Teacher clarity is one of the most consistently powerful influences on student learning, and this keynote distills why. At its core, teacher clarity is the intentional practice of making learning visible, coherent, and navigable for students. Decades of research place teacher clarity among the highest-impact practices, with effect sizes typically around 0.85. But the real story is why clarity works—and that’s where the science of learning steps in. Cognitive science shows that learning accelerates when students know what they’re aiming for and can monitor their progress toward it. Clear intentions reduce extraneous cognitive load, allowing working memory to focus on the thinking that matters. Success criteria act as mental models, helping students encode new information more efficiently and retrieve it more accurately. When teachers model thinking, break down complex tasks, and provide timely, specific feedback, they align instruction with how the brain actually learns: through purposeful attention, structured practice, and meaning-making. Clarity also strengthens metacognition. When students can articulate what they’re learning, why it matters, and how they’ll know they’re successful, they shift from passive recipients to active agents. They begin to self-assess, adjust strategies, and take ownership of their progress—behaviors strongly linked to long-term achievement. When research, cognitive science, and classroom practice converge, clarity becomes a catalyst for deeper understanding, equity, and student empowerment.
Ready to make teaching easier? This beginner-friendly session will show you how to turn AI into your classroom ally. Learn simple, practical ways to use AI for lesson planning, differentiation, engagement, and time-saving hacks. You will walk away with ideas you can use right away! No experience required—just curiosity and a desire to work smarter, not harder!
5th grade, Washington Elementary, Olathe School District
This is my 10th year currently teaching 5th grade, with an additional six years of kindergarten experience. I believe in working smarter, not harder, and I continually seek innovative ways to make teaching efficient, meaningful, and joyful. My goal is to be a successful teacher who... Read More →
5th Grade, Washington Elementary, Olathe School District
This is my 14th year in the Olathe School District and I have been teaching 5th grade at Washington elementary for the last 10 years. I love going to conferences and learning new things. I am always looking for ways to improve myself! I believe that teachers should never stop learning... Read More →
Wednesday May 27, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am CDT Room 312
This session develops our capacity to work through standards thoughtfully before turning to AI for support. We will learn how to analyze the language, cognitive demand, and embedded expectations of a standard to craft learning intentions, success criteria, questions, and tasks that truly reflect the rigor. We’ll examine why relying on GPT to generate LI/SC without deep understanding leads to lowered expectations. Together, let's practice answering our own clarity questions and tasks first, ensuring we can model, scaffold, and support students toward high expectations.
Sometimes the best way to learn is by doing. This W.I.N. session is a dedicated workshop designed to give you the time and space to apply what you’ve learned directly to your own Canvas course shells. Whether you are just starting to build your homepage, organizing your first three weeks of modules, or fine-tuning your gradebook settings, this is your time to work productively with expert support just a hand-raise away. How This Session Works 📋 Independent Implementation: Use this worktime to create content inside your Canvas course; practice new skills you've learned in other Camp Canvas sessions or work on setting up your Canvas courses for fall. On-Demand Support: Trainers will be circulating the room to troubleshoot technical issues, brainstorm organization strategies, or provide how-to refreshers. Peer Collaboration: Use this time to sync up with other OPS teachers to discuss implementation ideas or coordinate with your grade/department-level team members to ensure consistency across your courses. 💻 Hands-on workshop time is the key focus of this session; remember to bring your OPS device and charger!
This session will guide educators in using Behavioral, Social, and Emotional Learning (BSEL) data to create classroom environments that reduce disruptive behaviors and enhance student engagement. Through interactive activities and discussions, teachers will learn practical ways to interpret BSEL data and apply it to their classroom strategies, fostering a positive and productive learning environment.
13 years serving Olathe Public Schools-5 years in the classroom, administrator, an instructional coach and currently serves as a PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) Coach.
Wednesday May 27, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am CDT Room 309
Do you have an amazing idea to support learning for students, but need funding to make it come to life? In this session you will learn how the Olathe Public Schools Foundation can connect you with financial resources for classroom needs. Learn how to craft proposals for OPSF Classroom Grants or grants from the Women’s Giving Circle. We will also explore how DonorsChoose can help crowdsource additional funding. Olathe Public Schools Foundation is here to support students and teachers. Whatever you’re dreaming, bring your “big ideas” and receive support to help you get started with the grant writing process.
Every day in classrooms across Kansas, educators struggle with classroom management. They try ideal after idea, practice after practice - yet continue to battle to find the right balance and structure for themselves and their students. In this interactive session, participants will learn about the Inclusive Classroom Framework, which organizes evidence-based practices within a hierarchy of classroom management domains, and guides educators to individually prioritize these domains based on the needs of their students, classroom design, and current levels of implementation. Once prioritized, the framework provides clear implementation roadmaps for each of the practices to streamline and monitor their improvement efforts. Everything from classroom organization and instructional clarity, to relationship building and teaching metacognitive strategies are built into the framework. Participants in this session will complete a brief self-reflection survey that will guide them selecting 1-2 practices for improving their classroom management and structure going forward.
Chris Perry has a diverse background in K-12 education, with 20 years experience as a paraprofessional, special education teacher, behavior specialist, administrative intern, state trainer with KSDE TASN, consultant, research and author. Chris co-founded Cultivate Education, LLC... Read More →
Olathe educators will be transitioning to a renewed appraisal process grounded in the Kansas KEEP model, designed to promote collaboration, reflection, and continuous professional growth. This session will provide an overview of our new appraisal framework, including its purpose, structure, and key components. Participants will also explore what it means to be an active participant in their own appraisal. Through guided discussion, attendees will learn strategies for self-reflection, collecting meaningful evidence, engaging in professional conversations, and leveraging the appraisal process as a tool for growth rather than compliance. This session is ideal for educators at any stage who want to better understand the appraisal model and take an empowered role in the process.
High-impact teaching doesn't require a high volume of apps; it requires a high level of intent. This session challenges the "more is better" narrative of the modern classroom. We’ll dive into a minimalist approach to EdTech, focusing on a core toolkit that drives deep inquiry and streamlines the learning process without overstimulating the learner.
Director of Technology Advancement & Training, Olathe Public Schools
Jen Kennedy brings over 15 years of experience leveraging instructional technology in the classroom. With a focus on empowering students and staff through the innovative integration of technology, she strives to create an engaging and supportive learning environment where all learners... Read More →
Wednesday May 27, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am CDT Room 516
This two-part class begins with a brief introduction to Banzai, a financial literacy program that teaches real-world finance and practical life skills. Mainstreet Credit Union pays for this program, so it's free for you to use in your classroom.
Then, we will move on to our Mastering Money class. This class is all about demystifying credit scores so you can learn what a credit score is and how to make it work for you in a supportive and fun environment. We offer a free Financial Checkup. This checkup includes a soft inquiry that won't impact your score but identifies savings opportunities. Whether you have good credit, no credit, or need repairs, we're here to help. Join us to learn how to optimize your credit score and save!
This is a collaboratively developed session between foster parent and foster child as a deeply personal exploration of how the foster care system and trauma shape student behavior. This session bridges the gap between behavioral concerns and lived experience, offering participants a rare 'behind-the-scenes' look at the challenges and triumphs of foster youth. Attendees will walk away with a toolkit of empathetic, classroom-ready strategies designed to build resilience and foster meaningful connections with their most vulnerable students.
Bre McGranahan, a 2024 Kansas Master Teacher, is an elementary behavior coach with ten years of experience in both general and special education. Her expertise is shaped by a decade in the classroom and a personal commitment to foster care advocacy. By blending professional behavioral... Read More →
Wednesday May 27, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am CDT Room 310
In a world where sensitivity is a superpower, embark on a quest to unlock superhero potential in children and ourselves. Using Dabrowski’s Theory of Overexcitabilities as our Infinity Stones, we'll explore extraordinary potential while investigating the dark side of intensities. Feel the surge of psychomotor intensity – the spark that ignites the superhero within. Beware, as this intensity can spiral into restlessness and impulsivity. Navigate the fine line between supercharged energy and overwhelming chaos. Journey into the realms of imaginational intensity – the heart of our superhero story. Tread carefully, as excessive imaginational intensity may lead to daydreaming and detachment. Learn to balance creativity and practicality. Harness the driving force of emotional intensity – emotions profound as any hero's journey. Discover how emotional depth becomes the cornerstone of our narrative. Be cautious, as heightened emotional intensity may manifest as mood swings. With help from “Mellow Out They Say,” learn to channel emotions constructively. Minds that race, thoughts that soar – our superheroes in the making. Be mindful of intellectual intensity's flip side – perfectionism and frustration. Use insights from "Living with Intensities" to navigate the thin line between brilliance and burnout. Step into the world of sensual overexcitability – where every sensation becomes a superpower. Be aware, heightened sensitivity may lead to sensory overload. Master balancing heightened sensations with self-care.
I am the gifted teacher at Indian Trail Middle School, Heritage and Westview. I've also taught at Washington and Santa Fe Trail. My passion is supporting gifted learners and their teachers. I've presented at state conferences in Missouri, Kansas, Colorado and North Carolina. ... Read More →
Wednesday May 27, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am CDT Room 608
In this session, learners will engage in the evolving landscape of special education. The focus will be a review of formal complaints in the state, 2026 legislative session impacts, and a continued need for state mandated special education funding.
What if your best intentions are still missing the mark? In this engaging, eye-opening session, you’ll explore how your words and actions are truly experienced—and how small shifts can make a big difference in creating a space where everyone feels seen, respected, and valued. Through real-life scenarios and practical strategies, you’ll learn how to communicate with intention, avoid unintentional harm, and respond with confidence and empathy when it matters most. You’ll walk away with:
Simple tools to think before you speak
Strategies to repair harm and build trust
Language that strengthens connection and belonging
Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your impact and help create a community in your classroom where everyone belongs.
Director of Culture & Belonging, Olathe Public Schools
Kathleen Smith, the Director of Culture & Belonging for Olathe Public Schools, is a champion for all who uplifts and unifies students, staff and community. She centers her work on inclusion and belonging. She meets unique needs by providing equitable opportunities in order to develop... Read More →
Wednesday May 27, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am CDT Room 318
Artificial intelligence isn’t here to replace you —it’s here to support you. In this session, you’ll explore practical, approachable ways to use AI as a creative partner in the school setting. Learn simple strategies for brainstorming with AI and using it as a sounding board to refine ideas. You'll find ways to jumpstart finished products, such as lessons, presentations, handouts, and even multi‑day unit plans that save time and boost instructional quality and innovation.
We’ll also highlight fun, low‑pressure ways to use AI for playful prompts and imaginative interactions that increase engagement. This session is not just for classroom teachers, but for anyone in the school who knows a little about AI and wants to use it more confidently and effectively.
Bring your computer—there will be hands‑on time to explore the district’s AI Toolkit and experiment with tools yourself.
Creative Movement as a Tool for Discovery, Research, and Equity is a seminar focused on the usage of creative movement activities as a vehicle for student engagement and understanding. Creative movement tools are not about gamifying lessons. Instead, they’re about taking concepts, distilling them into their essential parts/questions, and providing opportunities for students to translate those parts through the visceral body thereby solidifying their learning. In this seminar, participants will learn the educational benefits of creative movement activities and some examples they can use in their classrooms in a variety of ways. Participants will want to come prepared to move.
A.J. Hopes-Pflumm received his BFA in Dance Performance/Choreography from WSU and his MA in Secondary Education from USM. He has been an Olathe Public Schools employee since 2017 primarily in post-secondary SPED and ESY elementary SPED focusing on adaptive movement activities and... Read More →
Wednesday May 27, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT Room 816
Do you have instructional aides or paraprofessionals in your classroom? Do you intentionally set up your activities and classroom environment to make the most of their assistance in the classroom? Do they have the tools and strategies to help spark interest and keep students engaged throughout the lesson? Come learn and share some strategies on how to utilize classroom aides and paraprofessionals to keep students engaged and maximize their learning in the classroom.
Every day in classrooms across Kansas, educators struggle with classroom management. They try ideal after idea, practice after practice - yet continue to battle to find the right balance and structure for themselves and their students. In this interactive session, participants will learn about the Inclusive Classroom Framework, which organizes evidence-based practices within a hierarchy of classroom management domains, and guides educators to individually prioritize these domains based on the needs of their students, classroom design, and current levels of implementation. Once prioritized, the framework provides clear implementation roadmaps for each of the practices to streamline and monitor their improvement efforts. Everything from classroom organization and instructional clarity, to relationship building and teaching metacognitive strategies are built into the framework. Participants in this session will complete a brief self-reflection survey that will guide them selecting 1-2 practices for improving their classroom management and structure going forward.
Chris Perry has a diverse background in K-12 education, with 20 years experience as a paraprofessional, special education teacher, behavior specialist, administrative intern, state trainer with KSDE TASN, consultant, research and author. Chris co-founded Cultivate Education, LLC... Read More →
This two-part class begins with a brief introduction to Banzai, a financial literacy program that teaches real-world finance and practical life skills. Mainstreet Credit Union pays for this program, so it's free for you to use in your classroom.
Then, we will move on to our Mastering Money class. This class is all about demystifying credit scores so you can learn what a credit score is and how to make it work for you in a supportive and fun environment. We offer a free Financial Checkup. This checkup includes a soft inquiry that won't impact your score but identifies savings opportunities. Whether you have good credit, no credit, or need repairs, we're here to help. Join us to learn how to optimize your credit score and save!
What if the toughest conversations became your greatest leadership skill? In this dynamic session, students will build the courage and confidence to engage across differences, turning heated moments into meaningful conversations and stronger teamwork. Through interactive activities and real-world scenarios, participants will learn how to understand others more deeply—their experiences, values, and perspectives—while also recognizing their own fears and biases. Students will discover how to move beyond labels, communicate with respect, and build trust—even with people they disagree with. You’ll walk away with:
Skills to navigate tough conversations with confidence
Strategies to turn conflict into connection and collaboration
Greater self-awareness and empathy for others
Tools to build trust across differences
Step into your leadership and learn how moral courage can transform not just conversations—but entire communities.
Director of Culture & Belonging, Olathe Public Schools
Kathleen Smith, the Director of Culture & Belonging for Olathe Public Schools, is a champion for all who uplifts and unifies students, staff and community. She centers her work on inclusion and belonging. She meets unique needs by providing equitable opportunities in order to develop... Read More →
Wednesday May 27, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT Room 318
In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, it is easy to neglect your own well-being. This session will define self-care and identify its benefits. Participants will be guided through an assessment to identify areas of strength and weakness in their self-care behavior and learn strategies to establish or improve a self-care routine. The session will include tips and tricks to overcome emotional and practical obstacles that interfere with self-care activities, including negative self-talk.
This session focuses on strengthening teacher expertise in unpacking standards, designing high‑quality questions and tasks, and using AI as an enhancer—not a substitute—for professional judgment. We will learn how to determine the true rigor of a standard, identify the thinking students must do, and create scaffolds that move all learners toward ambitious outcomes. We’ll confront the tendency to unintentionally lower the bar. By developing the skill to answer tasks themselves, teachers build clarity, confidence, and the capacity to hold students to high expectations.
The Reality: Kansas law (K.S.A. 72-3422) mandates that the state fund 92% of the "excess costs" for special education. In reality, funding has hovered near 66–69%, forcing districts like Olathe to divert millions from general operating budgets to fill the gap.
The Impact: In Johnson County alone, districts are transferring over $132 million annually from general funds to cover the shortfall. This session pulls back the curtain on how "Special Ed funding" isn't just a "Special Ed problem"—it’s a classroom size problem, a school staff retention problem, and a student resource problem for every child in Kansas.
What we will cover: The Math: Breaking down the 92% statutory requirement vs. the actual reimbursement rates. The Olathe Context: Why Olathe’s higher identification rates and specialized programs (CBR, etc.) create unique budget pressures compared to neighboring districts. Long-Term ROI: Evidence-based data showing that every $1 invested in Special Ed yields a $2–$10 return through improved workforce participation and reduced social costs. The Toolkit: Participants will receive a Social Media & Advocacy Toolkit to help communicate these complexities to parents and community members.
Please bring a laptop or tablet to access the digital toolkit and interactive data comparisons.
This session will guide educators through the Action Plan process and how it can be used to earn professional development points that contribute to movement on the salary schedule. Participants will learn the purpose of the Action Plan system and how it supports meaningful professional growth while documenting learning and classroom impact. During the session, attendees will explore the steps required to successfully submit an Action Plan, including how to write a clear and effective SMART goal. Participants will also learn how to document their professional learning through Knowledge Points, Application Points, and Impact Points, and understand how each component demonstrates growth and implementation in practice. By the end of the session, participants will have a clear understanding of how to design and submit an Action Plan that aligns with their professional goals, supports student learning, and contributes to earning professional development points toward salary advancement.
I have been working in the Olathe School District for the past 10 years. I am a 3rd grade teacher, an Action Plan Coach, and a Leaders for Learner Representative. I love traveling, technology, and the color orange.
Wednesday May 27, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT Room 702
Join us for an interactive workshop focused on five practical strategies that help decrease problem behavior and increase student engagement across PK–12 classrooms. Participants will actively explore and practice tools such as positive greetings at the door, behavioral momentum, instructional choice, precorrection, and precision requests. Leave with ready-to-use techniques and implementation ideas you can apply immediately to create more positive, productive learning environments.
13 years serving Olathe Public Schools-5 years in the classroom, administrator, an instructional coach and currently serves as a PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) Coach.
Wednesday May 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT Room 309
Ready to make teaching easier? This beginner-friendly session will show you how to turn AI into your classroom ally. Learn simple, practical ways to use AI for lesson planning, differentiation, engagement, and time-saving hacks. You will walk away with ideas you can use right away! No experience required—just curiosity and a desire to work smarter, not harder!
5th grade, Washington Elementary, Olathe School District
This is my 10th year currently teaching 5th grade, with an additional six years of kindergarten experience. I believe in working smarter, not harder, and I continually seek innovative ways to make teaching efficient, meaningful, and joyful. My goal is to be a successful teacher who... Read More →
5th Grade, Washington Elementary, Olathe School District
This is my 14th year in the Olathe School District and I have been teaching 5th grade at Washington elementary for the last 10 years. I love going to conferences and learning new things. I am always looking for ways to improve myself! I believe that teachers should never stop learning... Read More →
Wednesday May 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT Room 312
The drug landscape is ever-changing and varies in potential for harm and likelihood of widespread addiction. This presentation will cover the history of the recent drug epidemics, how we got to where we are today, and how these trends affect our students. We will discuss what drugs to be aware of that are attracting young people, what solutions exist in providing help, and why the behavior change can be challenging.
Substance Use Education Specialist, Olathe School District
Erika Holliday has spent the last decade working in public health and harm reduction. Their strengths are in improving systems of treatment, recovery, and community connection for people that use drugs. Erika is currently the Substance Use Education Specialist for the Olathe School... Read More →
Wednesday May 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT Room 520
This session provides a foundational overview of IEPs and related support systems. Participants will explore the legal and practical framework of Child Find, evaluation, and eligibility, including key considerations such as exclusionary factors. The session also breaks down essential IEP components, services, accommodations, and modifications, helping staff understand how to design and implement supports that ensure students receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
Andrew serves Olathe Public Schools as a Special Services Coordinator. He previously served as a school psychologist. Andrew's main profesional focuses center around Special Education process and compliance, intervention, and data.
Wednesday May 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT Room 607
In today’s diverse classrooms, push-in support offers a powerful opportunity to ensure all students can access and engage with grade-level content. This session is designed for those who want to move beyond simply sharing a classroom to intentionally designing instruction that meets the needs of every learner. Participants will explore practical, high-impact scaffolding strategies that support all learners without lowering the rigor of the content. Participants will learn how to increase student interaction, build academic language, make content accessible and create more inclusive learning experiences. Walk away with ready-to-use strategies and a deeper understanding of purposeful scaffolding, so all students can actively participate and succeed.
ELL Instructional Coach, EC-12, Olathe Public Schools
For the past 24 years, I've been able to support both students and educators in meaningful ways. Currently as an instructional coach, I partner with teachers to strengthen their practice and build confidence when it comes to supporting language learners. I am passionate about creating... Read More →
Wednesday May 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT Room 813
Stop just playing games and start designing experiences! This session moves beyond standard review games like Jeopardy to explore true gamification—applying game mechanics as an immersive layer over your existing curriculum. In this session, you will learn to:
Distinguish between Game-Based Learning and Gamification.
Build Your World: Define your game's Theme and Setting to create a narrative that hooks students.
Master the Mechanics: Implement XP (Experience Points), Items that unlock privileges, and Badges to showcase student achievements.
Design Missions: Create Boss Battles for collaborative review and optional Side Quests
Social Studies Lead Teacher, Indian Trail Middle School, Olathe
Jordan Billings is a veteran teacher with college, high school and middle school teaching experience. For the past 13 years Jordan has been teaching 7th-grade history at Indian Trail Middle School, 8 years with a full gamified theme and setting.
Social Studies Teacher, Chisholm Trail Middle School
Ryan Stephans is a 21 year teaching veteran who has run a standards-based gamified class for the last 8 years. Ryan has taught 8th grade social studies in Olathe for 8 years, first at Summit Trail Middle School, and now at Chisholm Trail Middle School. His classroom philosophy centers... Read More →
Wednesday May 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT Room 313
Restful, restorative sleep is closely associated with brain, heart, lung, muscle, and bone health. Unfortunately, many struggle with falling asleep, staying asleep, or creating healthy sleep habits. This session will explore the link between sleep and health, teach strategies to create an environment conducive to sleeping, and address common disruptors of sleep.
This session centers on designing scaffolds that lift students up to the rigor of the standards rather than protecting them from it. We will learn how to analyze the cognitive demand of a task, identify the precise skills students need, and build supports that maintain—not dilute—high expectations. We’ll examine how intentional scaffolding helps every learner reach ambitious goals. We will practice modeling thinking, anticipating misconceptions, and creating step‑by‑step pathways that gradually release responsibility while ensuring all students can access complex learning.
The Reality: Kansas law (K.S.A. 72-3422) mandates that the state fund 92% of the "excess costs" for special education. In reality, funding has hovered near 66–69%, forcing districts like Olathe to divert millions from general operating budgets to fill the gap.
The Impact: In Johnson County alone, districts are transferring over $132 million annually from general funds to cover the shortfall. This session pulls back the curtain on how "Special Ed funding" isn't just a "Special Ed problem"—it’s a classroom size problem, a school staff retention problem, and a student resource problem for every child in Kansas.
What we will cover: The Math: Breaking down the 92% statutory requirement vs. the actual reimbursement rates. The Olathe Context: Why Olathe’s higher identification rates and specialized programs (CBR, etc.) create unique budget pressures compared to neighboring districts. Long-Term ROI: Evidence-based data showing that every $1 invested in Special Ed yields a $2–$10 return through improved workforce participation and reduced social costs. The Toolkit: Participants will receive a Social Media & Advocacy Toolkit to help communicate these complexities to parents and community members.
Please bring a laptop or tablet to access the digital toolkit and interactive data comparisons.
This session will guide educators through the Action Plan process and how it can be used to earn professional development points that contribute to movement on the salary schedule. Participants will learn the purpose of the Action Plan system and how it supports meaningful professional growth while documenting learning and classroom impact. During the session, attendees will explore the steps required to successfully submit an Action Plan, including how to write a clear and effective SMART goal. Participants will also learn how to document their professional learning through Knowledge Points, Application Points, and Impact Points, and understand how each component demonstrates growth and implementation in practice. By the end of the session, participants will have a clear understanding of how to design and submit an Action Plan that aligns with their professional goals, supports student learning, and contributes to earning professional development points toward salary advancement.
I have been working in the Olathe School District for the past 10 years. I am a 3rd grade teacher, an Action Plan Coach, and a Leaders for Learner Representative. I love traveling, technology, and the color orange.
Wednesday May 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT Room 702
