Welcome Back! Our conference committee has been working hard to bring you an opportunity for learning, networking and sharing with colleagues. We’ve introduced new processes and welcome your thoughts on what works and what needs improving. Thank you for supporting the North State’s premier administrator conference.
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In today’s schools, literacy isn't just a teaching challenge—it’s a leadership imperative. Sustainable success depends on mastering the "decoding threshold," the critical neuro-cognitive tipping point where phonics accuracy transforms into independent reading. When students stall here, it creates a systemic bottleneck that drains resources and hinders long-term growth. This session empowers leaders to look beyond basic phonics and address the "how much" and "how fast" of reading through a lens of thriving-sustainability. We will examine how automaticity reduces cognitive load, allowing students—and instructional systems—to flourish. Learn how to lead a transformative shift in your school’s literacy culture, moving from laborious, fragmented instruction to a streamlined, fluent approach that ensures no student remains "stuck" at the threshold.
National Literacy/Biliteracy Consultant, Benchmark Education LLC
Joel Lizardos is a multilingual instructional leader, biliteracy specialist, and data-informed strategist with over a decade of experience designing and leading PK–5 systems for foundational skills, cross-linguistic transfer, and structured literacy. As a Biliteracy Consultant... Read More →
This session challenges school leaders to move from spinning plates and putting out fires to harnessing the power of intentional leadership. Through stories, reflection, and practical tools, participants will explore how clarity, purpose, and aligned action strengthen influence and impact. Walk away with renewed focus, concrete strategies, and the courage to lead on purpose.
Prepare for the retirement you want by getting the information you need. Learn how to calculate your retirement benefit and how to choose your retirement date. Also discover more about beneficiary options, service retirement forms, your Defined Benefit Supplement account and working after retirement parameters.
From New to Effective: High-Impact Practices for Emerging Administrators is designed to support administrators in their first years of leadership by focusing on practical, high-leverage strategies that can be implemented immediately at the school site. This session moves beyond theory to highlight real-world practices that strengthen school culture, improve communication, and support instructional leadership. Participants will explore actionable ideas for building trust with staff, managing daily demands, and prioritizing what matters most in their role. Whether you are in your first year or still finding your footing, this session offers tools and insights to help you lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
