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.
Dr. Lindsay Lewis is a knowledgeable, driven, and experienced educator with a history of working in the K-12 setting, as well as higher education and private industry. Dr. Lewis started her career teaching high school science, and she left the classroom to pursue her PhD, which she... Read More →
Dr. Patricia Hilliard is the Senior Director of District Leadership for SparkNC. She is delighted to be part of a team that strives to rethink, reimagine, and redesign public education. Dr. Hilliard brings a depth of knowledge on educational equity, instructional design, and pedagogy... Read More →
Wednesday June 17, 2026 9:15am - 10:30am EDT Revolution Room
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.
