Many school leaders step into leadership roles because they were great teachers, but teaching the "little people" and leading the "big people" require very different skill sets. In this conversation, we’ll unpack the leadership gap in education and why so many new leaders suddenly find themselves navigating staffing, culture, and business decisions they were never trained for. We’ll explore what actually helps them to make the leap from classroom expert to confident leader, and how intentional leadership development, mentorship, and peer support can make all the difference.

Melissa Blotter is a leadership development consultant and the founder of Directed Success, where she partners with education organizations to design impactful training experiences, leadership programs, and conferences. With more than two decades in early childhood education, she has led large-scale onboarding initiatives, leadership development programs, and national conferences focused on strengthening school culture and retention. Melissa is passionate about helping educators grow into confident leaders who create environments where both teachers and children thrive!

Teachers are rarely asked what they need. Providing a Needs Assessment for teachers to complete that includes their input for ideas and not just Likert-Scale type answers allows teachers to feel heard and administrators to review actual needs that can lead to academic achievement and professional development that is site-specific and relevant to school and community needs.

Dr. Clark is a retired teacher with 34+ years of experience in education at the elementary level and 18 years at the collegiate level. Currently serving as an education consultant for the Professional Association of GA Educators, she travels to various school districts to speak about legal represenation, scholarships, professional development and teacher growth opportunities for teachers who are PAGE members. When not consulting or teaching, Dr. Clark and her husband film travel destinatios, tips and tricks videos for their YouTube Travel Channel titled ~ The Traveling Clarks-Unpacked.

You do not want to miss this session with Dr. Chris Culver.

He blends neuroscience, psychology, and research to show how kindness transforms culture, engagement, and performance.

He uses real, personal stories and heartfelt vulnerable moments to create an atmosphere where people feel seen, valued, and inspired to take action.

He equips teams and leaders with practical, evidence-based strategies to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience.

Dr. Chris Culver is more than a keynote speaker; he’s a kindness advocate! With almost two decades of experience as an educator, leader, and researcher, he’s inspired thousands to reimagine success through the lens of kindness, belonging, and human connection.

As a former teacher and executive cabinet-level administrator turned kindness advocate and leadership consultant, Dr. Culver blends neuroscience, psychology, and the Science of Kindness to help individuals and teams create environments where compassion drives performance, collaboration fuels innovation, and everyone feels seen, valued, and supported.

Teaching with personality colors can personalize and individualize instruction for all students.

Dr. Clark is a retired teacher with 34+ years experience in education at the elementary level and 18 years at the collegiate level. Currently serving as an education consultant for the Professional Association of GA Educators, she travels to various school districts to speak about legal represenation, scholarships, professional development and teacher growth opportunities for teachers who are PAGE members. When not consulting or teaching, Dr. Clark and her husband film travel destinatios, tips and tricks videos for their YouTube Travel Channel titled ~ The Traveling Clarks-Unpacked.

Alexander Kopelman is a writer, social entrepreneur, advocate, and coach who has devoted 40 years to advancing social justice and personal empowerment. His lifelong interest in identity, self-determination, and the power of narrative has fueled his commitment to supporting young people in overcoming the limiting effects of outmoded societal stereotypes on individual development. As founding President and CEO of Children’s Arts Guild, Kopelman helped create and grow a nonprofit organization that supports children in exploring and developing their authentic selves. Prior to founding Children’s Arts Guild, Kopelman served as Director of Marketing for Girls Inc., the premier girls’ empowerment organization in the US and Canada, for over 12 years. Kopelman has authored and co-authored 10 books, including For Real: Helping Children Remain Their Authentic Selves in a Limiting World [Page Two, June 9, 2026]. He lives in New York City with his wife, daughter, and very small dog.

The book, book, For Real: Helping Children Remain Their Authentic Selves in a Limiting World, comes out on June 9, 2026, and is available for preorder now at forrealbook.org.

Childrensartsguild.org

Dr. Jackie W. Kyger, has been developing and teaching online courses for more than twenty years. He has held positions within Higher Education as a faculty member, a Faculty Subject Mater Expert (FSME), a Curriculum Manager, a director of programs, and as an Associate Dean of Information Systems and Technology.This session revisits the term Artificial Intelligence (AI) and introduces the following new terms as we explore approaching AI Inclusion as a philosophy of education:

Artificial Intelligence Inclusion (AII): A framework or pathway.

Artificial Intelligence Inclusion–Philosophy (AII-P): A philosophy of education.

Artificial Intelligence Inclusion–Innovator (AIII): A professional certification.

This session talks about current literature, professional guidance, and best practices to develop a structured framework that provides actionable recommendations for faculty who want to become AIII faculty.

Carla Ward is an educator, speaker, and host of The Everything ECE Podcast. With over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, she empowers educators to teach with intention, curiosity, and confidence. As the founder of The ECE Latte Lounge, Carla is dedicated to helping educators reconnect with their purpose and elevate the profession through reflective, play-based practice and authentic connection.

In this episode, we explore how well-meaning praise can unintentionally create dependency and limit children’s intrinsic motivation. Carla unpacks the difference between praise and encouragement, how to shift our language to build genuine confidence, and why fostering self-reflection matters more than constant approval. Walk away with practical ways to help children feel proud of who they are, not just what they do.

As the demand for skilled trades grows, Metabo HPT is challenging how we prepare students for the future. This episode, featuring Bill Wyman, Chief Marketing Officer of KOKI Group, explores the skilled labor gap, the role of hands-on education, and why shop class matters more than ever—plus the story behind the Bring Back Shop Class campaign and the students proving what’s possible when learning goes beyond the classroom.

In Bill’s words:

“Metabo HPT supports and celebrates our great tradespeople and their craftsmanship. For too long, college has been framed as the primary route to a successful career. ‘Bring Back Shop Class’ highlights the need for students to have a real-world path to build their future in the trades. Through our partnership with the Shop Class Foundation, we’re helping make that opportunity a reality for the next generation of builders.”