Room Reservations can be made by calling The Wilderness Resort. Tell them you are with Leader #A91282 by September 14, 2026. After that you can ask, but there is no guarantee.
Rooms are $98 night/single and $129 night/double/triple/quad.
Embedded Files
2026 Annual Conference
2026 Annual Conference
Dates: October 15-16 2026
Dates: October 15-16 2026
Location: Wilderness Resort & Conference Center, Wisconsin Dells
Location: Wilderness Resort & Conference Center, Wisconsin Dells
Cost Per Registrant: Member: $399/Non-Member: $459
Cost Per Registrant: Member: $399/Non-Member: $459
Tentative Schedule:
Thursday, October 15th
7 - 9:00 am - Registration
8 - 8:45 am - "0" Hour Sessions
9 - 10:30 am - Keynote Workshop Part 1
Vendor Break
10:50-11:50 am - Breakout Session 1
11:50 am-12:50 pm - Lunch Provided
12:50-1:50 pm - Breakout Session II
Vendor Break
2:10-2:30 pm - WiTALL General Session & Instructional Leader of the Year Announcement
2:30-3:30 pm - Keynote Workshop Part II
3:30-4:15 pm - Instructional Coaches Roundtable Discussions
4:15-6:00 pm - The Famous WiTALL Social (Live music, networking, cash bar, and appetizers sponsored by PASCO)
Friday, October 16th
7:30 - 8:00 am - Annual Membership Meeting (Optional)
7:30 - 8:30 am - Breakfast and Registration
8:30-9:30 - Breakout III
Vendor Break
9:50-11:15 - Closing Keynote
2026 Conference Vendors
Sessions and Descriptions
Thursday, October 15, 2026
"0 Hour" Session ~ Supporting K-8 Literacy Learning by Leading in Science & Social Studies
Kevin Anderson, Science Education Consultant, DPI
Ryan King, K-5 Science Teacher, Madison Metropolitan School District
"0 Hour" Session ~ Supporting K-8 Literacy Learning by Leading in Science & Social Studies
Kevin Anderson, Science Education Consultant, DPI
Ryan King, K-5 Science Teacher, Madison Metropolitan School District
In this session participants will engage in learning and discussions on how to lead meaningful improvements in literacy instruction and systems. In particular, we will focus on structures to renew instruction in science and social studies in ways that bolster literacy. Current research suggests that standards-based science and social studies learning supports students’ literacy skills in ways that typical purchased literacy programs do not. Additionally, we’ll share examples of how these systems for science and social studies can also support workforce readiness skills beyond a typical literacy program.
"0 Hour" Session ~ Teach What We Expect: What I've Learned from Student Focus Groups in Twenty Schools About Integrity, Cheating, Learning, and AI
Tony Frontier, Director of AI Center for Effective Teaching and Learning
"0 Hour" Session ~ Teach What We Expect: What I've Learned from Student Focus Groups in Twenty Schools About Integrity, Cheating, Learning, and AI
Tony Frontier, Director of AI Center for Effective Teaching and Learning
Description coming soon...
"0 Hour" Session ~ Visualizing Progress to Support Mastery of Standards
Shelby Renoos, Winsights Consortium
Chris Koeppen, School District of Beloit Turner
Tanya Mahr, Stanley-Boyd Area School District
"0 Hour" Session ~ Visualizing Progress to Support Mastery of Standards
Shelby Renoos, Winsights Consortium
Chris Koeppen, School District of Beloit Turner
Tanya Mahr, Stanley-Boyd Area School District
The WInsights Consortium brings together members from across Wisconsin, including the School District of Beloit Turner and Stanley-Boyd Area School District, to share a story of innovation to support students. We sought to find a way to bring the conversation around Standards-Based Grading and Mastery of Skills from the world of lagging-indicator, summative-only, year-end measures to next-day, live-data, formative assessments to empower teachers and administrators to meet the needs of students in real time and support growth and achievement results. We’ll share our interoperable processes, intuitive data metrics and dashboard reporting systems, and continued roadmap for innovation.
How do you know that what you are doing is effective? Our consortium has worked to create scalable processes that apply to use for a variety of factors: grade levels PK-12, multiple grading systems, adoption of standards-based practices, implementation of common local assessments, etc. By focusing on the interoperable common needs of all students and educators across the state, we’ve leveraged our tools to create next-day data visualizations. We’ll share how data-informed responsive practices guide teachers through instruction adjustment, reteaching, and unit pacing - and share measures reflecting student growth and mastery of academic skills.
What specific data (e.g., student learning results, survey feedback) supports your presentation? Member Districts Beloit-Turner and Stanley-Boyd will share success stories in the application of standards-based-grading tools and the use of WInsights visualizations. By tracking mastery of standards on various levels, we’ll share a replicable and scalable plan for process adoption. Data shared will include examination of student growth and achievement from a classroom level, to grade band to district-wide improvements. Measures incorporated: End-of Unit common assessments, progress monitoring measures, screening assessment, End-of-Year summative scores, quarterly and term gradebook summaries for elementary, middle school, and high school students across subject levels.
Opening Keynote ~ James O'Neal
This is JOY: A Blueprint for Building Classrooms That Heal, Empower & Inspire
Joy is more than celebration. It is the result of creating learning environments where students feel safe, valued, capable, and inspired to grow. In this keynote, educators will explore how intentional relationships, high expectations, meaningful engagement, and affirming classroom practices can help students heal from past learning experiences and rediscover the joy of learning.
Breakout Session 1 ~ State Report Card-Data Driving Our Work
Eric Larson, CESA 6
Breakout Session 1 ~ State Report Card-Data Driving Our Work
Eric Larson, CESA 6
Description coming soon...
Breakout Session 1 ~ From Reactive to Regulated: Co-Regulatory Strategies for Behavioral Management
Callista Rochon-Baker, WSPP Doctoral Student
Breakout Session 1 ~ From Reactive to Regulated: Co-Regulatory Strategies for Behavioral Management
Callista Rochon-Baker, WSPP Doctoral Student
Youth experience a myriad of complex changes, emotions, and stressors, many of which school staff members cannot see and that students seldom understand. In situations of behavioral defiance or student aggression, staff members may naturally be compelled to react before regulating. However, how staff members choose to respond can make a powerful difference. In this interactive workshop, group members will learn the core components of co-regulation, learn co-regulatory skills, and understand the underlying need for biologically informed strategies in behavioral management. By the end of the session, participants will walk away with actionable strategies to apply before addressing student behavior to enhance students' emotional and behavioral growth.
Breakout Session 1 ~ Make it Make Sense: Math Emphasis
James O'Neal, Founder & CEO Mastery for ALL LLC
Breakout Session 1 ~ Make it Make Sense: Math Emphasis
James O'Neal, Founder & CEO Mastery for ALL LLC
Students should not have to rely on memorized steps without understanding why the mathematics works. This session will help educators examine practical ways to strengthen student sense-making, mathematical reasoning, discourse, and productive struggle so students can confidently explain, apply, and build upon their learning.
Breakout Session 1 ~ Aligning District Literacy Needs with High Quality Solutions (VENDOR PRESENTATION)
Nichole Ponzer, Menasha Joint School Disctrict
Breakout Session 1 ~ Aligning District Literacy Needs with High Quality Solutions (VENDOR PRESENTATION)
Nichole Ponzer, Menasha Joint School Disctrict
Karen Wendlandt, American Reading Company
Menasha Joint School District will share what their literacy needs were when they went through their ELA adoption process and how they ultimately decided on a solution to meet those needs.
Breakout Session 2 ~ Supercharge Your Classroom with the Power of AI
Sarah Gunn, Library Director, Hayward Community Schools
Breakout Session 2 ~ Supercharge Your Classroom with the Power of AI
Sarah Gunn, Library Director, Hayward Community Schools
As educators, we are constantly seeking innovative tools to enhance student learning and reclaim valuable time. Join us as we explore how Brisk, an AI-powered educational platform, transforms the 5th-grade learning experience for students and simplifies teachers' administrative tasks at Hayward Community Schools.
Packed with practical takeaways, we'll share ideas on how to elevate student writing, utilize Brisk Boost, time-saving tips, and more. You'll leave with tons of ideas you can use right away to make your teaching easier and your students' learning more exciting! Discover how Brisk and AI can be a game-changer in your classroom, too.
Breakout Session 2 ~ Increasing Achievement for Struggling Readers: The One Thing All Principals (and Teachers) Should Consider
Adam Broten, Coordinator of Instructional Services, Sheboygan Area School District
Breakout Session 2 ~ Increasing Achievement for Struggling Readers: The One Thing All Principals (and Teachers) Should Consider
Adam Broten, Coordinator of Instructional Services, Sheboygan Area School District
When we know better, we can do better. The ACT Study and other similar studies clearly show what the number one focus should be to increase reading achievement for students. This study is one that helped to inform our state's new elementary reading mandates and required practices. Do you know what this is? Do your teachers know? In this session, we'll take a look at what the ACT Study discovered and why all MS/HS principals should ensure it is considered in every classroom. Then we will learn practical ways to plan and instruct with this in mind. Our presenter has worked with numerous districts, principals, and educators across the country to facilitate this learning through a workshop format (including leading workshops for DPI). This session will be based on that workshop content.
Breakout Session 2 ~ The Function You Serve: Your Role in Shaping Mathematics Pathways (VENDOR PRESENTATION)
Breakout Session 2 ~ The Function You Serve: Your Role in Shaping Mathematics Pathways (VENDOR PRESENTATION)
Corina Diaz-Suazo, Strategic Enrollment & Transfer Specialist, Universities of Wisconsin
College readiness in math is fundamental to college success. This session will discuss ways the Universities of Wisconsin Direct Admit Wisconsin identifies college-ready math courses for admission purposes. We will discuss how high school counselors, math teachers, curriculum directors, and staff who assist with state reporting play a critical role in identifying college-ready math courses and shaping students’ math pathways. This session will introduce various tools in development and strategies.
Breakout Session 2 ~ Motivating the Hard-to-Reach Students
James O'Neal, Founder & CEO Mastery for All LLC
Breakout Session 2 ~ Motivating the Hard-to-Reach Students
James O'Neal, Founder & CEO Mastery for All LLC
Students are rarely truly unmotivated. More often, they have not yet found a meaningful reason to engage or believe that success is possible. This session will challenge traditional thinking about motivation and provide practical strategies for building trust, increasing participation, affirming student competence, and helping students reconnect with learning.
Afternoon Keynote ~ James O'Neal
I'm Good Because I'm Good
James challenges educators to rethink wellness as more than rest, care, and recovery. Through storytelling, research, and reflection, James O’Neal, Jr. explores how competence, confidence, belonging, and visible impact strengthen both educator and student well-being. This keynote is a call to move beyond good intentions and intentionally grow the skills, systems, and support needed to help people thrive.
Instructional Coaches Roundtable Discussions
The Famous WiTALL Social
This is where instructional leaders network! Enjoy live music, appetizers, a cash bar, and great company. In addition, you'll have the opportunity to mingle with our vendors in a relaxed setting.
Friday,October 16, 2026
Breakout Session 3 ~ Who CARES: Coaching for Collective Efficacy With Curiosity, Alignment, Responsibility, and Engagement
David Grambow, Superintendent, Somerset School District
Erin Schiltgen, Executive Director, Educate Pathways
Andrea Voelker, Executive Director of Human Resources, Eau Claire Area School District
Breakout Session 3 ~ Who CARES: Coaching for Collective Efficacy With Curiosity, Alignment, Responsibility, and Engagement
David Grambow, Superintendent, Somerset School District
Erin Schiltgen, Executive Director, Educate Pathways
Andrea Voelker, Executive Director of Human Resources, Eau Claire Area School District
Have you ever noticed how a school can have an incredibly hard-working staff, yet still feel like it is constantly spinning its wheels? Hard work alone is not enough to sustain a thriving school culture if it is not held together by a deeper, aligned sense of care. In this interactive breakout session, educational leaders and coaches will be introduced to the CAREs Framework, a comprehensive coaching model designed to move schools beyond isolated initiatives and transform genuine passion into measurable student success. Participants will explore the concept of caring at a cultural level and how to achieve the ultimate goal of a thriving school culture through one central equation: Teacher Self-Efficacy + (Curiosity, Alignment, Responsibility, Engagement) = Sustainable Collective Efficacy.
Breakout Session 3 ~ Closing the Achievement Gap Through the Use of BTC Boards, Student Accountability, and Mathematical Dissonance Where Students Monitor Their Growth
Jackie Ellerman & Melissa Cordy, 6th Grade Math Educators, Hortonville Area School District
Breakout Session 3 ~ Closing the Achievement Gap Through the Use of BTC Boards, Student Accountability, and Mathematical Dissonance Where Students Monitor Their Growth
Jackie Ellerman & Melissa Cordy, 6th Grade Math Educators, Hortonville Area School District
How do we move students from simply completing mathematics to taking ownership of their mathematical growth? This session explores how the Building Thinking Classrooms framework, combined with intentional structures that help students monitor their learning, articulate their thinking, use feedback, and recognize their growth, can create classrooms where every student is challenged to think, persevere, and make meaningful progress. This session will examine practical strategies for creating equitable mathematics learning environments where students make sense of mathematics, communicate their reasoning, engage in productive struggle, and take increasing ownership of their learning. Participants will explore how classroom structures and purposeful teacher moves can gradually shift the responsibility for learning from the teacher to the student while maintaining high expectations and providing meaningful support.
Participants will leave with actionable ideas for coaching and supporting teachers in implementing Building Thinking Classroom practices while strengthening student ownership and accountability. The session will highlight practical ways to help students recognize, reflect on, and monitor their own mathematical growth, positioning students as active participants in their learning. By creating classrooms where students are empowered to think, reflect, and grow, educators can build the conditions necessary to close achievement gaps and develop confident, capable mathematical thinkers.
Breakout Session 3 ~ Applying MindCrafts
Aaron Sadoff, President, Marian University
Breakout Session 3 ~ Applying MindCrafts
Aaron Sadoff, President, Marian University
Learn more in depth how purposefully forming your mindsets can positively enhance every aspect of your life.
Breakout Session 3 ~ Using AI in the Classroom (VENDOR PRESENTATION)
Ryan Bailey, National HMH Consultant
Breakout Session 3 ~ Using AI in the Classroom (VENDOR PRESENTATION)
Ryan Bailey, National HMH Consultant
Discover practical ways to use artificial intelligence to enhance teaching, increase student engagement, and save valuable planning time. This session will explore real-world classroom applications, including lesson planning, content creation, differentiation, and responsible AI use, while providing educators with strategies they can implement immediately.
Closing Keynote ~ Aaron Sadoff
Mindcraft, The Art of Positive Thinking Right Now
Pain is inevitable; suffering is a choice! Stuck in a rut - Thinking about making a career change - Dealing with loss and despair - Wanting a change in you? You are at the right place, at the right time to make your life better, the past more helpful, and the future brighter. We each have the power to amazingly impact our lives and others through OUR positive thinking RIGHT NOW! Welcome to MindCraft.
Neon One Registration System
All WiTALL events are in the registration system, Neon One. WiTALL partners with CESA 9 for our registration process. You will see a CESA 9 homepage, even though it is a WiTALL event.
Account creation only takes a few minutes and will help streamline the event registration process down the road.
To create a Neon One account, please:
Fill in and submit the Account Registration Form by clicking here*
Please check the box labeled "Yes, I would like to receive communications from CESA 9 by email" to receive your confirmation email and future registration emails. If you do not check this box, your account will not be fully set up.
Check your email for the confirmation and to set up a password and access your account.
Please check the box labeled "Yes, I would like to receive communications from CESA 9 by email" to receive your confirmation email and future registration emails. If you do not check this box, your account will not be fully set up.
If you need assistance with the account registration process, please contact us by email at office@witall.org.
Page updated
Report abuse