Every Teacher A Leader Summit 2026: Full Schedule

9:30am EDT

Day-Dreaming is it!: Visioning Student-Led Projects

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

When polarization roars and hope can feel futile, dreaming is essential. This session is a collaborative brainstorming space to outline “dreamy” schoolwide change. Miranda Snyder briefly storytells her trial-and-error support of Civil Rights Team’s "dreams", big and small. Processing might happen via dialogue, writing, art - your dream’s “how” is up to you and your unique context.

Speakers

Miranda Snyder

English Teacher & Civil Rights Team Advisor, Mount Desert Island High School

Miranda Snyder (she/her) is in her fifth year teaching English at Mount Desert Island high school. She teaches mainly freshman, centering texts and writing around identity, belonging, and justice. She also advises the Civil Rights Team, a student-led activist group, and organized... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am EDT
Alfond 227

Teacher Leadership, General

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

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

1:30pm EDT

SEL + Life & Career Readiness: Integrating Heart & Mind for Meaningful Learning

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

Alfond 227

This workshop explores how Social Emotional Learning (SEL) aligns with Life & Career Readiness standards to support the whole student. Participants engage in interactive activities to design meaningful, equitable learning experiences that build self-awareness, collaboration, and decision-making skills. Educators leave with practical strategies to embed SEL into everyday instruction, fostering inclusive classrooms and preparing students for success beyond high school.

Speakers

Jennifer Dumont

JMG (Jobs for Maine Graduates), Windham High School

Jennifer Dumont is a JMG Specialist at Windham High School with over a decade of experience supporting students in developing the skills needed for success in school, career, and life. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing and Literature from Gordon College and a master’s... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Alfond 227

Equity, 9-12

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

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

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