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Every Teacher A Leader Summit 2026
Type: Instruction clear filter
Thursday, July 30
 

9:30am EDT

Global Issues in Humanities: Curriculum for Sustainable Change
Thursday July 30, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am EDT
Alfond 209
This session offers a model for interdisciplinary, project-based instruction, engaging students with local and global issues. Participants will explore mentor texts, build knowledge, interrogate bias and credibility, and amplify student voices. The session includes sample units aligned with Muhammad’s HILL model, providing space to adapt ideas for participants’ own classrooms.
Speakers
avatar for Stephanie Hendrix

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 9:30am - 10:45am EDT
Alfond 209
  Instruction

11:00am EDT

Building Engagement and Background Knowledge in Grades K-8
Thursday July 30, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT
Ayotte 104
Readers of all ages use what they have learned about the world to make sense of new information. So, how do we build background knowledge from our classrooms? How do we build excitement about an upcoming topic? This session will explore different strategies educators can use in their own classrooms starting in the fall. Teachers will experience 4 or 5 strategies that can be adapted at any grade level and any subject.  They will experience these strategies first hand, and then analyze the experience through a teacher lens.  All of these activities will be active and engaging to build excitement about a topic.  Finally, the educators will work together to develop a comprehensive list of ideas from their own experiences that will be recorded and shared with participants.
Speakers
avatar for Jessica Harvey

Jessica Harvey

2nd Grade Teacher, Elm Street School (RSU16)
Jessica Harvey (she/her) is a 2nd grade classroom teacher at Elm Street School (RSU 16) in Mechanic Falls, ME and is the 2021 Androscoggin County Teacher of the Year. With a passion for outdoor learning, she co-founded her district's Get Everyone Outside Initiative (The G.E.O. Initiative... Read More →
avatar for Karen MacDonald

Karen MacDonald

Retired Teacher, Teach Maine Center

Karen MacDonald (she/her) is a retired educator who spent 37 years in the Portland Public Schools teaching English Language Arts.  In 2014 she was named Maine’s Teacher of the Year. Throughout her career, she worked to build an interdisciplinary model at King Middle School and... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT
Ayotte 104
  Instruction, K-8

11:00am EDT

Research to Reality: Rethinking Phonemic Awareness Instruction
Thursday July 30, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT
Alfond 227
Reading research has deepened our understanding of how words are learned and which instructional practices have the greatest impact. This session bridges research and classroom practice by building that understanding and sharing immediately usable routines that strengthen phonemic awareness and support children as they begin connecting sounds to spoken and written words.
Speakers
avatar for Kirsten Chansky

Kirsten Chansky

Instructional Coach, RSU14
Kirsten Chansky, M.S.Ed., is an instructional coach in RSU 14 and author of Sounds of Success. She supports educators in implementing research-aligned literacy practices that strengthen reading outcomes for all students. With over 18 years in education, she works alongside teachers to translate reading research into effective classroom instruction. Her work focuses on aligni... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT
Alfond 227
  Instruction, K-2

11:00am EDT

Writing as Leadership: Helping Students Use Language to Influence Their World
Thursday July 30, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT
Alfond 228
This interactive workshop explores how writing instruction can move beyond assignments to become a tool for student voice, agency, and leadership. Participants will engage in adaptable classroom activities that position students as contributors to real conversations through argument, storytelling, and public-facing writing. Teachers will leave with strategies to help students see writing not just as schoolwork, but as a way to lead, advocate, and make change.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Sandip Wilson

Dr. Sandip Wilson

Co-Director, Maine Writing Project, Husson University
Sandip Wilson, professor in the Husson University College of Science and Humanities and School of Education, serves as co-director of the Maine Writing Project and co-treasurer of the United States Book Board for Youth.  She is a member of the USBBY Book Award Committee on children’s... Read More →
avatar for Ryan Roderick

Ryan Roderick

Assistant Professor and Assistant Dean, Husson University
avatar for Abigail Erwin

Abigail Erwin

My name is Abigail Erwin and I am a recent graduate of Husson University with a bachelors in Elementary Education. Throughout my time in Husson’s education program I was able to gain experience working with students spanning across a variety of different grade levels through practicum... Read More →
avatar for Heather Webster

Heather Webster

K-12 Technology Coach, RSU 40
Heather Webster is a 2013 Maine Writing Project Teacher Consultant and the 2020 Lincoln County Teacher of the Year. This is her third year out of the English classroom—she is currently the K-12 technology coach for RSU 40. When Heather isn't supporting the teachers and technology... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT
Alfond 228
  Instruction, General

1:30pm EDT

Is Excess Screentime an Adversity-Like Event for Youth? Exploring the Implications for the Classroom and Beyond
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Alfond 136
Join this session to explore whether excessive screen time may function as an adversity-like experience for youth. Drawing on emerging research linking screen exposure with attention, emotional regulation, and brain development, we'll examine parallels with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Educators will consider implications for classroom practice, student well-being, and developmentally appropriate technology use in schools and homes.
Speakers
avatar for Katie Rybakova

Katie Rybakova

Chair and Associate Professor, Lunder School of Education, Thomas College
Katie Rybakova serves as the chair and an associate professor at Thomas College Lunder School of Education as well as the Executive Director of the Maine Association for Middle Level Education organization and Assistant Director of the Central Maine Education Consortium. 
avatar for Dr. Heather Batchelor
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Alfond 136
  Instruction, General

1:30pm EDT

Let Students Talk: Making Math Make Sense
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Alfond 228
Have you ever wanted to encourage more student dialogue in your math class but feel trapped by scripted curriculum resources or struggle to come up with ideas of how to do so? This session will share strategies that can be implemented in any middle school classroom to increase student communication and collaboration!
Speakers
avatar for Lindsay Mahoney

Lindsay Mahoney

7th/8th Grade Math, Messalonskee Middle School, RSU18
Lindsay Mahoney teaches 7th and 8th grade math at Messalonskee Middle School. She is the 2020 Kennebec County teacher of the year, on the Board of Directors for the Maine Association for Middle Level Education, and the Co-Director of the Kennebec Math League. 
avatar for Hope Herrick

Hope Herrick

7th/8th Grade Math, Messalonskee Middle School, RSU18
Hope Herrick teaches 7th and 8th grade math at Messalonskee Middle School. She is  the Co-Director of the Kennebec Math League. 
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Alfond 228
  Instruction, 6-8

1:30pm EDT

Nature Based Learning Across the Curriculum
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Ayotte 104
If you are excited about nature based learning and are looking for ways to integrate it into your teaching practice, come to this session and gather inspiration from Becky Hallowell. This session will offer suggestions for using nature for teaching everything from grammar to renewable energy.
Speakers
avatar for Becky Hallowell

Becky Hallowell

Grade 4 Teacher, Wiscasset Elementary School
Becky Hallowell teaches fourth-grade students at Wiscasset Elementary School. She is the 2024 Lincoln County Teacher of the Year and the 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year. Hallowell embraces a pedagogy that honors nature and place-based learning, establishing connections between students... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Ayotte 104
  Instruction, PK-5

1:30pm EDT

The Power of Choice
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Alfond 208
This session explores the power of student choice as a driver of engagement and ownership in learning. Participants will see practical examples from my classroom, including choice-based projects and strategies that elevate student voice, and leave with adaptable ideas they can implement to foster autonomy, motivation, and deeper learning in their own classrooms.
Speakers
avatar for Allyson Gilbert

Allyson Gilbert

Science Teacher, Mt. Ararat High School
I’m an educator driven by curiosity, connection, and the belief that learning should matter beyond the classroom. After facing burnout early in my career, I rebuilt my approach around student voice, choice, and real-world impact. I design experiences that push students to ask big... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Alfond 208
  Instruction, 6-12
 
Friday, July 31
 

9:00am EDT

Encouraging Creative Risk Taking in Student Writers
Friday July 31, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am EDT
Alfond 229
How can teachers jumpstart a writing community? By establishing the connection between identifying audience and purpose with selecting an accessible and compelling format. This workshop will introduce interactive, whole class activities and individual conferencing strategies for providing limited, targeted feedback to guide students toward seeing themselves as writers with agency over their work.
Speakers
avatar for Hilary Martin

Hilary Martin

Literacy Specialist, Mt. Ararat High School
Hilary Martin is a former theater teacher and current literacy specialist at Mt. Ararat High School in Topsham, Maine.  In addition to her work in teaching reading and writing, she has developed curriculum centered around using theater and drama techniques across content areas.
Friday July 31, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am EDT
Alfond 229
  Instruction, 6-12

9:00am EDT

Moving Away from Traditional Grading: A Process-based System
Friday July 31, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am EDT
Alfond 228
Do you want to empower students to drive their own engagement and take ownership of their own learning?  Join us as we explore resources, samples, and ideas for how you might implement a similar approach in your classroom to build a community where growth matters most. Inspired by Sarah Zerwin’s “Pointless” approach.
Speakers
avatar for Bridget Wright

Bridget Wright

English Teacher, Lincoln Academy
Bridget Wright teaches English at Lincoln Academy, where she also runs her schools Writing Center. She is the 2025 Lincoln County Teacher of the Year and has been teaching for 14 years. 
avatar for Jack DeAngelis

Jack DeAngelis

Jack DeAngelis teaches English at Lincoln Academy where he is also the advisor for the school newspaper. Jack has been teaching for 6 years. 
Friday July 31, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am EDT
Alfond 228
  Instruction, 6-12

9:00am EDT

Yes, Really! Small Tweaks that Boost Engagement for All Learners
Friday July 31, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am EDT
Alfond 227
Everyone engages more when they are interested and excited, and as a result, learning increases! The concept is easy, but designing instruction to optimize student engagement can sometimes feel overwhelming or inauthentic. This session will introduce you to opportunities to respond and why they are important for engagement, and help you realize that specific praise also increases student engagement. Participants will learn two types of responding, with specific examples, synthesize their learning through peer discussions, and observe classroom teachers implementing these techniques.
Speakers
avatar for Anne Marie Jordan

Anne Marie Jordan

Literacy Specialist/ESEA Federal Grant Coordinator, Ridge View Community School, RSU 46
Anne Marie C. Jordan, Ph.D., is an experienced educator supporting teachers and students across Maine for 35 years. In MSAD #46, she is a Literacy Specialist and Federal Grant Coordinator, as well as a former classroom teacher, principal, and interventionist. She leads district initiatives... Read More →
Friday July 31, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am EDT
Alfond 227
  Instruction, General

10:30am EDT

Empower Math Learners: Differentiation and Intervention Tools & Resources
Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am EDT
Alfond 227
This interactive workshop will equip math educators with resources and strategies to provide differentiated support in the classroom and through more intensive interventions. Learn to empower all students to engage with and learn mathematics. Walk away with strategies to make math visual, differentiate activities, and incorporate math games to reach all learners. New activities and routines will be shared!
Speakers
avatar for Cheryl Tobey

Cheryl Tobey

STEM Education Specialist, Maine Math and Science Alliance
Cheryl is a STEM Education Specialist at Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance, where she supports mathematics educators through project work, consulting and curriculum development. Cheryl has 20 years of experience providing professional development to mathematics educators and... Read More →
Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am EDT
Alfond 227
  Instruction, PK-5

10:30am EDT

Everyone is Welcome to Play: Using the power of play to build student relationships to content and each other through games in the classroom
Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am EDT
Learning happens deeper and faster through play. Teachers in this session will experience some of the ways students in our classrooms work at a variety of levels, and learn through play together.
Speakers
avatar for Tara Frazier

Tara Frazier

Special Education Teacher, Veazie Community School
Tara Frazier is a Special Education Teacher at the Veazie Community School, where she has taught for the last 24 years. She wears many hats, including Resource Room teacher, IEP Case Manager, MathCounts Team Coach, and member of the Courageous Steps Project's Board of Directors... Read More →
avatar for Sierra Blake
Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am EDT
  Instruction, K-8

10:30am EDT

Inquiry in Action: Socratic Seminars for Student-Led Thinking
Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am EDT
Alfond 228
Participants will engage in the preparation and implementation of a Socratic Seminar, an inquiry-based discussion method that encourages student agency, leadership, and critical thinking.  Through this session, educators will leave with a practical strategy to take back to their classroom that will elevate student voice and transform classroom dialogues into purposeful, student-led learning. 
Speakers
avatar for Heather Anderson

Heather Anderson

Grade 8 Social Studies Teacher, Caribou High School
Heather Anderson teaches 8th-grade ELA and Social Studies at Caribou High School. She is the 2022 Aroostook County Teacher of the Year and 2023 Maine Teacher of the Year finalist.  She also currently serves as a member of the Teach Maine advisory board and is a Guide for the Rural... Read More →
Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am EDT
Alfond 228
  Instruction, 3-12
 
Every Teacher A Leader Summit 2026

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