Every Teacher A Leader Summit 2026: Full Schedule

9:30am EDT

Escape the Ordinary: Unlocking Learning Through Classroom Escape Rooms

Thursday July 30, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am EDT

Turn your classroom into an adventure with escape rooms that spark curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking. In this session, you’ll explore how to design and implement engaging, content-rich escape experiences while experiencing one yourself, and leave with ready-to-use ideas to bring energy and purpose to your instruction.

Speakers

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 9:30am - 10:45am EDT
Alfond 208

Innovation, 6-12

11:00am EDT

Educator Advocacy: Using Your Voice to Shape Education in Maine

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

Alfond 208

Educators bring essential expertise to policy conversations, but the legislative and rulemaking process can feel difficult to navigate. This professional learning session demystifies how education policy is shaped in Maine, from legislation and rulemaking to the decisions that ultimately impact classrooms.
Participants will explore how to use their expertise, experience, and voice to advocate effectively for students, schools, and the teaching profession. Whether new to advocacy or already engaged, educators will leave with a deeper understanding of how policy decisions unfold and the many ways they can help shape education in Maine.

Speakers

Jodi Mezzanotte

Director of Educator Engagement, Educate Maine

Leah Boucher Enos

Grade 4 Teacher, Lewiston Public Schools

Leah Enos is a fourth-grade teacher and Civil Rights Team advisor at Farwell Elementary School in Lewiston, Maine. She was recognized as the 2024 Androscoggin County Teacher of the Year. Leah is the Vice President of the Lewiston Education Association, serves on the Maine Profess... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT
Alfond 208

Teacher Leadership, General

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

Allyson Gilbert

Science Teacher, Mt. Ararat High School

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Alfond 208

Instruction, 6-12

9:00am EDT

Pathways to Possibilities: A New Approach to Career Exploration

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

Alfond 208

In the Pathways to Possibilities session, participants will reimagine the traditional high school career fair as a targeted, interactive, fast-paced workshop in which students engage in short sessions to understand the career opportunities and supports available across the state. During the workshop, participants will create an event for their school using resources and tools to support their planning process.

Speakers

Lisa Knedler

Career Connections Teacher Leader Fellow, Maine Department of Education, Office of Teaching and Learning

Lisa Knedler is the Career Connections Teacher Leader Fellow for the Office of Teaching and Learning at the Maine Department of Education. Her days are spent teaching at Gray-New Gloucester High School where she is the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Coordinator and... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am EDT
Alfond 208

Innovation, 9-12

10:30am EDT

Burnout: What Now?

Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am EDT

Alfond 208

Feeling burnt out or close to it? This session offers honest conversation, real choices, and practical steps for navigating burnout. Through personal experience and reflection, we’ll explore what it looks like to stay, step back, or shift direction; and how to take your next step forward in a way that works for you.

Speakers