Avoiding hard conversations often feels kind in the moment, but it can undermine trust and accountability over time. This session reframes accountability as an act of care, grounded in clear, honest, and respectful communication. Participants will explore how instructional leaders can support teachers in strengthening their practice, setting clear expectations, and addressing challenges in ways that advance student sensemaking. Through reflection and practical examples, attendees will leave with tools to navigate feedback and accountability conversations that are transparent, supportive, and grounded in shared values.

TAKEAWAYS:
Reframe accountability as an act of care and leadership by using clear, practical, and empathetic communication to address challenges, reduce avoidance, and engage in growth-focused conversations that build shared responsibility.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Pawlowski, Kristin Rademaker, Zoe Evans

Build your confidence as an instructional leader by learning how to evaluate science lessons for sensemaking. This session introduces a lesson evaluation tool adapted from the NSTA Sensemaking Tool and grounded in NGSS and inclusive teaching practices. Participants will explore how to identify key elements of high-quality, three-dimensional instruction and gather evidence that supports meaningful, actionable feedback. Experience how structured lesson analysis can reveal patterns across instructional materials and inform targeted instructional support. Leave with practical strategies, tools, and a plan for using lesson evaluation to strengthen sensemaking across classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Gain practical tools and confidence to evaluate science lessons for sensemaking and provide meaningful, actionable feedback that strengthens instruction across classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Pawlowski, Zoe Evans

Discover how K–12 teachers, coaches, and leaders can use NSTA’s free instructional coaching tools to strengthen coaching cycles and spark student sensemaking. In this interactive session, explore the full suite of OER resources and try out practical tools you can use right away.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to use NSTA’s suite of instructional coaching tools to support instructional coaching cycles in your school/district.

SPEAKERS:
Brianna Reilly Oliveira, Zoe Evans