2026 MSAA Summer Institute: Full Schedule

In order to help us with room locations for each session, PLEASE mark which session you would like to attend, it will help us greatly with room capacities.

8:00am EDT

Pre-Conference Workshop Registration

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT

Hotel Lobby

A separate registration and fee are required for pre-conference workshops. Each pre-conference workshop below has a registration link.

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Hotel Lobby 180 Water Street, Plymouth, MA

Pre-Conference

9:00am EDT

Pre-Conference Workshop: The Culture You Think You Already Have: A Leadership Diagnostic for Values-Aligned Schools

Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Regency A

Most school leaders can name the culture they are trying to build. The harder work is determining whether students, staff,and families are experiencing that same culture every day. This interactive session helps experienced leaders read the gapbetween stated values and lived experience without blame, shame, or defensiveness. Drawing from The Brave LeadersPlaybook, participants...
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Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Regency A

9:00am EDT

Pre-Conference Workshop: From Staff Meetings to Student Success: AI in Action

Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Regency C

Conference Fee: $150 / $205 non-memberClick here to registerExperience a three-hour deep dive into the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its transformative potential for your school. This interactive workshop, designed for teachers, administrators, and support staff, will equipparticipants with the knowledge and practical skills to navigate the exciting world of AI in education. We will...
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Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Regency C

Pre-Conference

9:00am EDT

Pre-Conference Workshop: Who's Really Struggling?

Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Regency B

Conference Fee: $150 / Non-Member $205Click here to registerParticipants will explore how high-quality Tier 1 instruction, culturally responsive teaching, and effective use of MTSS can address student needs early, preventing academic or behavioral struggles from being misidentified asdisabilities. The session emphasizes that the goal is not to deny IEPs, but to ensure they are reserved for...
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Presenters

Tara Trainor

Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Regency B

Pre-Conference

10:00am EDT

Corporate Partner Setup

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:00am - 4:00pm EDT

Hotel Lobby

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:00am - 4:00pm EDT
Hotel Lobby 180 Water Street, Plymouth, MA

Corporate Partner

10:00am EDT

Registration Table Open

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:00am - 4:00pm EDT

Hotel Lobby

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:00am - 4:00pm EDT
Hotel Lobby 180 Water Street, Plymouth, MA

Registration

5:00pm EDT

Evening Reception - Sponsored by O'Connor Studios

Tuesday July 21, 2026 5:00pm - 7:00pm EDT

Terrace Rooftop

Tuesday July 21, 2026 5:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
Terrace Rooftop 150 Water Street

Reception

7:00am EDT

Breakfast - open to Registrants and Corporate Partners

Wednesday July 22, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am EDT

Mayflower/Atlantic/Bistro/Courtyard

Wednesday July 22, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am EDT
Mayflower/Atlantic/Bistro/Courtyard

Meals

7:00am EDT

Registration Table Open

Wednesday July 22, 2026 7:00am - 4:00pm EDT

Hotel Lobby

Wednesday July 22, 2026 7:00am - 4:00pm EDT
Hotel Lobby 180 Water Street, Plymouth, MA

Registration

7:15am EDT

Orientation for First-Time Attendees

Wednesday July 22, 2026 7:15am - 7:30am EDT

Halifax

Join this welcoming session for first-time Summer Institute attendees! Get a quick overview of the schedule and key sessions, connect with others, ask questions, and gain tips to make the most of your experience.

Presenters

Bill Nunnally

Wednesday July 22, 2026 7:15am - 7:30am EDT
Halifax

8:30am EDT

Opening Session

Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 8:45am EDT

Regency Ballroom

Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 8:45am EDT
Regency Ballroom

8:45am EDT

Keynote Speaker: Hamish Brewer

Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am EDT

Regency Ballroom

People want to be seen, heard, and valued, creating a culture and environment that advocates and amplifies stakeholders’ voice, opportunity, and ownership of the journey, productivity, and results. Stakeholders, practices, and processes within an organization can either stimulate or suppress the performance, culture, and outcomes for all. Let’s pour into your leadership journey by...
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Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am EDT
Regency Ballroom

Keynote

9:45am EDT

Combatting Hate in Schools

Wednesday July 22, 2026 9:45am - 10:25am EDT

Regency Ballroom

Presenters

Daniel Bauer

Superintendent, Danvers Public Schools

Wednesday July 22, 2026 9:45am - 10:25am EDT
Regency Ballroom

Keynote

10:25am EDT

Visit with Corporate Partners

Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:25am - 10:55am EDT

Lobby Level

Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:25am - 10:55am EDT
Lobby Level

Corporate Partner

11:00am EDT

Creating Respectful School Climates: Bullying Prevention, Policy, and Tech Tools that Work

Wednesday July 22, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT

Regency B

How do we move from reactive discipline to proactive culture-building in our schools?In this powerful and thought-provoking session, internationally recognized speaker Robert Hackenson Jr. explores how schools can prevent bullying, build stronger connections, and create climates where students feel safe, seen, and supported. Using a unique blend of storytelling, research, and real-world solutions,...
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Presenters

Robert Hackenson

Professional "Edutaining" Speaker, Dynamic Incfluence

Wednesday July 22, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Regency B

Climate and Culture, All Levels

11:00am EDT

Relentless Leadership – Disrupting the Educational Norms

Wednesday July 22, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT

Regency A

Hamish Brewer is an award-winning leader and school turnaround expert who has turned around multiple schools, both at the elementary and secondary levels, working with some of the most at-risk students in America. Hamish will share his secrets to his success in this session by taking a deep dive into his practices, programs and strategies for leadership success. Let’s laser focus in on key areas...
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Presenters

Hamish Brewer

Wednesday July 22, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Regency A

Climate and Culture, All Levels

11:00am EDT

Bring Literature to Life - Middle and High School ELA

Wednesday July 22, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT

Wampanoag

Come prepared to discuss and learn about text-based knowledge building, integrated writing, and strategies to support middle and high school students in developing a love of literature. The session will focus on structured close reading routines and explicit writing instruction that lead to improved student outcomes on Extended Writing Projects (EWPs) and discussion-based learning.

Presenters

Tim Shaw

Senior Account Executive, Imagine Learning

Wednesday July 22, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Wampanoag

Instruction and Assessment (CIA), High School

11:00am EDT

Job-Alike Session: Assistant Principals - All Levels

Wednesday July 22, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT

Carver

Wednesday July 22, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Carver

Job-Alike

11:00am EDT

Job-Alike Session: Elementary

Wednesday July 22, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT

Plympton

Presenters

Stephen Wiltshire

Principal, Millbury Street Elementary School

Great leaders aren't born-they are built through experience, mentorship, and intentional growth. In this engaging professional development session, I'll share the key advice, strategies, and lessons I received from mentors that helped shape my journey to becoming a Nationally Distinguished... Read More →

Wednesday July 22, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Plympton

Job-Alike

11:00am EDT

Job-Alike Session: Middle School

Wednesday July 22, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT

Halifax

Presenters

Vinnie Hayward

Wednesday July 22, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Halifax

Job-Alike

11:00am EDT

Job-Alike Session: Secondary

Wednesday July 22, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT

Standish

Presenters

Kelly St. Coeur

Wednesday July 22, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Standish

Job-Alike

11:00am EDT

Job-Alike Session: Special Ed

Wednesday July 22, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT

Manomet

Wednesday July 22, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Manomet

Job-Alike

11:00am EDT

Building Powerful Home-School Partnerships Through Hands-On Learning

Wednesday July 22, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT

Regency C

What if family engagement wasn’t another event on the calendar, but a lever for transforming instruction, student motivation, and school culture? In partnership with Acera Education Innovation, our school moved from isolated STEM activities to a cohesive, hands-on learning model that connects curriculum, family engagement, and student excitement about school. What began as an effort to increase...
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Presenters

David Anderson

Principal, McAuliffe Elementary School

Sarah Zuckerman

Executive Director, Acera Education Innovation (this is a non-profit organization, not a school)

Wednesday July 22, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Regency C

Science and Technology/Engeineering, PreK-8

11:15am EDT

Lunch - Corporate Partners

Wednesday July 22, 2026 11:15am - 11:45am EDT

Mayflower/Bistro/Atlantic

Wednesday July 22, 2026 11:15am - 11:45am EDT
Mayflower/Bistro/Atlantic

Meals

12:00pm EDT

Lunch - Registrants

Wednesday July 22, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

Mayflower/Bistro/Atlantic

Wednesday July 22, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Mayflower/Bistro/Atlantic

Meals

1:05pm EDT

Visit with Corporate Partners

Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:05pm - 1:35pm EDT

Lobby Level

Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:05pm - 1:35pm EDT
Lobby Level

Corporate Partner

1:40pm EDT

Kilroy Was Here: The Moral Work of School Leadership

Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT

Regency A

Using the historic “Kilroy Was Here” symbol as a metaphor for influence and legacy, this session invites principals to examine the quiet but powerful marks they leave on staff, students, and communities. In a time of political tension, staffing challenges, and shifting expectations, principals must decide what kind of presence they will embody. This session blends storytelling,...
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Presenters

Stephen Wiltshire

Principal, Millbury Street Elementary School

Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT
Regency A

Climate and Culture, All Levels

1:40pm EDT

School Mental Health: Leveraging your counseling staff for better student outcomes

Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT

Standish

Student mental health should be a priority for every school leader. School counselors are uniquely positioned to make a difference in the lives of all students, but are they given the tools and time to do so? Find out how school counselors use data and evidence-based best practices to close achievement and opportunity gaps and deliver comprehensive programs that ensure success for all students....
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Presenters

Bob Bardwell

Executive Director, Massachusetts School Counselors Association, Inc

Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT
Standish

Climate and Culture, All Levels

1:40pm EDT

"Don't Ban It. Teach It. Building AI Literacy Into Your Curriculum Before Your Students Outpace You"

Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT

Plympton

Your students are already using AI. Some are using it well. Most are not. And most schools have not yet decided what to do about that. This session gives curriculum leaders and administrators a practical roadmap for building AI literacy into their schools, from classroom instruction that teaches students how AI actually works to responsible use frameworks that are enforceable and age-appropriate....
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Presenters

Linda Dwight

Superintendent, Harvard Public Schools

Aziz Aghayev

flowlyst Founder

Jamal Amanova

Educator/Artist, flowlyst partner

Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT
Plympton

Instruction and Assessment (CIA), High School

1:40pm EDT

Leading Instructional Improvement Through Lesson Study

Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT

Wampanoag

This session presents two examples of Japanese Lesson Study used to build teacher capacity in literacy instruction through a structured cycle of collaboration. Participants will examine how school leaders in elementary and middle school contexts guided teachers through collaborative lesson planning, observation, and reflection to strengthen instruction aligned with high-quality literacy materials....
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Presenters

Emily Moore

Director of Teaching and Learning, Peabody Public Schools

Michelle Zottoli

Principal, McCarthy School

Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT
Wampanoag

Instruction and Assessment (CIA), All Levels

1:40pm EDT

Case Studies for School Leaders

Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT

Regency B

As school leaders, we have all had experiences that lead us to say, "well, that's one for the book!" In this session, we will have an opportunity to reflect on situations and case studies that test our responsiveness, resilience, and patience - while also giving some time to laugh at the things that we all deal with but maybe don't get a chance to talk about. Using a framework of "the genius is...
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Presenters

Michael Rubin

Principal, Uxbridge High

Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT
Regency B

School Leadership, All Levels

1:40pm EDT

"Release the Power: Reimagining Early Release Days Through Design Thinking, UDL, and Innovation” - Turning Shortened Days into High-Impact Learning Experiences for Elementary Students

Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT

Halifax

“Release the Power: Reimagining Early Release Days Through Design Thinking, UDL, and Innovation” explores how elementary school leaders can transform shortened school days into meaningful learning opportunities for students. Early Release Days often present a leadership challenge: balancing staff professional development time while ensuring students remain engaged in purposeful learning. Too...
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Presenters

Michael Domina

Principal, McAvinnue Elementary School - Lowell Public Schools

Lauren Dale

School Coach - AceraEI, Acea Education Innovation

Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT
Halifax

Science and Technology/Engeineering, Elementary

1:40pm EDT

Phone-Free, AI-Ready, and Student-Support Aligned: Using MTSS to Build a Coherent Digital Wellbeing Strategy

Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT

Regency C

As Massachusetts schools adopt stronger phone policies and respond to AI-driven changes in learning, leaders are seeking approaches that balance clarity, consistency, and student wellbeing. This session presents an MTSS-based framework for implementing phone policies and digital wellbeing practices that extend beyond enforcement. Drawing on guidance from MA DESE and case examples from partner...
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Presenters

Shai Fuxman

Director, DESE’s Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Academy, Education Development Center

Shai Fuxman, a behavioral health expert and senior research scientist, leads initiatives promoting the well-being, academic success, and career readiness of youth. He has extensive experience in adolescent health and development, multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), and substance... Read More →

Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT
Regency C

Science and Technology/Engeineering, All Levels

1:40pm EDT

Support and Celebrate: Building a Culture Where Staff Thrive

Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT

Carver

How do you truly support and celebrate your staff in ways that inspire them to be more like the best version of themselves? In this high-energy, engaging session, school leaders will explore how intentional daily actions create a culture where teachers feel valued, motivated, and proud of their work. Leaders will be guided through our values, behaviors, and community concepts, while providing...
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Presenters

Tony Cattani

Principal, Lenape High School of the Lenape Regional High School District

I am the proud principal of Lenape High School in New Jersey.

Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT
Carver

Special Education, All Levels

2:40pm EDT

Leading a Culture of Literacy

Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT

Plympton

It is a truth universally acknowledged that "kids don't read anymore." Phones, social media, and video games have a monopoly on freetime. We see the impact of this in students' gaps in background knowledge, poor understanding of sentence structure and syntax, lacking stamina when given academic reading, and a shortage of empathy for experiences beyond the students own. Fostering a...
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Presenters

Mary Giuffre

Principal, Howard Elementary

Erin O'Leary

Reading Specialist, Franklin Middle School

Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Plympton

Climate and Culture, All Levels

2:40pm EDT

Regulate to Educate: What School Leaders Need to Know About Student Dysregulation

Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT

Standish

Student dysregulation has become one of the most significant barriers to teaching and learning in schools today. Across grade levels, educators report increased classroom disruption, student anxiety, and behavioral escalation that impacts both instructional time and school climate. Yet many schools focus primarily on student behavior strategies without addressing a critical factor: the role of...
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Presenters

Kerri Russo

Educational Consultant, Regulate to Educate (formerly TACC Consulting)

Kerri Russo is an educational consultant, former school psychologist, and founder of Regulate to Educate. With more than 20 years of experience supporting students, educators, and school communities, she specializes in helping schools create emotionally safe, connected learning environments... Read More →

Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Standish

Climate and Culture, All Levels

2:40pm EDT

Rethinking Privacy, Safety, and Student Autonomy

Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT

Halifax

A lot has changed FERPA was written in 1974. Directory information is no longer confined to paper. Text and photos are can be scraped, consolidated, and searched from the web. Students' social lives are intertwined with their online presence. Yet many of our school privacy practices are grounded in assumptions from a half-century ago that no longer hold true. In this session, we will engage in...
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Presenters

Zak Kolar

Digital Learning Teacher, Waltham Public Schools

Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Halifax

Climate and Culture, All Levels

2:40pm EDT

Change Does Not Have to be Scary: Do's and Don'ts of Meaningful Changes in Our School

Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT

Regency A

Identifying areas for change and growth in your school, developing a comprehensive plan, getting stakeholder buy-in, and, ultimately, implementing this plan for change is undeniably daunting. There is no perfect way to bring about meaningful change in schools, but - from my 12 years of administrative experience - I have a number of examples to share with my fellow administrators on how best...
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Presenters

Timothy McMahon

Principal, Marshall Simonds Middle School/Burlington Public Schools

Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Regency A

Instruction and Assessment (CIA), All Levels

2:40pm EDT

Choice in the Curriculum - Redesigning The School Schedule to Increase Creativity through Choice Clubs.

Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT

Regency B

Explore how one school radically increased student choice in their elementary school by adding “Passion Project Fridays”. Learn about both the “head” (scheduling, student selection forms) and the “heart” of building staff buy-in, so you’ll know how you could similarly make a school-wide club program a huge success. Objective(s): Participants will be able to: Identify key moves that...
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Presenters

Jason McCrevan

Principal, Shaughnessy School

I've been a passionate elementary school principal for the past 21 years. This is my first time at this conference. Outside of school, I enjoy birding and pickleball. I have a seven-year-old Goldendoodle named Frankie.

Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Regency B

Instruction and Assessment (CIA), Elementary

2:40pm EDT

From Statewide Vision to Local Identity: Designing and Operationalizing Your Portrait of a Graduate

Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT

Regency C

Massachusetts’ statewide Portrait of a Graduate provides a shared vision, but schools and districts bring it to life when they design a version that reflects their own community. This session guides participants through creating and operationalizing a local Portrait aligned to the statewide competencies. We’ll explore stakeholder engagement, translating competencies into instruction, and...
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Corporate Partners

Alyson Geary

Director of Accreditation and School Improvement, Public Schools, New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Regency C

Instruction and Assessment (CIA), All Levels

2:40pm EDT

Responding to Hate: A Leader's Guide to Responding to Negative Hate-Based Language and Behavior in Schools

Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT

Wampanoag

This course is an essential professional development experience designed for school administrators, department heads, and teacher leaders committed to cultivating inclusive and safe learning environments. In today’s diverse educational landscape, leaders must possess the necessary skills to effectively recognize, interrupt, and mediate instances of prejudice, bias, and hate-based behavior,...
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Presenters

Philip McManus

Principal/Instructor, Masconomet Middle School/John Guilfoil Public Relations

Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Wampanoag

Respect & Civility, All Levels

2:40pm EDT

Free STEM,CTE, and CS resources for 5-12th Grade

Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT

Carver

Learning Blade is a free, standards-aligned STEM, CTE, and Computer Science resource for grades 5–12, offering short lessons and hands-on activities that support career awareness and real-world learning while supporting core subjects.

Presenters

Michelle Gallagher

State Manager MA, Learning Blade

Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Carver

Science and Technology/Engeineering, Middle Level

4:00pm EDT

Baggo Tournament (cash bar only) - Sponsored by Imagine Learning & Hotel 1620

Wednesday July 22, 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT

Off-site Location/Ocean Front (225 Water St.)

Click here to register

Wednesday July 22, 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
Off-site Location/Ocean Front (225 Water St.)

6:00pm EDT

Reception - Sponsored by Horace Mann/Hotel 1620

Wednesday July 22, 2026 6:00pm - 7:30pm EDT

Atlantic (Second Floor - Main/Lobby Level)

Wednesday July 22, 2026 6:00pm - 7:30pm EDT
Atlantic (Second Floor - Main/Lobby Level)

Reception

7:00am EDT

Breakfast - open to Registrants and Corporate Partners

Thursday July 23, 2026 7:00am - 7:55am EDT

Mayflower/Bistro/Atlantic

Thursday July 23, 2026 7:00am - 7:55am EDT
Mayflower/Bistro/Atlantic

Meals

7:00am EDT

Registration Table Open

Thursday July 23, 2026 7:00am - 4:00pm EDT

Hotel Lobby

Thursday July 23, 2026 7:00am - 4:00pm EDT
Hotel Lobby 180 Water Street, Plymouth, MA

Registration

8:00am EDT

MSAA Annual Business Meeting

Thursday July 23, 2026 8:00am - 8:55am EDT

Regency Ballroom

Business Meetings materials will be posted here soon

Summer Institute Business Agenda July 2026 doc

Summer Institute Business Meeting Nominating Report doc

Summer Institute Business Meeting Minutes July 2025 doc

Thursday July 23, 2026 8:00am - 8:55am EDT
Regency Ballroom

8:00am EDT

Awards Ceremony - Sponsored by Jostens

Thursday July 23, 2026 8:00am - 8:55am EDT

Regency Ballroom

The following educators were honored as the 2026 Principals/Assistant Principals of the Year

Assistant Principal of the Year - Michael Lavelle

Elementary Principal of the Year - Liz Garden

Middle School Principal of the Year - Sarah Houle

High School Principal of the Year - Scott Palladino

Thursday July 23, 2026 8:00am - 8:55am EDT
Regency Ballroom

Award Ceremony

9:00am EDT

Keynote Speaker: Duncan Kirkwood

Thursday July 23, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Regency Ballroom

Grit in Education is a powerful keynote designed to help educators build resilience, sustain motivation, and thrive under pressure. Drawing from military-tested resilience training and science-backed psychology, Duncan Kirkwood equips educators with practical tools to strengthen mental health, overcome challenges, and stay committed to their purpose - so they can show up as their best selves for...
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Thursday July 23, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Regency Ballroom

Keynote

10:05am EDT

Visit with Corporate Partners

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:05am - 10:55am EDT

Lobby Level

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:05am - 10:55am EDT
Lobby Level

Corporate Partner

11:00am EDT

From Climate to Culture: Leading Schools Where Students and Staff Not Just Survive, but Thrive

Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT

Halifax

This presentation is geared towards school leaders who are relatively new to their buildings, or leaders who seek actionable strategies to implement positive change in their building. School culture doesn’t happen by accident—it’s shaped by what leaders notice, nurture, and prioritize. This presentation supports elementary administrators in learning how to assess school culture as a new...
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Presenters

Lenore Zavalick

Principal, George H. Englesby Elementary School

Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Halifax

Climate and Culture, Elementary

11:00am EDT

Leading With Magic: Leadership Lessons From Disney, Pixar, and the Stories That Shape Our Schools

Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT

Regency B

From Steamboat Willie to The Lion King to the emotional brilliance of Pixar films, Disney stories have always taught us what it means to lead with heart, courage, and purpose. This session invites school leaders to explore how the magic of Disney and Pixar can translate into meaningful, everyday leadership practices that build joyful, connected school communities. Principal Marty Geoghegan using...
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Presenters

Martin Geoghegan

Principal, Henri A. Yelle Elementary School

Martin Geoghegan is the proud principal of the Henri A. Yelle Elementary School in Norton, Massachusetts. He is entering his eighth year there. Prior to the Yelle, Marty was a middle school principal for 11 years, a high school assistant principal and English teacher. He is the current... Read More →

Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Regency B

Climate and Culture, All Levels

11:00am EDT

Mission Impossible: Getting hundreds of elementary students to the same place at the same time

Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT

Wampanoag

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to defeat the ultimate nemesis of elementary education: The Warm Bed on a Rainy Tuesday. Join two elementary principals as they declassify the files on their successful operation to combat chronic absenteeism. In this 45-minute briefing, we will detail how we infiltrated the hearts and minds of reluctant students (and their caregivers) to boost...
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Presenters

Jake Dore

Principal, South Elementary School (Stoughton)

Robert Cancellieri

Principal, Joseph R. Dawe, Jr. Elementary School

This presentation will examine the family engagement strategies employed by two different elementary schools within the same school district. Key topics will include effective communication protocols, home-school partnerships that foster student learning, and the development of welcoming... Read More →

Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Wampanoag

Climate and Culture, Elementary

11:00am EDT

From Challenge to Clarity: Real-World Experiences with the Problem Resolution System

Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT

Plympton

Our district has gained valuable experience with the Problem Resolution System across a wide range of topics. In this presentation, we will explore real case studies that illustrate how our schools have responded to a collection of incidents, from Grades 3 through 12. Attendees will learn about the steps we took to successfully navigate these situations, the outcomes of our approaches, and the...
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Presenters

Charles Jasak

Assistant Principal, Powder Mill School

Sean Rood

Principal, Powder Mill School

Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Plympton

Curriculum, All Levels | Instruction and Assessment (CIA), All Levels

11:00am EDT

The Power of Listening: Building Connection, Trust, and Understanding in Education

Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT

Regency A

The Power of Listening is an interactive workshop designed to help educators strengthen relationships, improve communication, and create more supportive learning environments. Drawing from psychology, social-emotional learning, and real-world practice, Duncan Kirkwood equips educators with practical listening strategies that deepen connection, reduce conflict, and help students feel seen and...
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Presenters

Duncan Kirkwood

Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Regency A

Keynote

11:00am EDT

Leadership Simplified: From Fixer to Builder

Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT

Manomet

New and aspiring assistant principals often enter leadership ready to help, solve problems, and support everyone around them. But quickly, many find themselves trapped in a cycle of constant interruptions, discipline issues, documentation overload, and decision fatigue.This session introduces Leadership Simplified, a practical framework designed specifically for assistant principals in their first...
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Presenters

Christine Martellio

Assistant Principal, Grafton Middle School

Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Manomet

School Leadership, All Levels

11:00am EDT

Engage to Excel: Building Trust, Belonging, and Success in the Middle School Years

Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT

Standish

The middle school years are a pivotal time when students either deepen their connection to school or begin to disengage. This session equips educators with practical strategies to build trust, strengthen relationships, and create classrooms where every student feels seen, valued, and capable of success. Participants will learn a clear framework for engaging disengaged or challenging students and...
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Corporate Partners

Vilenti Tulloch

Chief Executive Officer, Academic Leadership Association

Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Standish

Social Emotional Learning, Middle Level

11:00am EDT

FOCUS

Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT

Regency C

This presentation is designed for administrators evaluating special education teachers. What are the key elements to successful specialized instruction with high student engagement? Attendees will leave with a framework of how to use the Mass Teachers Evaluation Rubric to guide conversations and support special educators.

Presenters

Nicole Franchi

Interim Assistant Principal, Oak Hill Middle School

Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Regency C

Special Education, High School

11:00am EDT

The Magic of Inclusion

Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT

Carver

Step into a magical world where every child belongs! This session shares a Disney-inspired approach to early childhood inclusion, with an exemplary model that helps students “shine like stars,” fosters meaningful peer connections, and celebrates each child’s unique gifts. Inclusion is more than placement—it’s about creating classrooms where every child feels seen, valued, and capable....
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Presenters

Kim Taylor

Early Childhood Principal, FX O'Regan Early Childhood Development Center

Jillian Swanson

Assistant Principal of Special Education Services, FX O'Regan Early Childhood Development Center

Elizabeth Reynard

Jennifer Hardin

Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Carver

Special Education, Elementary

11:15am EDT

Lunch - Corporate Partners

Thursday July 23, 2026 11:15am - 11:45am EDT

Mayflower/Bistro/Atlantic

Thursday July 23, 2026 11:15am - 11:45am EDT
Mayflower/Bistro/Atlantic

Meals

12:00pm EDT

Lunch - Registrants

Thursday July 23, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

Mayflower/Bistro/Atlantic

Thursday July 23, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Mayflower/Bistro/Atlantic

Meals

1:05pm EDT

Visit with Corporate Partners

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:05pm - 1:35pm EDT

Lobby Level

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:05pm - 1:35pm EDT
Lobby Level

Corporate Partner

1:30pm EDT

Ice Cream Available from Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream - Sponsored by Hill for Literacy

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:30pm - 4:30pm EDT

Lobby Level

Enjoy a sub zero ice cream for you and your family

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
Lobby Level

1:40pm EDT

InsideOut Initiatve

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT

Plympton

Presenters

Jody Redman

InsideOut Inniative

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT
Plympton

1:40pm EDT

Women in Leadership: Thriving Into Resilience: Rising Above Stress At School & Beyond - Sponsored by Horace Mann

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT

Wampanoag

Workshop Description: Female educators often pour into their students, staff, family and everyone else before themselves, which can lead them to feel overwhelmed and stressed with workplace pressures, demands, and workload. This can lead to burnout, reduced productivity, and a decline in well-being. In this interactive workshop, attendees will learn practical and hands-on tools to help them...
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Presenters

Ivy Watts

Mental Health Empowerment Speaker

Sherry Bryant

Deputy Director, MSAA

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT
Wampanoag

1:40pm EDT

School Culture and Climate

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT

Carver

A positive school culture and climate are essential for student success, staff retention, and overall school effectiveness. Elementary principals play a critical role in shaping environments where both adults and children feel valued, supported, and empowered. This interactive workshop will provide school leaders with practical strategies, reflective tools, and collaborative opportunities to...
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Presenters

Nicole Radulski

Principal, Franklin Elementary School

Caitlyn Queenin

Assistant Principal of Student Services, Franklin Elementary School

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT
Carver

Climate and Culture, Elementary

1:40pm EDT

Take a Chance on Our Students: Learning from the Lessons They Teach Us

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT

Standish

When we wholeheartedly believe that what our students teach us can shape how we lead, our school communities grow stronger. Over the last decade, I’ve been fortunate to take the lessons my last crew of fourth graders taught me and put them into action, impacting classrooms, schools, and districts. In this session, we’ll reflect on how students of all ages can shape our leadership...
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Presenters

Nili Bartley

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT
Standish

Climate and Culture, All Levels

1:40pm EDT

Exploring Anti-Racist Leadership Practices of School and District Leaders in Massachusetts

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT

Regency A

Urban Middle School principals will share what current research says, and what resources are available, for anti-racist leadership in Massachusetts, as well as identify roadblocks that get in the way of leaders fully engaging with this work. This talk will also touch on what qualities Leader and Teacher Preparation Programs could focus on to ensure the next generation of educators enter with a...
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Presenters

Sarah Houle

Principal, Southbridge Middle School

Kendra Cox

Principal, Sullivan Middle School

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT
Regency A

Respect & Civility, All Levels

1:40pm EDT

When Science Experiments Go Sideways: A Collaborative Approach to Lab Safety

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT

Regency B

STEM activities are essential for learning, but they carry risks that demand more than just classroom supervision. School leaders are responsible for adopting safety programs that align with standards, but what happens when best practices meet the unpredictable reality of a chemical reaction? This session features a case study into a real-world science experiment that took an unexpected turn,...
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Presenters

Michael Cassidy

Fire Chief / Emergency Management Director, Town of Holliston

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT
Regency B

Science and Technology/Engeineering, All Levels

1:40pm EDT

This School Is Going To The Dogs!

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT

Halifax

This course shares the process, purpose, and impact of introducing a service dog into their learning community. Participants will gain an understanding of how to implement a school service dog program—from initial planning & stakeholder buy-in to policies, funding considerations, handler responsibilities, and day-to-day logistics. Beyond the practical, the course highlights the social,...
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Presenters

Kristin Moffat

Principal, Leroy Mayo Elementary School

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT
Halifax

Social Emotional Learning, All Levels

1:40pm EDT

Tools, Not Toys: Fidgets in the Classroom

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT

Regency C

Fidgets can be dismissed as toys or distractions, yet all students have sensory needs that influence attention, regulation, and learning. This session reframes fidgets as practical, research-aligned tools that can support both up-regulation (increasing alertness) and down-regulation (reducing stress), helping students access instruction more consistently. This presentation explores the...
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Presenters

Leah Benjamin

Clinical Psychologist/Director of Clinical Services, The Concord Center

Jamie Garber

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, The Concord Center

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT
Regency C

Social Emotional Learning, All Levels

1:40pm EDT

Structured Learning in Sub-Separate Classrooms for Instructional Leaders

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT

Manomet

This session reframes center-based & small-group instruction from a classroom strategy into a systems-level leadership framework that supports consistent, high-quality instruction across programs serving students with intellectual disabilities and diverse learning needs. Rather than focusing on how teachers run centers, participants will explore how administrators ensure effective implementation...
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Presenters

Barbara Phinney

Director of Education, St. Coletta Day School- Cardinal Cushing Centers

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm EDT
Manomet

Special Education, All Levels

2:40pm EDT

A Place Where Everyone Belongs - Creating a School Crew Community - PART II

Thursday July 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT

Carver

You can attend even if you missed my presentation last summer! All are welcome!As a Crew, my entire staff have been meeting weekly to connect and create a caring and inclusive work environment by sharing values and consistent routines. I will share my ideas and experiences that you will be able to bring to your students, classroom, and/or schools Learning Targets Learning Target #1: I can...
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Presenters

Anne Cromwell-Gapp

Principal

As a Crew, my entire staff have been meeting weekly to connect and create a caring and inclusive work environment by sharing values and consistent routines. I will

share my ideas and experiences that you will be able to bring to your students, classroom, and/or schools

Learning Tar... Read More →

Thursday July 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Carver

Climate and Culture, Elementary

2:40pm EDT

Beyond Graduation: How Bourne High School Prepares Students for What Comes Next

Thursday July 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT

Halifax

College, career, or military - students need more than credits to succeed. Learn how Bourne High School created a structured School-to-Career progression that intentionally develops workplace skills, self-advocacy, and career readiness from Grade 8 through senior internships. Walk away with practical ideas to build a future-ready culture in your own school.

Presenters

Lisa Maguire

Principal, Bourne High School

Ann-Marie Strode

School-to-Career/Internship Coordinator, Bourne High School

Thursday July 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Halifax

Climate and Culture, High School

2:40pm EDT

Embracing and elevating your school's climate and culture, wherever you currently reside!

Thursday July 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT

Wampanoag

Climate and culture within a building is as effusive as the weather and far more complex to nurture, and with the current roller coaster of educational changes, it often is difficult to keep morale strong and the school community moving forward. This workshop will provide practical, immediate, and long-term strategies and opportunities, regardless of whether your school is thriving, growing or...
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Presenters

Alan Strauss

Principal and Consultant, Danvers High School

Thursday July 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Wampanoag

Climate and Culture, All Levels

2:40pm EDT

Groovy Leadership: Lessons Learned From The DJ Table!

Thursday July 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT

Regency B

Being a leader can be gnarly! Sit back, take a chill pill, and kick it old school with former DJ and current public school superintendent Sean Buchanan as he shares his Top 10 Big Hit Education Lessons from the DJ table!

Presenters

Sean Buchanan

Superintendent, Geary Public Schools

Thursday July 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Regency B

Climate and Culture, All Levels

2:40pm EDT

Navigating Uncomfortable Conversations

Thursday July 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT

Standish

While uncomfortable conversations are never easy, they are often necessary. Although this is an important part of being a leader, it is often a task that is neglected or overlooked. Great leaders know that the problem doesn’t go away just because it is ignored, yet when asked, almost all leaders admit that they are ill-prepared to lead uncomfortable conversations. This workshop will explain why...
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Presenters

Paul Zinni

School Administrator - Retired, Retired

Paul Zinni has been an Educator and School Leader for more than 37 years serving as a Special Education Teacher, Title 1 Director, Early Childhood Coordinator, Principal, Director of Pupil Services, Assistant Superintendent and for over ten years, as a Massachusetts Public Schools... Read More →

Thursday July 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Standish

Climate and Culture, All Levels

2:40pm EDT

Reimagining Discipline: Shifting School Culture to Strengthen Relationships

Thursday July 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT

Plympton

Discipline can be leveraged as an opportunity for learning, but it will only be effective when the learning environment contributes to the needs the misbehavior sought to fulfill. Otherwise, discipline feels persecutionary to students and can contribute to repeated misbehavior. Moreover, discipline teaches students to choose socially and morally responsible behavior because it’s the right thing...
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Presenters

Michelle Benson

Chief Professional Learning Officer, Center for Responsive Schools

Bill Knittle

Consulting Teacher, Center for Responsive Schools

Thursday July 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Plympton

Climate and Culture, All Levels

2:40pm EDT

You have achievement data but what are you missing? Using "street data" to clarify and support achievement data

Thursday July 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT

Regency A

Data is important, data with stories is powerful. We spent three months listening to students, parents, alumni, staff, and community members to better understand what our community needs and wants. We will explore how this listening campaign has informed a redesign process to better meet the needs of our students.

Presenters

Chris LaBreck

Principal, Claremont Academy

Thursday July 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Regency A

Climate and Culture, All Levels

2:40pm EDT

Multi-Tiered Suicide Prevention in Schools: A Framework and Assessment for Prevention

Thursday July 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT

Regency C

This workshop addresses the urgent need for comprehensive school-based suicide prevention strategies to respond to rising rates of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts among youth. Participants will explore the Multi-Tiered Suicide Prevention (MTSP) framework, developed by the Education Development Center (EDC), which offers six key components for effective school-based suicide prevention. This...
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Presenters

RICHARD FOURNIER

Project Director, Education & Wellbeing, Education Development Center

Thursday July 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Regency C

Social Emotional Learning, All Levels

4:00pm EDT

Happy Hour Reception - Sponsored by Hotel 1620

Thursday July 23, 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT

Atlantic (Second Floor - Main/Lobby Level)

Be sure to capture the moment in the Photo Booth!

Thursday July 23, 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
Atlantic (Second Floor - Main/Lobby Level)

Reception

7:00am EDT

Breakfast - open to Registrants and Corporate Partners

Friday July 24, 2026 7:00am - 8:30am EDT

Mayflower/Bistro/Atlantic

Friday July 24, 2026 7:00am - 8:30am EDT
Mayflower/Bistro/Atlantic

Meals

7:00am EDT

Registration Table Open

Friday July 24, 2026 7:00am - 9:00am EDT

Lobby Level

Friday July 24, 2026 7:00am - 9:00am EDT
Lobby Level

Registration

8:45am EDT

Group Photo

Friday July 24, 2026 8:45am - 9:00am EDT

Hotel Lobby

2025 Summer Institute Group Photo

Presenters

Thank you! Lifetouch

Friday July 24, 2026 8:45am - 9:00am EDT
Hotel Lobby 180 Water Street, Plymouth, MA

9:00am EDT

Keynote: From the Front Office to the Front Lines: Recalibrate Your Leadership

Friday July 24, 2026 9:00am - 9:55am EDT

Regency Ballroom

Ever wish you could step back into the classroom with the wisdom of a veteran principal? Brian McCann did exactly that.After 18 years leading his own alma mater, Brian retired in 2022—only to return to a public school a year later as a long-term sub. One week back in the classroom, he realized something profound: “I wish I remembered when I was the principal what it meant to be a working...
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Presenters

Brian McCann

Friday July 24, 2026 9:00am - 9:55am EDT
Regency Ballroom

10:00am EDT

Commissioner Martinez

Friday July 24, 2026 10:00am - 10:40am EDT

Regency Ballroom

15 Minute Presentation
15-20 Minute Q&A Session

Friday July 24, 2026 10:00am - 10:40am EDT
Regency Ballroom

Keynote

10:45am EDT

DISRUPT

Friday July 24, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

Regency Ballroom

As the 2026 conference comes to a close, MSAA's Summer Institute is brave enough to provide another opportunity for 10 Massachusetts administrators, who will share with you ONE (or more) best practice(s) that has been transformative in their schools. Each year these ideas are the ones that leaders go back to their schools implementing and thus DISRUPTING the status quo of their building. These...
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Presenters

Martin Geoghegan

Principal, Henri A. Yelle Elementary School

Friday July 24, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
Regency Ballroom