Empower Administrator Conference

Empower Administrator Conference

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10:00am CDT

BenQ Boards: Intro for Admins

Tuesday June 2, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Come say hi to the new guy! The red faced, gray haired principal will embark on a strategic transition from traditional projectors to BenQ Boards. A PISD Principal and a member of the Digital Learning Team will co-present this introduction to the BenQ Board, which is a perfect fit for anyone new to BenQ or would like a refresher. Participants will also consider ways to support staff through these changes and be a positive role model for expanding digital fluency at their campus.

Best for schools with or scheduled to receive BenQ Boards.

Speakers

Clara Alaniz

Digital Learning Specialist, Digital Learning

Hi! I am your nerdy BFF who is addicted to learning and passionate about educational technology. I have been a Digital Learning Specialist in Plano ISD since 2002 and I also serve as an Undergraduate Lecturer at the University of Texas at Dallas. I previously served as a classroom... Read More →

Zack Pruett

Tuesday June 2, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
D206

SHS, CHOICE | HS, CHOICE | MS, CHOICE | ES, CHOICE

10:00am CDT

Data Reports that Power Growth

Tuesday June 2, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Have you ever found yourself lost in Edugence? Have you felt like your picture of achievement on your campus is blurry? Join us for explicit instruction on the most valuable reports to guide your conversations as a campus leader.

Speakers

Jennifer Ruth

Tamara Wooten

Tuesday June 2, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
D209

SHS, CHOICE | HS, CHOICE | MS, CHOICE | ES, CHOICE

10:00am CDT

Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Mastering Court Orders

Tuesday June 2, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Mastering the art of the court order means looking for the judge's signature first and the "Possession" schedule second—because knowing who gets the kid at 3:00 PM is the difference between a smooth dismissal and a long afternoon. In this session, administrators will dive deep into actual court orders to discuss how to spot red flags, how to strictly follow the written word over "parental hearsay," and exactly who to call when the paperwork gets confusing. We’ll move past the legal jargon to ensure you know how to access district legal support and leave with a clear playbook for keeping your students safe and your campus out of the courtroom.

Speakers

Liz Tycom

James Iorio

Tuesday June 2, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
D205

SHS, CHOICE | HS, CHOICE | MS, CHOICE | ES, CHOICE

10:00am CDT

PIC-RAT in the Flexible Classroom

Tuesday June 2, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Move beyond digital substitution and transform your instruction. This session challenges educators to connect physical space and cognitive demand using the PIC-RAT framework in Flexible Learning Spaces. You’ve heard of SAMR, but PIC-RAT is more practical and intuitive.
Participants will explore the “Gradual Release of Responsibility” as a path to digital literacy, learning how to move students from passive consumers to creative contributors. We’ll focus on designing instruction where technology isn’t an add-on, but a driver of high-level achievement.

Speakers

Fern Johnson

Digital Learning Specialist, Digital Learning

I'm currently a Digital Learning Specialist in Plano ISD and a former math teacher and technology auditor. My formal education includes an M.Ed. in Learning and Technology and BS in Accounting. Teacher certs: EC - 8 Generalist; EC-12 Special Education; 4-8 Math; and EC-12 ESL I can... Read More →

DLT Team

Tuesday June 2, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
C215

SHS, CHOICE | HS, CHOICE | MS, CHOICE | ES, CHOICE

11:00am CDT

Miles Ahead: Managing CTSO and CTE Student Group Adventures

Tuesday June 2, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Miles Ahead provides administrators with a framework for managing and supporting CTE and CTSO student travel, outlining roles and responsibilities across departments. The session highlights how CTE staff, campus leaders, and district staff collaborate to support key aspects such as trip planning, budgeting, approvals, and student safety.

Speakers

Karen Buechman

CTE Team

Tuesday June 2, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
C217

SHS, CHOICE | HS, CHOICE | MS, CHOICE | ES, CHOICE

11:00am CDT

Next Level Skyward: Empowering Administrators for Success

Tuesday June 2, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Navigate Skyward SIS with confidence by learning how to use list screens effectively, forecast next-year enrollment, and access data for partial-day students. This session highlights essential tools, reports, and views that support common data requests and improve daily workflows. Participants will gain practical strategies they can immediately apply to enhance efficiency and make informed decisions.

Speakers

Rosie Renteria

Christine Enny

Tuesday June 2, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
C218

SHS, CHOICE | HS, CHOICE | MS, CHOICE | ES, CHOICE

11:00am CDT

Practical Attendance Strategies that Work

Tuesday June 2, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

This professional learning session equips principals with practical, research-informed strategies to improve student attendance, including proven processes used across PISD campuses. Participants will explore data monitoring, targeted interventions such as family engagement, individualized attendance plans, alongside schoolwide practices that promote a positive attendance culture. Participants will leave with ready-to-use tools and scalable leadership strategies they can implement and share with their teams to build campuswide ownership of attendance success.

Speakers

Stefanie Ramos

Clair Song

Tuesday June 2, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
D214-215

SHS, CHOICE | HS, CHOICE | MS, CHOICE | ES, CHOICE

11:00am CDT

Swivl Your Way to Success

Tuesday June 2, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Video can be one of the most powerful tools for educator improvement, and Plano ISD has Swivl robots to help you and your staff capture video for reflection. In this collaborative session, learn what the Swivl can do and develop a plan for using this professional learning tool to address campus needs in the upcoming year.

Speakers

Craig McKinney

Tuesday June 2, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
C215

SHS, CHOICE | HS, CHOICE | MS, CHOICE | ES, CHOICE

11:00am CDT

Using AI to Streamline Your Work

Tuesday June 2, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

Limited Capacity filling up

This training will target practical strategies for leveraging AI tools to reduce administrative burden, automate repetitive tasks, and make faster, better-informed decisions. Participants will explore real-world applications including drafting communications, summarizing documents, and analyzing data.

Speakers

Duana Kindle

Tuesday June 2, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
D213

SHS, CHOICE | HS, CHOICE | MS, CHOICE | ES, CHOICE

1:00pm CDT

BenQ Boards: Intro for Admins

Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Come say hi to the new guy! The red faced, gray haired principal will embark on a strategic transition from traditional projectors to BenQ Boards. A PISD Principal and a member of the Digital Learning Team will co-present this introduction to the BenQ Board, which is a perfect fit for anyone new to BenQ or would like a refresher. Participants will also consider ways to support staff through these changes and be a positive role model for expanding digital fluency at their campus.

Best for schools with or scheduled to receive BenQ Boards.

Speakers

Clara Alaniz

Digital Learning Specialist, Digital Learning

Hi! I am your nerdy BFF who is addicted to learning and passionate about educational technology. I have been a Digital Learning Specialist in Plano ISD since 2002 and I also serve as an Undergraduate Lecturer at the University of Texas at Dallas. I previously served as a classroom... Read More →

Zack Pruett

Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
D206

SHS, CHOICE | HS, CHOICE | MS, CHOICE | ES, CHOICE

1:00pm CDT

Data Reports That Power Your Campus Growth

Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Have you ever found yourself lost in Edugence? Have you felt like your picture of achievement on your campus is blurry? Join us for explicit instruction on the most valuable reports to guide your conversations as a campus leader.

Speakers

Jennifer Ruth

Tamara Wooten

Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
D209

SHS, CHOICE | HS, CHOICE | MS, CHOICE | ES, CHOICE

1:00pm CDT

PBIS Refresh: Back in the Game

Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Step into the new school year ready to lead with clarity, purpose, and impact. Our PBIS Ketchup Session for Administrators is designed to equip campus leaders with the essential knowledge and systems needed to drive schoolwide success through PBIS. Whether you’re new to PBIS or refining your campus approach, this summer training provides a comprehensive overview of the framework, key PBIS topics, and the continuous improvement cycle that sustains meaningful change.

Speakers

Phoebe Lim

Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Library

SHS, CHOICE | HS, CHOICE | MS, CHOICE | ES, CHOICE

1:00pm CDT

Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Mastering Court Orders

Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Mastering the art of the court order means looking for the judge's signature first and the "Possession" schedule second—because knowing who gets the kid at 3:00 PM is the difference between a smooth dismissal and a long afternoon. In this session, administrators will dive deep into actual court orders to discuss how to spot red flags, how to strictly follow the written word over "parental hearsay," and exactly who to call when the paperwork gets confusing. We’ll move past the legal jargon to ensure you know how to access district legal support and leave with a clear playbook for keeping your students safe and your campus out of the courtroom.

Speakers

Liz Tycom

James Iorio

Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
D205

SHS, CHOICE | HS, CHOICE | MS, CHOICE | ES, CHOICE

1:00pm CDT

Swivl Your Way to Success

Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Video can be one of the most powerful tools for educator improvement, and Plano ISD has Swivl robots to help you and your staff capture video for reflection. In this collaborative session, learn what the Swivl can do and develop a plan for using this professional learning tool to address campus needs in the upcoming year.

Speakers

Craig McKinney

Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
C215

SHS, CHOICE | HS, CHOICE | MS, CHOICE | ES, CHOICE

1:00pm CDT

Using AI to Streamline Your Work

Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

This training will target practical strategies for leveraging AI tools to reduce administrative burden, automate repetitive tasks, and make faster, better-informed decisions. Participants will explore real-world applications including drafting communications, summarizing documents, and analyzing data.

Speakers

Duana Kindle

Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
D213

SHS, CHOICE | HS, CHOICE | MS, CHOICE | ES, CHOICE

1:00pm CDT

Move From "Not Another Initiative" to "Let’s Do This": The Power of Framing

Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

In this interactive session, you’ll explore how the way you frame a message can turn “another initiative” into something people actually want to be part of. Grounded in insights from Influence Is Your Superpower [Zoe Chance], you’ll learn a simple, practical structure to build clarity, trust, and momentum. You’ll practice reframing real messages you need to deliver so they inspire action not resistance. Walk away with a ready-to-use message that helps your next idea land and stick.

Speakers

Kyle Fritsche

Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
D201

SHS, CHOICE | HS, CHOICE | MS, CHOICE | ES, CHOICE

1:00pm CDT

CPI Refresher Training

Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 4:30pm CDT

Beaty Early Childhood

Limited Capacity seats available

These CPI Level II Refresher Course is a recertification course available for all administrators whose last training was received any time between May 30, 2025- May 31, 2026. Admin who were previously certified in CPI, but whose last training was prior to these dates, are not eligible to take a Refresher course and must take a CPI Foundations Course.

NOTE: Held at Beaty Early Childhood Center. Participants must drive to 1717 Nevada Dr, Plano, TX 75093.

Speakers

Jackie Mullins

Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 4:30pm CDT
Beaty Early Childhood 1717 Nevada Dr, Plano, TX 75093

SHS, CHOICE | HS, CHOICE | MS, CHOICE | ES, CHOICE

2:00pm CDT

Creating a Culture Where the Principal Is the Lead Learner

Tuesday June 2, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

This session challenges principals to move beyond managing learning to modeling it. Through self-assessment and applied language practice, leaders identify how visible curiosity, shared inquiry, and reflective leadership strengthen PLC culture and instructional impact

Speakers

Kristin Hebert

Tuesday June 2, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
D201

SHS, CHOICE | HS, CHOICE | MS, CHOICE

2:00pm CDT

Data Reports That Power Your Campus Growth

Tuesday June 2, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Have you ever found yourself lost in Edugence? Have you felt like your picture of achievement on your campus is blurry? Join us for explicit instruction on the most valuable reports to guide your conversations as a campus leader.

Speakers

Jennifer Ruth

Tamara Wooten

Tuesday June 2, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
D209

SHS, CHOICE | HS, CHOICE | MS, CHOICE | ES, CHOICE

2:00pm CDT

Miles Ahead: Managing CTSO and CTE Student Group Adventures

Tuesday June 2, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Miles Ahead provides administrators with a framework for managing and supporting CTE and CTSO student travel, outlining roles and responsibilities across departments. The session highlights how CTE staff, campus leaders, and district staff collaborate to support key aspects such as trip planning, budgeting, approvals, and student safety.

Speakers

Karen Buechman

CTE Team

Tuesday June 2, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
C218

SHS, CHOICE | HS, CHOICE | MS, CHOICE | ES, CHOICE

2:00pm CDT

Next Level Skyward: Empowering Administrators for Success

Tuesday June 2, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Navigate Skyward SIS with confidence by learning how to use list screens effectively, forecast next-year enrollment, and access data for partial-day students. This session highlights essential tools, reports, and views that support common data requests and improve daily workflows. Participants will gain practical strategies they can immediately apply to enhance efficiency and make informed decisions.

Speakers

Rosie Renteria

Christine Enny

Tuesday June 2, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
C217

SHS, CHOICE | HS, CHOICE | MS, CHOICE | ES, CHOICE

2:00pm CDT

Practical Attendance Strategies that Work

Tuesday June 2, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

This professional learning session equips principals with practical, research-informed strategies to improve student attendance, including proven processes used across PISD campuses. Participants will explore data monitoring, targeted interventions such as family engagement, individualized attendance plans, alongside schoolwide practices that promote a positive attendance culture. Participants will leave with ready-to-use tools and scalable leadership strategies they can implement and share with their teams to build campuswide ownership of attendance success.

Speakers

Stefanie Ramos

Clair Song

Tuesday June 2, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Library

SHS, CHOICE | HS, CHOICE | MS, CHOICE | ES, CHOICE

2:00pm CDT

Work Smarter, Not Harder. Verkada is more than just a camera

Tuesday June 2, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

The Verkada camera system as a powerful ally for school administrators, focusing on its ability to streamline safety protocols and monitor campus environments in real time. It highlights how the technology simplifies high-stakes investigations, while ensuring PBIS and Safety expectations are met every day. By blending cutting-edge security with user-friendly tools, the session demonstrates how principals can reclaim their time and maintain a more secure, proactive school climate.

Speakers

Mandi Murphy

Felipe Torres

Derek Phillips

Tuesday June 2, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
D202

SHS, CHOICE | HS, CHOICE | MS, CHOICE | ES, CHOICE

3:00pm CDT

Leading Change Through Culture, Not Compliance

Tuesday June 2, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

This session invites campus administrators to examine how their daily PLC leadership moves either build culture or default to compliance. Using the lenses of spirit work, systemness, and contextual literacy, participants analyze real scenarios, reflect on their own practice, and identify short-term leadership shifts that strengthen trust, ownership, and instructional impact. The session intentionally models design strategies leaders can replicate with staff and students.

Speakers

Kristin Hebert

Tuesday June 2, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm CDT
D201

SHS, CHOICE | HS, CHOICE | MS, CHOICE

3:00pm CDT

Unified Leadership: Streamlining Campus Operations and Data with Canvas

Tuesday June 2, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

As we begin our multi-year transition to Canvas from Google Classroom in secondary classrooms, walk through live demonstrations of why Canvas is a full learning management system for the classroom and beyond. Bring your device to navigate the Admin Dashboard and explore the visibility and data access—such as synced grade books and LTI integrations—that create a streamlined experience for all stakeholders. By interacting with real-time reporting tools and school-wide organization modules, you will discover exactly how to leverage this ecosystem to support teacher practice and student success.

Speakers

Ashley Jackson Ivey

Tuesday June 2, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm CDT
C214

SHS, CHOICE | HS, CHOICE | MS, CHOICE

3:00pm CDT

BenQ Boards: Intro for Admins

Tuesday June 2, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Come say hi to the new guy! The red faced, gray haired principal will embark on a strategic transition from traditional projectors to BenQ Boards. A PISD Principal and a member of the Digital Learning Team will co-present this introduction to the BenQ Board, which is a perfect fit for anyone new to BenQ or would like a refresher. Participants will also consider ways to support staff through these changes and be a positive role model for expanding digital fluency at their campus.

Best for schools with or scheduled to receive BenQ Boards.

Speakers

Clara Alaniz

Digital Learning Specialist, Digital Learning

Hi! I am your nerdy BFF who is addicted to learning and passionate about educational technology. I have been a Digital Learning Specialist in Plano ISD since 2002 and I also serve as an Undergraduate Lecturer at the University of Texas at Dallas. I previously served as a classroom... Read More →

Zack Pruett

Tuesday June 2, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm CDT
D206

SHS, CHOICE | HS, CHOICE | MS, CHOICE | ES, CHOICE

3:00pm CDT

From Clutter to Clarity: Google Drive Organization for School Leaders

Tuesday June 2, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Bring clarity and efficiency to your Google Drive. Discover practical strategies to streamline your digital workspace, including effective file management, refined folder structures, storage reduction, and permission settings that support collaboration with school staff. Walk away with a sustainable system that reduces digital clutter, minimizes stress, keeps critical campus documents at your fingertips, and ultimately frees you to focus on teachers, students, and families.

Speakers

Lilly Jensby

Digital Learning Specialist, Digital Learning

I am thrilled to be a part of the Digital Learning Team! As part of the DLT, I support the curricular areas of Advanced Academics/PACE, Computer Science & Robotics, Fine Arts, ROTC, and Science K-12. My favorite aspect of my job is supporting and building connections with the... Read More →

DLT Team

Tuesday June 2, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm CDT
D203

SHS, CHOICE | HS, CHOICE | MS, CHOICE | ES, CHOICE

3:00pm CDT

Work Smarter, Not Harder. Verkada is more than just a camera

Tuesday June 2, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

The Verkada camera system as a powerful ally for school administrators, focusing on its ability to streamline safety protocols and monitor campus environments in real time. It highlights how the technology simplifies high-stakes investigations, while ensuring PBIS and Safety expectations are met every day. By blending cutting-edge security with user-friendly tools, the session demonstrates how principals can reclaim their time and maintain a more secure, proactive school climate.

Speakers

Mandi Murphy

Felipe Torres

Derek Phillips

Tuesday June 2, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm CDT
D202

SHS, CHOICE | HS, CHOICE | MS, CHOICE | ES, CHOICE