2025 AAEA Summer Conference: Full Schedule

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8:15am CDT

Cultivating Stronger Teams: Strategies for Better Conversations & Collaboration LIMITED

Wednesday July 30, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT

Great teams don’t just happen—they’re grown! In this interactive session, you’ll gain practical strategies to enhance collaboration, improve group dynamics, and lead more productive conversations. Learn how to foster trust, navigate difficult discussions, and create a culture where every voice is heard. Using research-based strategies from Adaptive Schools, we’ll explore how small shifts in communication and facilitation can have a big impact on team effectiveness. Whether you’re leading meetings, supporting professional learning communities, or simply wanting to work better with others, this session will equip you with tools to take your teams to the next level. Come experience these strategies in action and leave inspired to grow your team’s potential!

Speakers

Chrissy McNabb

Project Manager - CCFAL, Office of Innovation for Education

After seven years in the classroom, Chrissy joined the Office of Innovation for Education to have a greater impact on education. She is passionate about students being the focus of learning and creating a learning environment that supports students. She now leads the charge in the... Read More →

Kelly Hankins

Wednesday July 30, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT
Hoffman (M)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #6

9:30am CDT

Building Your School’s Brand: Effective Communication & Stakeholder Engagement LIMITED

Wednesday July 30, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CDT

Hoffman (M)

In today’s fast-moving educational landscape, a strong school brand isn’t just about logos and slogans—it’s about trust, reputation, and meaningful connections with stakeholders. Whether engaging parents, community members, or policymakers, schools must communicate their mission with clarity and consistency. This session will explore proven strategies for crafting a compelling brand identity, strengthening stakeholder relationships, and navigating challenging conversations with confidence. Learn how to empower your staff as brand ambassadors, create messaging that resonates, and foster a culture of advocacy that amplifies your school’s impact. Walk away with practical tools to enhance communication, build trust, and position your school as a leader in education.

Speakers

John Ashworth

Executive Director & Superintendent, Virtual Arkansas

Mr. John Ashworth is the Superintendent and Executive Director of Virtual Arkansas, a State Virtual School (SVS) providing supplemental online course options to Arkansas schools. Mr. Ashworth spent eight years as a secondary science teacher and seven years as a building-level principal... Read More →

Dr. Brandie Benton

Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, Virtual Arkansas

Dr. Brandie Benton has over 20 years of experience in education and is currently leading the Curriculum and Instruction team for Virtual Arkansas, the state virtual school charged with providing digital learning services to districts across Arkansas.

Wednesday July 30, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Hoffman (M)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #7