25 ACSA North State PD Conference

Explore how project-based STEM learning can drive engagement and career readiness in your classroom. In this interactive session, you’ll step into the role of a student as you design and program a delivery route using Sphero indi, applying foundational engineering and computational thinking skills. Learn how the Harvest Hauler unit supports cross-curricular learning, encourages collaboration, and connects students to real-world challenges. You’ll also see how SmartLab’s flexible K–12 programs integrate with existing instruction and provide long-term support for educators.

Career progression isn’t just about salary and location—it’s about making strategic moves that energize your future. This session will equip administrators with the tools to evaluate opportunities through a broader lens, considering factors like family impact, long-term growth, and hidden trade-offs. We’ll also explore proactive steps to safeguard your career against unexpected events. Whether you’re aiming for the next promotion or assessing a district move, this session will help you lead, activate, and do it—ensuring every step forward is truly a step up.

This session is for school district leaders aiming to translate their mission and vision into a cohesive learning environment that fosters academic success and durable skills. Through a detailed roadmap, leaders will learn how to create and sustain environments aligned with their mission and vision. By the end, participants will have an actionable plan to transform their district’s mission into an impactful learning environment, including engaging key stakeholders as well as tools to assist fiscal responsibility and data-based decision making to ensure equity across all spaces while building a cohesive plan to make the learning environment a catalyst for change.

Sara draws upon 50+ years of resilience research supporting that when adults understand and transfer resilience research into practice, students thrive and adults find greater satisfaction in their jobs and the impact they make.

Ruben has over 40 years of experience, including classroom teacher, reading specialist, principal, and superintendent. His dedication to diverse student populations has led to impactful policy changes, teaching, and leadership practices.

Session Objectives:

• Inform participants about “resilience” and how to transfer resilience research into practice.

• Provide participants with strategies and resources supporting them in addressing some of the biggest issues in education today for a better tomorrow.