Central Kentucky EDUCON: Full Schedule

EDUCON is a premier educational showcase and learning opportunity for teachers, principals, and district leaders. Participants will have the opportunity to choose breakout sessions led by school districts from across the Central Kentucky region and beyond. You will not just come away with a good idea or two; you will gain an abundance of great ideas and best practices that you can immediately apply in your classroom, school, or district.

Breakout Session Strands: Your chance to focus on a particular area of interest throughout the conference or explore a broader span!
1. Academics & Instructional Best Practices
2. Communications & Outreach
3. Developing & Empowering Staff
4. Innovation & Technology
5. Safety & School Culture
6. Student Supports & Opportunities

Participants will hear from two distinguished keynote speakers. The Day 1 starting line-up will be led by two-time national champion for the University of Kentucky basketball team, Jeff Sheppard, who will take the "court" and share his insight. On Day 2, Artificial Intelligence and EdTech expert, Brian Buffington will rock the stage with mega hits to inspire you.

Daily Schedule
7:45 am Registration and Vendor Hall opens
8:30 am Welcome & Keynote Speaker
10:30 am -11:30 am Breakout Sessions - see Schedule tab to pickup your sessions!
11:30 am -12:00 pm Vendor Hall & Networking
12:00 pm -1:00 pm Lunch break (lunch on own)
1:15 pm -2:15 pm Breakout Sessions - see Schedule tab to pickup your sessions!
2:30 pm -3:30 pm Breakout Sessions - see Schedule tab to pickup your sessions!

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8:30am EDT

Buff Nuggets: Why Come to Class?

Thursday June 12, 2025 8:30am - 10:15am EDT

Main Room (Quad A-D)

Students have more learning options, attendance rates are down, and compliance is no longer a given. So why should students attend class?

The king of quirk, Brian Buffington provides a blueprint on creating better learning experiences that maximize humanity, creativity, and collaboration. Named one of "EdTech K12's Top 30" and author of the beloved weekly EdTech newsletter Buff Nuggets, Brian Buffington is passionate about helping teachers and leaders make a meaningful impact—both with and without technology

Speakers

Brian Buffington

Brian Buffington is an EDU pioneer, paving the way, bringing the Buff Magic, seeking and searching, always sniffing out better ways to increase student engagement and learning through technology. Year after year, he inspires thousands of teachers, admins, and students by highlighting... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 8:30am - 10:15am EDT
Main Room (Quad A-D) 4440 Kit Carson Dr. Richmond, KY 40475

Innovation & Technology

10:30am EDT

Building a Shared Vision: Leveraging Common Language and Best Practices for Effective Instruction (Marion)

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

Join us for an engaging session to empower instructional leaders and educators with tools to elevate classroom practices. This session focuses on creating a common language around instruction and planning to foster consistency and clarity in teaching strategies across your school or district. Participants will:

1. Explore the importance of a shared instructional language and its impact on student outcomes and staff collaboration.
2. Dive into the Components of an Ideal Lesson, gaining a deep understanding of how each component contributes to an effective learning environment.
3. Learn practical strategies for rolling out these components to staff, ensuring buy-in and alignment.
4. Discover actionable methods for monitoring classroom implementation and providing meaningful feedback that drives continuous improvement.

Through interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and real-world examples, participants will be equipped with a roadmap for fostering instructional excellence and cultivating a culture of growth. Whether you're a teacher leader, instructional coach, principal, or district administrator, this session will provide the insights and strategies needed to transform teaching and learning in your organization.

Speakers

David Gibson

District Leader, Marion County Schools

Dana Lee Thomas

Instructional Supervisor, Marion County Schools

Sara Brady

Marion County Schools

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

Academics & Instructional Best Practices

10:30am EDT

Kentucky Numeracy Counts Academies- Advancing Numeracy for KY Students, Teachers, and Administrators (KCM)

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

Join us for an in-depth look at the Kentucky Numeracy Counts Act and its impact on mathematics instruction across the state. This session will explore how the Kentucky Center for Mathematics and PIMSER are supporting educators and administrators through the KCM Numeracy Counts Academies. Participants will gain insight into the structure, goals, and benefits of these professional learning opportunities, designed to enhance numeracy instruction and leadership. Learn how the academies equip teachers and administrators with research-based strategies to strengthen student understanding and empower administrators to implement effective numeracy initiatives in their schools and districts.

Speakers

Kelly Stone

Executive Directir, Kentucky Center for Mathematics

Passionate advocate for education. Lover of all math manipulatives. Let’s connect.

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

Academics & Instructional Best Practices

10:30am EDT

Harnessing the Collective Impact of Superstar Teachers (CKEC)

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

If the principal's job was boiled down to one sentence, it might be "to identify the school's superstar teachers and make as many other teachers as possible operate like those superstars." These teachers exemplify everything a school leader hopes for in academics, behavior management, building relationships, communicating with parents, collaborating with colleagues, and many other areas. The more teachers who operate like superstars, the greater the positive impact on students! In this session, participants will learn how successful principals make this happen and how can it become part of a systemic approach that leads to long-term school success.

Speakers

David Young

CEO, Central Kentucky Educational Cooperative

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

Developing & Empowering Staff

10:30am EDT

Buff Nuggets: Top 10 Ways to Use AI to Engage and Create Impactful Learning Experiences

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

Main Room (Quad A-D)

Sir Buff-a-Lot, Brian Buffington, shares powerful and practical ways to use AI to enhance learning experiences - making them more engaging while keeping human interaction at the heart of education. Drawing from his experience with audiences of all sizes across the country, he presents his most current and impactful use cases.

Speakers

Brian Buffington

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Main Room (Quad A-D) 4440 Kit Carson Dr. Richmond, KY 40475

Innovation & Technology

10:30am EDT

Podcasting in the Elementary Classroom (Bardstown)

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

This session will explore my experience with student-led podcasting in a third-grade classroom. We will discuss tools, strategies, how to engage students in the writing and planning process, and share some work samples.

Speakers

Melissa Kyser

Bardstown City Schools

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

Innovation & Technology

10:30am EDT

Vibrant Learning and Student Experiences in Frankfort Independent (Frankfort)

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

In this session, explore vibrant learning experiences in Frankfort Independent, including our Profile of a Panther work, senior internships, dual credit opportunities, CTE pathways, junior defenses, and senior presentations.

Speakers

Sheri Satterly

Frankfort Independent Schools

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

Student Supports & Opportunities

1:15pm EDT

Navigating Targeted School Improvement: A Deep Dive into Scott County Schools' Response Plan (Scott)

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

This session is designed for school principals and district administrators seeking to enhance their understanding of targeted school improvement strategies.

Participants will explore Scott County Schools' comprehensive response plan for schools labeled as needing Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI). We will examine the tiered support system, focusing on key components such as 30/60/90-day plans, data-driven PLC protocols, and tiered district level intensive monitoring. Learn how Scott County ensures equitable support through master scheduling and teacher cohort placement. Gain insights into the Continuous Improvement process, including the role of CKEC CARS visits, KDE monitoring visits. Leave with actionable strategies to support schools in achieving higher levels of student achievement and sustained improvement.

Speakers

Debra Reed

Director of Secondary Schools, Scott County Schools

Paul Krueger

Director of Elementary Schools, Scott County Schools

My education career started in Ft. Lauderdale, FL when I decided to go back to school to pursue this profession. I have never looked back, having now been an elementary teacher, principal, and Director of Elementary Schools. My favorite work of late is giving back by working with... Read More →

Stephanie Emmons

Assistant Superintendent of Student Learning, Scott County Schools

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Academics & Instructional Best Practices

1:15pm EDT

Finance for Administrators (CKEC)

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Finance for administrators will cover the "need to know" information for school administrators.

Speakers

David Morris

Associate Director, Central Kentucky Educational Cooperative

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Developing & Empowering Staff

1:15pm EDT

The Hidden Admin Team, Let's Find Them (Campbellsville)

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Coaches search the student body for that hidden gem who just needs a nudge to get into the game. You, as the school district coach, need to find those hidden gems and encourage them to step up and join the game. Getting the right people into your key building leadership positions may be right in front of you. Learn how you can create your own administrative cohort group and support them to get trained and certified to continue your vision for the district.

Speakers

Chuck Hamilton

Associate Professor, Campbellsville University

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Developing & Empowering Staff

1:15pm EDT

Time-Saving AI Tools for Teachers (CKEC)

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Discover how AI can be your teaching assistant! This session will spotlight easy-to-use, time-saving AI tools that help you personalize instruction, boost student engagement, and meet diverse learner needs—without adding hours to your workload. Walk away with practical strategies and ready-to-use examples that make teaching smarter, not harder.

Speakers

Holly Lawrence

Consultant, Central Kentucky Educational Cooperative

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Innovation & Technology

1:15pm EDT

Every Student, Every Need: Montgomery County’s Support System in Action (Montgomery)

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

The Montgomery County School District has implemented a comprehensive system of support to empower administrators, teachers, and students for success. Through strategic collaboration across multiple departments—including the CAO, CIA, DOSE, and DPP—these efforts have led to measurable improvements in student attendance, behavior, and academic achievement.

In this presentation, we will share key components of our support system, including our district support visit structure, principal learning lab, special education supports for SDI and co-teaching, social-emotional support initiatives, and attendance support meetings.

Speakers

Stephanie Harris

Chief Academic Officer, MONTGOMERY COUNTY (Kentucky)

Stacy Linn

Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, Montgomery County School District

Marti Escalante

Christopher Barnett

DPP, Montgomery County Schools

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Student Supports & Opportunities

1:15pm EDT

Harrison County Schools: Growing Student Leaders (Harrison)

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

This session will focus on fostering life-ready students by using Covey's Leader in Me program. Student opportunities and supports include student lighthouse teams, community-based projects and school/classroom leadership roles. This session will also include how the Leader in Me program aligns with the Portrait of a Learner and David Young's Measurable Results.

Speakers

Melissa Miles

Christine Garnett

Assistant Principal, Harrison County High School

I taught math and computer science for 18 years at HCHS before transitioning into the Assistant Principal role in January 2021. One of my primary roles as Assistant Principal is to work with Career and Technical Education teachers and collaborate with our local Harrison County Area... Read More →

Jenny Lynn Hatter

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Student Supports & Opportunities

2:30pm EDT

From Vision to Impact - Strengthening Our CORE (Franklin)

Thursday June 12, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

We will share our journey adopting a new ELA core curriculum and discuss how Franklin County used the Model Curriculum Framework as a guide for curriculum development. We will share the processes, documents, and teaming structures used to carry out this strengthening of our tier 1 instruction. We will show how to monitor the implementation and make adjustments along the way.

Speakers

Jessica Waford

Kimberly Young

Thursday June 12, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Academics & Instructional Best Practices

2:30pm EDT

Making a Difference: Inspiring and Empowering Middle School Students (Nicholas)

Thursday June 12, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

This presentation highlights the impact of dedicated middle school teachers in shaping students’ academic and personal growth. It explores effective strategies for engagement, building positive relationships, and fostering a supportive learning environment. Through real-life examples and practical techniques, educators will gain insights on how to inspire, motivate, and create lasting change in their students’ lives.

Thursday June 12, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Academics & Instructional Best Practices

2:30pm EDT

English Learners-Systems for a Successful Year (Washington)

Thursday June 12, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

This session will include systems that were put into place to make all shareholders feel more comfortable with the school system as it relates to English Learners. Topics will include: Communication/Interpreter needs, Support for New Students, Student Support & Monitoring, and School/Teacher Supports & Resources.

Speakers

Lee Anne Ater

Director of State and Federal Programs, Washington County Schools

Jami Reynolds

Thursday June 12, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Communications & Outreach

2:30pm EDT

Teacher Certification Institute (CKEC)

Thursday June 12, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

This session will provide an overview of the various programs in CKEC's Teacher Certification Institute. Those programs include Option 7 for initial certification (including LBD and High School core subjects) and the Continuing Education Option for Rank Change. Some Rank Change Pathways include Multilingual Learners, Early Numeracy, LETRS, Health/PE, AI/EdTech, and many more! Learn ways to support your staff in their development as educators!

Speakers

Mark Helton

Director of Certification & School Support, Central Kentucky Educational Cooperative

Thursday June 12, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Developing & Empowering Staff

2:30pm EDT

Project iGuardian™ Overview (Homeland Security Investigations)

Thursday June 12, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Project iGuardian™ is presented by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the primary investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Project iGuardian is designed to inform students, parents, educators, and law enforcement about the risks that children face in the online environment. This engaging presentation will cover tactics used by adult predators online, the growing crime of sextortion, the information devices give away about you and your child, and the newest apps, online games, and social networks children are using. There will also be example scenarios based on local investigations to help attendees better understand how children can be victimized online.

Speakers

Alicia Parham

Homeland Security Investigations, Dept of Homeland Security

Thursday June 12, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Safety & School Culture

2:30pm EDT

Work-Based Learning for All Students (Nelson)

Thursday June 12, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

In Nelson County Schools, we are committed to uniting students with people, place, and purpose to ensure they thrive in both work and life beyond graduation. A component of this vision is our district-wide commitment to work-based learning, where every high school student participates in real-world career experiences during the school day before graduating.

This session will dive into the student experience, sharing firsthand stories of impact and growth. We’ll also explore the systems and partnerships that make this model successful, from industry collaborations to flexible scheduling and mentorship opportunities. This session will provide actionable insights into how work-based learning can transform student success.

Speakers

Laura Arnold

Michelle Conely

Workforce Leader, Nelson County Schools, Kentucky

I am the Workforce Leader at Thomas Nelson High School in The Nelson County, Kentucky Schools District. In the Nelson County Schools, we believe people are at the heart of experiences and that learning comes to life in real-world places. We have a goal that every student will participate... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Student Supports & Opportunities