JCPS Leadership 2026: Full Schedule

How do you know if instruction truly meets the needs of multilingual learners while maintaining high expectations for all students? This session equips school administrators with clear “look-fors” grounded in high-leverage instructional practices for multilingual learners. Centered on practical SIOP® strategies, participants will explore how effective teachers build background knowledge, make academic language visible, and increase purposeful student interaction across content areas. Administrators will leave with a sharper lens for observing classrooms, actionable indicators of quality instruction, and strategies to support teachers in delivering rigorous, inclusive learning experiences.

Speakers

SAVVAS representative

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Room 219

9:00am EDT

From Chat to Custom: Creating and Using Gems

LIMITED

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

Room 218

Limited Capacity seats available

Using Gemini is helpful. Creating a Gem makes it personal, repeatable, and more useful. This session shows educators how to build custom Gems for real tasks, from planning and communication to support and coaching. Participants will learn how to create a Gem, improve its instructions, add context, and use it across Google tools so AI becomes something they shape, not just something they try.

Speakers

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 →

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Room 218

9:00am EDT

PLC Work: Maximizing RIME Time: Systems and Structures that Ensure Success for Every Learner - Elementary

LIMITED

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

Room 228

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

Traci Hayes

Tiered Instructional Support Specialist

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 →

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 →

Justin Batts

Tiered Instructional Support Specialist

Justin Batts is a Tiered Instructional Support Specialist. He works primarily with high schools.

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.

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Room 228

9:00am EDT

Basics of Discipline (Required for Assistant Principals and Principals)

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am 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

William Weaver

Chief of Student Services

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Auditorium

Required

9:00am EDT

From Compliance to Coherence: Leading Effective Teaching Practices in Math & Science (K-8)

LIMITED

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:00am - 10:45am EDT

Room 226

Limited Capacity seats available

To continue forward, we must move beyond surface-level implementation of the Standards for Mathematical Practices and the Science and Engineering Practices and into purposeful, coherent instruction. This session supports leaders in identifying high-quality math & science instruction, facilitating teacher growth, and aligning effective teaching practices across classrooms to build strong mathematical and scientific thinkers.

Speakers

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.

Leanne Daughtry

Director, K-12 Math & Science, Johnston County Public Schools

Leanne Daughtry is the Director of K-12 Math and Science Curriculum in Johnston County Public Schools. Over the course of her 27 years in education, she has been a second and fourth grade teacher, worked with the district’s AIG program, was an elementary math consultant at NCDPI... Read More →

Christie Harding

K-5 Math Teaching and Learning Specialist, Johnston County Public Schools

Christie is a K-5 Math Teaching and Learning Specialist with Johnston County Public Schools where she supports school leaders and teachers with math professional development and curriculum implementation. She has been in public education for 26 years as a classroom teacher, an... Read More →

Robin Hiatt

K-5 Math Teaching and Learning Specialist

Robin is a K-5 Math Teaching and Learning Specialist with Johnston County Public Schools, where she supports teachers with math professional development and curriculum implementation. She received her B.S. degree in elementary education from East Carolina University and M.Ed. fro... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:00am - 10:45am EDT
Room 226

9:00am EDT

SIT Session with DPI (Required for principals and one designated school representative)

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:00am - 2:45pm EDT

Cafeteria

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:00am - 2:45pm EDT
Cafeteria

Required

10:00am EDT

Driving Results: Leveraging Student Success Curriculum for Campus Impact

LIMITED

Thursday July 16, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Room 225

Limited Capacity seats available

Receive an in-depth look into the JCPS Elementary, Middle, and High School Student Success Curriculum. Session attendees will leave equipped with strategies, best practices, and a game plan to effectively utilize this curriculum throughout the 2026-2027 school year.

Speakers

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 →

Thursday July 16, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Room 225

10:00am EDT

Effective Data Based Problem Solving

LIMITED

Thursday July 16, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Room 228

Limited Capacity seats available

This interactive session engages administrators in applying data-based problem solving through real-world scenarios aligned to MTSS and continuous improvement practices. Participants will analyze student, classroom, and school-level data to identify root causes of challenges related to academic performance, behavior, and attendance. The session emphasizes strengthening leadership capacity to guide data-driven conversations, ensure alignment of interventions, and build systems that support equitable outcomes for all students.

Speakers

Traci Hayes

Tiered Instructional Support Specialist

Kinetta Anderson

Tiered Instructional Support Specialist

Amanda Dale

Tiered Instructional Support Specialist

Justin Batts

Tiered Instructional Support Specialist

Justin Batts is a Tiered Instructional Support Specialist. He works primarily with high schools.

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.

Thursday July 16, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Room 228

10:00am EDT

Elevating Instruction for Multilingual Learners: What to Look For and What Works

LIMITED

Thursday July 16, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Room 219

Limited Capacity seats available

Speakers

SAVVAS representative

Thursday July 16, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Room 219

10:00am EDT

Federal Programs Essentials: A Leader’s Guide to Impact & Compliance

LIMITED

Thursday July 16, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Room 230

Limited Capacity seats available

Administrators will be provided a clear, practical overview of Federal Programs (Title 1, 1C, 2, 3, 4)and how each play a role in student success. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of requirements, allowable uses of funds, and compliance expectations, while also exploring how programs strategically align from the district level to maximize impact at the school level. This session equips leaders with the knowledge and confidence to effectively manage federal resources and support improved outcomes for all students.

Speakers

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 →

Janelle Bishop

Director of Professional Learning

Thursday July 16, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Room 230

11:00am EDT

Lunch

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Cafeteria

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Cafeteria

12:00pm EDT

Elevating Instruction for Multilingual Learners: What to Look For and What Works

LIMITED

Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT

Room 219

Limited Capacity seats available

Speakers

SAVVAS representative

Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT
Room 219

12:00pm EDT

Facilitron: Scheduling and Approving Events and Requesting HVAC for after-hour events

LIMITED

Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT

Room 220

Limited Capacity seats available

Facilitron is our Scheduling and Reservation platform for all Facility Usage: both external and internal users. Learn how to approve external requests, add approvers, and schedule internal events. Facilitron is used to schedule HVAC for all after hours events.

Speakers

Joshua Plisko

Director of Athletics and Driver Education

Johnston County Public Schools District Director of Athletics & Driver Education. Currently uses skills and background to serve all students in the large growing Johnston County area. Excited to work, be positive, find solutions, and build relationships everyday. Graduated from Campbell... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT
Room 220

12:00pm EDT

PLC Work: Maximizing RIME Time: Systems and Structures that Ensure Success for Every Learner - Middle School

LIMITED

Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT

Room 228

Limited Capacity seats available

Speakers

Traci Hayes

Tiered Instructional Support Specialist

Kinetta Anderson

Tiered Instructional Support Specialist

Amanda Dale

Tiered Instructional Support Specialist

Justin Batts

Tiered Instructional Support Specialist

Justin Batts is a Tiered Instructional Support Specialist. He works primarily with high schools.

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.

Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT
Room 228

12:00pm EDT

SchoolNet for Admin

LIMITED

Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT

Room 218

Limited Capacity seats available

Support Administrators in utilizing Schoolnet Reporting to support PLC conversations

Speakers

Christina Barone

9-12 Math Teaching and Learning Specialist

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.

Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT
Room 218

12:00pm EDT

SIOP in Action

LIMITED

Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT

Room 222

Limited Capacity seats available

SJHS shares what to expect with initial SIOP implementation and lessons learned around SIOP implementation. This session will provide schools with more information about SIOP and how it changes school practices to support MLs

Speakers

Julia Parrott

Heather Ribar

Dean of Virtual Learning and Testing, South Johnston High School

Dean of Virtual Learning and Testing

Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT
Room 222

12:00pm EDT

Your Digital Toolbox Is Deeper Than You Think: Tools to Support All Learners

LIMITED

Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT

Room 226

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

Michell McNeill

Executive Director of Instructional Technology

Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT
Room 226

12:00pm EDT

Basics of Discipline (Required for Assistant Principals and Principals)

Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT

Auditorium

Speakers

William Weaver

Chief of Student Services

Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT
Auditorium

Required

12:00pm EDT

Building Coherent Literacy Systems: Leading Structured Reading with Integrity and Purpose

LIMITED

Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00pm - 1:30pm EDT

Room 230

Limited Capacity seats available

This session equips elementary leaders to build aligned, structured literacy systems using Heggerty, Fundations, Geodes, and HMH Into Reading. Participants will deepen their understanding of how these resources work together to support foundational skills, knowledge-building, and grade-level text comprehension within a coherent literacy block. Leaders will clarify district literacy expectations, identify key instructional look-fors, and explore leadership moves that promote consistency across classrooms while strengthening PLC conversations. Participants will leave with a literacy coherence framework and actionable next steps to improve reading outcomes for all students.

Speakers

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.

Paige Barnes

Executive Director of Elementary Education

Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00pm - 1:30pm EDT
Room 230

12:00pm EDT

Instructional Leadership for Special Education Programs

FILLING

Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00pm - 1:30pm EDT

Room 229

Limited Capacity filling up

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

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 →

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 →

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 →

Thursday July 16, 2026 12:00pm - 1:30pm EDT
Room 229

1:00pm EDT

Brand It Better: Canva for School Communication

FILLING

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

Room 228

Limited Capacity filling up

This session helps school leaders use Canva to create polished, branded materials that support real school needs. Participants will explore practical examples such as announcement graphics, event flyers, and short social media videos while learning simple ways to communicate clearly, save time, and stay on brand.

Speakers

David Hinrichs

Director Digital Platforms & Pedagogy

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Room 228

1:00pm EDT

Elevating Instruction for Multilingual Learners: What to Look For and What Works

LIMITED

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

Room 219

Limited Capacity seats available

Speakers

SAVVAS representative

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Room 219

1:00pm EDT

Facilitron: Scheduling and Approving Events and Requesting HVAC for after-hour events

LIMITED

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

Room 220

Limited Capacity seats available

Speakers

Joshua Plisko

Director of Athletics and Driver Education

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Room 220

1:00pm EDT

Purpose-Built AI for Teaching and Learning

LIMITED

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

Room 226

Limited Capacity seats available

Using DPI’s custom GPTs as examples, this session explores what happens when AI tools are designed for real instructional needs instead of generic use. Participants will see how tools such as Science Coach and ELA Coach can support planning and reflection, then consider what makes a custom AI tool truly helpful in schools.

Speakers

David Hinrichs

Director Digital Platforms & Pedagogy

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Room 226

2:00pm EDT

Brand It Better: Adobe Express for School Communication

LIMITED

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

Room 228

Limited Capacity seats available

This session helps school leaders use Adobe Express to create polished, branded materials that support real school needs. Participants will explore practical examples such as announcement graphics, event flyers, and short social media videos while learning simple ways to communicate clearly, save time, and stay on brand. For those coming in with Canva experience, the session will also show how familiar tasks translate into Adobe Express, including some of the benefits and tradeoffs that come with each tool.

Speakers

David Hinrichs

Director Digital Platforms & Pedagogy

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
Room 228

2:00pm EDT

De-escalation

FILLING

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

Room 225

Limited Capacity filling up

This session equips educators with practical, high-impact de-escalation strategies to effectively respond to challenging behaviors while maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment. Participants will explore the root causes of escalation, recognize early warning signs, and learn proactive techniques to prevent situations from intensifying.

Speakers

Jill McKenna

Assistant Superintendent, Exceptional Children

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
Room 225

2:00pm EDT

Every Learner, Every Classroom, Every Day: Strengthening Core Instruction Together

FILLING

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

Room 230

Limited Capacity filling up

Explore how five Core Instructional Practices create powerful, daily learning experiences for every student. In this interactive session, participants will engage in a jigsaw-style exploration of each practice to identify its characteristics across grade levels, subjects, and instructional contexts. A map of Instructional Strategies PD for leveled teacher experience will align strategies and practices. You'll leave this session with practical strategies and a shared language to strengthen core instruction in every classroom, every day.

Speakers

Kevin Daughtry

Director of Multi-Tiered Supports and Advanced Learning

With over 30 years of experience, Kevin Daughtry began teaching high school English then moved into district leadership roles to support IB World Schools and AVID site teams. Focusing on practical ways to expand college access and academic opportunities, Mr. Daughtry is known for... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
Room 230

2:00pm EDT

Math 1 Success in HS

LIMITED

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

Room 226

Limited Capacity seats available

Calculated Commitments: this session will focus on Math 1 student success. In this 45 minute session you will learn how CVHS Math 1 teachers piece together collective commitments, PLC norms, student accountability, and early wins to help students grow and achieve success.

Speakers

Jenna Sauls

Principal, Cleveland High

Jayne Hanley

Jenny Irvine

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
Room 226

2:00pm EDT

Title IX 101: Building a Culture of Respect

FILLING

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

Room 222

Limited Capacity filling up

This session is designed for individuals seeking an understanding or refresher of Title IX regulations, processes, and foundational principles. Participants will gain knowledge of the definition of sexual harassment, the responsibilities of mandated reporters, and the impact of Title IX on various roles within educational settings. Resources and guidance related to documentation, due process, and disciplinary procedures will also be provided.

Speakers

Kathleen McLamb

Title IX and Auxiliary Services Administrator

Kathleen McLamb is a veteran educator and administrator with over 27 years of experience in Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS). She currently serves as the Title IX and Auxiliary Administrator, following leadership roles as a school administrator and Executive Director of Curriculum... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
Room 222

3:00pm EDT

PLC Collaboration

Thursday July 16, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT

Auditorium

Thursday July 16, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Auditorium

4:00pm EDT

Closing

Thursday July 16, 2026 4:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

Auditorium

Speakers

Dr. David Pearce

Superintendent

Thursday July 16, 2026 4:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
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