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Core Curriculum
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MODEL SCHOOLS CONFERENCE
2026 Event Agenda
June 28-July 1 | Marriott World Center Orlando
Empowering Bright Futures
Join us to lead change and inspire students in districts, schools and classrooms across the country and beyond.
Topics include:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Assessment and data
- English language learners/multi lingual learners
- Intervention and MTSS
- Literacy, math, engagement and instructional strategies
- School improvement and accountability
- Strategies for building transformative relationships with at-risk students
- Reducing burnout: re-igniting passion in education professionals
- AND MORE!
2026 Featured speakers
Dr. Adam Drummond
Author, Senior Director; Center for Model Schools
Dr. Vernon Lowery
Principal, Westover High School
Kyle Greene
Author and Keynote Speaker
Dr. Marc Cohen
Instruction and Leadership Coach
Dr. Heather Davis Schmidt
Former Superintendent; Instruction and Leadership Coach
Stascia Hardy
Instruction and Leadership Coach
Robert Thornell
Author and Instruction and Leadership Coach
Oatanisha Dawson
Instruction and Leadership Coach
Leah Lecomte
Instruction and Leadership Coach
MSC 2026 Model Schools, Innovative Districts, and Epic Educators
Learn from educators driving transformational change.
The Model Schools 2026 class will be announced March 1, 2026.
- Model elementary schools
- Model middle schools
- Model high schools
- Innovative districts
- Epic educators
Model Elementary Schools:
- Double digit growth
- Adaptable, replicable strategies
- Zero to low cost to impact growth
- Challenging circumstances
- Team approach to change
- Focused on the needs of students
Model Middle Schools:
- Double digit growth
- Adaptable, replicable strategies
- Zero to low cost to impact growth
- Challenging circumstances
- Team approach to change
- Focused on the needs of students
Model High Schools:
- Double digit growth
- Adaptable, replicable strategies
- Zero to low cost to impact growth
- Challenging circumstances
- Team approach to change
- Focused on the needs of students
Innovative districts:
- Double digit growth
- Adaptable, replicable strategies
- Zero to low cost to impact growth
- Challenging circumstances
- Team approach to change
- Focused on the needs of students
- Systemwide approach
Epic educators:
- Single or double digit growth
- Adaptable, replicable strategies
- Zero to low cost to impact growth
- Challenging circumstances
- Focused on the needs of students
Featured programming
| Sunday, June 28 | |
|---|---|
| 9:00am–7:00pm | Registration |
| 11:00am–4:00pm | Pre-Conference Sessions (optional, lunch included) |
| 7:00pm–8:00pm | Opening Keynote Experience—Cypress Ballroom |
| Monday, June 29 | |
|---|---|
| 7:00am–8:00am | Light Breakfast—included* |
| 7:00am–4:00pm | Registration |
| 8:00am–9:00am | Opening Keynote—Cypress Ballroom |
| 9:30am–12:00pm | Concurrent Sessions |
| 12:00pm–1:30pm | Lunch—included* |
| 1:30pm–4:00pm | Concurrent Sessions |
| Tuesday, June 30 | |
|---|---|
| 7:00am–8:00am | Light Breakfast—included* |
| 7:00am–4:00pm | Registration |
| 8:00am–12:00pm | Concurrent Sessions |
| 12:00pm–1:30pm | Lunch—included* |
| 1:30pm–4:00pm | Concurrent Sessions |
| Wednesday, July 1 | |
|---|---|
| 7:00am–8:00am | Light Breakfast—included* |
| 8:00am–12:00pm | Concurrent Sessions |
| 11:00am–12:00pm | Closing Keynote—Cypress Ballroom |
*Breakfast and Lunch included on Monday and Tuesday and Breakfast on Wednesday
Marriott World Center | 8701 World Center Dr, Orlando, FL 32821
Leading a culture with conviction
Effective leaders intuitively know this truth: to solve challenges in schools, you must look at the systems that create the culture of learning. In this collaborative, action-focused pre-conference session, we’ll explore how leaders can elevate learning for all students by strengthening systems to build trust, collaboration and intentionality in what works to meet the needs of all students. Designed to meet role-specific needs, this experience includes:
- Defining leadership values aligned to your school’s vision and mission
- Visually mapping how teaching and assessment systems shape student outcomes
- Developing strategies to distribute leadership that ensure consistent, high-quality practices
Target Audience: Superintendents/Assistant Superintendents, Principals, Assistant Principals; all other district and building instructional leaders and/or aspiring leaders.
Elevating instruction through high impact strategies
Do you need an instructional strategies refresh? Let's explore how to captivate the diverse minds in your classroom (including yours), day-in and day-out, by deepening our instructional toolboxes. In this interactive session, you'll dive into strategies that engage students in critical thinking, deep understanding, and real-world relevance. Join us for an immersive experience that places student learning at the heart of professional practice and reinvigorates ideas around instructional excellence.
Target Audience: Classroom teachers, support staff, special education teachers, guidance counselors, and more.
Experience Unique, Impactful Professional Learning
Explore 160+ sessions designed to help you tackle today’s most pressing educational challenges head-on.
Thank You for contacting us about Model Schools Conference ! Please check your email for next steps.
Thank You for contacting us about Model Schools Conference ! Please check your email for next steps.