BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
X-WR-CALNAME:empoweredu26
X-WR-CALDESC:Event Calendar
METHOD:PUBLISH
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
PRODID:-//Sched.com Empower EDU//EN
X-WR-TIMEZONE:UTC
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T083424Z
DTSTART:20260616T190000Z
DTEND:20260616T200500Z
SUMMARY:Empower EDU Opening & Keynote: Awareness\, Action\, Agency!
DESCRIPTION:Today\, digital affordances invite all learners to build new knowledge as content can be easily differentiated\, translated\, and crafted to meet diverse learning needs. But it’s not only about adjusting text complexity\; it’s also about positioning students as powerful learners who are curious\, ask questions\, know how to seek content to meet their needs\, and are able to embark on a learning adventure that leads to deep comprehension and agency. Through layered access\, multimodal and multilingual resources\, and strategic instruction\, educators can engage ALL young people in a learning journey that is authentic\, significant\, and relevant\, as students create\, collaborate\, and connect around a curriculum rooted in thinking. And when students have the tools and time to pursue their interests\, to demonstrate learning in a format that is meaningful to them\, they see that learning can\, and should be\, joyful.
CATEGORIES:KEYNOTE
LOCATION:Weaver Room\, Proximity\, Greensboro\, NC\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:63cd8bdb270cc03c027ca76d3f8d8430
URL:http://empoweredu26.sched.com/event/63cd8bdb270cc03c027ca76d3f8d8430
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T083424Z
DTSTART:20260616T200500Z
DTEND:20260616T210000Z
SUMMARY:Empowering Teachers Panel
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:Weaver Room\, Proximity\, Greensboro\, NC\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e018df2caab8a80cdd1211c969c25937
URL:http://empoweredu26.sched.com/event/e018df2caab8a80cdd1211c969c25937
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T083424Z
DTSTART:20260616T210000Z
DTEND:20260616T230000Z
SUMMARY:Empower EDU Networking Reception
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:RECEPTION
LOCATION:White Oak Room/Social Lobby\, Proximity\, Greensboro\, NC\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:61e836a01cbbdcdd9888971196548702
URL:http://empoweredu26.sched.com/event/61e836a01cbbdcdd9888971196548702
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T083424Z
DTSTART:20260617T120000Z
DTEND:20260617T123000Z
SUMMARY:Light Breakfast
DESCRIPTION:
CATEGORIES:BREAKFAST
LOCATION:TBA\, Proximity\, Greensboro\, NC\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:c1b0f5c5b8e2c852007a682689371126
URL:http://empoweredu26.sched.com/event/c1b0f5c5b8e2c852007a682689371126
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T083424Z
DTSTART:20260617T123000Z
DTEND:20260617T130000Z
SUMMARY:Day Two Opening
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:Weaver Room\, Proximity\, Greensboro\, NC\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:cb68b13b161d806a69e1ae35a9485151
URL:http://empoweredu26.sched.com/event/cb68b13b161d806a69e1ae35a9485151
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T083424Z
DTSTART:20260617T131500Z
DTEND:20260617T143000Z
SUMMARY:Beyond Choice: Teaching the Thinking Skills That Drive Student Agency
DESCRIPTION:Student agency doesn't happen automatically. When we give students choice without teaching the thinking skills that make that freedom meaningful\, many don't know what to do with it. Self-directed learners ask meaningful questions\, monitor their progress\, reflect on their growth\, set goals\, and engage with feedback in ways that move their work forward. These habits can be explicitly taught.This hands-on workshop offers practical strategies for building the thinking skills behind learner agency. Drawing on real examples from a middle school honors English classroom\, the session connects research-backed strategies to everyday classroom practice.Participants will also engage in a redesign activity\, applying the five habits to a classroom assignment or project to increase student ownership and metacognitive thinking. Teachers are welcome to come with an existing assignment or project in mind\, or simply come ready to engage.
CATEGORIES:WORKSHOP 1
LOCATION:Latham\, Proximity\, Greensboro\, NC\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:18bfe138fbf5a3ad6bd5351ba1073987
URL:http://empoweredu26.sched.com/event/18bfe138fbf5a3ad6bd5351ba1073987
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T083424Z
DTSTART:20260617T131500Z
DTEND:20260617T143000Z
SUMMARY:Beyond the BluePrint: Deconstructing the Conditions for Innovation
DESCRIPTION:This session will challenge leaders to shift their mindset and actively examine the environment for innovation. We'll engage in a focused\, critical analysis of the current conditions and assumptions that either foster or impede progress\, both at the district level and within the individual leader. We'll dive deep into key structural and cultural resources\, asking: Does our district's tolerance for risk promote experimentation\, or is the fear of failure paralyzing? This session will empower leaders to not only identify existing constraints but to strategically cultivate an environment where innovative practices flourish\, ultimately leading to demonstrably improved student outcomes.
CATEGORIES:WORKSHOP 1
LOCATION:Revolution Room\, Proximity\, Greensboro\, NC\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:49e1456b9543ac622a78b70c56c31e62
URL:http://empoweredu26.sched.com/event/49e1456b9543ac622a78b70c56c31e62
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T083424Z
DTSTART:20260617T131500Z
DTEND:20260617T143000Z
SUMMARY:Big Ideas\, Little Learners: A Practical Guide to AI Literacy in K-5
DESCRIPTION:How do we build AI literacy with the youngest learners in our schools\, and where do we even begin? This hands-on workshop introduces educators to the AI4K12 initiative's Five Big Ideas in AI\, a research-based framework that makes AI concepts accessible and teachable across grade levels. Participants will explore how the framework applies specifically to K–5 learners and examine practical strategies for bringing it to life in everyday instruction. Through unplugged\, screen-free activities and teacher-designed lesson examples\, attendees will experience how AI literacy can be woven into existing subjects rather than treated as a separate add-on. Whether you teach reading\, science\, or math\, or support teachers who do\, this session will give you concrete tools and a clear starting point for developing AI understanding in your youngest students. Participants will leave with classroom-ready activities\, a cross-curricular planning guide\, and a working knowledge of the AI4K12 framework they can share with their teams.
CATEGORIES:WORKSHOP 1
LOCATION:White Oak 3\, Proximity\, Greensboro\, NC\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:6355f3b4f30f608e1578b48e7026ef74
URL:http://empoweredu26.sched.com/event/6355f3b4f30f608e1578b48e7026ef74
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T083424Z
DTSTART:20260617T131500Z
DTEND:20260617T143000Z
SUMMARY:Books\, Bytes\, and Beyond: Saying YES to All Kinds of Literacy for 6-12 Learners
DESCRIPTION:As literacy evolves\, we say YES to both the enduring power of print—books\, interactive read-alouds\, and time-honored practices—and the possibilities of digital texts\, multimodal storytelling\, and creative tools that expand thinking and understanding. In this session\, Kristin will share thinking strategies to enhance comprehension\, communication\, and critical thinking across print and digital texts. She’ll provide ready-to-use lessons that personalize learning\, build background knowledge\, grow vocabulary\, and support deeper reading. She’ll show you how to tap students’ natural curiosity with print and digital resources\, resulting in learners who are inspired and empowered to develop expansive literacy skills for today’s world.
CATEGORIES:WORKSHOP 1
LOCATION:TBA\, Proximity\, Greensboro\, NC\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:a92eda5705f3e159b805a8c5e3b100d5
URL:http://empoweredu26.sched.com/event/a92eda5705f3e159b805a8c5e3b100d5
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T083424Z
DTSTART:20260617T131500Z
DTEND:20260617T143000Z
SUMMARY:Hidden Gems: Unlocking the Power of Productivity & Differentiation with Gemini Gems
DESCRIPTION:Educators often juggle the demands of lesson planning\, differentiation\, and productivity—leaving little time to design fresh resources for every learning need. Enter Gemini Gems: a powerful AI tool that allows teachers to build reusable templates and tap into premade Gems for instructional and organizational support.This interactive session will have participants explore how Gems can streamline productivity while unlocking opportunities for differentiation. Users will generate task cards and rubrics to customize premade Gems\, such as Storybook\, for multiple reading levels\, and attendees will discover practical ways to adapt content for diverse learners with just a few clicks. Whether creating reusable planning templates\, engaging student choice boards\, or quick formative assessments\, Gems offer a flexible\, time-saving solution for the classroom.Participants will leave with hands-on experiences exploring Premade Gems\, designing their own Gem\, and strategies for tailoring Gems to meet student needs. Before they leave\, participants will have a collection of ready-to-use ideas that can be adapted across grade levels and subject areas.
CATEGORIES:WORKSHOP 1
LOCATION:White Oak 1\, Proximity\, Greensboro\, NC\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:9bec2826035ada611f682a6e367153b6
URL:http://empoweredu26.sched.com/event/9bec2826035ada611f682a6e367153b6
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T083424Z
DTSTART:20260617T131500Z
DTEND:20260617T143000Z
SUMMARY:STEM on the Go
DESCRIPTION:STEM on the GO is a dynamic\, mobile learning experience designed to bring science\, technology\, engineering\, and mathematics directly to students wherever they are. This hands-on program encourages curiosity\, creativity\, and problem-solving through engaging\, real-world STEM challenges.What makes STEM on the GO truly special is that middle school students lead the learning. Empowered as mentors and station facilitators\, they guide local elementary students through interactive activities\, model leadership skills\, and help younger learners explore STEM concepts in fun and meaningful ways.Elementary students rotate through a variety of student-led stations\, working collaboratively to design and test solutions while discovering how STEM connects to their everyday lives. The experience supports critical thinking\, teamwork\, and a growth mindset—igniting excitement for STEM across grade levels.
CATEGORIES:WORKSHOP 1
LOCATION:Proximity 2\, Proximity\, Greensboro\, NC\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:50b9a3a4b540d2b26cb867d52dcfabb5
URL:http://empoweredu26.sched.com/event/50b9a3a4b540d2b26cb867d52dcfabb5
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T083424Z
DTSTART:20260617T131500Z
DTEND:20260617T143000Z
SUMMARY:Using Micro-Credentials to Provide Professional Development for Special Educators Seeking National Board Certification
DESCRIPTION:The rural special education workforce faces unique challenges\, from geographic isolation to limited professional development resources. This session explores a current initiative funded by the Appalachian State University Department of Labor Grant\, designed to bolster teacher retention and expertise in rural North Carolina.We will begin with a high-level overview of the grant’s mission to strengthen the educator pipeline. The core of the presentation will then pivot to a practical application of the grant’s goals: the development of a micro-credentialing framework. Attendees will learn how we are deconstructing the rigorous National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) process into manageable\, bite-sized achievements. By "stacking" these credentials\, we provide rural educators with a clear\, attainable roadmap to certification\, effectively lowering the barriers to entry for advanced professional recognition.Learning ObjectivesBy the end of this session\, participants will be able to:Identify the specific systemic challenges facing special education recruitment and retention in rural Appalachian communities.Understand the design and implementation of a micro-credentialing system tailored to the NBCT standards.Evaluate how modular professional development can be used to support high-stakes certification goals in under-resourced areas.
CATEGORIES:WORKSHOP 1
LOCATION:White Oak 2\, Proximity\, Greensboro\, NC\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:48dd5bc9b66956cf3efd97404bbad20f
URL:http://empoweredu26.sched.com/event/48dd5bc9b66956cf3efd97404bbad20f
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T083424Z
DTSTART:20260617T143000Z
DTEND:20260617T144500Z
SUMMARY:Break
DESCRIPTION:
CATEGORIES:BREAK
LOCATION:TBA\, Proximity\, Greensboro\, NC\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:af98bc2fca84b3541204db6532af414c
URL:http://empoweredu26.sched.com/event/af98bc2fca84b3541204db6532af414c
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T083424Z
DTSTART:20260617T144500Z
DTEND:20260617T154500Z
SUMMARY:Generative AI: Completing the Picture with Critical Thinking
DESCRIPTION:There is so much excitement about AI in education. But what is "AI"? What is "generative AI"? What if the discourse isn't answering those fundamental questions?What if the researchers and academics studying linguistics and Large Language Models aren't listened to?In this session\, we will complete the generative AI picture by injecting balance and critical thinking. Learn what the experts are telling us about harms\, limits\, and what any pedagogue needs to know.
CATEGORIES:SESSION 1
LOCATION:Latham\, Proximity\, Greensboro\, NC\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:8ece2bfdb2de37e9c7b6b32341cb2d21
URL:http://empoweredu26.sched.com/event/8ece2bfdb2de37e9c7b6b32341cb2d21
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T083424Z
DTSTART:20260617T144500Z
DTEND:20260617T154500Z
SUMMARY:Incoperating SDL into Whole School Improvement
DESCRIPTION:In this session\, participants will explore how self-directed learning and student agency can be leveraged to support Tier 2 and Tier 3 students with behavioral needs. Grounded in practical strategies and real-world application\, this workshop will highlight ways to shift students from compliance-based models to ownership-driven growth\, increasing engagement\, accountability\, and long-term behavioral success.Participants will also examine how to embed self-directed learning practices into instructional coaching cycles. Emphasis will be placed on aligning these practices with professional development plans\, school improvement goals\, and MTSS frameworks to ensure consistency and sustainability across classrooms and teams.Attendees will leave with actionable tools\, reflection protocols\, and implementation strategies that can be immediately applied to support both student behavior outcomes and teacher growth.
CATEGORIES:SESSION 1
LOCATION:Revolution Room\, Proximity\, Greensboro\, NC\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:b23a602247fdd30b3f248d141c71dac8
URL:http://empoweredu26.sched.com/event/b23a602247fdd30b3f248d141c71dac8
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T083424Z
DTSTART:20260617T144500Z
DTEND:20260617T154500Z
SUMMARY:Learning\, Unlocked: A Journey into Self-Directed Classrooms
DESCRIPTION:Discover the power of Self-Directed Learning (SDL) to boost student engagement! Based on units developed in the Innovation Cohort\, this interactive session walks you through a model SDL lesson. You’ll step into your students' shoes to experience a guided self-assessment and an abbreviated choice board\, learning firsthand how these tools empower students to take ownership of their learning paths. Along the way\, we’ll break down our pedagogical design choices and share real classroom observations demonstrating the significant spike in engagement we’ve seen since bringing SDL into our own rooms.
CATEGORIES:SESSION 1
LOCATION:TBA\, Proximity\, Greensboro\, NC\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:4df93a1cf5eb2c682d1e03580aaddc79
URL:http://empoweredu26.sched.com/event/4df93a1cf5eb2c682d1e03580aaddc79
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T083424Z
DTSTART:20260617T144500Z
DTEND:20260617T154500Z
SUMMARY:Making Micro-credentials Work For You
DESCRIPTION:Learn what a Micro-credential is and how it will benefit your teaching. I want to share my experience as a physical education teacher. As a non-core teacher\, finding meaningful professional development can be difficult. Learn how micro-credentials give you agency in your learning\, allowing you to focus on your areas of need. Micro-credentials move us from a one-size-fits-all approach to discovering where we can grow as teachers. I want to share what micro-credentials are not\, for example\, they're not a quick fix to fill your CEU needs. They require buy-in from teachers and\, in turn\, create lasting impact. Discover how micro-credentials have benefited me as a physical education teacher. Strategies that helped me discover which micro-credentials to complete\, along with tips and tricks to be successful. If time allows\, we will explore Digital Promise and how to successfully navigate the website. My goal is for teachers and stakeholders to understand the impact Micro-credentials have had on my teaching and the long-term benefits that other types of traditional professional development could not easily fulfill.
CATEGORIES:SESSION 1
LOCATION:TBA\, Proximity\, Greensboro\, NC\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:ac0dc04302b7106a352915ead00d0a11
URL:http://empoweredu26.sched.com/event/ac0dc04302b7106a352915ead00d0a11
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T083424Z
DTSTART:20260617T144500Z
DTEND:20260617T154500Z
SUMMARY:Math with Ownership: Shifting Students from Passive to Powerful Learners
DESCRIPTION:In many math classrooms\, students are doing the work but not truly owning their learning. In this session\, I will share how I intentionally shift my 8th grade Math and Math 1 classroom from a teacher-led environment to one where students take an active role in problem solving\, discussion\, and decision making.Participants will experience and explore practical strategies that build learner agency in math\, including structured collaboration\, meaningful problem-based tasks\, and opportunities for student choice. I will share real classroom routines\, examples\, and scaffolds that support students in becoming more confident\, independent thinkers while still maintaining rigor and alignment to standards.This will not be a sit-and-get session. Attendees will engage in a model activity\, reflect on their own practice\, and leave with concrete strategies they can implement immediately to increase engagement and shift ownership of learning to their students.
CATEGORIES:SESSION 1
LOCATION:TBA\, Proximity\, Greensboro\, NC\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:69490fdd8d4009852f5846eaefc71df2
URL:http://empoweredu26.sched.com/event/69490fdd8d4009852f5846eaefc71df2
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T083424Z
DTSTART:20260617T144500Z
DTEND:20260617T154500Z
SUMMARY:Ready to Credential?: How to Prepare Your Institution for STEM Microcredential Implementation
DESCRIPTION:This session will be of interest for anyone that is just beginning their institutional implementation and development of STEM microcredentials. In this session\, you will be introduced to the CREDO Process which was created to support early-stage institutional readiness for STEM microcredential development. The session will walk you through the process and attendees will have the opportunity to reflect on how this process could be implemented in their local contexts.
CATEGORIES:SESSION 1
LOCATION:White Oak 1\, Proximity\, Greensboro\, NC\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:6a01e4ec473dd267f547ff6348fb2fc7
URL:http://empoweredu26.sched.com/event/6a01e4ec473dd267f547ff6348fb2fc7
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T083424Z
DTSTART:20260617T154500Z
DTEND:20260617T163000Z
SUMMARY:Lunch
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:LUNCH
LOCATION:TBA\, Proximity\, Greensboro\, NC\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:d0e1342e047410b61283bc52330159eb
URL:http://empoweredu26.sched.com/event/d0e1342e047410b61283bc52330159eb
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T083424Z
DTSTART:20260617T163000Z
DTEND:20260617T174500Z
SUMMARY:Beyond the Screen: Designing for Agency\, Balance\, and Deeper Learning
DESCRIPTION:Schools are under pressure to respond to concerns about screen time\, but minutes alone do not tell the story. This session helps educators and leaders move beyond outdated binaries and toward a more useful question: what kinds of digital experiences develop agency\, critical thinking\, belonging\, and well-being? Participants will explore how to evaluate digital media use through instructional purpose\, cognitive engagement\, equity\, and student ownership. Grounded in the OECD Learning Compass\, NC Portrait of a Graduate and classroom practice\, this session offers a future-ready framework for making better decisions about technology use in learning.
CATEGORIES:WORKSHOP 2
LOCATION:TBA\, Proximity\, Greensboro\, NC\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:c2a67cbe2542e3adc077cdcfe0972c64
URL:http://empoweredu26.sched.com/event/c2a67cbe2542e3adc077cdcfe0972c64
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T083424Z
DTSTART:20260617T163000Z
DTEND:20260617T174500Z
SUMMARY:Everyone Loves Choices!
DESCRIPTION:This presentation will begin with my experience with micro-credentials and self directed learning\, and we will dive into learning about the implementation of the use of choice boards in the classroom. We will learn about what a choice board looks like\, with a few examples provided\, and we will create a choice board during the session! Come ready to learn more about student agency and why it is so important at any grade level and come ready to create a lesson that can be used in your classroom!
CATEGORIES:WORKSHOP 2
LOCATION:TBA\, Proximity\, Greensboro\, NC\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:ab3f73d911f0b1d50b671b8a413dbf91
URL:http://empoweredu26.sched.com/event/ab3f73d911f0b1d50b671b8a413dbf91
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T083424Z
DTSTART:20260617T163000Z
DTEND:20260617T174500Z
SUMMARY:Hidden Gems: Unlocking the Power of Productivity & Differentiation with Gemini Gems
DESCRIPTION:Educators often juggle the demands of lesson planning\, differentiation\, and productivity—leaving little time to design fresh resources for every learning need. Enter Gemini Gems: a powerful AI tool that allows teachers to build reusable templates and tap into premade Gems for instructional and organizational support.This interactive session will have participants explore how Gems can streamline productivity while unlocking opportunities for differentiation. Users will generate task cards and rubrics to customize premade Gems\, such as Storybook\, for multiple reading levels\, and attendees will discover practical ways to adapt content for diverse learners with just a few clicks. Whether creating reusable planning templates\, engaging student choice boards\, or quick formative assessments\, Gems offer a flexible\, time-saving solution for the classroom.Participants will leave with hands-on experiences exploring Premade Gems\, designing their own Gem\, and strategies for tailoring Gems to meet student needs. Before they leave\, participants will have a collection of ready-to-use ideas that can be adapted across grade levels and subject areas.
CATEGORIES:WORKSHOP 2
LOCATION:TBA\, Proximity\, Greensboro\, NC\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:d02bcc8b07a63576225c988fa7c7b8c7
URL:http://empoweredu26.sched.com/event/d02bcc8b07a63576225c988fa7c7b8c7
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T083424Z
DTSTART:20260617T163000Z
DTEND:20260617T174500Z
SUMMARY:Learning Without Limits: Empowering Teacher Learning\, the TDPL Model\, & Building Self-Directed Learners
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an overview of the Empowering Teacher Learning project and the framework that made it a success with educators throughout western North Carolina. In this workshop\, we will reflect on the accomplishments of this five-year investment in teacher-directed professional learning (TDPL) across rural western North Carolina. What began with a pilot year shaped by pandemic disruptions has grown into a dynamic\, research-informed model centered on teacher agency\, coaching\, and competency-based micro-credentials. Over the course of the project\, teachers have expressed strong appreciation for the ETL model’s support of the re-professionalization of teaching. We welcome you to apply our micro-credential\, Introducing Self-Directed Learning to Students\, in your own classrooms!
CATEGORIES:WORKSHOP 2
LOCATION:TBA\, Proximity\, Greensboro\, NC\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:b96470d1703d6d4b8914ecbf01843384
URL:http://empoweredu26.sched.com/event/b96470d1703d6d4b8914ecbf01843384
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T083424Z
DTSTART:20260617T163000Z
DTEND:20260617T174500Z
SUMMARY:Powered by Wonder: Turning Standards into Student-Driven Learning
DESCRIPTION:Teachers don’t need more strategies. They need a shift in structure. This session models how to move from teacher-directed instruction to student-driven learning through phenomena\, engineering practices\, and a strategic use of AI while still honoring standards and accountability. This session will give attendees tools to shift from compliance laden classrooms to limitless learning environments.
CATEGORIES:WORKSHOP 2
LOCATION:TBA\, Proximity\, Greensboro\, NC\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:a158e2df9aac3f7bd63534c7e11a037e
URL:http://empoweredu26.sched.com/event/a158e2df9aac3f7bd63534c7e11a037e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T083424Z
DTSTART:20260617T163000Z
DTEND:20260617T174500Z
SUMMARY:Tough Love- How to Manage Behavior While Building Relationships and Respect
DESCRIPTION:We all want to create a classroom that is engaging while also maintaining behaviors that allow for learning. Love and Logic is the perfect method to get this done. In this session\, participants will be introduced to tried-and-true methods that can be implemented in the classroom tomorrow. They will have an opportunity to practice these methods as well as work to update/change their classroom rules and procedures to better align with this methodology.
CATEGORIES:WORKSHOP 2
LOCATION:TBA\, Proximity\, Greensboro\, NC\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:2c0d022089535f9e86276e87fa1658f4
URL:http://empoweredu26.sched.com/event/2c0d022089535f9e86276e87fa1658f4
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T083424Z
DTSTART:20260617T174500Z
DTEND:20260617T180000Z
SUMMARY:Break/snack
DESCRIPTION:
CATEGORIES:BREAK
LOCATION:TBA\, Proximity\, Greensboro\, NC\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:8e0f97e2b474f73485994757e9020b38
URL:http://empoweredu26.sched.com/event/8e0f97e2b474f73485994757e9020b38
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T083424Z
DTSTART:20260617T180000Z
DTEND:20260617T190000Z
SUMMARY:Backpack Books: Bringing Books to Every Student\, No Matter the Budget
DESCRIPTION:What if every student had a “backpack” filled with books they could access anytime\, anywhere? In this session\, we’ll explore practical\, budget-friendly strategies for expanding access to high-quality texts for all learners. From free digital libraries to creative classroom solutions\, you’ll discover how to remove barriers and ensure every student has meaningful reading opportunities.You’ll also see how Google Gemini can be used to generate personalized “backpack books” and read-alouds tailored to students’ identities\, interests\, and experiences. By creating custom stories that act as mirrors and windows\, educators can ensure every learner sees themselves reflected in what they read while also exploring new perspectives. Whether you’re working with limited resources or looking to reimagine literacy through AI\, you’ll leave with ready-to-use ideas that make reading more inclusive\, engaging\, and accessible for all.
CATEGORIES:SESSION 2
LOCATION:TBA\, Proximity\, Greensboro\, NC\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:d76efcc682f90b745245d29c97c8cf77
URL:http://empoweredu26.sched.com/event/d76efcc682f90b745245d29c97c8cf77
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T083424Z
DTSTART:20260617T180000Z
DTEND:20260617T190000Z
SUMMARY:From Compliance to Self-Direction: Democratizing Learning for Agency\, Mobility\, and Opportunity
DESCRIPTION:From Compliance to Self-Direction: Democratizing Learning for Agency\, Mobility\, and OpportunityThe U.S. learning ecosystem was largely designed for standardization\, sequencing\, and compliance—optimizing for scale in an industrial-era model of education. While this system expanded access\, it positioned learners primarily as participants in predefined pathways rather than active agents in shaping their own learning journeys. Today\, this model is increasingly misaligned with the rate of technological change and a labor market that demands adaptability\, continuous skill development\, and the ability to navigate complex career pathways.This session explores a paradigm shift from compliance-based learning to self-direction as a foundational design principle (Boyer\, 2020). Drawing on the International Society for Self-Directed Learning’s definition (2020)\, self-direction is framed not as an individual trait\, but as a system-enabled capacity—one that can be intentionally designed for and supported at scale.We examine how three critical enablers—personalized learning pathways\, competency-based frameworks\, and digital credentials—collectively provide levers for enhancing and cultivating environments that embrace self-directed learning. Personalization allows learning experiences to adapt to individual goals and contexts\, in real time\, with relevance and meaning\; competency frameworks make skills explicit\, measurable\, and tied to mastery rather than seat time\; and digital credentials (both degree and non-degree based) render those skills visible\, portable\, and actionable across education and employment systems.Together\, these elements shift learning from static pathways to dynamic navigation\, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their education and careers. This transformation has significant implications for social mobility\, enabling more equitable access to opportunity by equipping learners with the tools to understand\, articulate\, and leverage their skills in a rapidly evolving economy.Participants will leave with a conceptual framework for designing self-directed learning ecosystems and practical insights into how institutions\, employers\, and intermediaries can operationalize this shift.Additional citations and references available as required.
CATEGORIES:SESSION 2
LOCATION:TBA\, Proximity\, Greensboro\, NC\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:49b8b34765c1e234831e36a03a19c308
URL:http://empoweredu26.sched.com/event/49b8b34765c1e234831e36a03a19c308
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T083424Z
DTSTART:20260617T180000Z
DTEND:20260617T190000Z
SUMMARY:Getting Started with Letting Go
DESCRIPTION:We will discuss and review different strategies for slowly incorporating agency into your instruction in order to promote more self-directed learning in your classroom.
CATEGORIES:SESSION 2
LOCATION:TBA\, Proximity\, Greensboro\, NC\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:4d428671144449b7e8cbeb3d9dcf905d
URL:http://empoweredu26.sched.com/event/4d428671144449b7e8cbeb3d9dcf905d
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T083424Z
DTSTART:20260617T180000Z
DTEND:20260617T190000Z
SUMMARY:Grant a Wish: Transforming Curriculum Design with AI
DESCRIPTION:Are you looking for standards alignment\, inquiry-based design\, and student agency all built into units? &nbsp\;Curriculum Genie can grant that wish by harnessing AI to help educators build brand-new lesson plans and full units\, or revise existing ones\, in minutes\, with built-in support for North Carolina learning standards and Portrait of a Graduate competencies. Come explore how smart prompting can generate and refine differentiated\, self-directed learning experiences that meet students where they are and move them forward.\n\n
CATEGORIES:SESSION 2
LOCATION:TBA\, Proximity\, Greensboro\, NC\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:c0b0f64cf7a2dae191595abdf5775595
URL:http://empoweredu26.sched.com/event/c0b0f64cf7a2dae191595abdf5775595
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T083424Z
DTSTART:20260617T180000Z
DTEND:20260617T190000Z
SUMMARY:Leading Professional Growth: Microcredentials that Drive Differentiation
DESCRIPTION:In this session\, we’ll explore how school leaders can leverage digital tools such as Curriculum Genie\, CommonLit\, and Project PBL to support microcredentialing and strengthen teacher capacity in differentiation across core subject areas. Aligned with our school-wide PDP goal of differentiation\, participants will learn how to guide and encourage teachers as they earn targeted microcredentials that recognize their growth in designing personalized and engaging learning experiences for every student.We’ll also highlight how strategies like brag tags can motivate staff\, celebrate progress\, and create a culture where professional growth is visible and valued. Participants will leave with practical ideas\, digital resources\, and practical strategies to implement microcredentialing within their schools—empowering teachers to refine their practice while making professional learning engaging\, meaningful\, and impactful.
CATEGORIES:SESSION 2
LOCATION:TBA\, Proximity\, Greensboro\, NC\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:47fa43ff234f2a1306bd45807073e0f1
URL:http://empoweredu26.sched.com/event/47fa43ff234f2a1306bd45807073e0f1
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T083424Z
DTSTART:20260617T180000Z
DTEND:20260617T190000Z
SUMMARY:Leveraging the Arts: Effective Arts Integration for Social-Emotional Learning
DESCRIPTION:This session highlights a competency-based micro-credential offered through the Office of Rural Promise titled “Leveraging the Arts to Identify and Characterize Emotions.” Participants will explore how creative expression can be intentionally designed to strengthen emotional vocabulary\, support social-emotional development\, and improve learner engagement.Attendees will review the structure of the micro-credential\, including the supporting research base\, clearly defined outcomes\, and evidence requirements that ensure measurable application of skills. The session will also examine how performance-based artifacts and reflection are used to demonstrate competency rather than seat-time completion.Participants will leave with adaptable lesson frameworks\, practical templates\, and clear “do’s and don’ts” for effective arts integration. Emphasis will be placed on designing learning experiences that are human-centered\, competency-driven\, and scalable across diverse learning environments.
CATEGORIES:SESSION 2
LOCATION:TBA\, Proximity\, Greensboro\, NC\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:01355e2e978f6fe1524b5cc6d5623d64
URL:http://empoweredu26.sched.com/event/01355e2e978f6fe1524b5cc6d5623d64
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T083424Z
DTSTART:20260617T180000Z
DTEND:20260617T190000Z
SUMMARY:Write Together: A Cohort Model for Creating Teacher-Authored Micro‑Credentials
DESCRIPTION:Are you ready to harness the expertise of a professional learning community to create competency-based micro-credentials for teacher professional development? Join us to learn how the Empower Teaching Learning research project equips and supports teachers in transforming their content-area knowledge and classroom experience into high-impact micro-credentials through a scaffolded research\, writing\, and peer review process.\n\nKey takeaways include:\nDeveloping a structured project plan and workflow that result in polished products mapped to educator interest and district focusUnpacking the conventions of micro-credential writing and designProviding support for subject matter experts in research best practicesBuilding community through a positive peer review processSpeakers will share tips and tools for bridging skill gaps and applying feedback for continuous improvement and capacity-building. Attendees will leave with adaptable examples\, templates\, and a research‑informed process model that they can implement to develop meaningful\, peer-driven professional development with the potential for expansive reach.
CATEGORIES:SESSION 2
LOCATION:TBA\, Proximity\, Greensboro\, NC\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:f4c5835e078f422fe0c8a33bfe3efd96
URL:http://empoweredu26.sched.com/event/f4c5835e078f422fe0c8a33bfe3efd96
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260516T083424Z
DTSTART:20260617T190000Z
DTEND:20260617T193000Z
SUMMARY:Empower EDU Closing
DESCRIPTION:
CATEGORIES:CLOSING
LOCATION:TBA\, Proximity\, Greensboro\, NC\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:4a2b47d0a4d12f915532505d5919e5a5
URL:http://empoweredu26.sched.com/event/4a2b47d0a4d12f915532505d5919e5a5
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR