# Event Details

- **Event Name**: Elevating Excellence Conference
- **Event Start and End Date**: Tue, 17 Nov, 2026 at 09:00 am – Wed, 18 Nov, 2026 at 04:00 pm (-07:00)
- **Event Description**: Join Colorado leaders to share impactful strategies and build strong systems using federal funds at this collaborative conference.About this EventWelcome to the Elevating Excellence Conference!Get ready for an amazing in-person experience where you'll connect, learn, and grow with fellow leaders in education. This is your chance to dive into inspiring talks, hands-on workshops, and valuable networking sessions. Come join us and elevate your organization's excellence to the next level!Nov 17🕑: 08:45 AM - 09:25 AMRegistrationHost: Location: Confluence Theater Hallway in Hydro BuildingInfo: Start the conference with attendee check-in and a warm welcome as we launch a day of learning, inspiration, and growth.🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AMExcellence by Design with Commissioner of Education Susana CórdovaHost: Commissioner Susana CórdovaInfo: What does it take to create schools where students are fully engaged, educators feel empowered, and achievement continues to rise? In this inspiring and forward-looking keynote, the Commissioner of Education will share a compelling vision for designing education systems that deliver excellence for every learner. Serving as the cornerstone of the conference, this motivating session will explore how increasing student engagement, accelerating academic success, and cultivating a thriving educator workforce work together to drive transformational outcomes. Attendees will leave with a renewed commitment to excellence.🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:15 AMRelationships Impact ResultsHost: Superintendent Wendy BirhanzelInfo: Join Superintendent Wendy Birhanzel for an engaging session on how School District 2 intentionally cultivates classroom cultures grounded in connection, belonging, and high expectations for every student. Learn how D2’s relationship-centered approach strengthens student engagement, academic achievement, and educator effectiveness, while fostering meaningful partnerships with families, community organizations, and local stakeholders. Participants will gain practical insights into the systems, strategies, and leadership practices that help create a culture where strong relationships drive lasting results.🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:15 AMBest First Instruction and Intro to Vision for Quality Schools Host: Location: Bear Creek in Hydro BuildingInfo: District leaders will explore how high-quality core instruction can transform outcomes for all students. The session will showcase a systems-based approach that connects teaching, learning, leadership, and continuous improvement into a shared vision for excellence. Participants will leave with practical strategies, fresh insights, and innovative ideas for strengthening instructional practices and accelerating school improvement efforts. By the end of the session, attendees will be inspired to leverage the Vision for Quality Schools framework as a powerful tool for creating equitable, thriving schools where every student can succeed.🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:15 AMFrom Compliance to Impact: Building Partnerships that Maximize Title FundsHost: Joey WillettInfo: This session is designed for district and school leaders responsible for planning and implementing Title-funded programs. Participants will explore a practical framework for making strategic, collaborative decisions about federal funds that move beyond compliance to impact. Drawing on real examples from Aurora Public Schools, the session highlights how cross-department partnerships strengthen alignment and resource use. Attendees will engage in a brief scenario-based activity to identify key partners, clarify roles, and surface critical questions. The session centers equity by emphasizing inclusive decision-making and aligning resources to the specific needs of underserved student populations.🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM3 Engagement Rings: The Real Work of Student EngagementHost: Matthew ColwellInfo: In this session, K-12 educators will discover the prerequisites for authentic student engagement through the "3 Engagement Rings" framework: Wellness, Relevance, and Self-Efficacy. By anchoring engagement in these core human needs, we will explore how to drive equitable student outcomes and dismantle learning barriers for marginalized students. Participants will actively engage via collaborative peer discussions and guided self-reflection, critically evaluating popular "engagement programs" against true engagement criteria. Attendees will leave with practical strategies and a transformed mindset to ensure every learner feels valued, capable, and connected.🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:15 AMSpotlight on Secondary: Structured Literacy Support for Adolescent ReadersHost: Lynni NordheimInfo: Discover how a Colorado school district  is addressing adolescent literacy gaps through a pioneering model of credit-bearing structured literacy classes for middle and high school students. This session outlines the program’s development, teacher training, student placement, and program implementation. Participants will leave with a clear framework to design and launch similar initiatives in their own schools or districts, empowering striving readers with the skills they need to succeed.🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PMInspiring Excellence in Math: Learning from Colorado ClassroomsHost: Jason CushnerInfo: Explore newly released videos of Colorado teachers enacting the NCTM Effective Mathematics Teaching Practices to deepen student engagement and understanding. Grounded in research and authentic classroom examples, this interactive session highlights practices such as discourse, purposeful questioning, and productive struggle. Participants will analyze video, reflect collaboratively, and use structured discussion tools that elevate diverse student voices and support culturally responsive teaching. Attendees will experience engaging, adult-learning–aligned professional learning and leave with ready-to-use resources to strengthen instruction, lead meaningful PD, and create equitable math learning environments.🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PMHumanistic Leadership: Create Real and Lasting ChangeHost: Simone Thea RichardsonInfo: Discover how humanistic leadership fuels systemic change while supercharging staff morale to increase equitable outcomes.  Humanistic Leadership flips the script by shifting the focus from rigid, top-down compliance to a "people-first" infrastructure. It uses deep self-awareness and collective action to tear down barriers and make sure equity isn't just a buzzword, but a reality. We’ll explore the 5 Levers of Change, zooming in on the power of Shared Leadership and the growth that comes from intentional reflection. Through a mix of collaborative content and hands-on skill development, you’ll leave with the tools and mindsets needed to build a high-performance culture!🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM*CANCELLED* Beyond the Ceiling: Rigorous Thinking Routines for Deep VocabularyHost: Erica Shlieman Durán Info: *CANCELLED* Shattering the Notice/Wonder Ceiling: Rigorous Language Ownership for MLLs. Designed for educators seeking to elevate language as a vital tool for communication, this interactive workshop delivers equitable outcomes by shifting multilingual learners from passive observation to deep word ownership. Through a framework of four rigorous thinking routines, participants will counter deficit narratives and cultivate high-order thinking. Attendees will engage first-hand in these routines, learning to transform abstract academic vocabulary into tools for logic and empathy. Participants will leave equipped to implement non-linguistic tools that build linguistic stamina and ensure every student accesses high-stamina language synthesis.🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PMStudent and Family Educational Journey Mapping to Address Chronic Absenteeism Host: Wendy Loloff Cooper Info: Participants will be introduced to Educational Journey Mapping (EJM) as a student- and family-driven assessment process that helps schools identify root causes of chronic absenteeism, disengagement, and barriers to educational success. Grounded in implementation experience with justice-engaged students and expanded into broader school settings, this interactive workshop explores how EJM can strengthen belonging, student engagement, and MTSS systems through relationship-centered planning and wraparound supports. Participants will engage with case studies, attendance data, and hands-on activities to examine how schools can use Educational Journey Mapping to improve student engagement, uncover barriers to success, and support equitable educational outcomes.🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PMDistrict Bright Spot:  Adams 12 and Short-Cycle Planning and ImplementationHost: Scott Simon, Executive Director of Middle SchoolsInfo: Through consistent data review cycles and the strategic use of the Performance Management Tool, Adams 12 Five Star Schools has made promising strides in increasing staff understanding of how performance data can be used to drive meaningful change within schools. The district will highlight how clear alignment between end-of-year goals, implementation benchmarks, and action steps has strengthened both support and accountability and helped teams monitor progress more effectively throughout the year.  This session will describe how Silver Hills and Adams 12 use the Performance Management Tool and Performance Management meetings to foster a culture of continuous improvement and more responsive support for student success across the district.  This session will share both the school and district perspectives. 🕑: 12:45 PM - 01:30 PMLunch & Excellence ExchangeHost: Location: Confluence Theater in Hydro BuildingInfo: Take advantage of this dedicated networking lunch to connect with fellow educators, leaders, and partners from across the state who share a commitment to educational excellence. Whether you're exchanging innovative ideas, discussing common challenges, or building new professional relationships, this session provides an opportunity to learn from one another in a relaxed and engaging setting. Join colleagues in meaningful conversation, expand your network, and gain fresh perspectives that can inspire and strengthen your work long after the conference concludes.🕑: 01:30 PM - 03:45 PMWhole Group Workshop: Short Cycle Planning and Performance ManagementHost: Nicole MonetInfo: Effective school improvement requires more than a well-written plan—it requires a process for monitoring progress, learning from implementation, and making timely adjustments. In this interactive session, participants will deepen their understanding of short improvement cycles and learn how to leverage a Performance Management Tool to drive continuous improvement at the school and district levels.
Participants will explore the essential components of high-quality end-of-year goals, implementation benchmarks, and action steps that lead to measurable outcomes. The session also includes dedicated work time to download, navigate and explore the Performance Management Tool, allowing participants to apply their learning and begin developing or refining their own improvement plans. This session will end with a 15-minute optimistic closing by Assistant Commissioner Lindsey Jaeckel.Nov 18🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AMRegistrationHost: Location: Confluence Theater Hallway in Hydro BuildingInfo: Start the conference with attendee check-in and a warm welcome as we launch a day of learning, inspiration, and growth.🕑: 09:00 AM - 10:00 AMBeyond Programs: Collaborative Systems That Accelerate OutcomesHost: Dr. Holly PorterInfo: This keynote explores how intentional collaboration structures, including co-planning, professional learning communities, and co-teaching, can transform fragmented services into cohesive systems that better support multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and other underserved student populations (i.e., aligning the expertise already present within schools rather than adding new programs).
Drawing on research and practical leadership strategies, the session will examine how collaborative instructional models increase student engagement, improve access to rigorous grade-level instruction, and strengthen outcomes for diverse learners. Participants will also explore how district and school leaders can design systems that support collaboration through scheduling, staffing, professional learning, and strategic use of federal funding streams such as ESEA and IDEA.🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:15 AMLike-Peer Comparative Data at All Levels of the SystemHost: Hunter SmithInfo: This session explores the use of like-peer comparative data across all system levels and instructional tiers to support Multilingual Learners (MLs). Participants will examine how disaggregating academic data by language proficiency enables educators to make more accurate, equitable programmatic, instructional, and placement decisions. Emphasis will be placed on distinguishing language acquisition from potential disability and avoiding inappropriate referrals. Through practical examples, attendees will learn how to implement data-informed practices within MTSS and special education systems. The session highlights how like-peer comparisons strengthen equity, improve outcomes, and ensure that MLs receive instruction and supports aligned to both their linguistic and academic development.🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:15 AMSmall Steps, Big Impact: Transforming Learning through Explicit InstructionHost: Kathryn WilsonInfo: “How well you teach equals how well they learn.” Designed for anyone who teaches , this interactive session explores Anita Archer’s 16 elements of explicit instruction to understand how novice students actually learn. You will learn how to build the essential knowledge students need before they are able to engage in productive struggle—making explicit instruction a vital tool for strengthening equitable student outcomes.🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:15 AMBeyond the Buddy System: Engineering Equitable Mentorship Networks that RetainHost: Melissa FikeInfo: Designed for administrators, HR personnel, and school leaders, this interactive 60-minute workshop transforms traditional "buddy systems" into equitable mentorship networks. Participants will use a Mentoring Quality and Equity Audit Tool and engage in a collaborative system-mapping challenge to evaluate their current practices. By shifting from transactional matching to culturally responsive, protected collaborative structures, this session strengthens equitable outcomes by dismantling educator isolation. Leaders will leave with concrete ideas to support and retain a diverse workforce across their districts.🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:15 AMLeading From Within: Teacher Coaches Elevate Instruction and Empower TeamsHost: Simone Richardson, Sara LaGiglia,Info: Wamsley Elementary’s transformation from a low-performing school to a high-performing school in just three years highlights the impact of humanistic leadership, collective efficacy, and systems-driven improvement. Designed for elementary leaders, teachers, instructional coaches, and district teams, this interactive session blends storytelling, reflection, and collaborative discussion to examine strategies that strengthened teacher retention, instructional practice, school culture, and student achievement. Presenters will share lived experiences, practical tools, and equity-centered practices that foster culturally responsive learning environments where all students and staff thrive. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies for sustainable and equitable school improvement.🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:15 AMEnrollment for Exceptional Students in Choice SchoolsHost: Nadine PennInfo: Navigating the enrollment/school choice process for exceptional students can be tricky for school staff and families alike. Knowing what language to use at what step in the process, when to collect an IEP/ALP/504 plan, how to answer parent questions, or how to go about a potential change in placement can be challenging. The goal of this session is to review the different sections of Colorado statute and rule that discusses school choice, break each step of the choice and enrollment process down, answer questions, and offer resources to support families, staff, and administrators. By understanding Colorado statute and best practices school and district personnel can ensure all students have equitable access to engage in the school of choice process.🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PMVision for Quality Schools: Self-Assessment SessionHost: Christina North, MEdInfo: District leaders will take the next step in their improvement journey through an interactive session based on CDE’s Vision for Quality Schools framework. Participants will engage directly with a self-assessment tool to identify strengths, uncover opportunities for growth, and prioritize their highest-impact next steps. Attendees will leave empowered with a clearer roadmap, a stronger sense of purpose, and actionable strategies for advancing high-quality schools across their districts.🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PMFrom Process to Promise: Centering Language, Culture, and Identity in IEPsHost: Alison G. BoardmanInfo: This interactive session engages educators and school leaders in identifying key elements of a comprehensive body of evidence to guide IEP development for multilingual learners. Participants will examine common myths and misconceptions and collaborate to address persistent problems of practice. The session highlights practical tools and strategies to help educators center equity throughout the IEP process. These include designing individualized supports and accommodations that reflect each student’s strengths, identities, and needs; including student and family voices; and incorporating each student’s language development and culture, all with the goal of strengthening just and responsive outcomes for multilingual learners with disabilities. 🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PMCuriosity Through Composition: Rebuilding Engagement In Student WritingHost: Tanner JonesInfo: This interactive session is designed for secondary educators seeking practical strategies to increase student engagement through introspective and connective literacy practices. Grounded in classroom experience, literacy research, and current challenges surrounding AI-generated writing, the session explores how formulaic, compliance-driven reading and writing can limit curiosity, connection, and meaningful participation. Participants will engage in discussion-based activities, observation writing, mentor text analysis, and reflective inquiry practices that foster student ownership, equitable participation, and deeper critical thinking. Educators will leave with adaptable, classroom-ready tools designed to support diverse learners, strengthen authentic engagement, and reconnect reading and writing to thinking, community, and lived experience.🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PMAppropriate Special Ed Identification Through a Comprehensive Body of EvidenceHost: Krista Klabo, Ed.S. NCSPInfo: This session is designed for administrators, general education teachers, multilingual learner/ELL educators, special education leaders, and related service providers. Participants will examine essential information all school teams should understand about special education evaluation, student support needs, and appropriate identification. Through body of evidence visuals, guided reflection, and practical examples, participants will explore how data, culture, language, context, and collaboration lead to appropriate special education identification. 🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PMFrom Application to Impact: Turn Grant Dollars into On-site Coaching SuccessHost: Sammi SwennesInfo: Learn how to leverage supplemental grant funds to enhance, implement, and progress monitor your Unified Improvement Plan’s (UIP’s) Major Improvement Strategies by a dedicated coaching position for your school system. An instructional, attendance, or implementation coach can provide targeted focus for identifying and implementing high impact strategies that can lead to improved outcomes for students. This convening is designed specifically for schools identified for Comprehensive Support and Improvement through the ESSA identification process, particularly schools that have been identified for over three years. In this session, participants will learn about a grant opportunity designed to help schools hire a coach, the grant eligibility, key application requirements, and eligibility criteria for the grant. Session attendees will also have time to start or refine their grant application with CDE support. 🕑: 12:45 PM - 01:30 PMLunch & Excellence ExchangeHost: Location: Confluence Theater in Hydro BuildingInfo: Take advantage of this dedicated networking lunch to connect with fellow educators, leaders, and partners from across the state who share a commitment to educational excellence. Whether you're exchanging innovative ideas, discussing common challenges, or building new professional relationships, this session provides an opportunity to learn from one another in a relaxed and engaging setting. Join colleagues in meaningful conversation, expand your network, and gain fresh perspectives that can inspire and strengthen your work long after the conference concludes.🕑: 01:30 PM - 03:30 PMLeading in Times of PolarizationHost: Dr. Katy AnthesInfo: Public education is operating in an increasingly polarized environment where conflict and division can overshadow the shared goal of student success. This session explores how leaders can honor the humanity of others, engage diverse perspectives productively, and find common ground across differences. Participants will learn strategies for navigating conflict, fostering meaningful dialogue, and building stronger communities that support both democratic engagement and improved outcomes for students.🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:00 PMFrom Ideas to ImpactHost: Assistant Commissioner Lindsey JaeckleInfo: As we conclude our time together, this inspiring closing session will celebrate the possibilities ahead for public education and the collective impact of those dedicated to its success. Grounded in the belief that excellence is achievable in every community, participants will reflect on key insights, reconnect with their purpose, and leave energized to lead with hope and a clear plan for action.
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/denver/elevating-excellence-conference/100001992489768534
- **Event Categories**: business, conferences, workshops, performances, art, fine-arts, entertainment, health-wellness, storytelling, contests
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 0
- **Event Highlights**: 
  - Doors Open At: 8:30 AM
  - Duration: 7 hours
  - Location: CSU Spur
  - Languages: English

## Ticket Details

- **Ticket Price Range**: min: 0, max: 0, currency: USD

## Event venue details

- **city**: Denver
- **state**: CO
- **country**: United States
- **location**: CSU Spur
- **lat**: 39.7835737
- **long**: -104.9739647
- **full address**: CSU Spur, 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, United States

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: Elevating Excellence Conference
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## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is Elevating Excellence Conference being held?
  - **A:** Elevating Excellence Conference takes place on Tue, 17 Nov, 2026 at 09:00 am to Wed, 18 Nov, 2026 at 04:00 pm at CSU Spur, 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, United States.
- **Q**: Who is organizing Elevating Excellence Conference?
  - **A:** Elevating Excellence Conference is organized by Colorado Department of Education.
- **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me?
  - **A:** Elevating Excellence Conference is ideal for professionals, entrepreneurs, startup founders, and networking enthusiasts eager to grow their connections. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Denver, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. If Elevating Excellence Conference sounds like your kind of event, don't wait - spots fill up fast.

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