Principal Playground: Building Stronger Schools Through Connection and Joy
Clinic Session 1
Speakers
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Colleen Mudore - Sheffield-Sheffield Lake City Schools
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Abbey Bolton - Kent City Schools
Summary
Step onto the Principal Playground—a space where leadership, connection, and creativity come to play! This engaging session invites school leaders to rediscover the joy in their role while exploring practical ways to build strong relationships, boost staff morale, and create a positive school culture. Attendees will leave energized, inspired, and equipped with simple, actionable strategies to bring more play, purpose, and passion back to their daily leadership practice.
The Principal Influence in Action: Rebuilding Trust & School Culture After Conflict
Clinic Session 1
Speakers
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Katie Salyer - Hilliard City Schools
Summary
Every principal will face moments of conflict that test leadership and culture. This session explores how a principal’s influence during and after difficult seasons determines whether a school merely survives or truly thrives. Participants will learn practical strategies for rebuilding trust, restoring psychological safety, and reconnecting staff through intentional communication, leadership behaviors, and systems that move schools forward stronger than before.
Honor, Influence, Thrive: Leading Well in Your First Year at a New School
Clinic Session 1
Speakers
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Jason Fullen - Westerville City Schools
Summary
This session is designed for principals preparing to begin in a new school—whether stepping into the role for the first time or transitioning to a different building. Participants will explore how intentional preparation amplifies principal influence, builds trust, and shapes school culture from day one. Through practical, field-tested strategies, leaders will learn how to honor existing systems, avoid common transition pitfalls, and leverage their influence to lead schools that truly thrive.
From Presence to Progress: How Intentional Walkthroughs Strengthened Instruction and Improved State Report Card Outcomes
Clinic Session 1
Speakers
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Rachael Coleman - Cleveland Heights - University Heights
Summary
This session highlights how intentional principal walkthroughs, focused on data-driven look-fors and high-quality feedback, strengthened instructional leadership and contributed to measurable growth on our state report card. Participants will learn how consistent principal presence in classrooms shifted walkthroughs from compliance to improvement, built shared instructional expectations, and supported schoolwide growth. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to refine walkthrough practices that drive both instructional improvement and accountability results.
The Dots Matter: Because How We Lead Becomes How We Impact
Clinic Session 1
Speakers
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Steven Estepp - Mariemont City Schools
Summary
Discover how personal experiences—or “dots”—can become powerful leadership tools that transform schools. Drawing on Destination 2026, the bold vision that reshaped Mariemont City Schools, this session introduces the Game-Changing Leadership Spiral, a practical framework for expanding student access, strengthening culture, and driving measurable achievement gains. Through storytelling, research, and real examples, participants learn high-impact strategies they can immediately apply and leave with a personalized leadership lens and actionable tools for meaningful, sustained improvement.
Leading Through Learning: Book Studies for School Growth
Clinic Session 1
Speakers
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Erin Sines - Forest Hills School District
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Brian Lyons - Forest Hills School District
Summary
This session will inspire elementary administrators to use book studies as a catalyst for growth, collaboration, and continuous improvement. We will share meaningful book study experiences from our own work with staff, along with practical resources and strategies that make professional learning engaging and impactful. Participants will leave energized and equipped with ideas they can immediately bring back to their schools to strengthen leadership, culture, and collective learning.
Keep Your Teachers (and Keep Them Thriving)
Clinic Session 1
Speakers
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Julie Schmidt Hasson - Appalachian State University
Summary
Ready to move beyond burnout prevention to sustainable teacher engagement? In this interactive session, we’ll explore why teachers leave, what helps them stay, and how leaders can intentionally build cultures where teachers feel energized, engaged, and effective. You’ll leave with practical tools and actionable strategies to strengthen teacher resilience, boost retention, and help teachers thrive. And, you’ll learn how you can thrive, too. After all, thriving educators are better equipped to make an impact.
Engaging Your Staff with Voice, Choice, and Ownership
Clinic Session 1
Speakers
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Simon Clark - Discovery School
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Alyssa Nugent - Discovery School
Summary
Does your school need innovative ideas or creative initiatives to enhance learning and teaching? We will share how a new administrative team facing a big budget crisis learned how a community can transform a school leaning on teacher agency, innovation, and a belief in our mission. Learn how creative scheduling, extended planning time, unique courses, an emphasis on SEL reducing office referrals, and creative fundraising and marketing can increase enrollment and community joy in learning.
Resilient Responses & Outcomes for Students
Clinic Session 2
Speakers
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Joy O'Brien - Forest Hills Schools
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Jodi Davidson - Forest Hills Schools
Summary
Explore how proactive spaces such as a Calm Cove, Connections Room, and Motor Yard transform elementary student outcomes. We will share success stories where shifting from reactive to proactive environments improved behavior and fostered resilience. Walk away with actionable strategies to create supportive spaces that empower young learners to self-regulate and thrive.
Crushing Your CORE: From Data to Impact, Differentiating the CORE Instruction
Clinic Session 2
Speakers
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Vince Ketterer - North Royalton City Schools
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David Guciardo - North Royalton City Schools
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Lesley Smith - North Royalton City Schools
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Deanna Mikin - North Royalton City Schools
Summary
Join the NRES team as they “PUMP YOU UP ”. Strong core instruction is the most powerful tool we have to meet the needs of all learners. This session will help you “WORK OUT” a practical framework for differentiated core instruction that uses ongoing data talks to drive responsive teaching. Get SWOLE as you strengthen Tier 1 by intentionally adjusting instruction, increasing engagement, and providing timely corrective feedback. NO PAIN all GAIN.
Reignite Your Staff and Students with Passion and Purpose
Clinic Session 2
Speakers
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Kasi Jordan - Princeton City Schools
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Adriana Berger - FranklinCovey Education - Leader in Me
Summary
Learn from fellow educators, Kasi Jordan, Bricia Huckleberry, and Nicole Brodie as they share insights on how they've created positive culture, a shared leadership mindset, and authentic student leadership roles. Learn how this has evolved into stronger community partnerships and school pride. This interactive session invites participants to learn alongside one another through discussion, reflection, and shared experiences. Together, we’ll tap into the collective expertise in the room and explore ideas you can immediately apply in your own setting. You’ll leave with practical tools and actionable strategies to empower both staff and students.
Utilizing Community Partnerships to Deepen the Learning Experiences of PreK-1 Students
Clinic Session 2
Speakers
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Eldora Lavdas - Medina City Schools
Summary
Participants will learn how to find relevant community partners to aid in making abstract concepts more concrete for our youngest learners. Participants will learn how these partnerships support career exploration and community awareness for families, while creating a fun, interactive learning experience grounded in academics. Many of the resources that will be shared are statewide, non-profit resources, available to districts across the state.
Streamlining Walkthroughs with AutoCrat
Clinic Session 2
Speakers
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Megan Davis - Pickerington Local Schools
Summary
How to streamlines walkthrough feedback using Google Forms and Autocrat. In this session, we will share the simple system we built to automatically generate and send personalized feedback to teachers right after a walkthrough—saving time while keeping communication clear and consistent. Administrators will get an introductory walk-through of how to setup, see real examples, and then have hands-on time to begin building their own automated feedback workflow to take back to their buildings.
Transforming School Culture and Climate, A Principal’s Perspective
Clinic Session 2
Speakers
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Ernest West - Columbus City Schools
Summary
This clinic offers practical, principal-tested strategies to strengthen school culture, climate, and leadership structures. Participants will learn how to build effective leadership and teacher leadership teams, implement systems that support attendance and student well-being, and foster a collaborative, supportive environment for staff and students. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to improve school culture, drive meaningful change, and create conditions where every student and educator can thrive.
Onboarding Educators New to Your District/School (Going Beyond RE)
Clinic Session 2
Speakers
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Michale Sanker - Forest Hills Schools
Summary
Forest Hills School District is invested in the development and retention of highly-effective educators. Learn how Forest Hills has developed an onboarding program that creates a K-12 district-wide cohort of educators. This cohort embarks on a journey of PD that immerses educators in activities aligned to district initiatives and has been intentionally designed to positively impact the education for every student. Join me to learn how this program runs alongside the Resident Educator program.
Don't Fear Compliance
Clinic Session 2
Speakers
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Shannon Dickey - Pickerington Local School District
Summary
Ohio’s 2023 legislation banning the “three-cueing” method requires schools to fully implement Science of Reading standards by 2026—yet many leaders are left navigating mandates without clear guidance or resources. In this practical, experience-based session, educators and developmental coaches share lessons learned while identifying compliant, evidence-based curriculum and supports. Participants will explore strategies for navigating evolving policies, supporting teachers through change, and selecting instructional materials that are both effective and realistic to implement across diverse classroom settings.
Intentionally Building Relationships, Culture, and Trust in a New Building
Clinic Session 3
Speakers
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Lynne Stark - North Olmsted City Schools
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Jennifer Fazio - Midview Local Schools
Summary
Following a rewarding six-year partnership, we recently transitioned to new leadership roles in different districts. While honored to be recognized by OAESA in 2024, our new chapters—one as a solo principal & the other as a dual-role assistant principal & preschool director—have been a humbling reminder that trust is earned, not given. We will share how we are intentionally building culture by beginning to develop shared leadership & open communication, proving that relationships remain the foundation of success.
The Influence Trifecta: Voice, Culture, and Service-Driven Leadership
Clinic Session 3
Speakers
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Trevor Collinsworth - Forest Hills Schools
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Dan Hamilton - Forest Hills Schools
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Mary Mitchell - Forest Hills Schools
Summary
Want a thriving school community? Learn how service-driven admins boost morale and buy-in. We'll share easy wins like daily “Good News' for student voice, models for staff service goals, and powerful ways to build culture by celebrating staff identity and interests. Don't miss these high-impact, low-lift ideas. Participants will leave with practical ideas for launching service projects, tracking and celebrating impact, elevating student voice, and enhancing staff climate through meaningful traditions, themed activities, and collaborative planning that can be implemented immediately.
PBIS in Action: Strengthening Tier 1 Foundations and Targeted Tier 2 & Tier 3 Interventions
Clinic Session 3
Speakers
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Ericka Thompson - Kings Local Schools
Summary
Learn practical strategies for implementing PBIS across all levels: Tier 1 systems that promote positive school-wide culture, data-driven Tier 2 supports for students needing targeted interventions, and individualized Tier 3 practices for intensive needs. This session highlights progress monitoring and provides ideas on how to build team structures for all three tiers to support student success. In this session you will establish clear team structures, roles, and communication across tiers, as you generate plans to better equip staff with practical tools and routines to sustain multi-tiered support.
Ohio's New Math Plan .. What it really means for you!
Clinic Session 3
Speakers
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Mike Lipnos - Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics
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Cara Morelos - Aurora City Schools
Summary
Ohio's Math Plan is a call for action, and not a wait and see what happens initiative. Districts must be active in pursuing mathematical excellence, and this session will be a great introduction. Participants will explore Ohio's new Math Plan, and more importantly, what it really means for stakeholders at the building and district level. Ohio has set a strong vision for math instruction, and the Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics wants to support you. Learn more about our shared responsibility in making this plan become a reality through best practices and the Standards for Mathematical Practices. OCTM is not interested in selling PD, but rather helping all young people succeed mathematically.
The Power of Teacher Clarity
Clinic Session 3
Speakers
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Kevin Buchman - Hilliard City Schools
Summary
Ready to strengthen instruction across your building? This session shows you how to lead professional development on teacher clarity (effect size 0.85) - one of the highest-impact practices available. Learn how to help teachers make learning transparent so students can answer: 'What am I learning? Why does it matter? How will I know I learned it?' Walk away with a complete PD guide and ready-to-use resources you can implement with your staff immediately!
The Power of We: Elevating Teams Through Shared Leadership
Clinic Session 3
Speakers
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Mike Trego - Ohio Leadership Advisory Council
Summary
Unlock the power of shared leadership to strengthen your building’s culture of collaboration. This interactive session gives principals practical strategies to elevate building leadership teams, teacher teams, and data teams so every educator contributes to improved student learning. Explore OLAC’s Leadership Development Framework and principal interviews and learn how to use OLAC’s free tools to support and measure growth. Bring your device for hands-on activities and leave ready to empower your teams to lead together.
Assessment Decisions That Matter
Clinic Session 3
Speakers
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Sherri Connell - Penns Valley Area School District
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Dustin Dalton - Penns Valley Area School District
Summary
State Assessment data does not guide instruction – day to day data does! Teachers collect hundreds of data each day, most from formative and summative assessments. Unfortunately, many times, this data is not consistently understood, used to guide instruction, plan MTTS, or seek support. Nor is data utilized consistently throughout the school. This session will introduce our designed decision-making flow charts to support teachers and administrators as they receive and review classroom assessment data.
Rewiring Literacy Intervention: Where Metacognition Meets Instruction
Clinic Session 3
Speakers
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Sarah Smith - University of Cincinnati
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Laura Sebastian - University of Cincinnati
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Jamie Bonecutter - University of Cincinnati
Summary
This session shares lessons learned from designing and implementing the ABCs of Student Support, a grant-funded, no-cost adolescent literacy intervention curriculum that integrates cognitive-behavioral instruction. Participants will explore how embedding mindset, self-regulation, and metacognitive routines into literacy intervention can strengthen student engagement, persistence, and academic outcomes. Presenters highlight key curriculum design decisions and student support considerations that school leaders can apply when strengthening intervention materials and practices.
Solo But Not Stuck: Principal Influence That Builds Thriving Schools
Clinic Session 4
Speakers
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Abbey Bolton - Kent City Schools
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Colleen Mudore - Sheffield-Sheffield Lake City Schools
Summary
This session is designed specifically for elementary principals who lead solo—without assistant principals or large administrative teams. It challenges the myth that effective leadership requires doing everything yourself and reframes principal influence as clarity, alignment, and strategic use of others’ strengths. Participants will explore how solo principals can lead schools that thrive by simplifying priorities, creating shared ownership, and leading with focus rather than exhaustion.
Influence That Lasts: Building Staff Buy-In Without Burning People Out
Clinic Session 4
Speakers
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Michelle Szczepanski - Sheffield-Sheffield Lake City Schools
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Erin Elder - Sheffield-Sheffield Lake City Schools
Summary
In one of the hardest seasons in education, principals are asked to lead change, grow results, and hold people together at the same time. This session focuses on using influence, not authority, to build trust and buy-in by intentionally taking things off teachers’ plates while still improving practice and student outcomes. Grounded in servant leadership and lived principal experience, we share 'work smarter, not harder' leadership moves that honor capacity, strengthen collective responsibility, and sustain momentum—because when your people come first, student growth is amplified.
Reading Unites Us! Newton Falls Elementary’s Community, Family & School Reading Adventure
Clinic Session 4
Speakers
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Lori Witt - Newton Falls Exempted Village Schools
Summary
One School, One Book, One Community brings Newton Falls together with families, local businesses, and community partners through the shared joy of reading. With over 40 local businesses participating—and growing each year—this initiative highlights the importance of literacy, provides take-home materials for families, and energizes students. Learn how to engage your community in literacy by building strong partnerships that connect school, family, and community.
Lead Like a Rosie
Clinic Session 4
Speakers
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Megan Simon - Findlay City Schools
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Krista Crates-Miller - Findlay City Schools
Summary
Lead Like a Rosie is a high-energy call to action for women ready to lead with courage, clarity, and heart. Inspired by the legendary Rosie the Riveters, this empowering session will reignite your purpose, restore confidence, and connect you with like-minded agents of change. Through storytelling, reflection, and bold leadership strategies, discover how to transform challenge into strength and collaboration into innovation. Step in, stand tall, and leave ready to lead fearlessly—Rosie style.
Code Switching: The Art of Conversation
Clinic Session 4
Speakers
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Tammy Elchert - Carey Exempted Village School District
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Tiffany Boehler - Carey Exempted Village School District
Summary
Code switching is more than adapting language—it’s mastering purposeful dialogue. In this 45-minute session, administrators will explore how intentional conversational shifts build trust, clarity, and influence across diverse stakeholders. Drawing on Better Conversations, Crucial Conversations, Fierce Conversations, and FranklinCovey’s trust frameworks, participants will gain practical strategies to navigate high-stakes interactions, reduce miscommunication, and lead with confidence. Attend to strengthen relationships and elevate the impact of every conversation you lead.
Designing Brain-Ready Schools for Academic Success
Clinic Session 4
Speakers
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Jill Dorman - Reynoldsburg City Schools
Summary
This session explores the concept of “brain-ready” school environments intentionally designed to optimize neurological readiness in students. By systematically embedding bilateral coordination and critical thinking exercises across diverse settings such as classrooms, hallways, and common spaces, these “brain-ready” environments strengthen the brain’s communication pathways essential for reading, attention, and academic growth. Participants will examine the often-overlooked neurological foundations that underpin academic achievement and how intentional school design can amplify the effectiveness of instruction.
B.I.G. goals equals BIG results!
Clinic Session 5
Speakers
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Nick Neiderhouse - Rossford Exempted Village Schools
Summary
Principals often face obstacles that derail school and district goals. This session demonstrates how narrowing the focus and eliminating “fluff” increases accountability and engagement. Learn how a school successfully implemented four Bulldog Important Goals (B.I.G.) (attendance, behavior, writing, and reflection) using a proven goal framework. Attendees will apply the framework, review implementation tools and challenges, and leave with ready-to-use goals for the upcoming school year.
From Busy to Balanced: How Leaders Can See—and Improve—their Daily Work
Clinic Session 5
Speakers
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Shayla Ivezzy - Garfield Heights City Schools
Summary
Maintaining balanced leadership is essential—but challenging—in today’s fast-paced schools. This interactive session introduces a practical, customizable activity-tracking system that helps principals see how they actually spend their time across key leadership domains. Using simple data tools, participants will identify imbalances, adjust priorities, and stay aligned with instructional, operational, and community needs. Bring your technology and leave with a clear, actionable framework for making daily decisions that strengthen instruction, relationships, and overall school culture.
The House Chooses YOU! Increasing student belonging using House System
Clinic Session 5
Speakers
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Megan Ballinger - New Albany Intermediate School
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Ryan Grashel - New Albany Intermediate School
Summary
Learn how the New Albany Intermediate School team uses a House System to strengthen student belonging, build meaningful staff–student connections, and align district initiatives under one cohesive framework. This practical session highlights real examples, lessons learned, and structures that support collaboration, culture, and teamwork. Participants will leave with clear strategies, implementation tips, and ready-to-use ideas for launching or strengthening a House System to enhance school climate and foster a stronger sense of community.
Retrain Your Brain
Clinic Session 5
Speakers
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Ryan Wells - Groveport Madison Local School District
Summary
This session equips principals with strategies to foster positivity, focus on controllable actions, and adopt reframing techniques. Participants will learn practical routines—mindful reflection, goal setting, and cognitive reframing—to reduce stress, improve decision making, and model resilience for staff. Attend to gain actionable tools you can implement immediately, strengthen workplace climate, and lead with intentional optimism rooted in research and practice.
Turning Data into Targeted Tutoring: Maximizing Impact and Resources
Clinic Session 5
Speakers
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Dorothy Reppy - Austintown Local Schools
Summary
This session shows how a data wall identifies students for high-dosage tutoring, targeting support where it matters most. Aligned to an MTSS framework, it helps prioritize students, monitor progress, and adjust interventions in real time. Attendees will learn how a structured data wall promotes equity, maximizes instructional resources (whatever they may be), and turns data into actionable decisions that drive measurable academic growth.
The Science of Art & Well-being in Schools
Clinic Session 5
Speakers
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Bryce Kessler - The Well
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Stacy Sims - The Well
Summary
Mental and emotional well-being is at a crisis level in schools that we work with across Ohio. This session will combine presentation slides with in-person arts & wellness experiences that fortify a deeper understanding of brain development and the human body's response to trauma and the arts. With an education-system lens, we'll learn skills and strategies that support both students' and –importantly– educators' mental and emotional well-being.
From Overwhelmed to Empowered: Transforming Support Through XSEL Rooms
Clinic Session 6
Speakers
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Julie Gulley - Worthington City Schools
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Patti Schlaegel - Worthington City Schools
Summary
XSEL? Why XSEL? Who is the XSEL room for?
We’ll answer these questions and provide tools to launch this intervention at the start of the school year. An XSEL (Extra Social-Emotional Learning) room offers a dedicated space for scheduled and as-needed SEL support, including co-regulation, structured breaks, and task initiation. This proactive approach reduces classroom disruptions, strengthens school culture, and ensures timely, targeted support. Join us to learn how to create and staff an XSEL Room.
Empowering to Lead: Thriving Relationships for Healthy Cultures
Clinic Session 6
Speakers
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Angela Hayes - Westerville City Schools
Summary
How can we empower others to lead in a way that helps the entire school culture and perhaps even the whole district thrive? This session explores the critical relationships between teachers, principals, and district leaders—and how shared leadership fosters thriving, healthy systems. If you are a teacher, principal, or district leader, come learn how to lead more effectively to help your school and district thrive and leave with a clear understanding of the “why” and “how” behind empowering others to lead with purpose and impact.
Empowering Teams Through Student-Level Data Meetings: Strengthening MTSS for Every Learner
Clinic Session 6
Speakers
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Amanda Steward - Willoughby-Eastlake
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Candace Platt - Willoughby-Eastlake
Summary
This session highlights how student-level data meetings anchor an effective MTSS framework. Participants will explore practical tools and collaborative structures that support data-driven decisions, strengthen tiered interventions, and improve student outcomes. Presenters will share how consistent data conversations build shared leadership and accountability while ensuring every student’s needs are addressed through targeted actions. Attendees will leave with strategies and templates to implement or refine data meetings in their own schools to enhance MTSS effectiveness.
Two Principals, One Framework: A Collaborative Approach for Transforming School Culture with AiPL
Clinic Session 6
Speakers
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Christa Frantz - New Philadelphia City Schools
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Lisa Host - New Philadelphia City Schools
Summary
Join two principals as they share how AiPL shaped their leadership beliefs and strengthened their school culture. This session explores how leaders create systemwide conditions that value each student’s learning, engagement, and well-being. Participants will gain insight into how belief driven leadership fosters sustainable improvement and why students do better when teachers do better, highlighting how leadership practices that support teachers ultimately elevate outcomes for all students.
Increasing Sense of Belonging through using a House System
Clinic Session 6
Speakers
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Julie Paige - Jonathan Alder Local Schools
Summary
Increasing Sense of Belonging through using a House System
In this session, participants will be learning about the House System which can be used to increase the sense of belonging. Participants will learn what the House System is and how the House system can be used in an elementary school setting. There will be time to brainstorm with colleagues how to implement this system into your daily school practice.
You’ll Be Happy If You Show It! Stories that Examine the Principal’s Purpose & Influence
Clinic Session 6
Speakers
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Paul Young - Lancaster City Schools
Summary
Surveys by NAESP and related research show that principals have mixed feelings about their work, citing overwhelming demands, complexities, lack of support, and stress leading to burnout and high turnover. If you can relate, this session will help you refocus, re-evaluate, and reprioritize your values, beliefs, and attitudes towards the principalship. Learn how to use your leadership influence in different, unique ways to promote positive school culture and outcomes for students, parents, staff, and you.
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