standards alignment, and text-centered instruction — and how these elements must be addressed within PLCs to ensure consistency across classrooms. Through interactive analysis and planning, participants will identify leadership moves that align grading, instruction, and collaborative practices to improve student outcomes.
Participants will leave with a clear action plan and practical tools to strengthen grading coherence, support PLC conversations, and ensure grades accurately reflect student learning across their school.
Speakers
avatar for Paige Barnes

Paige Barnes

Executive Director of Elementary Education
Executive Director of Elementary Education with experience as a teacher and school administrator, leading data-driven instructional coaching and professional learning to strengthen teaching practices, support school leaders, and improve student outcomes across schools.
Wednesday July 15, 2026 9:45am - 11:15am EDT
Room 222

9:45am EDT

The Constructive Coach: Guiding Employees Back to Success
LIMITED
Wednesday July 15, 2026 9:45am - 11:15am EDT
Room 225
Limited Capacity seats available
Participants will explore effective coaching techniques that guide teachers toward instructional excellence, including goal-setting, reflective practice, and actionable feedback. This session also provides administrators with structured frameworks for conducting meaningful, solution focused conversations with employees when addressing areas of deficiency including performance and conduct concerns. Emphasis is placed on balancing support with accountability ensuring that conversations are both honest and constructive, and that they lead to measurable growth.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Kristina Benson

Dr. Kristina Benson

Human Resources Officer

avatar for Linda Edmundson

Linda Edmundson

Human Resources Officer, Human Resources
I am here to provide support to current and future employees of Johnston County Public Schools.
Wednesday July 15, 2026 9:45am - 11:15am EDT
Room 225

10:45am EDT

PLC Work: PLC Common Assessment and Data Use
FILLING
Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:45am - 11:30am EDT
Room 229
Limited Capacity filling up
Hear one school's practice for unpacking and utilizing data to support instructional next steps through PLCs This session focuses on the essential role of common assessments within Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and how strategic data use drives student achievement. Participants will explore best practices for designing aligned common assessments, analyzing student data with purpose, and using results to inform instruction and intervention.
Speakers
avatar for Lauren Watkins

Lauren Watkins

Principal, Four Oaks Middle School
Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:45am - 11:30am EDT
Room 229

10:45am EDT

PreK Leadership Practices
LIMITED
Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:45am - 11:30am EDT
Room 232
Limited Capacity seats available
Administrators will gain an understanding of the types of preschool programs, staffing, required licensure and overall requirements for leading a PreK program.  
Speakers
avatar for Ahkeesha Capers

Ahkeesha Capers

Preschool Coordinator
Ahkeesha Capers is a dedicated Preschool Coordinator with 19 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. She specializes in supporting preschoolers with special needs, bringing compassion, expertise, and a deep understanding of individualized learning approaches to her work... Read More →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:45am - 11:30am EDT
Room 232

10:45am EDT

Redesigning the Staff Meeting: Making Every Minute Count
FILLING
Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:45am - 11:30am EDT
Room 219
Limited Capacity filling up
Aligned with Exemplary and Valued Personnel and Sustainable and Intentional Operations, this session supports school leaders in redesigning staff meetings to maximize time and impact. Participants will explore simple, tech-enabled strategies to deliver informational content in advance with built-in accountability, freeing up meeting time for professional learning and collaboration. Designed for busy administrators, the approach emphasizes easy implementation using tools already in place. Leaders will leave with practical structures to transform staff meetings into a powerful lever for building staff capacity.
Speakers
avatar for Michell McNeill

Michell McNeill

Executive Director of Instructional Technology

Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:45am - 11:30am EDT
Room 219

10:45am EDT

Shifting to a Leadership Mindset (Required for All)
FILLING
Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:45am - 11:30am EDT
Media Center
Limited Capacity filling up
Audience: Required for All 
Leadership is not a title—it’s a mindset. In this impactful session, Dr. Sims challenges individuals to shift from task-focused thinking to people-centered, purpose-driven leadership. This session is ideal for emerging leaders, veteran leaders, managers, executives, educators, and community leaders.
Key Takeaways:
•Difference between managing and leading •Building trust and accountability
• Leading through change and pressure
• Developing a leadership mindset at any level
•Creating a culture of growth and performance
Speakers
DM
Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:45am - 11:30am EDT
Media Center
  Required

10:45am EDT

Walkthroughs That Matter: Transforming Data into Instructional Impact (Elementary/Middle/High) (One representative per school)
LIMITED
Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:45am - 11:30am EDT
Distance Learning Lab
Limited Capacity seats available
Target Audience: Elementary/Middle/High
(One representative per school) 

What if your daily classroom visits could become one of the most powerful tools for driving schoolwide improvement? When leveraged effectively, walkthrough data provides school leaders with real-time insight into instructional practices, student engagement, and the implementation of district priorities—turning observations into actionable strategy. This professional learning session provides an overview of how to effectively use the i-LEADR Classroom Walkthrough Tool to strengthen instructional leadership and accelerate continuous improvement. Participants will learn how to conduct focused instructional walkthroughs, capture meaningful evidence of teaching and learning, and analyze trends across classrooms and grade levels. Emphasis will be placed on using walkthrough data to identify patterns, inform targeted professional development, monitor initiative implementation, and promote equitable instructional practices. Leaders will leave with clarity and confidence in leveraging the i-LEADR data to enhance feedback conversations, align coaching efforts, and make strategic decisions that elevate teaching and learning across their schools.
Speakers
avatar for Selena Sutton

Selena Sutton

MTSS Coordinator
Selena Sutton serves as the district MTSS Coordinator for Johnston County Public Schools. She works with schools and staff to support student success through our MTSS framework.
AB
SC
BB
Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:45am - 11:30am EDT
Distance Learning Lab
  Required

11:45am EDT

Lunch
Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Cafeteria

Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Cafeteria

1:00pm EDT

Smarter Google: Updates School Leaders Should Know
FILLING
Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Room 225
Limited Capacity filling up
Google tools many school leaders already use have gotten significantly better. This session highlights some of the most useful recent updates across Sheets, Slides, Forms, and Meet, with a focus on features that can save time, improve presentations, support accessibility, and make everyday work easier. Participants will leave with practical ideas they can use right away.
Speakers
avatar for David Hinrichs

David Hinrichs

Director Digital Platforms & Pedagogy
Dave Hinrichs is the Director of Digital Platforms & Pedagogy for Johnston County Public Schools. A former elementary and middle school math and science teacher, Dave supports district work around digital learning, instructional technology, AI, and the design of meaningful learning... Read More →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Room 225

1:00pm EDT

Basics of Discipline (Required for Assistant Principals and Principals)
Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Auditorium
Audience: Required for Assistant Principals and Principals 
This session will focus on the basics of discipline investigations, consequences, documentation and parental notification as supported by JCPS Board of Education Policy 4304.  Topics will include:  Educators Handbook, discipline reporting for Infinite Campus, due process procedures, discipline documentation, parental notifications and long term suspension recommendations.  
Speakers
WW

William Weaver

Chief of Student Services

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Auditorium
  Required

1:00pm EDT

Shifting to a Leadership Mindset (Required for All)
LIMITED
Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Media Center
Limited Capacity seats available
Audience: Required for All 
Leadership is not a title—it’s a mindset. In this impactful session, Dr. Sims challenges individuals to shift from task-focused thinking to people-centered, purpose-driven leadership. This session is ideal for emerging leaders, veteran leaders, managers, executives, educators, and community leaders.
Key Takeaways:
•Difference between managing and leading •Building trust and accountability
• Leading through change and pressure
• Developing a leadership mindset at any level
•Creating a culture of growth and performance
Speakers
DM
Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Media Center
  Required

1:00pm EDT

Fundations Workshop for Administrators
LIMITED
Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Room 228
Limited Capacity seats available
Administrators will leave knowing how to see, name, cultivate, and protect strong Fundations instruction in their schools for improved student learning.
Speakers
avatar for Paige Barnes

Paige Barnes

Executive Director of Elementary Education
Executive Director of Elementary Education with experience as a teacher and school administrator, leading data-driven instructional coaching and professional learning to strengthen teaching practices, support school leaders, and improve student outcomes across schools.
avatar for Kasey Coley

Kasey Coley

NCDPI Early Literacy Specialist
Kasey Coley is an Early Literacy Specialist who supports Johnston County Public Schools, serving as a liaison across state, district, and school levels. She specializes in strengthening literacy systems through data-driven and instructional support.
Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Room 228

1:00pm EDT

Instructional Leadership for Special Education Programs
LIMITED
Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Room 222
Limited Capacity seats available
Administrators will receive resources that outline what they should see when conducting EC Classroom observations. There will be a focus on instructional best practices that are unique to instruction within EC Classrooms (methodology, instructional resources, co-teaching, etc)
Speakers
avatar for Jill McKenna

Jill McKenna

Assistant Superintendent, Exceptional Children
As the Assistant Superintendent for Exceptional Children for Johnston County Public Schools, Jill brings over a decade of leadership experience as an EC Director across various district sizes. She holds degrees from Western Carolina University and NC State, having transitioned from... Read More →
avatar for Christina Robinson

Christina Robinson

EC Director
With over 20 years of experience in education, Christina Robinson has built a diverse background as a general and special education teacher, school administrator, and special education administrator. In her current role as Director in the Exceptional Children Department, she leverages... Read More →
avatar for Melissa Weber

Melissa Weber

EC Director
Melissa Weber is a dedicated Director in the Exceptional Children Department, bringing 29 years of extensive experience in teaching and leading educators in their support of students with disabilities. Throughout her career, she has consistently focused on providing inclusive educational... Read More →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Room 222

1:00pm EDT

Relationship Mapping
LIMITED
Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Room 229
Limited Capacity seats available
Rather than leaving connections to chance, schools use this strategic, VISUAL technique to identify, analyze, and strengthen connections between students and staff; ensuring every student has at least one, and preferably more, trusted adults in the building. Attendees will receive research based techniques that will be tailored to meet classroom, grade level, and whole school initiatives.
Speakers
avatar for Stacee Carr

Stacee Carr

Student Services Specialist
Stacee P. Carr is a dedicated Student Services Specialist with JCPS, bringing over 14 years of experience in fostering student success and personal development. Currently supporting 25 campuses, she serves as a vital bridge between district strategy and classroom impact.  Stacee... Read More →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Room 229

1:00pm EDT

Seeing the Math: Recognizing Powerful Math Instruction in High School
LIMITED
Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Room 226
Limited Capacity seats available
Observing math instruction can be challenging without clear indicators of what strong teaching and learning look like. In this session, school leaders will explore key look-fors grounded in NC2ML guidance and the Standards for Mathematical Practice, focusing on student thinking, productive struggle, mathematical discourse, and effective teacher questioning. Participants will leave with concrete strategies to support meaningful math walkthroughs and feedback.
Speakers
avatar for Christina Barone

Christina Barone

9-12 Math Teaching and Learning Specialist

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Room 226

1:00pm EDT

Leveraging RtI:Stored! (Elementary and Middle) (One representative per school)
FILLING
Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Distance Learning Lab
Limited Capacity filling up
Target Audience: Elementary and Middle 
(One representative per school) 
This session provides an overview and live demonstration of the RtI:Stored! platform to strengthen MTSS implementation, documentation, and accountability. Participants will explore platform navigation, including key features for intervention documentation, progress monitoring, and reporting, while gaining clarity on district expectations for usage, timelines, compliance requirements, and administrative oversight. By the end of the session, leaders will be equipped to confidently navigate RtI:Stored!, monitor implementation fidelity, and use data to support informed decision-making and continuous school improvement.
Speakers
avatar for Selena Sutton

Selena Sutton

MTSS Coordinator
Selena Sutton serves as the district MTSS Coordinator for Johnston County Public Schools. She works with schools and staff to support student success through our MTSS framework.
AB
SC
BB
Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Distance Learning Lab
  Required

1:00pm EDT

The Instructional Roadmap: Curriculum, Pacing, and Honors Standards High School (One admin per school)
FILLING
Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Room 220
Limited Capacity filling up
Get a 360-degree view of the high school instructional landscape for the upcoming year. This session combines essential updates on core curriculum guides and pacing with a deep dive into the new Honors implementation requirements. Leaders will explore updated differentiation strategies in curriculum guides and master the new Honors Evaluation Forms. Leave with a clear plan to support teacher lesson planning and ensure every syllabus—from Standard to Honors—is aligned, compliant, and rigorous.
Speakers
avatar for Sarah Reynolds

Sarah Reynolds

Executive Director of High School Education

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Room 220
  Required

2:00pm EDT

Smarter Google: Updates School Leaders Should Know
LIMITED
Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
Room 225
Limited Capacity seats available
Google tools many school leaders already use have gotten significantly better. This session highlights some of the most useful recent updates across Sheets, Slides, Forms, and Meet, with a focus on features that can save time, improve presentations, support accessibility, and make everyday work easier. Participants will leave with practical ideas they can use right away.
Speakers
avatar for David Hinrichs

David Hinrichs

Director Digital Platforms & Pedagogy
Dave Hinrichs is the Director of Digital Platforms & Pedagogy for Johnston County Public Schools. A former elementary and middle school math and science teacher, Dave supports district work around digital learning, instructional technology, AI, and the design of meaningful learning... Read More →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
Room 225

2:00pm EDT

Your Digital Toolbox Is Deeper Than You Think: Tools to Support All Learners
LIMITED
Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
Room 219
Limited Capacity seats available
School leaders are often asked to support innovation while managing resources, yet many are unaware of the full range of digital tools already available in their district. This interactive session focuses on exploring existing district resources through the lens of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to better support all learners and reduce unnecessary duplication of tools. Participants will interact directly with district platforms, discover their capabilities, and consider how to better leverage existing resources to strengthen instruction.
Speakers
avatar for Michell McNeill

Michell McNeill

Executive Director of Instructional Technology

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
Room 219

2:00pm EDT

Basics of Discipline (Required for Assistant Principals and Principals)
Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
Auditorium
Audience: Required for Assistant Principals and Principals 
This session will focus on the basics of discipline investigations, consequences, documentation and parental notification as supported by JCPS Board of Education Policy 4304.  Topics will include:  Educators Handbook, discipline reporting for Infinite Campus, due process procedures, discipline documentation, parental notifications and long term suspension recommendations.  
Speakers
WW

William Weaver

Chief of Student Services

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
Auditorium
  Required

3:00pm EDT

Accelerating AIG Growth: From Data to Action
FILLING
Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Room 219
Limited Capacity filling up
In this working session, administrators will take a deeper dive into EOG/EOC, EVAAS, & AIG Survey data in determining next steps for increasing AIG student growth and college and career readiness. Participants will leave with a clear, data-informed roadmap for elevating AIG student achievement and readiness.
Speakers
RK

Rachel Kerstetter

Advanced Learning Coach, Johnston County Public Schools
avatar for Alison Brown

Alison Brown

Advanced Learning Program Specialist, Johnston County Public Schools
A Johnston County native and proud product of Johnston County Public Schools, Alison Brown brings more than 20 years of experience and leadership in gifted and advanced learning education. Guided by the belief that all students can learn and that every child deserves to discover something... Read More →
avatar for Sue Miller

Sue Miller

Advanced Learning Program Specialist
Sue Miller is a K-12 Advanced Learning Program Specialist for Johnston County Public Schools. She has served in her current role since August 2025 but has been with Johnston County Public Schools since 2010. Sue received her undergraduate degree in Middle Grades Education from the... Read More →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Room 219

3:00pm EDT

Aligning Professional Learning to School Improvement for Impact
FILLING
Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Room 222
Limited Capacity filling up
This session is designed to empower administrators and school improvement teams to more intentionally connect professional learning, school improvement plans, and available resources—ensuring that every effort is aligned, purposeful, and impactful. Participants will also explore the professional development cycle and how each phase—data analysis and goal alignment, focused learning, implementation and practice, and ongoing monitoring and reflection—directly supports the alignment and execution of school improvement strategies, creating a cohesive and continuous process for improving outcomes.
Speakers
avatar for Cherry Johnson

Cherry Johnson

Director of Research, Grants, & School Improvement Planning Support
Dr. Johnson currently serves as the Director of Research, Grants, & School Improvement Planning Support. Dr. Johnson's career spans more than 30 years, including both collegiate and secondary teaching experience. She has also enjoyed various leadership roles at the school and district... Read More →
avatar for Janelle Bishop

Janelle Bishop

Director of Professional Learning

Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Room 222

3:00pm EDT

Bloom's Upside Down
LIMITED
Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Room 225
Limited Capacity seats available
If AI can generate definitions, summaries, explanations, and first-draft responses in seconds, what should students still be expected to do? This session helps school and district leaders rethink rigor by examining how AI is changing the instructional value of lower-level Bloom’s tasks. Through clear examples, participants will see how AI can be used to support background knowledge and routine processing while teachers redesign learning so students spend more time analyzing ideas, defending decisions, and creating original products. The session connects directly to Future Focused Academics by helping leaders identify shifts in teaching and learning that better reflect the demands of an AI-shaped world.
Speakers
avatar for David Hinrichs

David Hinrichs

Director Digital Platforms & Pedagogy
Dave Hinrichs is the Director of Digital Platforms & Pedagogy for Johnston County Public Schools. A former elementary and middle school math and science teacher, Dave supports district work around digital learning, instructional technology, AI, and the design of meaningful learning... Read More →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Room 225

3:00pm EDT

Empowered Teaching, Learning, & Leading with NotebookLM
LIMITED
Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Room 228
Limited Capacity seats available
This session will explore how NotebookLM can be used as a UDL-powerhouse to support and engage every learner, teacher, and leader. We will discuss how administrators can lead the shift toward a student-centered environment where AI tools allow learners to personalize their own path to mastery—developing the self-regulation and 21st-century skills necessary for post-secondary success.
Speakers
avatar for Kaye Menjivar

Kaye Menjivar

Digital Learning & Media Specialist

Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Room 228

3:00pm EDT

Intro to UDL
FILLING
Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Room 232
Limited Capacity filling up
This session provides an overview of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and its role in creating inclusive, flexible learning environments that support all students. Participants will explore the core UDL principles—multiple means of engagement, representation, and action and expression—and how these can be applied to reduce barriers to learning.
Speakers
avatar for Jill McKenna

Jill McKenna

Assistant Superintendent, Exceptional Children
As the Assistant Superintendent for Exceptional Children for Johnston County Public Schools, Jill brings over a decade of leadership experience as an EC Director across various district sizes. She holds degrees from Western Carolina University and NC State, having transitioned from... Read More →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Room 232

3:00pm EDT

PLC Focus on Learning (Essential Standards) and PLC Meetings: The Work (4 Critical Questions)
FILLING
Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Room 218
Limited Capacity filling up
This session helps leaders and teams focus on what students must learn by prioritizing Essential Standards, creating clear “I Can” targets, and aligning instruction. Participants will also learn how to structure PLCs around the four critical questions to ensure collaboration stays centered on student learning. Walk away with practical strategies and clear look-fors to drive consistent, student-centered results.
Speakers
avatar for Larkeysha Sheppard

Larkeysha Sheppard

Principal
Larkeysha Sheppard has served in the JCPS district for over 25 years as
a high school CTE educator, assistant principal and currently as
principal at Mustang Country. She works to be a collaborative,
visible school leader who prioritizes continuous learning alongside
teachers and stu... Read More →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Room 218

3:00pm EDT

PLC Work: Maximizing RIME Time: Systems and Structures that Ensure Success for Every Learner - Elementary
LIMITED
Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Room 230
Limited Capacity seats available
How effective is your RIME time in truly meeting the needs of all students? This session supports school administrators in examining the systems and structures that make RIME time purposeful, targeted, and impactful. Participants will explore key “look-fors” for effective implementation, including how time is organized, how students are grouped based on data, and how instruction is aligned to specific needs. Through this session, leaders will strengthen their ability to monitor, support, and refine RIME practices, ensuring that every learner receives the right level of support and enrichment to accelerate growth.
Speakers
avatar for Traci Hayes

Traci Hayes

Tiered Instructional Support Specialist

avatar for Kinetta Anderson

Kinetta Anderson

Tiered Instructional Support Specialist
Kinetta Anderson is a former JCPS elementary teacher who now serves the county as an elementary Instructional Tiered Support Specialist. She believes that all students can learn at their own pace when given the right supports. Kinetta is passionate about working with schools to help... Read More →
avatar for Amanda Dale

Amanda Dale

Tiered Instructional Support Specialist
Amanda Dale serves as one of the Elementary Tiered Instructional Support Specialist for Johnston County Public Schools, bringing prior experience as a 1st and 3rd grade teacher within the county. In her current capacity, she provides support to MTSS leads, coaches, and teachers throughout... Read More →
avatar for Justin Batts

Justin Batts

Tiered Instructional Support Specialist
Justin Batts is a Tiered Instructional Support Specialist. He works primarily with high schools.
avatar for Selena Sutton

Selena Sutton

MTSS Coordinator
Selena Sutton serves as the district MTSS Coordinator for Johnston County Public Schools. She works with schools and staff to support student success through our MTSS framework.
Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Room 230

3:00pm EDT

Unlocking Title 1: Key Strategies for Veteran Administrators (Title I administrators with 5 or more years of experience)
LIMITED
Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Room 226
Limited Capacity seats available
Designed for Title 1 administrators with 5 years or >  expereince as a JCPS  Title 1 administrator.  This session provides concise updates on Title I requirements, highlights common pitfalls, and shares proven strategies for using funds, leading schoolwide programs, and strengthening instructional outcomes. Participants will gain practical tools, efficient systems, and key insights to confidently lead a successful, compliant, and results-driven Title I program in 2026-27.
Speakers
CP
avatar for Faitha Batten

Faitha Batten

Executive Director of Federal Progrms
Faitha Batten serves as the Executive Director of Federal Programs for JCPS, where she leads efforts to support student success across Title I, ESL, Migratory Education, and American Indian Education. With nearly 30 years of experience in education, she brings expertise in aligning... Read More →
KB
Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Room 226
  Required

4:00pm EDT

Reflection and Closing
Wednesday July 15, 2026 4:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Auditorium

Speakers
avatar for Dr. David Pearce

Dr. David Pearce

Superintendent

Wednesday July 15, 2026 4:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Auditorium
 

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