2025 Teacher Leader Summit
A New Story for Louisiana Education
June 10–12| New Orleans, LA
Connect with the Great Minds® Louisiana team (Booth #403) during this year's conference to enter our giveaway raffle, and learn about the latest Tier 1 rated materials and support available for Louisiana schools.
High-Quality Materials & Support for Louisiana
Great Minds began as a small group of K—12 advocates with a passion for knowledge that has since grown quickly into teams of hundreds of teacher-writers on a mission to elevate education in every classroom. Great Minds makes knowledge accessible to all in the form of high-quality materials in mathematics, English language arts, science, early literacy.
Stop by the Great Minds booth (#403) during the 2025 Teacher Leader Summit to preview Tier 1 rated materials from Great Minds, attend one of the many free sessions the Great Minds Louisiana team will be hosting, enter our raffle, and connect with your Great Minds partners. Learn more below.
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TEACHER LEADER SUMMIT SESSIONS
The Great Minds Louisiana team will be hosting a variety of sessions during the 2025 Teacher Leader Summit focused on elevating instruction in ELA, math, and science through student discourse, equity, instructional planning and coaching, data-informed decision-making, leadership alignment with Louisiana priorities, and more.
Select a date below for the full schedule and additional details for the Great Minds sessions.
Space is limited, so make sure to reserve your spot for a session through the Teacher Leader Summit Cvent conference app.
DAILY SCHEDULE
Click here to download the full schedule of Great Minds Teacher Leader Summit sessions.
Where’s the Connection?
Using Eureka Math2 to Address the Louisiana Educator Rubric (K–5)
10:15 a.m.–11:25 a.m. | Room 216
PRESENTERS: PAULA LANDRY & SHANEKA BRADFORD
This session is designed to empower K–5 teachers who are implementing Eureka Math2®. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the connections between key features of the Eureka Math2 curriculum and the Louisiana Educator Advancement and Development System (LEADS) rubric.
During this interactive session, teachers will revisit the characteristics of Eureka Math2 lessons. Through collaborative discussions and targeted activities, participants will look for connections between these characteristics and the LEADS rubric. Teachers will also explore a portion of the Implementation Support Tool and look for similarities between the tool and the LEADS rubric. Teachers will experience a Eureka Math2 lesson and look for indicators from the LEADS rubric as well. The session will conclude with reflection and a collaborative discussion about the connections between Eureka Math2 and the LEADS rubric.
Attendees will leave the session empowered to continue implementing Eureka Math2. By exploring the connections between Eureka Math2 and the LEADS rubric, teachers can be confident they are addressing key features of the LEADS rubric while using Eureka Math2 to deliver effective math instruction.
Where’s the Connection? Using Eureka Math2 to Address the Louisiana Educator Rubric (6–9)
12:40 p.m.–1:50 p.m. | Room 216
PRESENTERS: PAULA LANDRY & JENN TADLOCK
This session is designed to empower teachers of grade levels 6–9 who are implementing Eureka Math2. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the connections between key features of the Eureka Math2 curriculum and the LEADS rubric.
During this interactive session, teachers will revisit the characteristics of Eureka Math2 lessons. Through collaborative discussions and targeted activities, participants will look for connections between these characteristics and the LEADS rubric. Teachers will also explore a portion of the Implementation Support Tool and look for similarities between the tool and the LEADS rubric. Teachers will experience a Eureka Math2 lesson and look for indicators from the LEADS rubric as well. The session will conclude with reflection and a collaborative discussion about the connections between Eureka Math2 and the LEADS rubric.
Attendees will leave the session empowered to continue implementing Eureka Math2. By exploring the connections between Eureka Math2 and the LEADS rubric, teachers can be confident they are addressing key features of the LEADS rubric while using Eureka Math2 to deliver effective math instruction.
Expand Your Capacity! Using Exit Ticket Data to Optimize Instruction 6–9
12:40 p.m.–1:50 p.m. | Room 213
CHERIE NEILL & ASHA MEADOWS
During this session, participants increase their ability to effectively use Eureka Math2 curriculum materials and student data to plan for and deliver instruction that ensures all learners can access grade-level content. Participants will practice analyzing student work to identify strengths and opportunities for growth, use curriculum materials to identify access points, and prioritize and customize lessons all while considering the content and pedagogy.
Attendees will leave this session feeling empowered to use student data to optimize instruction and to respond to the needs of the individual learners in their classrooms.
Urgency Unpacked: Tools and Strategies for Effective Leadership and Instructional Coaching of Wit & Wisdom
12:40 p.m.–1:50 p.m. | Room 204
PRESENTERS: AMANDA STEPHENS & HANNAH TWILLMAN
This session is designed for school leaders, instructional coaches, and teacher–leaders supporting the implementation of Wit & Wisdom®. It focuses on fostering a sense of urgency in instruction to maximize student engagement and learning. Participants will explore research-based strategies for pacing, while maintaining lesson focus and making instructional decisions that keep students on track toward the learning goals as they work to answer the Essential Question: How do Wit & Wisdom leaders observe and coach to support teachers in teaching with urgency?
Through hands-on activities, discussion, and real-world classroom scenarios, attendees will analyze effective teacher actions and urgency in instruction and then practice coaching strategies that support teachers in creating purposeful, efficient, and engaging lessons. Participants will also learn to use the Wit & Wisdom Teaching and Learning Progression as a tool to guide observations and provide high-level feedback to educators.
This session is ideal for those looking to refine their coaching practices and to ensure that every instructional minute is purposeful and impactful. At the end of the session, attendees will leave with actionable coaching techniques and a deeper understanding of how to support teachers in creating classrooms where urgency leads to stronger student outcomes.
Join us to unpack the power of urgency in teaching and to discover practical tools for driving instructional excellence!
Level Up Your Learning: Studying a Eureka Math² Topic
2:05 p.m.–3:15 p.m. | Room 218
PRESENTERS: EMILY BENNETT & JILL BUUCK
During this session, participants develop an understanding of the importance of studying at the topic level and how the progression of lessons supports key ideas within the topic. By studying topic-level assessments before facilitating the lessons, teachers gain confidence in analyzing student progress. When teachers are better equipped to analyze student progress, they resist the urge to reteach individual lessons.
As teachers study at the topic level and experience a shift in their instruction because of this studying, they are more likely to apply this transferable process moving forward. Participants will engage in collaborative discussions to deepen their knowledge of the learning that occurs within the topic and lessons. Teachers leave with annotations that will support them as they prepare and facilitate individual lessons to maintain the story of the topic.
Connecting the Dots: Using Wit & Wisdom’s Focusing Question Arc Protocol to Understand the Connections Between K–2 Daily Lessons
2:05 p.m.–3:15 p.m. | Room 203
PRESENTERS: WILLY FOSTER & LOUISA HODGES
During this session, participants develop an understanding of the importance of studying at the topic level and how the progression of lessons supports key ideas within the topic. By studying topic-level assessments before facilitating the lessons, teachers gain confidence in analyzing student progress. When teachers are better equipped to analyze student progress, they resist the urge to reteach individual lessons.
As teachers study at the topic level and experience a shift in their instruction because of this studying, they are more likely to apply this transferable process moving forward. Participants will engage in collaborative discussions to deepen their knowledge of the learning that occurs within the topic and lessons. Teachers leave with annotations that will support them as they prepare and facilitate individual lessons to maintain the story of the topic.
Where’s the Connection? Using Eureka Math2 to Address the Louisiana Educator Rubric (Leaders)
3:30 p.m.–4:40 p.m. | Room 203
PRESENTERS: PAULA LANDRY & TANISHA WASHINGTON
This session is designed for school-based leaders (K–9) who are driving the implementation of Eureka Math2. The purpose of the session is to empower leaders to better support teachers in their implementation of Eureka Math2. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the connections between key features of the Eureka Math2 curriculum and the LEADS rubric.
During this interactive session, leaders will revisit the characteristics of Eureka Math2. Through collaborative discussions and targeted activities, participants will look for connections between these characteristics and the LEADS rubric. Leaders will also explore a portion of the Implementation Support Tool and look for similarities between the tool and the LEADS rubric. The session will conclude with reflection and a collaborative discussion about the connections between Eureka Math2 and the LEADS rubric.
Attendees will leave the session equipped to inspire and support their teams in implementing Eureka Math2. By exploring the connections between Eureka Math2 and the LEADS rubric, leaders can support teachers in delivering effective math instruction to all students.
Expand Your Capacity! Using Exit Ticket Data to Optimize Instruction 1–5
3:30 p.m.–4:40 p.m. | Room 213
PRESENTERS: CHERIE NEILL & MONIQUE DURHAM
During this session, participants increase their ability to effectively use Eureka Math2 curriculum materials and student data to plan for and deliver instruction that ensures all learners can access grade-level content. Participants will practice analyzing student work to identify strengths and opportunities for growth, use curriculum materials to identify access points, and prioritize and customize lessons all while considering the content and pedagogy.
Attendees will leave this session feeling empowered to use student data to optimize instruction and to respond to the needs of the individual learners in their classrooms.
Connecting the Dots: Using Wit & Wisdom’s Focusing Question Arc Protocol to Understand the Connections Between 3–5 Daily Lessons
3:30 p.m.–4:40 p.m. | Room 223
PRESENTERS: WILLY FOSTER & MELISSA DANESE
This session is designed for educators of grade levels 3–5 who use Wit & Wisdom and want to deepen their understanding of internalizing lessons and to improve their instructional planning. Participants will explore the Focusing Question Arc Protocol, a structured approach that helps teachers connect daily lessons, build student knowledge systematically, and enhance students’ overall comprehension and writing skills.
Through hands-on activities, collaborative discussions, and practical application, attendees will learn how to use this protocol to effectively prepare for Module 1 instruction. At the end of the session, teachers will be equipped with strategies to streamline their planning, improve the coherence of their lessons, and ultimately support student success.
This session is ideal for educators seeking to strengthen their implementation of Wit & Wisdom and to align their instructional practices with Louisiana’s education priority: “an effective teacher for every student.” Whether you are new to Wit & Wisdom or looking to refine your planning process, this session will provide actionable insights to help you make the most of your curriculum.
Join us for an engaging and interactive session that will help you “connect the dots” between lessons and enhance your teaching practice!
Please note that all session locations are subject to change. Prior to attending a session, please confirm the room number in the Cvent app.
If a session you would like to attend is full, please stop by the Great Minds booth (#403) during the Teacher Leader Summit.
Where’s the Connection?
Using Eureka Math2 to Address the Louisiana Educator Rubric (K–5)
9:25 a.m.–10:35 a.m. | Room 208
PRESENTERS: PAULA LANDRY & SHANEKA BRADFORD
This session is designed to empower K–5 teachers who are implementing Eureka Math2®. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the connections between key features of the Eureka Math2 curriculum and the Louisiana Educator Advancement and Development System (LEADS) rubric.
During this interactive session, teachers will revisit the characteristics of Eureka Math2 lessons. Through collaborative discussions and targeted activities, participants will look for connections between these characteristics and the LEADS rubric. Teachers will also explore a portion of the Implementation Support Tool and look for similarities between the tool and the LEADS rubric. Teachers will experience a Eureka Math2 lesson and look for indicators from the LEADS rubric as well. The session will conclude with reflection and a collaborative discussion about the connections between Eureka Math2 and the LEADS rubric.
Attendees will leave the session empowered to continue implementing Eureka Math2. By exploring the connections between Eureka Math2 and the LEADS rubric, teachers can be confident they are addressing key features of the LEADS rubric while using Eureka Math2 to deliver effective math instruction.
How Do You Encourage Scientific Discourse with PhD Science?
9:25 a.m.–10:35 a.m. | Room 221
PRESENTERS: KRISTI MADDEN (Great Minds) & NICOLE HARVEY (Zachary Community Schools)
In this workshop, participants discover ways to plan and prepare for collaborative conversations in their PhD Science classroom with strategies such as targeted questioning, talk moves, and instructional routines. Participants will practice applying these strategies to promote effective science discourse and to enable students to justify their thinking, hear diverse perspectives, and build deeper understanding in a three-dimensional classroom environment.
Where’s the Connection? Using Eureka Math2 to Address the Louisiana Educator Rubric (Leaders)
10:50 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Room 218
PRESENTERS: PAULA LANDRY & TANISHA WASHINGTON
This session is designed for school-based leaders (K–9) who are driving the implementation of Eureka Math2. The purpose of the session is to empower leaders to better support teachers in their implementation of Eureka Math2. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the connections between key features of the Eureka Math2 curriculum and the LEADS rubric.
During this interactive session, leaders will revisit the characteristics of Eureka Math2. Through collaborative discussions and targeted activities, participants will look for connections between these characteristics and the LEADS rubric. Leaders will also explore a portion of the Implementation Support Tool and look for similarities between the tool and the LEADS rubric. The session will conclude with reflection and a collaborative discussion about the connections between Eureka Math2 and the LEADS rubric.
Attendees will leave the session equipped to inspire and support their teams in implementing Eureka Math2. By exploring the connections between Eureka Math2 and the LEADS rubric, leaders can support teachers in delivering effective math instruction to all students.
Ask Me Anything: Leading a Successful PhD Science Implementation
10:50 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Room 224
PRESENTERS: KOI BEARD, KEN JOHNSON & PANELISTS (Allen Parish, Caddo Parish, Central Community Schools, Lincoln Parish)
Implementing PhD Science® successfully requires strong leadership, intentional planning, and collaborative support for teachers. This interactive panel discussion brings together district and school leaders to share real-world strategies for overcoming common challenges in science instruction, including scheduling constraints, ineffective planning structures, and using assessments to drive instruction. Modeled after the popular online talk show Hot Ones, this session adds a fun twist—panelists will take on progressively more sour candy as they answer audience questions! Participants will have the opportunity to ask their most pressing questions regarding PhD Science implementation, ensuring that the discussion addresses their key concerns.
Attendees will leave with practical strategies that can be applied within their schools and districts. This session is ideal for district leaders, principals, and instructional coaches looking to strengthen their PhD Science implementation and to ensure that every student has access to high-quality, three-dimensional science instruction.
Where’s the Connection? Using Eureka Math2 to Address the Louisiana Educator Rubric (6–9)
1:30 p.m.–2:40 p.m. | Room 204
PRESENTERS: PAULA LANDRY & JENN TADLOCK
This session is designed to empower teachers of grade levels 6–9 who are implementing Eureka Math2. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the connections between key features of the Eureka Math2 curriculum and the LEADS rubric.
During this interactive session, teachers will revisit the characteristics of Eureka Math2 lessons. Through collaborative discussions and targeted activities, participants will look for connections between these characteristics and the LEADS rubric. Teachers will also explore a portion of the Implementation Support Tool and look for similarities between the tool and the LEADS rubric. Teachers will experience a Eureka Math2 lesson and look for indicators from the LEADS rubric as well. The session will conclude with reflection and a collaborative discussion about the connections between Eureka Math2 and the LEADS rubric.
Attendees will leave the session empowered to continue implementing Eureka Math2. By exploring the connections between Eureka Math2 and the LEADS rubric, teachers can be confident they are addressing key features of the LEADS rubric while using Eureka Math2 to deliver effective math instruction.
Level Up Your Learning: Studying a Eureka Math² Topic
1:30 p.m.–2:40 p.m. | Room 218
PRESENTERS: EMILY BENNETT & JILL BUUCK
During this session, participants develop an understanding of the importance of studying at the topic level and how the progression of lessons supports key ideas within the topic. By studying topic-level assessments before facilitating the lessons, teachers gain confidence in analyzing student progress. When teachers are better equipped to analyze student progress, they resist the urge to reteach individual lessons.
As teachers study at the topic level and experience a shift in their instruction because of this studying, they are more likely to apply this transferable process moving forward. Participants will engage in collaborative discussions to deepen their knowledge of the learning that occurs within the topic and lessons. Teachers leave with annotations that will support them as they prepare and facilitate individual lessons to maintain the story of the topic.
What’s Your Vision? Creating an Effective Vision for Eureka Math² Implementation
2:55 p.m.–4:05 p.m. | Room 214
PRESENTER: DANYELLE DOUGLAS
This session is designed for school-based leaders (K–9) who are driving the implementation of Eureka Math². The purpose of the session is to empower leaders to build and refine a shared vision for exemplary Eureka Math² implementation. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of three key areas: the essential elements of effective lesson facilitation and instructional leadership, the components of exemplary Eureka Math² implementation, and the gap between leaders’ current practices and their desired outcomes.
During this interactive session, leaders will explore how to articulate and align their school’s vision for high-quality math instruction. Through collaborative discussions and targeted activities, participants will develop the skills needed to craft a clear and actionable vision. This vision will serve as a foundation for fostering alignment within their schools and strategically allocating resources to meet implementation goals.
Attendees will leave the session equipped to inspire and lead their teams with a unified focus on instructional excellence. By aligning their vision with the core principles of Eureka Math², leaders can drive transformative change, ensuring their students receive a rigorous and effective math education.
Expand Your Capacity! Using Exit Ticket Data to Optimize Instruction 1–5
2:55 p.m.–4:05 p.m. | Room 215
PRESENTERS: CHERIE NEILL & MONIQUE DURHAM
During this session, participants increase their ability to effectively use Eureka Math2 curriculum materials and student data to plan for and deliver instruction that ensures all learners can access grade-level content. Participants will practice analyzing student work to identify strengths and opportunities for growth, use curriculum materials to identify access points, and prioritize and customize lessons all while considering the content and pedagogy.
Attendees will leave this session feeling empowered to use student data to optimize instruction and to respond to the needs of the individual learners in their classrooms.
How Do You Encourage Scientific Discourse with PhD Science?
2:55 p.m.–4:05 p.m. | Room 210
PRESENTERS: KRISTI MADDEN (Great Minds) & NICOLE HARVEY (Zachary Community Schools)
In this workshop, participants discover ways to plan and prepare for collaborative conversations in their PhD Science classroom with strategies such as targeted questioning, talk moves, and instructional routines. Participants will practice applying these strategies to promote effective science discourse and to enable students to justify their thinking, hear diverse perspectives, and build deeper understanding in a three-dimensional classroom environment.
Please note that all session locations are subject to change. Prior to attending a session, please confirm the room number in the Cvent app.
If a session you would like to attend is full, please stop by the Great Minds booth (#403) during the Teacher Leader Summit.
Where’s the Connection? Using Eureka Math2 to Address the Louisiana Educator Rubric (Leaders)
8:00 a.m.–9:10 a.m. | Room 215
PRESENTERS: PAULA LANDRY & TANISHA WASHINGTON
This session is designed for school-based leaders (K–9) who are driving the implementation of Eureka Math2. The purpose of the session is to empower leaders to better support teachers in their implementation of Eureka Math2. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the connections between key features of the Eureka Math2 curriculum and the LEADS rubric.
During this interactive session, leaders will revisit the characteristics of Eureka Math2. Through collaborative discussions and targeted activities, participants will look for connections between these characteristics and the LEADS rubric. Leaders will also explore a portion of the Implementation Support Tool and look for similarities between the tool and the LEADS rubric. The session will conclude with reflection and a collaborative discussion about the connections between Eureka Math2 and the LEADS rubric.
Attendees will leave the session equipped to inspire and support their teams in implementing Eureka Math2. By exploring the connections between Eureka Math2 and the LEADS rubric, leaders can support teachers in delivering effective math instruction to all students.
Expand Your Capacity! Using Exit Ticket Data to Optimize Instruction 1–5
9:25 a.m.–10:35 a.m. | Room 218
PRESENTERS: CHERIE NEILL & MONIQUE DURHAM
During this session, participants increase their ability to effectively use Eureka Math2 curriculum materials and student data to plan for and deliver instruction that ensures all learners can access grade-level content. Participants will practice analyzing student work to identify strengths and opportunities for growth, use curriculum materials to identify access points, and prioritize and customize lessons all while considering the content and pedagogy.
Attendees will leave this session feeling empowered to use student data to optimize instruction and to respond to the needs of the individual learners in their classrooms.
What’s Your Vision? Creating an Effective Vision for Eureka Math² Implementation
10:50 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Room 214
PRESENTER: DANYELLE DOUGLAS
This session is designed for school-based leaders (K–9) who are driving the implementation of Eureka Math². The purpose of the session is to empower leaders to build and refine a shared vision for exemplary Eureka Math² implementation. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of three key areas: the essential elements of effective lesson facilitation and instructional leadership, the components of exemplary Eureka Math² implementation, and the gap between leaders’ current practices and their desired outcomes.
During this interactive session, leaders will explore how to articulate and align their school’s vision for high-quality math instruction. Through collaborative discussions and targeted activities, participants will develop the skills needed to craft a clear and actionable vision. This vision will serve as a foundation for fostering alignment within their schools and strategically allocating resources to meet implementation goals.
Attendees will leave the session equipped to inspire and lead their teams with a unified focus on instructional excellence. By aligning their vision with the core principles of Eureka Math², leaders can drive transformative change, ensuring their students receive a rigorous and effective math education.
Connecting the Dots: Using Wit & Wisdom’s Focusing Question Arc Protocol to Understand the Connections Between 6–8 Daily Lessons
10:50 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Room 223
PRESENTER: DANYELLE DOUGLAS
This session is designed for educators of grade levels 6–8 who use Wit & Wisdom and want to deepen their understanding of internalizing lessons and to improve their instructional planning. Participants will explore the Focusing Question Arc Protocol, a structured approach that helps teachers connect daily lessons, build student knowledge systematically, and enhance students’ overall comprehension and writing skills.
Through hands-on activities, collaborative discussions, and practical application, attendees will learn how to use this protocol to effectively prepare for Module 1 instruction. By the end of the session, teachers will be equipped with strategies to streamline their planning, improve the coherence of their lessons, and ultimately support student success.
This session is ideal for educators seeking to strengthen their implementation of Wit & Wisdom and to align their instructional practices with Louisiana’s education priority: “an effective teacher for every student.” Whether you are new to Wit & Wisdom or looking to refine your planning process, this session will provide actionable insights to help you make the most of your curriculum.
Join us for an engaging and interactive session that will help you “connect the dots” between lessons and enhance your teaching practice!
Please note that all session locations are subject to change. Prior to attending a session, please confirm the room number in the Cvent app.
If a session you would like to attend is full, please stop by the Great Minds booth (#403) during the Teacher Leader Summit.
IGNITING EXCELLENCE THROUGH PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
High-Quality Professional Learning in Louisiana
Empowering Educators for Lasting Impact
Great Minds® is proud to support the Louisiana Department of Education's High-Quality Professional Learning (HQPL) initiative—a statewide effort to elevate instructional excellence through curriculum-aligned professional learning.
As a trusted Tier 1 provider, Great Minds offers Louisiana educators access to robust, curriculum-specific professional learning aligned with Eureka Math²®, Wit & Wisdom®, and PhD Science®. From launch to implementation longevity, our high-impact professional learning packages are designed to strengthen instructional leadership, enhance teacher effectiveness, and improve student outcomes.
Whether launching a new curriculum, deepening instructional practices, or sustaining long-term success, Great Minds provides educators and leaders with the support and tools they need to thrive.
Stop by the Great Minds booth (#403) during the Teacher Leader Summit or click the link to learn more about how your school system can take part in Louisiana’s HQPL initiative.
