Upcoming Conferences & Workshops

November 5, 2026

District 218 Learning Academy

Oak Lawn

5 PD HOURS

FREE PARKING

Lunch on Your own

LITTLE THINGS. BIG IMPACT. LASTING CULTURE.

Having trouble retaining strong educators and staff?

Come explore how intentional culture-building, both through the big decisions and the small everyday gestures, creates an environment that attracts and keeps talented professionals.

Examine what truly makes people stay in a job, what drives them to leave, and how leaders can clearly define the type of staff they want to retain and build an environment that supports them.

Take-home strategies for shaping a culture where teachers feel valued, supported, and inspired to remain and to do great things - ultimately making the school a place where people genuinely want to be.

Intended Audience: Principals, Department Heads, Instructional Coaches, Teachers, Administrators

Takeaways

• Recognize the Shift: Teaching has changed, and so have the expectations and needs of today’s educators.
• Define Your Target: Know the qualities and values you want in the staff you attract and retain.
• Honor & Challenge: Learn strategies to simultaneously hold high expectations for professional practice while honoring the individuality and needs of each educator, ensuring staff feel heard, seen, and respected - you can do both!
• Culture Counts: Build retention through both large initiatives and small daily actions that show staff they matter and what they do matters.
• Stay vs. Leave Factors: Identify the core reasons why people remain committed to a school and what typically drives them away.
• Build Belonging: Create an environment where educators feel connected, respected, and part of a purposeful community.
• Actionable Next Steps: Adopt practical strategies to strengthen culture, boost morale, and make your school a place people don’t just work - but actually want to stay.

Jennifer Farnsworth brings 30 years of distinguished experience in education and a steadfast commitment to  teachers, administrators, and students. Her career has spanned roles asaclassroom teacher, Assistant Principal, Director of Special Education, and, currently, Assistant Superintendent. In each position, she has earned a reputation as a leader who inspires, elevates, andequips others to reach their fullest potential. Jennifer’s passion for building strong, student-centered systems and her ability to bring out the best inothers make her a respected voice in educational leadership. Her leadership style reflects a thoughtful balance of encouragement and accountability, nurturing professional growth while driving continuousimprovement. She is dedicated to motivating teams, strengthening instructional practice, and fosteringcultures where both staff and students thrive.

Tricia Burke brings 28 years of experience in education, having served as a classroom teacher, readingteacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, and principal. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a deep  to fostering growth and excellence among both students and staff. Herjourney across these roles has given her a well-rounded perspective on teaching, learning, and leadership, and she continues to champion practices that build strong, student-centered school cultures. As a leader, Tricia values motivating, honoring, and preparing staff to provide a positive and engaginglearning environment for all students. She believes that empowered educators are the foundation of a thriving school community, and she is passionate about creating the conditions that help teachers feel valued, supported, and inspired to make a positive impact every day.

Registration Flyer- Use this format for Purchase Orders

Online Registration- Quick and easister for credit cards

Group registration- Email us to register groups of over 5 people

Conference Fees: 

Member Rate:  $249

Non-Member:  $298 (includes 1 year of membership) 

2 people:  $278 (does not include a membership) 

3 people:  $268 (does not include a membership) 

Student/ Retiree:  $99 (does not include a membership) 

Larger groups - email using the button above

Email: Email a completed registration form and approved PO to [email protected]