Closing Mainstage
Join us for a vibrant closing session featuring former Superintendent of the Fall Creek School District and Author of "Hacking Leadership" and "Lead From Where You Are"., Joe Sanfelippo, Ph.D. His talk will be preceded by local powerhouse and Dual Executive Principal of MNPS Virtual School and Nashville Big Picture High School, Brenda Diaz, Ed.D. The session will be emceed by the Managing Director of Partner Success at ASCD and ISTE, Keisha Chandler, Ed.D.
Dr. Sanfelippo's keynote "Lead From Where You Are" will teach us that "we get what we model". This dynamic talk invites you to break free from the limiting mindset of "I'm just…" and discover the power of intentional, connected, and directed leadership. Whether you're managing a classroom, department, or school, leadership starts with you and ripples through your entire organization. You'll learn how to create purpose through intentional actions, build momentum through meaningful connections, and foster collective efficacy by guiding your team with clear direction. In a world where day-to-day tasks can overwhelm, this session will empower you to lead the learning in your school with confidence, ensuring that every day counts. Join us to build your capacity and create an environment where everyone, from staff to students, can lead from where they are.
Dr. Diaz's talk, "Leadership: From Transformation to Confirmation", will cover how the journey of a school leader is marked by continuous transformation, a process that’s driven by internal motivation and external pressures. The evolution from adapting to the status quo to reaching a state of empowerment is a significant milestone. This milestone is characterized by a clear vision, integrity in action, and the creation of trusting relationships. This pivotal moment transcends mere adaptation and becomes a confirmation of values and direction, allowing educators to radiate positivity, love, and hope – which profoundly impacts their daily work and the educational environment. During this personal and impactful session, you’ll learn about Brenda Diaz, Ed.D.’s, "Principal Points," which provide insights into this powerful transition, and get a reflective road map for moving from transformation to confirmation. Hearing her experiences will inspire and guide you on your own path to empowered leadership.
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Presidential Ballroom D, Gaylord Opryland
Mainstage
Presented by
Dual Executive Principal, MNPS Virtual School and Nashville Big Picture High School
Brenda Diaz, Ed.D., is the dual executive principal for Nashville Big Picture High School and Metro Nashville Virtual School in Nashville. A graduate of Rust College, she holds advanced degrees and endorsements from the University of Mississippi, University of Memphis, and Union University. She has been honored as the 2022 Big Picture Learning Ted Sizer School Leader of the Year, 2023 Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) High School Principal of the Year, and MNPS 2018 Out of the Box Leader. She’s also an MNPS 2019 Women Who Overcome Challenges in Educational Leadership recipient. Diaz serves on the Knowledgeworks Leading Change Network Steering Committee and the MNPS Principal Advisory Committee. During her tenure as executive principal, Nashville Big Picture High School was recognized as a State of Tennessee 2023 Reward School for academic achievement. Diaz is passionate about creating personalized learning environments where all students know they are loved and that nothing is impossible with passion and support!
Former Superintendent, Fall Creek School District, and Author
Joe Sanfelippo, Ph.D., former superintendent of the Fall Creek School District (FCSD) in Wisconsin, is a celebrated educational leader and author. During his tenure, FCSD was twice recognized by the International Center for Leadership in Education as an “Innovative District.” Sanfelippo has authored multiple books, including the bestsellers Hacking Leadership and Lead From Where You Are. Honored as one of 117 Future Ready Superintendents and among the 50 Personalized Learning Leaders by the U.S. Department of Education, Sanfelippo was also named one of the 100 Most Influential Educators by District Administration Magazine. In 2019, Education Dive named him National Superintendent of the Year.
Managing Director, Partner Success
ASCD + ISTE
Keisha Chandler is the managing director of partner success for ASCD + ISTE and an adjunct professor at Trinity Washington University. She began her career as a kindergarten teacher in Wisconsin and later taught middle school English and communications in Pennsylvania. She then transitioned to an education researcher role at Ceridian Inc., where she specialized in adult education and distance learning programs. Chandler later returned to the classroom and served as a reading specialist, language arts teacher and literacy coach in New Jersey. In 2007, she entered the education consulting field, providing professional development for teachers and administrators in New Jersey. To expand her business experience, she worked as a corporate trainer for UnitedHealth Group. Chandler’s love of education led her back to the field, and she became an educational consultant for SunGard Public Sector, providing professional development across the U.S. She then worked as an implementation manager and professional development manager for assessment company CORE ECS. In 2013, Chandler formed her own education consulting firm, Strategies 2 Success Inc., where she served as a senior project manager on large-scale professional development projects. She has also served as the associate director of leadership at the New York City Leadership Academy and as an executive coach with American Reading Company. She was a 2021-2022 DC Education Policy Fellow.
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Presidential Ballroom D, Gaylord Opryland
Mainstage