Storm into Summer 2026

Teacher shortages have shifted the landscape of our schools. Today, we welcome passionate alternative-route and non-traditional educators who bring immense enthusiasm but have limited classroom experience. While traditional mentoring can overextend veteran teachers, this shift presents a wonderful opportunity to rethink how we support new staff without sacrificing our core culture. This practical session equips leaders with a foundational playbook by applying a familiar concept to adults: a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) for teachers. We will explore how to build Tier 1 universal supports: establishing clear, shared routines like common attention signals so new staff don't have to invent management systems from scratch. We’ll also cover Tier 2 connection check-ins and Tier 3 mentorship. Attendees will walk away with a ready-to-use toolkit, including: The 15-Minute Connection Check-In: A template focused on connection over compliance. Supportive Scripts: Approachable conversation starters for administrators, coaches, or veteran staff to offer help. The "Need-to-Know" Checklist: A cheat sheet for decoding school norms, acronyms, and protocols.

I will be discussing the dual enrollment opportunities available at Trine University, including our degree-specific pathways and CTE pathways designed to help students get a head start on their college education. I will also cover important topics such as transfer credit, transcripts, and the Indiana College Core. There will be time for questions, and I’m happy to answer any general questions about dual enrollment—even if they are not directly related to Trine. My goal is to be a resource for students, counselors, teachers, parents, and schools navigating dual enrollment opportunities.

What separates struggling schools from thriving learning communities? It’s not just talent—it’s leadership. In this engaging and results-driven session, Dr. Tora Townsend unpacks the three essential pillars of effective school leadership: culture, clarity, and consistency. Drawing from over 20 years of experience transforming schools and leading high-performing teams, Dr. Townsend will share practical strategies to build a positive school culture, establish clear expectations, and implement systems that drive accountability and academic success. This session is ideal for aspiring and current leaders committed to moving beyond survival mode and leading schools where both educators and scholars truly thrive.