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Conference Schedule | Conference Rates | Volunteer | Hotel Information | Hill Visits | Sessions | Sponsor/Exhibit | FAQ
Join us at the 2025 National Schools to Watch Conference, a one-of-a-kind event bringing together passionate middle-level educators from across the nation. This conference is rooted in the Schools to Watch® (STW) model, showcasing specific practices and programs that are enhancing student learning and development.
With inspiring keynote speakers, hands-on sessions, and peer-led learning opportunities, this event is designed to foster growth, connections, and inspiration. We invite you to be part of this unique journey of professional development and celebration!
Featured Speakers
Rochelle Wilson
With over a decade of experience as a middle school educator, Rochelle transitioned into a consultant, author, and nonprofit leader, driven by her passion for creating impactful learning environments. Her work empowers educators to foster spaces where students thrive, feel heard, and have a voice.
In her keynote, From Educator to Changemaker: My Journey to Impacting the Next Generation, Rochelle will share her personal journey, innovative mentorship strategies, and insights on turning challenges into growth opportunities.
Jonathan Alsheimer
Jonathan is a dynamic middle school teacher, bestselling author, and international keynote speaker known for his electrifying energy and innovative approach. As the author of NEXT LEVEL TEACHING and School of Engagement—both Amazon #1 new releases—he’s inspired educators and students to break barriers and aim higher.
Jonathan’s impact extends beyond the classroom with partnerships that empower students. From working with UFC fighters, celebrities, and brands to launching the national “A Rae of Hope” movement in over 15 states, his work transforms schools and communities. He’s also led anti-bullying campaigns and leadership initiatives, proving his motto: “Game-changing is not a cliché—it’s a way of life!”
Dr. Martinrex Kedziora
Color Me Creative and Call Me Brilliant
What does it truly mean to make someone feel like they matter?
In this heartfelt and thought-provoking session, Dr. Kedziora, National Forum Board President, shares his personal journey through a lifetime in education, highlighting how compassion, creativity, and connection can transform lives. "Color Me Creative and Call Me Brilliant" invites participants to reflect on the power of belonging and self-worth, especially for those who may not always feel seen or celebrated.
More than a presentation, this is a call to action: to lead with heart, to see brilliance in every learner, and to understand that gratitude is more than a simple “thank you”—it’s a practice of acknowledgment and purpose.
Conference Schedule
Wednesday, June 25
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Conference Registration 4:00 - 7:00 pm
Thursday, June 26
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Conference Registration / Coffee: 7:30 am
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Welcome / Parade of States / STW Awards Redesignation Level 6-7: 8:30 am
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Keynote: 9:30 - 10:30 am
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State Meet-ups: 10:45 - 11:30 am
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Lunch on your own: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
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Session 1: 1:00 - 1:45 pm
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Session 2: 2:00 - 2:45 pm
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STW Awards - New Schools: 3:30 - 5:00 pm
Friday, June 27
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Conference Registration / Coffee: 8:30 am
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Keynote: 9:00 - 10:30 am
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Session 3: 10:45 - 11:30 am
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Lunch on your own: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
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Session 4: 1:00 - 1:45 pm
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Session 5: 2:00 - 2:45 pm
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STW Awards
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Redesignation Level 2-3: 3:30 - 4:15 pm
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Redesignation Level 1, 4-5: 4:30 - 6:00 pm
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Saturday, June 28
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Continental Breakfast: 8:30 am
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Keynote: 9:30 - 11:00 am
Schedule is subject to change.
SCHOOLS TO WATCH
AWARD CELEBRATIONS
Bring your team, dress to the nines, and celebrate your success!
STW Celebration Schedule
Thursday, June 26
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Redesignation Level 6-7: 8:30 am
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New Schools: 3:30 pm
Friday, June 27
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Redesignation Level 2-3: 3:30 pm
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Redesignation Level 1, 4-5: 4:30 pm
Schedule is subject to change.
Conference Sponsors
Friday Keynote Speaker Sponsor
nXu partners with schools and youth organizations through a flexible 6-part model focused on purpose, durable skills, and wellness. Our offerings align with the key steps schools follow when adopting new programs, ensuring seamless integration and impact.
Table Sponsor
Thriving YOUniversity empowers the extraordinary in individuals, schools, and organizations through experiential learning, professional development, keynotes, resources, and programs to sustain a positive culture.
Table Sponsor
eReflect is an educational technology company that is committed to promoting Digital Equity. We have developed Typesy, a comprehensive learning platform that is aligned with educational standards and focuses on essential skills such as typing, computer skills, literacy, and a transdisciplinary approach. With Typesy, we aim to provide a platform that empowers learners to acquire digital literacy and proficiency and to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed in the digital age.
Photo Booth Sponsor
Great Falls Travel, an educator-owned and operated travel company, specializes in customized educational tours for students. Our experienced team of educators designs itineraries aligned with educational goals, focusing on destinations with rich learning opportunities. We handle all trip details, prioritizing safety, engagement, and unique experiences. Our commitment to memorable, educational travel sets us apart.
Table Sponsor
These free, teacher-created, comprehensive, and ready-made lessons are designed to shape your students into the next generation of leaders. By integrating Medal of Honor Recipients’ and Citizen Honors Awardees' stories into engaging lessons, CDP empowers students to: Build strong character. Develop leadership skills. Become active citizens. Embrace the spirit of service.
Hill Visits
DIY Guide is Available
Advocacy is a critical component of education policy and practice, and we want to help you make your voice heard on Capitol Hill. With our DIY Visit Guide, you can schedule and prepare for a meeting with your Senator or Representative during the National Schools to Watch Conference. Download it now and get ready to make an impact.
Early Bird Extended!
Register before March 15, 2025
Schools to Watch: $449 per person
Non-STW: $469
Standard Rate
Register between
March 15, 2025 and May 19, 2025
Schools to Watch: $499 per person
Non-STW: $519 per person
Don't Be Late!
Register between
May 20, 2025 and the day of the event
Schools to Watch: $549 per person
Non-STW: $569 per person
ALL ACTIVITIES TAKE PLACE AT:
Crystal Gateway Marriott
(not Crystal City)
1700 Richmond Hwy.
Arlington, VA 22202
Special Room Rate: $269 plus taxes & fees
Make your hotel reservations online
The Marriott will likely sell out at the conference rate.
You may call the hotel to check on availability at the standard rate: 703-920-3230
There may be rooms available at nearby hotels. We recommend using Expedia or something similar. Here is a list of some local hotels:
The Westin Crystal City Reagan National Airport: 703-486-1111
Hampton Inn & Suites Arlington Crystal City: 703-418-8181
Hilton Garden Inn Reagan National Airport: 703-892-1050
Embassy Suites by Hilton Crystal City National Airport: 703-979-9799
Crowne Plaza Crystal City-Washington, D.C. by IHG: 703-416-1600
Schedule subject to change.
Frequently asked questions
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What types of membership are available?There are three types of membership: • Advocating Member (Individual) : $39 • Contributing Member (Individual) : $69 • Institutional Member (School) : $99/year or $275/3-years
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What is the renewal schedule for Memberships?Membership renewals occur on the date of the initial enrollment. For Institutional Memberships, schools have the option of selecting a one-year ($99) or a three-year ($275) Institutional Membership.
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What is Institutional Membership in the National Forum?Institutional Membership with the Forum is a whole-school designation available to schools that believe in and support the mission and vision of the Forum and that include one or more of the following grades – 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9.
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Why must a school have one or more of the following grades – 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 to apply for Institutional Membership?Grades 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 comprise the middle grades, and the vast majority of young adolescents (those students aged 10-15) are in these grades. Since the middle grades and young adolescents are the foci of the Forum’s work, it made sense that the Forum should limit (at least initially) Institutional Membership to those schools with one or more of the middle grades.
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Can schools that are not Schools to Watch be granted Institutional Membership?Yes, but they must believe in and support the Mission and Vision of the Forum and include one or more of the following grades – 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9.
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Can schools that are not eligible to be designated as Schools to Watch be granted Institutional Membership?Yes, but they must believe in and support the Mission and Vision of the Forum and include one or more of the following grades – 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9.
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How is the Forum’s Institutional Membership different from its other memberships?Institutional Membership differs in several ways from currently existing memberships (Contributing Memberships and Advocating Memberships): • First, Institutional Membership is a whole-school membership while the Forum’s two other memberships are for individuals only. • Second, the Institutional Membership targets schools that believe in the Forum’s Mission and Vision and have one or more of the following grades – 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9; Contributing and Advocating Memberships are for individuals who may or may not be in a School to Watch but who wish to be more active and involved in the Forum’s effort to “accelerate middle grades reform”. • Third, the Institutional Membership category provides the Forum with a mechanism to engage and communicate with a broader constituency of middle-level practitioners (nationally and internationally) than do the existing membership classifications.
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What are the benefits of being an Institutional Member?The benefits of being an Institutional Member include: • The personal satisfaction of supporting the Forum in its efforts to speak with a common voice to leverage research, policy, leadership, and replicable practices to drive middle grades reform (being part of a “movement”) • Opportunities to give back to the profession (paying it forward) • Periodic reports on Forum projects to accelerate middle-grades reform • Special rates for Forum-sponsored activities • Access to all Forum publications, reports, and white papers • Access to a national network of middle-level schools that shares a common philosophy, mission, and vision.
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Is it possible for one person to have both a Contributing Membership and an Institutional Membership?Technically no, since Institutional Membership is available only to an eligible school and not to an individual. That being said, a person could be both a Contributing Member and a member of a school with an Institutional Membership.
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Must a School to Watch become an Institutional Member?Not at this time, but given the benefits of membership it is highly recommended that every School to Watch be an Institutional Member of the Forum.
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Can other than public schools be Institutional Members?Yes, as long as they believe in and support the Mission and Vision of the Forum and that include one or more of the following grades – 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9.
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Can an organization other than a school (e.g., philanthropic organization and state organization) have an Institutional Membership?No. Institutional Memberships are only for schools that believe in and support the Mission and Vision of the Forum and include one or more of the following grades – 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9.