Every Teacher A Leader Summit 2026: Full Schedule

11:00am EDT

Newitakehkimesi- Learning with One Another Through Wabanaki Studies Education

Thursday July 30, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT

There is no one right way to teach Wabanaki Studies, nor a curriculum that can be bought. It is a way of teaching. We all learn differently, teach differently, however we all find connection through this place we call home. In this workshop, we'll look at resources to support and empower you, examples of educators who have woven Wabanaki Studies into their curriculum, and have the opportunity to leave with a plan that works for you and your students.

Speakers

Kaya Lolar

Brianne Lolar

Wabanaki Studies Specialist, Maine Department of Education

Brianne Lolar is a citizen of the Panawahpskek Nation and lives on Alenape Menehan, also known as Indian Island. She graduated from the University of Maine with a Bachelor’s in Social Work, a Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education, and a Master’s in Literacy. Brianne... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT

Equity, General

1:30pm EDT

When Something Goes Wrong: Restorative Responses to Bias and Harm

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

Even in caring, inclusive spaces, mistakes happen—especially when addressing issues of bias, identity, or inequity. What matters most is how we respond. This session offers practical, compassionate strategies for repairing harm and rebuilding trust after missteps. Participants will explore the difference between intent and impact, learn the language of calling in/on, and practice restorative approaches to apology and accountability.

Speakers

Stephanie Hendrix

Humanities Academy Coordinator, Bangor High School

Stephanie Hendrix is a Bangor-based educator and equity advocate with 24 years of experience teaching in public schools and 10 years in higher education. As a Leaders for Just Schools facilitator and Blended Learning Instructor for the NEA, she leads national cohorts of educators... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

Equity, General

9:00am EDT

From Reflections to Actions: How Anti-Racist Teacher Leaders are Doing the Work

Friday July 31, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am EDT

This session shares a year-long, teacher-led anti-racist community of study where educators engaged in reflection, dialogue, and action to confront inequities in their practice. Participants will explore structures that support sustained learning and activism and leave with practical tools to build similar communities, fostering equitable classrooms where all students feel valued, supported, and meaningfully engaged in literacy learning.

Speakers

Dr. Laura Jiménez

Senior Lecturer, Boston University

Dr. Jiménez is faculty at Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development and the director of Educating Critically. Her work focuses on the representations of marginalized communities in children and YA literature. In addition she supports teachers in bringing... Read More →

Melissa Guerrette

Grade 5 Teacher, Oxford Elementary School, MSAD17

Melissa Guerrette, NBCT, is a 5th grade teacher at Oxford Elementary School in Oxford, Maine and a member of the Teach Maine Center Executive Team. She is the 2021 Oxford County Teacher of the Year, and in 2025 received the Claudette and John Brassil Distinguished Educator Award from... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am EDT

Equity, General