Call for Presenters

The call for presenters closed on December 22. Thank you to everyone who submitted a conference proposal! We will announce whether submissions have been accepted, waitlisted, or not accepted via email in early March. 

This year’s breakout session strands revolve around our 2026 conference theme, Better Together: Leading with Purpose. Connecting with Heart. Submissions will need to be categorized as:

• Collaborative Leadership: Better Together in Action
• Purpose-Driven Systems and Strategy
• The Human Side of Leadership: Connecting with Heart
• Leadership for Change, Innovation, and Resilience
• Leadership Growth and Reflection

Brad Montague

Sunday Evening
Author and Creator of the hit web series Kid President

Brad Montague is a New York Times bestselling author of books for kids and former kids. He is creator of the web series Kid President, The Circles All Around Us, and, most recently, The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination. Brad lives in Tennessee with his wife and kids. He can currently be seen as the host of the television special The Kindness Project on The Magnolia Network via Max. As a storyteller, his inspiring stories, and imaginative resources, are used in classrooms around the world daily. 

Carlos Ojeda Jr.

Monday Morning
Motivational Speaker and Youth Development Expert, CoolSpeak

Carlos Ojeda Jr. is a youth development expert with over 26 years of experience inspiring countless students, parents, and education professionals across the country.
Carlos was a university administrator, professor, and the director of the small business development center at Kutztown University where he honed his skills in leadership and education. Combining his entrepreneurial spirit with his passion for changing the lives of youth across the country, he started CoolSpeak: The Youth Engagement Company.

Sandy Zimmerman

Tuesday Closing
Inspirational Speaker, Coach, and Author 

Sandy Zimmerman is a former physical education teacher and mother of three who has competed on nine seasons of American Ninja Warrior. She is known for being the first mom to finish the course and hit the buzzer in the show’s history. Sandy has also been a motivational speaker, author, and TEDx speaker, sharing her inspiring journey and impact on others. She has appeared on various media platforms, including The Kelly Clarkson Show and CNN Entertainment. Sandy’s story is a testament to her resilience and determination, as she has overcome numerous obstacles throughout her life.

Full Day Saturday, June 27

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

CEL Framework (Day 1)
Marzano Framework (Day 1)
Danielson Framework (Day 1)

Better Together: Teacher & Student Growth Through Purposeful Evaluation Conversations (Day 1)

Government-to-Government – OSPI

Full Day Sunday, June 28

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

CEL Framework (Day 2)
Marzano Framework (Day 2)
Danielson Framework (Day 2)

Better Together: Teacher & Student Growth Through Purposeful Evaluation Conversations (Day 2)

The Leader’s Playbook: Moving Your Team From “No” to “Let’s Go” – WSIPC

Half Day Sunday, June 28

9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Women in Leadership

Being Cool and Making it HIP: How to Lead High-Impact Cultures of Connection, Engagement, and Belonging – Carlos Ojeda, CoolSpeak

1 – 4 p.m.

Leaders of Color Network: “We Are the Ones We’ve been Waiting For”

Stay in H.A.R.M.’s Way: Building Leaders, Managing Climate, Sustaining Culture – Chris Collins, CoolSpeak