Leadership in Education Conference 2024

Welcome and announcements |  Christ Chapel
Russ Adams

Keynote address |  Christ Chapel
Creating a Culture of Excellence 
Thomas C. Murray, Director of Innovation for Future Ready Schools 
Session facilitator: Russ Adams

The past few years have brought uncertainty at every turn, creating significant anxiety and a loss of sleep for all educators, regardless of position. As we work to innovate and transform the learning experience, how can we create a culture of excellence where both students and staff can not only survive, but thrive? How can we work to overcome fear and fail forward when things don't go as planned? How can we be intentionally about seeking joy each day? Grounded in relationships, cultures of excellence respect the hidden stories within each individual and are learner-centered by design. Regardless of what happens outside our school walls, together we can work to create meaningful opportunities for those we serve when we hyper-focus on the things that matter most. The work is hard, but our kids are worth it! 

Breakout #1 (Choose your session)

Administrator Track  |  Christ Chapel
Leveraging the Art of Communication to Foster a Culture of Excellence
Thomas C. Murray 
Session facilitator: Dr. Chris Nonhof, Associate Professor of Education and English, Northwestern College

The quality of your communication will make or break the quality of much of your work. If we’re honest with ourselves, we may recognize that we often unintentionally create our own culture issues due to the way in which we communicate. From working alongside your colleagues to collaborating with the community, the best educators are great communicators. Join Thomas C. Murray for this fun, engaging session to lean into the importance of communication, and leave with practical ideas that you can use to take your communication to the next level to help foster a culture of excellence! 

Teacher Leader Track  |  Vogel Community Room  |  DeWitt Learning Commons
Empowering Educators Through Data-Driven Conversations 
Adam Boone, MTSS Instructional Coach, MOC-Floyd Valley School District
Session facilitator: Dr. Carrie Thonstad, Assistant Professor of Education, Licensure Official, Department of Education Chair, Northwestern College

Explore strategies to help educators harness the power of data to inform their instructional decisions. Learn how to engage teachers in meaningful conversations around data analysis and interpretation, ultimately leading to improved student outcomes and instructional effectiveness. 

Breakout #2 (Choose your session)

Administrator Track  |  Christ Chapel
Growing Computer Science for the K-12 System
Joel Bundt, MOC-Floyd Valley School District
Session Facilitator: Russ Adams

Computer Science is here! K-12 has a critical role to play in developing 21st century learners. Does the reality of CS for all raise your anxiety? Come and hear how school districts can approach computer science reasonably with manageable goals. Leave with free resources to help guide and deliver computer science to your students. 

Teacher Leader Track  |  Vogel Community Room  |  DeWitt Learning Commons
Elevating Education: Exploring Diverse Coaching Models
Megan Rasmussen, Kayla Jacobson, Molly Leiting, Algona School District
Session facilitator: Tamara Schram, Instructor in Education, Northwestern College

In education, instructional coaching is pivotal for professional growth and student success. Drawing inspiration from renowned experts like Jim Knight, Diane Sweeney, and the principles of Student-Centered Coaching and Cognitive Coaching, please join the Algona Instructional Coaches as we discuss three ways we approach coaching in our district. Additionally, Superintendent Mr. Joe Carter will highlight the critical role of instructional coaching in driving progress and excellence within our district. These coaching frameworks cultivate continuous learning and improvement, enabling educators to refine their teaching practices and ultimately enhance student outcomes.

Breakout #3 (choose your session)

Administrator Track  |  Christ Chapel
Fostering a Culture of Collaborative Leadership Among Teachers
Abby Vande Kieft, Blake Wieking, Adam Boone, Chris Yaw, MOC-Floyd Valley School District
Session facilitator: Jeanette Van Genderen, Northwestern College

Discover how collaborative teacher efficacy, distributive leadership, and fidelity in practice can transform your school's culture. Walk away with actionable strategies to promote shared leadership, enhance collaboration, and ensure fidelity in implementing best practices for student success.

Teacher Leader Track  |  Vogel Community Room  |  DeWitt Learning Commons
Demystifying Dyslexia: Equipping Educators with Knowledge and Strategies for Every Student 
Emily Koson, Literacy Consultant, Northwest Area Education Agency
Session facilitator: Dr. Heather Hayes, Assistant Professor of Education, Northwestern College

Join us for a session focused on debunking common myths surrounding dyslexia and their implications for educators. While we unravel misconceptions about dyslexia, we will shed light on its true nature and impact on students' learning experiences. We'll explore how strategies tailored to support students with dyslexia can be beneficial for all learners in the classroom. Don't miss this opportunity to challenge misconceptions, gain practical strategies, resources, and empower yourself to make a meaningful difference in the lives of all students and families. You’ll end the session wanting to learn even more about dyslexia!

Breakout #4 (choose your session)

Administrator Track  |  Christ Chapel
Get Better: 15 Proven Practices to Build Effective Relationships at Work 
Dr. Erica Vonk, Associate Professor of Business, Northwestern College Director, Center for Innovation and Leadership
Session facilitator: Russ Adams

Based on the best-selling book by Todd F. Davis, you will see that an organization’s greatest asset isn’t only its people; rather, it’s the relationships between its people that is the greatest predictor of personal and professional effectiveness. Employees’ ability to build and sustain great relationships is an organization’s ultimate competitive advantage.  In this session, we will review each practice and provide practical takeaway handouts for you to continue to develop your skillsets in each practice area.

Teacher Leader Track  |  Vogel Community Room  |  DeWitt Learning Commons
Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom
Rachel Langenhorst, Director of District Relations, Stages Learning
Session facilitator: Danielle Vanderlei, Northwestern College

Join me for an interactive journey into the world of Artificial Intelligence in education, tailored specifically for education leaders. This session isn't just about understanding AI—it's about experiencing it. We'll dive into how AI can revolutionize the way we teach, learn, and lead in our schools. Through hands-on activities, discussions, and real-time demonstrations, you'll discover how AI can personalize learning, streamline administrative tasks, and even predict student needs before they arise.

We'll explore both the excitement and challenges of integrating AI into education, with plenty of opportunities to dig into ethical guidelines, brainstorm ideas, and collaborate with peers. Whether you're an AI novice or a tech-savvy leader, this session will provide you with practical insights, strategies, and tools to bring back to your schools. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and equipped to lead your institution in this fast-paced era.

Endnote address |  Christ Chapel
Session: Anchored in Purpose: Lessons from the Multilingual Classroom
Ann Mincks, 2024 Iowa Teacher of the Year, Hoover High School, Des Moines School District 
Session facilitator: Russ Adams

In this closing session, we will explore how every educator can learn valuable lessons from the dynamic, diverse nature of a multilingual classroom. When educators understand themselves and their core values, they find deeper purpose in their life and work. This sense of purpose not only enriches their teaching, but also equips them to face setbacks and challenges with resilience. By embracing these insights, leaders can foster inclusive, purpose-driven learning environments that thrive on diversity and adaptability. 

Closing  |  Christ Chapel
Russ Adams

Megan Rasmussen
Instructional Coach, Algona School District

Session: Elevating Education: Exploring Diverse Coaching Models 

Megan Rasmussen is a knowledgeable educator with 13 years of experience. She has been an instructional coach for nine years with the Algona School District. She has taught middle school science and STEM for 12 years at Algona Middle School and previously served as a science teacher and technology integrationist at Clear Lake Middle School. Megan holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M at Galveston and a master's degree from Iowa State University.

Kayla Jacobson
Instructional Coach, Algona High School

Session: Elevating Education: Exploring Diverse Coaching Models

Kayla Jacobson brings with her over a decade of experience as an instructional coach at Algona High School, where she has supported teachers for the past four years. Prior to coaching, she taught social studies at both Manson Northwest Webster and Algona High School. She earned her bachelor's degree in secondary education from Grand View University and master’s in teacher leadership from Upper Iowa University.

Molly Leiting
Instructional Coach, Lucia Wallace Elementary 

Session: Elevating Education: Exploring Diverse Coaching Models

Molli Leiting is an elementary instructional coach at Lucia Wallace Elementary in the Algona School District, providing support for educators for the past nine years. Prior to this position, she taught in a self-contained 5th grade classroom for two years as well as 6th grade math for five years. Molli holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Central College and a master’s in teaching, learning, and leadership from Southwest Minnesota State University. Along with her duties as an instructional coach, Molli also serves as the elementary MTSS coordinator for the Algona School District.

Emily Koson
Literacy Consultant, Northwest Area Education Agency

Session: Demystifying Dyslexia: Equipping Educators with Knowledge and Strategies for Every Student

Abby Vande Kieft
7th Grade Science and 6-8th Grade Curriculum Team Leader, MOC-Floyd Valley

Session: Collaborating the Empower Staff and Students and Build Positive Culture

In her 15 years of experience, Abby Vande Kieft has served in various roles at the MOC-Floyd Valley Middle School and is in her 12th year of teaching 7th grade science. Abby is also currently serving as the 6-12 science curriculum leader, is a member of the PBIS team, Leader in Me Lighthouse Coordinator, the representative for the district School Improvement Advisory Committee, and a cooperating mentor teacher. Abby received her bachelor's in animal science from South Dakota State University and 5-12 biology teaching endorsement from Morningside College. In the classroom, Abby enjoys the adventures of teaching middle school students through inquiry and hands-on exploration of the world around them. As a teacher leader, Abby is passionate about working together with her colleagues and students to make middle school an exciting time to learn and grow as a young adult and future leader. 

Adam Boone
MTSS Instructional Coach, MOC-Floyd Valley

Sessions: Collaborating to Empower Staff and Students and Build Positive Culture  |  Empowering Educators Through Data-Driven Conversations 

Adam Boone has been at MOC-Floyd Valley for 14 years and is in his third year serving as the Middle School MTSS instructional coach. He taught 8th grade reading for 11 years and during that time has served on the AIW team, building leadership team, PBIS team, and has been an 8th grade team leader. Adam brings 20 years of teaching experience in the areas of literacy, mathematics, and school guidance and counseling. He holds a bachelor's in elementary education with reading and middle school endorsements from Northwestern College. He furthered his education by receiving his master's in school guidance and counseling from Buena Vista University. Adam has a passion for instructional strategies and using data to inform instructional decision making.

Blake Wieking 
7th Grade Social Studies, MOC-Floyd Valley 

Session: Collaborating to Empower Staff and Students and Build Positive Culture

Blake Wieking is a 7th grade social studies teacher at MOC-Floyd Valley where he has taught for the last 11 years. While teaching at MOC-FV, he has worked closely with colleagues and school leaders to help coordinate and implement PBIS and Leader in Me curriculum and activities. In addition to teaching, he also coaches middle school basketball and high school soccer. He has earned his bachelor's, master's in teacher leadership, and principal endorsement all from Northwestern College.

Chris Yaw
Middle School Principal, MOC-Floyd Valley 

Session: Collaborating to Empower Staff and Students and Build Positive Culture

Chris Yaw has a diverse background in education and leadership of 30 years. Chris has experience teaching middle school and high school math, college undergraduate courses in primary and secondary education, and graduate courses in principal preparation. He recently completed his second year as MOC-FV Middle School principal. He also spent two years as a middle school principal at Spencer Community Schools. Additionally, Chris spent 10 years as the head coach of the Northwestern College Women’s Basketball program. Chris received his undergraduate degree with a major in biology, a minor in mathematics, and a certificate in secondary education from Northwestern College in Orange City, IA. His master’s degree in administration is from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA.

Erica Vonk
Associate Professor of Business, Northwestern College
Director, Center for Innovation and Leadership

Session: Get Better: 15 Proven Practices to Build Effective Relationships at Work

Passionate about seeing rural communities thrive and leaders reach their full potential, Dr. Erica Vonk is a Siouxland native who believes life is full of opportunities. She looks forward to contributing to Northwestern College’s vision to be the leading Christian college focused on student success and Christ-centered work for the common good through her work as the Center for Innovation & Leadership’s director.

A Northwestern business professor since 2015, she played a role in developing the college’s interdisciplinary entrepreneurship minor and has connected students with Siouxland organizations through her courses in leadership, organizational behavior and entrepreneurship. She also has experience in agricultural finance and management as well as economic and community development. Her community contributions have included serving as a foster parent, a member of her church’s leadership team, and a board member and volunteer with the Seahawks Swim Team.

A Northwestern College graduate, Vonk holds an M.B.A. from the University of South Dakota and a Ph.D. in organizational leadership from Concordia University Chicago.

Rachel Langenhorst
Director of District Relations, Stages Learning 

Session: Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom

In addition to being a longtime adjunct for Northwestern's Graduate and Professional Studies division, Rachel serves as Director of District Relationships for Stages Learning, a company focused on meeting the needs of students with autism, academic readiness concerns, and foundational skill delays. She brings her expertise in education leadership and technology, as well as her 30 years of classroom and leadership experience, to districts throughout the country. 

Rachel currently serves additional roles to support educators, working as a Senior Educational Specialist for Mayo Clinic's Office of Applied Scholarship and Education Science and teaching courses in Education Technology and Leadership in Master of Education programs for Dordt and the University of Sioux Falls. She is passionate about equipping teachers and students with what they need for success.

High School Mathematics, MOC-Floyd Valley 

Session: Growing Computer Science for the K-12 System

Joel teaches high school mathematics and is the database administrator at MOC-Floyd Valley where he has served in these roles for over 30 years. He is also the CSP facilitator for code.org and also lead the CS is Elementary Grant to broaden and strengthen computer science efforts in for elementary students. He received his bachelor's in mathematics from Northwestern College and his master's in educational administration from Buena Vista University. 

Ann Minks

2024 Iowa Teacher of the Year
High School ELL, Hoover High School, Des Moines School District 

Session: TBD

Mincks earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Education with a Minor in Spanish and an endorsement in English Language Learner instruction from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. Later, she earned her Master of Arts in Education with a Reading Endorsement and Literacy Specialist Endorsement from Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. During her sixteen-years as an educator, Mincks has had various roles including professional learning community (PLC) leader, model classroom teacher, teacher mentor, curriculum developer, instructional coach and adjunct professor. 

A lover of language and education, Mincks considers her most important job to support students with the language skills they need to navigate the forces that affect their lives. Her passion is working with both students and staff to support the language development of all learners and to improve literacy practices through evidence-based instruction.  Seeing students grow inspires Mincks to continue to evolve in her teaching practice each year.