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Forum Board Cathy Tomon President Read Bio Martinrex Kedziora Past President Read Bio Ran Barnes Middle Grades Practitioner Read Bio David McDonald Treasurer Read Bio Leti Menchaca Advocacy Chair Read Bio Scott Steele STW State Director Read Bio David Vroman Fidelity Committee Chair Read Bio Jonathan Rohloff Superintendent Read Bio Darryl Conner Middle-Grades Principal Read Bio John Dowd Business Partner Read Bio Lekia Jones Member-at-Large Read Bio Mychael Willon Member-At-Large Read Bio Winton Buddington Member-At-Large Read Bio Cathy Perry Executive Director Read Bio

Attend the National Schools to Watch conference in June, in Washington D.C. Featured Speakers | Conference Schedule | Hill Visits | Conference Rates | Registration | Hotel Information | FAQ Sessions | Sponsor/Exhibit Featured Speakers June 20th Lori L. Hayes has been described as relevant, real, and relational. Drawing from over 20 years in education, Lori uses her comedic personality to energize, inspire and challenge audiences across the globe. As a former classroom teacher, the wife of a high school administrator, and a mother, Lori "gets" students, parents, faculty, and administrators. She can't wait to help us RECHARGE ourselves and our organizations! Lori Hayes June 21st Choosing optimism —even in the face of tough challenges—helps restore the healthy interactions and positive relationships necessary for enacting real school change. Hear how teachers and school leaders can rekindle their individual and collective enthusiasm for a profession that has been progressively inundated with negativity. Be prepared to learn, to laugh, and to leave with a renewed sense of purpose. This is a fact-based, positive approach to “taking back our profession.” Research-based strategies, practical examples, and thought-provoking scenarios will be included. Purchase a ticket to Jack Berckemeyer's special session. Jack Berckemeyer June 22nd THE POWER OF POSITIVE LEADERSHIP: Leading with UNRELENTLESS HOPE and FOCUS It's not a secret that being a LEADER in education is extremely tough, especially over the last 3 years! The data clearly shows that teachers, administrators, and those in positions of leadership are burning out faster than ever before. With the growing amount of job expectations, compounded trauma amongst students and staff, and ever-pressing accountability measures, it is easy for one to become discouraged AND distracted. WE MUST REMEMBER, however, THAT THERE IS HOPE! Let's explore research, strategies, and tools to empower you to strategically forge ahead in a positive, purposed, and productive manner! There is POWER in POSITIVE LEADERSHIP! The BOSS Educator Register Today! Conference Schedule Thursday, June 20 Conference Registration / Coffee: 8:00 am Welcome / Parade of States: 9:00 am Keynote: 9:30 - 10:30 am State Meet-ups: 10:45 - 11:30 am Lunch on your own: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Session 1: 1:00 - 1:45 pm Session 2: 2:00 - 2:45 pm STW Awards - New Schools: 3:30 - 5:00 pm Friday, June 21 Conference Registration / Coffee: 8:00 am Keynote: 9:00 - 10:30 am Session 3: 10:45 - 11:30 am Lunch on your own: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Session 4: 1:00 - 1:45 pm Session 5: 2:00 - 2:45 pm STW Awards: Redesignation Levels 2 & 3 Schools 3:30 - 4:15 pm Redesignation Levels 1 & 4-7 Schools 4:30 - 5:15 pm Saturday, June 22 Continental Breakfast: 8:30 - 9:30 am The BOSS Educator: 9:30 - 11:00 am Schedule is subject to change. SCHOOLS TO WATCH AWARD CELEBRATIONS NE W AND REDESIGN ATING SCHOOLS TO WATCH WILL BE HONORED! Bring your team, dress to the nines, and celebrate your success! Conference Sponsors Thursday Keynote Speaker Sponsor Sown To Grow is a comprehensive student support platform that empowers schools to improve student social, emotional, and academic well-being through an easy and engaging reflection and feedback process. Designed by a team of former educators for practical classroom impact, Sown To Grow offers a simple Tier 1 practice for building a sense of belonging and key life skills, with real-time data on well-being and actionable resources for proactively supporting student needs. Table Sponsor - Scoutlier by Aecern helps teachers create scaffold, differentiate, and inspiring lessons to engage middle-school students in STEM and other subjects. - Scoutlier and its content are free and have been both funded and designed by the National Science Foundation, MIT Critical Data, and the DOE to help teachers scaffold, differentiate, and inspire students in classrooms of any size. Photo Booth Sponsor Arts Attack is a K-8 digital visual arts program along with Artful Reading that includes 10 read aloud books that are correlated to art lessons in the program. Table 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. Become a Conference Sponsor 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. Download Guide Early Bird Register before January 31, 2024 Schools to Watch: $399 per person Non-STW: $419 Standard Rate Register between February 1, 2024 and April 15, 2024 Schools to Watch: $449 per person Non-STW: $489 per person Don't Be Late! Register between April 15, 2024 and the day of the event Schools to Watch: $499 per person Non-STW: $519 per person ALL ACTIVITIES TAKE PLACE AT: Crystal Gateway Marriott (not Crystal City) 1700 Richmond Hwy. Arlington, VA 22202 Special Room Rate: $262 pl us taxes & fees Make your hotel reservations online Register Today! Frequently asked questions Who should attend? ANYONE who is interested in learning from the best middle-level educators in the country. Why should I attend? There is not only one national conference created by middle level educators specifically designed for middle level educators ... but there is only ONE based on the Schools to Watch (STW) model! This one-of-a-kind event focuses on specific practices and programs that are enhancing student learning and development. The conference is organized around the following STW domains: Academic Excellence, Organizational Structures, Developmental Responsiveness, and Social Equity. What is Schools to Watch? Schools to Watch (STW) was designed by the National Forum. Criteria established by the Forum are used as the basis for the Schools to Watch Program, which focuses on school improvement efforts characterized by a continuous trajectory toward success. Get more information from your State Director (https://www.middlegradesforum.org/schools-to-watch)or contact us.(https://www.middlegradesforum.org/contact) What is included with registration? Two-and-a-half days of professional learning, STW award celebrations, keynote speakers, and one continental breakfast. What is the cancellation policy? ALL registrations are subject to the cancellation policy. Many conference-related fees are paid by the National Forum in advance, therefore, refunds will only be processed as follows: Prior to April 25, 2026, 15% fee; April 26, 2026 - May 25, 2026, 50% fee; after May 25, 2026, no refund. A colleague may substitute to avoid cancellation penalties. To make a substitution please email Kris (mailto:kris@leagueofschools.org)with the new information. Registrations are not refundable 30 days prior to the event for any reason, including without limitation, no-show due to illness, acts of God, travel-related problems, acts of terrorism, public health emergencies or alerts, loss of employment, and/or duplicate purchases. National Forum will provide registration refunds and options in the event National Forum fully cancels the event. Can I attend if I am not from a Schools to Watch? Yes! All are welcome. Do you have sponsor or exhibit opportunities? Yes! Our carefully crafted sponsorship opportunities (https://cvent.me/bAM4wE)offer prime visibility and engagement. This is your chance to align your brand with excellence in education and leave a lasting impact on the Schools to Watch network. Become a member today! Join