Start Strong. Stay Grounded. Grow with Purpose.
Generously Sponsored by:
Starting a new role in education is both exciting and challenging. This one-day virtual institute is designed to welcome new teachers and administrators into the profession with clarity, confidence, and community. Anchored in the principles of Lead, Equip, Empower, the training provides a strong foundation for success in the critical first year.
Through dynamic sessions, participants will explore practical strategies for instruction, leadership, classroom culture, and collaboration. The day emphasizes real-world application, helping new educators translate ideas into immediate practice.
Participants will leave inspired, supported, and prepared to lead effectively, equipped with essential tools for success, and empowered to positively shape learner outcomes from day one.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2026
Summit Schedule
Welcome and opening comments
Presenters: Sharon Bonney, Shaketta Thomas, Marsha Taylor
WIOA | Opening Session
Presenter: Latoya Newson
Break
Leadership at Full Throttle: Courage, Trust, and Outward Mindsets in Uncertain Times
Presented By: Kim Glenn
Leading adult education today feels like the Indy 500 — fast, uncertain, and high-risk. With Title II funding an ongoing concern, this interactive session equips leaders to create psychologically safe, high-trust “pit crews” using research from Amy Edmondson, Arbinger Institute, Brené Brown, Stephen Covey, and Liz Wiseman. Through polls, peer interaction, and collaborative planning, participants will gain concrete, courageous leadership strategies to guide their teams through uncertainty with resilience, trust, and collective intelligence.
Starting Strong: Guidance for the First Day of Teaching and Resources to Support New Educators Throughout the Year
Prsented By: Sarah Goldammer
Break
Leading From Any Seat
Presented By: Brad Coffman
This session empowers adult education professionals to embrace leadership from every level of an organization—not just from formal positions. Based on the “Leading From Any Seat” framework, this workshop emphasizes that leadership is a mindset rooted in influence, initiative, and everyday actions rather than job titles. Participants will explore the L.E.A.D. model (Listen, Engage, Advocate, Demonstrate Integrity), the Influence Formula (Credibility + Relationships + Initiative), and real-life examples of staff leadership making a meaningful difference.Teaching Across Skill Levels: Best Practices for Multi-Level Adult Education Classrooms
Presented BY: Nicole Fleming
Adult education classrooms often include learners with a wide range of backgrounds, confidence levels, and skills. In this interactive session, we'll explore best practices for teaching multi-level classrooms and share practical techniques that encourage participation, support learners at different skill levels, and make the most of the knowledge learners bring to the classroom.Lunch Break
Leading in Uncertain Times: Mindfulness for the Stressed-Out Administrator
Presented By: Carolyn Zachry and Mitch Rosin
In today’s volatile funding landscape, adult education administrators are navigating unprecedented challenges. his session offers a timely and practical framework for leadership in crisis. We’ll explore the current national landscape, examining policy trends, funding disparities, and what’s truly required to restructure services.The 15 Laws of Student Retention: Evidence-Based Insights to Maximize Student Engagement, Retention, and Learning (75 minutes)
Presented By: Teddy Eduardo
This session will share and discuss adult learning theories and 15 evidence-based strategies to maximize adult student engagement, retention, and learning. Attendees will explore two adult learning theories (Theory of Margin, and Transformative Learning) and their implications for teaching and adult education programs' performance. Lastly, participants will discuss applying evidence-based insights to promote student engagement, retention, and learning to help learners reach their objectives.Break
The Characteristics of Adult Learners
Presented By: Dr. Carmine Stewart