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
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
Words have power—and they can hurt. This high-impact session dives into how language shapes your classroom climate and why addressing harmful words is essential to building a safe, inclusive learning environment. You’ll uncover why students use inappropriate language, what’s really driving those behaviors, and gain practical, classroom-ready strategies to address and stop them in the moment. Plus, learn how to confidently speak up as an educator and model the respectful culture you want to see. You’ll walk away with:
Insight into student behavior and language use
Strategies to respond to harmful language effectively
Tools to create a safe, respectful classroom environment
Confidence to address issues and advocate for belonging
Join us and transform your classroom into a space where every student belongs, feels safe, valued, and ready to learn.
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 →
Thursday May 28, 2026 8:00am - 9:30am CDT Room 318
