2024 NEASC Showcase: Full Schedule

ALERT: The Showcase has been rescheduled to Thursday, May 2, 2024

Location: Westford, MA, USA | Event Overview | Venue/Accommodations | Contact Us
Please note details are updated regularly to reflect the latest information.

7:45am EDT

Registration/continental breakfast

Thursday May 2, 2024 7:45am - 8:30am EDT

Break/Networking

8:30am EDT

Welcome to the Showcase!

Speakers

Alyson Geary

Director for Accreditation and School Improvement, Public Schools, NEASC

Alyson is the Director for the Commission on Public Schools at the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). She is a highly respected educator who has been both an assistant principal and principal at Hopkinton High School in Massachusetts. Prior to joining the NEASC... Read More →

Thursday May 2, 2024 8:30am - 8:50am EDT
Regency Ballroom (1st floor)

Plenary/Keynote

8:50am EDT

Break

Thursday May 2, 2024 8:50am - 9:00am EDT

Break/Networking

9:00am EDT

Unified Pride in Bronco Nation

Presenters, including students, will provide a comprehensive introduction and multiple examples of an inclusive education model for curricular and co-curricular activities including unified art, music, physical education, floristry, and independent living, unified soccer, basketball, and track, and club activities like theater and Best Buddies. This interactive session will have a hands-on craft activity and a Q & A segment. Participants will leave with insights and best practices approaches to enhance school inclusivity.

Speakers

Student Presenters

Students will participate in several sessions at this year's Showcase. As an organization dedicated to student agency and to the amplification of diverse voices and perspectives, NEASC is proud to offer a selection of student-centered presentations. See session descriptions for d... Read More →

Steven Beals

Principal, Alvirne High School

Lauren Denis

English Department Head, Alvirne High School

Andrew Rush

Special Education Teacher, Alvirne High School

Thursday May 2, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am EDT
Salem Room (3rd floor)

Culture of Belonging, Student Speakers

9:00am EDT

Curriculum Is More than Content...

Madison Public Schools will share district and unit curriculum design that ensures the transfer of learning to authentic applications and a systemic approach to integrating the profile of a graduate in all curricula. Learn how a reimagined K-12 wellness curriculum promotes physical and mental well-being, leading students to be able to access, understand, and advocate for themselves. See how students acquire content and profile of a graduate capacities and demonstrate learning through complex end-of-unit performance tasks. Participants will walk away with materials to use and share in their school to spark discussion and thinking about the relationship between mastery of content and capacities.

Speakers

Gail Dahling-Hench

Assistant Superintendent, Madison Public Schools

Sarah Sandora

K-12 Wellness Curriculum Lead, Madison Public Schools

Ron Spears

Social Studies/History Teacher, Madison Public Schools

Jen Hawley

K-12 Counseling Coordinator, Madison Public Schools

Thursday May 2, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am EDT
Westford North 1-3 (3rd floor)

Effective and Inclusive Curriculum

9:00am EDT

Eduscrum and Student-Led Teams Transform Student Learning

Come to an energizing, interactive session on Eduscrum, a methodology that integrates Scrum/Agile principles into education. Discover how Eduscrum empowers learners to take charge of their education and fosters collaboration, accountability, and creativity in student-led teams. Delve into practical applications through sharing success stories and practical strategies for implementation. Engage in an interactive simulation to see how this cultivates crucial 21st century skills required in today's workforce. Revolutionize your teaching methods and inspire a new era of engaged, motivated learners through this session that promises valuable insights into the future of education. Leave with actionable insights and resources to integrate Eduscrum into teaching practices and be empowered to create inclusive and dynamic learning environments that promote student autonomy, engagement, and academic success and where all students belong, strive, and succeed.

Speakers

Mario Correia

Computer Science Teacher, Barrington High School

I have been teaching Computer Science for over 20 years.I presently teach at Barrington High School in Barrington R.I.CS courses I teach include APCSA Java, APCS Principles, intro to CS course which includes App Inventor and Visual Basic, Intermediate course in CS in the language... Read More →

Chris Ashley

Principal, Barrington High School

Tonya Curt-Hoard

Instructional Coach, Barrington High School

Thursday May 2, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am EDT
Westford South 2-4 (3rd floor)

Engaging Active Learners

9:00am EDT

A Recipe for Student Success

Learn how Blackstone Valley Tech's strategies and student support services resulted in 0 % dropout and 100 % completion rates. The session will feature a video production built by students. Presenters will describe the multifaceted ingredients of student support services, including vignettes from the on-campus wellness center, nutritionist, counseling personnel, transition center, external crisis counselor services, and behavioral conflict supports focusing on students' mental and physical lifelines. Participants will learn techniques with proven results to use in their schools, gain insight into a population impacted by diverse and challenging student characteristics, and discover how students' mental health needs are addressed.

Speakers

Michael Fitzpatrick

Superintendent & Director, Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School

Thursday May 2, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am EDT
Whittier Room (1st floor)

Supporting All Students

9:00am EDT

Unifying Vision and Purpose: A District-wide Approach to the Vision of the Graduate

In this interactive session, participants will learn how to develop a district-wide vision of a graduate anchored in performance assessments in grades K-12 and how it provides a unifying influence across the district. Explore how voice and choice in assessment give students the sense their identities and interests are valued and respected. By reflecting on existing structures in their school communities, participants will identify opportunities to build on or expand assessments and activities to align with the district's vision of the graduate. Participants will begin the session with questions to tailor the discussion and have dedicated time to iterate and plan for the next steps in their school communities.

Speakers

Kevin McNamara

Assistant Superintendent, Lincoln Public Schools

2023 NEASC Service Award RecipientKevin is the assistant superintendent of Lincoln Public Schools in Lincoln, Rhode Island and has been a member of the NEASC Commission on Public Schools for six years. He serves as a Review Committee Chair and is a member of a recently established... Read More →

Lawrence Filippelli, Ed.D.

Superintendent, Lincoln Public Schools

Cynthia Soares

5th Grade Teacher, Saylesville Elementary School

Thursday May 2, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am EDT
Westford South 1-3 (3rd floor)

Vision of the Graduate

10:15am EDT

Break

Thursday May 2, 2024 10:15am - 10:30am EDT

Break/Networking

10:30am EDT

A Collaborative Journey: Creating Brave and Safe Cultures of Belonging

Led by the Lenox Public Schools and an Anti-Defamation League (ADL) partner, participants will delve into the journey toward Creating Brave and Safe space for students and staff. Following a racial incident, the district partnered with the ADL, sparking a bold, proactive initiative to recognize and address the systemic dimensions of identity-based bias and build a culture of belonging. This initiative represents a significant step in the district's multi-year commitment to inclusivity and equity, providing a valuable roadmap for all schools striving to nurture a culture of belonging. Participants will gain insights from the district's proactive measures, learning from successes and missteps. This session will engage participants with open discussions, interactive small group activities, and educational videos. Participants will leave the session equipped with concrete strategies to cultivate a culture of belonging, an understanding of pitfalls to avoid, and the opportunity for ongoing dialogue with presenters to support implementation in their district.

Speakers

William Collins

Superintendent, Lenox Public Schools

Phil Fogleman

Education Director, ADL New England

Jeremiah Ames

Principal, Lenox Memorial Middle & High School

Veronica Fenton

Chair, Lenox School Committee, Lenox Public Schools

Thursday May 2, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am EDT
Salem Room (3rd floor)

Culture of Belonging

10:30am EDT

Rallying the Cause: Service Learning as a Path to Belonging

Join this session to explore service learning that emphasizes equity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging and provides students with independent and self-directed opportunities to build transferable skills. Participants will take turns as student planners to design, craft, and mock-implement a service learning activity that gets the whole school involved. By applying knowledge of the school community, communication skills, and personal experience, student planners can see how self-initiated learning can occur outside the classroom and become embedded in the school culture. Learn strategies to implement this school-wide initiative in practical and manageable ways. Engage in student-designed activities and interact with student leaders. Student-designed videos, websites, and printed materials will be shared with participants.

Speakers

Student Presenters

Erin Sullivan

Advisor & English Teacher, Torrington High School

Thursday May 2, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am EDT
Concord Amphitheater (3rd floor)

Culture of Belonging

10:30am EDT

From Maker Spaces to Maker Moments: Scaling the Maker Movement For Your Classroom

Engage in a hands-on dive into why and how to incorporate MakerEd in the classroom. Learn how creative, hands-on learning has benefits for every content area and every student. Bring authentic maker activities to your students without dedicated space or expensive technology. This unplugged, hands-on workshop will bust some makerspace myths, share best practices, and provide classroom tools and activities to use right away! Bring a sense of adventure and learn how to scale the ideas of the Maker Movement in any classroom!

Speakers

Susan Capwell

Technology Integrator Specialist, Searsport District Middle High School, RSU #20

Kelly Gatcomb

English Language Arts & Social Studies Teacher, Searsport District Middle High School, RSU #21

Thursday May 2, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am EDT
Westford South 2-4 (3rd floor)

Engaging Active Learners

10:30am EDT

Neurodiversity: Strategies for best supporting all learners in the classroom

The presentation is designed to improve outcomes for the most at-risk learning profiles. Specifically focusing on the root causes (ACES, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Substance Abuse, and Anxiety) and developing strategies to directly benefit these students.

Speakers

Hayden Coon

Principal, Woodsville High School

Thursday May 2, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am EDT
Whittier Room (1st floor)

Supporting All Students

10:30am EDT

Vision of the Graduate: More Than Just Words

Participants will explore a vision of the graduate model that is more than words and instead a call to action for 21st century learners. The workshop will guide participants through a typical lesson, using the 'I do, we do, you do' approach in an inclusion classroom. Presenters will highlight how these principles are integrated into assessments and how action words used in classrooms have tangible outcomes. In an interactive segment, educators will develop strategies tailored to their school's context as well as see a demonstration of one key element in the vision that fosters an environment of collaborative learning. This session will draw on the rich experience of an inclusive education team, offering a unique perspective on supporting all students, including those with special needs. Participants should bring a laptop and charisma to develop their unique twist on what a 21st century learner looks like! Participants will leave with concrete methods to adapt and apply these insights to their educational practices while enhancing the learning experience for every student.

Speakers

Christina O'Brien

History Teacher, North Providence High School

David Walsh

Special Education Teacher, North Providence High School

Thursday May 2, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am EDT
Westford South 1-3 (3rd floor)

Vision of the Graduate

11:45am EDT

Lunch / Keynote by Dr. Kalise Wornum

Speakers

Dr. Kalise Wornum

CEO/Founder, KW Diversity, Inc.

Dr. Kalise Wornum, Founder and CEO of KW Diversity Inc., is a nationally sought-after speaker, educational leader, workshop facilitator, and author in the area of anti-racist education. Continuing concerns about America’s racial academic achievement gap, along with her experience... Read More →

Thursday May 2, 2024 11:45am - 1:15pm EDT
Regency Ballroom (1st floor)

Plenary/Keynote

1:15pm EDT

Break

Thursday May 2, 2024 1:15pm - 1:30pm EDT

Break/Networking

1:30pm EDT

The Power of Collaboration: Elevating Student Connection and Voice

Explore strategies to foster a collaborative environment where students feel heard, empowered, connected to their classroom community, and take ownership of learning. Participants will gain insights into amplifying student voices, enhancing peer collaboration, and creating a more inclusive educational community where the uniqueness of students is acknowledged and celebrated. Acquire knowledge about practical tools to elevate the learning experience, promoting a culture where students actively contribute to their education. Learn why embracing collaboration cultivates a dynamic and student-centric atmosphere, fostering a positive impact on both academic achievement and overall school culture. Engage in dynamic discussions, real-world case studies, and hands-on activities.

Speakers

Dr. Stephanie Lockhart

Principal, Avon High School

After double majoring in History and African American studies at UCONN, and earning a Masters in Education, Stephanie Lockhart began her career in education in 2003. Since then she has been a teacher, Department Chair, District Equity Committee Chair, and an administrator for 7 years... Read More →

Thursday May 2, 2024 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Salem Room (3rd floor)

Culture of Belonging

1:30pm EDT

Culture of Belonging in an Asset and Mastery-Based System

Learn about the Farmington School District's eight-year journey in shifting away from traditional, often punitive assessment and grading practices to experiences for students that highlight their strengths and support their weaknesses. The system is being refined with focuses on culturally responsive teaching and engaging reluctant learners. Determine if decisions will remove or create barriers for historically marginalized students. Participants will engage in interactive exercises to delve into their district's systems and routines, think about challenges in implementing mastery-based assessment, and share best practices and possible plans for shifting the system.

Speakers

Melissa Bader

Farmington High School

Laura Lanza

Math and Business Department Leader, Farmington High School

I have been teaching math for 17 years, all of which have been at Farmington High School in Connecticut. I have taught all courses and grade levels 9-12, but for the past 10 years I have been the Math Department Leader and have primarily taught Precalculus (College Prep Level) to... Read More →

Thursday May 2, 2024 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Whittier Room (1st floor)

Supporting All Students

1:30pm EDT

Flex First: Build Student Agency and Prepare for Productive Days

Follow the journey of implementing a transformative morning flex period, reshaping students' and staff's daily experience. Through interactive conversation, delve into the powerful methods educators use to leverage flex to connect meaningfully with students, provide targeted support to struggling learners, and personalize learning through flexible scheduling. Discover the rationale behind a flexible period at the start of each day, and hear about the challenges and the unexpected benefits encountered along the way. See technological tools that contribute to the success of the program, including plug-ins available for PowerSchool. By the end of this session, be equipped with inspiration and practical tools to create a more inclusive student-centered environment that nurtures autonomy and ignites a passion for learning.

Speakers

Michael Yagid

Asst. Principal, Ridgefield High School/Ridgefield Public Schools

Jacob Greenwood

Principal, Ridgefield High School

Danny Martins

Social Studies Teacher, Ridgefield High School

Elizabeth Karlan

Dean of Students, Ridgefield High School

Jennifer DeJulio

Social Studies Teacher, Ridgefield High School

Thursday May 2, 2024 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Westford South 2-4 (3rd floor)

Supporting All Students

1:30pm EDT

Scouting, Pioneering, and Settling the Vision of the Graduate on Report Cards and in Digital Portfolios

In this session, building from a mission of HOPE, participants will learn how Peabody Public Schools implemented its vision of the graduate (VOG) and established seven school-wide rubrics to determine student proficiency for each competency. Student proficiency in the VOG competencies is reported quarterly, along with traditional grades and through digital portfolios. See a student-led explanation of a digital portfolio of artifacts linked to the VOG. Hear about how school-wide proficiency data is analyzed to form action steps that guide core values and learning expectations. Engage in interactive activities, including sharing how to make the VOG meaningful to any school community and integrating it into the school's culture.

Speakers

Chris Lord

Executive Director of Peabody PREP Virtual School, Peabody School District

Peabody Public Schools has a model Vision of the Graduate including 7 competencies that represent core values and life skills for our (and perhaps most any) teaching and learning community at all grade levels. At the high school, each student receives a quarterly report card that... Read More →

Thursday May 2, 2024 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Westford South 1-3 (3rd floor)

Vision of the Graduate