FutureForward: The 2025 Innovation Summit
Join us for a day exploring the future and transformation of our schools.
Corbett Experience Center
56 Buttonwood StreetNorristown, PA 19401-4454
United States
Opening Keynote:
Purpose - The Personal Journey and the Professional Expedition
Ross Wehner, Founder, World Leadership School
In this interactive talk, we will explore the growing movement of Purpose Learning, which is the idea that learning has to be more than thinking. Purpose Learning integrates thinking with feeling and doing so that students have a greater chance of connecting to purpose both in themselves and what they are learning. We will dive into the theory and science of purpose as we explore a new generation of purpose-driven schools.
In our experience, every educator has a deep sense of purpose. But with the disruptions of the last few years, many teachers fell into “survival mode” and became disconnected from their original “why” for teaching. During our time together, we will explore the power of story as a window into seeing ourselves more clearly. “You can’t give away what you don’t own,” says purpose expert Richard Leider. In the same way, we believe educators have to work to see themselves clearly, before they can help students do the same.
Ross Wehner is a writer, teacher, and social entrepreneur who is the Founder of World Leadership School, which “partners with K12 schools to reimagine learning and create next-generation leaders.” World Leadership School is accelerating the Purpose Learning movement, which is asking: How can K-12 school become the ultimate platform for launching students into lives of purpose? Ross also co-founded the nonprofit TeachUNITED, which works to transform learning at rural schools around the world. Ross began his career by working as a journalist in Chile and Peru in the 1990s. He received a Master’s in Latin American literature and has worked as both a classroom teacher and a wilderness educator at the National Outdoor Leadership School. He has worked alongside executive coach Richard Leider, author of Power of Purpose, on leadership development programs for Fortune 50 executives around the world. He lives in Boulder, Colorado, with his wife and two children.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Agenda
| April 8 | |
| 8:15 AM - 9:00 AM |
Check-In and Breakfast
|
| 9:00 AM - 9:15 AM | Welcome Ayanna Hill-Gill, President, ADVIS |
| 9:15 AM - 10:15 AM | Opening Keynote: Purpose - The Personal Journey and the Professional Expedition Ross Wehner, Founder, World Leadership School |
| 10:15 AM - 10:30 AM | Break |
| 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM | Concurrent Workshops See MORNING WORKSHOPS tab for more information |
| 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM | Concurrent Workshops See AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS tab for more information |
presented by
Evan Harris, President, Pathos Consulting Group
This dynamic session will guide attendees through a comprehensive exploration of AI and automation integration in schools. Together, you'll learn about the most pressing ethics and safety issues surrounding AI. Evan will then showcase a three-pronged change management strategy focusing on faculty development, student engagement, and staff automation.
Participants will have the option to engage in one of two targeted workshop activities:
crafting AI-enhanced authentic assessments or reflecting on systemic change initiatives.
This session is designed to empower educational leaders with the knowledge and strategies to implement AI thoughtfully, fostering a culture of innovation and ethical practice in their institutions. *Participants will need laptops.
Workshop Objectives
Participants will:
- gain familiarity in the major ethics and safety challenges surrounding AI.
- gain hands on experience in either creating authentic assessment or developing AI policy.
- learn an integrated change management approach to AI that involves students, faculty, and staff.
About the Presenter
For ten years, Evan served as an English teacher and administrator at independent schools in Arizona and Texas. He received his master’s degree in private school leadership from Columbia University and went on to study technology ethics at Stanford's Human-Centered AI Program. Today, Evan leads Pathos Consulting Group as its president and CEO, providing customized AI and automation solutions for independent schools.
presented by
Fahvyon Jimenez, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer,
Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School
In this workshop, you’ll create a custom data strategy for your school’s unique context. Our workshop will be structured around 3 key domains: data, analysis, and decision-making. We’ll guide you through exercises designed to help you align your:
(1) People: ensuring they have the right goals, skills, and incentives
(2) Processes: ensuring they’re designed to produce healthy data, useful visualizations, and data-informed discussions
(3) Technology: Ensuring your tech-stack properly equips your team with what they need to act.
Participants will perform the exercises in the workshop by applying the concepts to a real problem faced by their school. They will transform that problem into a project by taking it through their data data strategy, thereby applying their new skills by building a functioning project-plan. To make the most of this workshop, come prepared with at least one potential pilot project you’d like to support with data (e.g. improving student growth, detracking, or reducing racialized outcomes).
Workshop Objectives
Participants will:
- Understand the Core Components of a Good Data Strategy: Participants will understand how to mobilize people, processes, and technology to create a school culture of healthy data, actionable analyses, and data-informed decision-making.
- Develop a First-Draft of a Data Strategy that’s Right for Their School: Participants will be guided through a line of inquiry that challenges them to think about what Data Strategy is right for their particular school context. They will leave with a first-draft of a data strategy they can then build on with their school community.
- Develop a Real Project Plan : Attendees will be able to create a compelling case for starting a focused, data-driven project at their school. They will leave with a draft project plan outlining the steps needed to execute it effectively.
About the Presenter
Before joining Cristo Rey, Fahv was a Management Consultant on Deloitte's Technology Strategy team, helping large corporate clients leverage data to improve their offerings, operations, and technology. He joined CRPHS as Chief Technology Officer and later Chief Strategy Officer, where he co-led a $50MM campus construction project, modernized the technology ecosystem by integrating siloed systems, and led a portfolio of data-backed projects. His data-work helped launch their Integrated Math, Science Pathways, and DE&I programs. He is most proud of his role in nurturing a strong, school-wide culture of data-use. Today, he continues to contribute as a strategic and technical consultant.
presented by
Harvey Scribner, Academic Technology Coordinator, Hill Top Preparatory School / Edu-Tech Academic Services
This workshop will help attendees understand the connections between Esports and STEM learning, how to start a program, and how Esports encourages interest in STEM and SEL among students, staff, and other stakeholders. We will show what it takes to get a program going, how it can offer collaborative and creative programs, and what it might take to keep it going by encouraging students to take ownership of the program and model leadership habits for younger students.
Workshop Objectives
Participants will understand:
- the connection between Esports and STEM/SEL curriculum objectives
- the staffing, technology, and time requirements to start and maintain an Esports Program at their schools
About the Presenter
Harvey is currently the Academic Technology Coordinator for Hill Top Preparatory School in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. He is tasked with leading technology initiatives, providing training to staff, and creating and teaching numerous STEM classes to a neurodiverse student body.
He has been helping educators in various schools around the Philadelphia area navigate educational technology tools since 2009. As a teacher technology leader for the School District of Philadelphia, working in schools across the city, he has helped with numerous technology projects that enhanced the teaching and learning experiences for thousands of students. He also has experience with instructional design and curriculum development for engineering, computer science, esports, and other STEM courses.
He has experience with Google Applications for Education, both Microsoft and Apple product suites, computer science learning platforms, and hundreds of educational software packages for building and maintaining websites, multimedia presentations, computer-aided design, and digital arts disciplines. As a professional development leader and facilitator, he has trained thousands of educators in multiple states on the east coast for Code.org since 2014.
He has also helped students at multiple schools start and maintain active eSports programs, and has created and shared a curriculum for eSports in the classroom with other colleagues in the area.
presented by
Cynthia Blackburn, Director of Learning and Development, Toddle
As AI becomes an increasingly integral part of education, it's crucial to develop norms that guide its use in meaningful, ethical, and contextually relevant ways. In this session, we’ll explore how co-constructing AI norms with students can establish clear expectations while fostering a culture of trust and curiosity. We’ll discuss how to set general AI norms that define the baseline for classroom AI use, and how to create project-specific norms that determine when AI adds value versus when cognitive effort should be prioritized. Participants will learn strategies for empowering students to use AI as an apprentice rather than an expert, encouraging skills like prompt engineering, proper citation, and thoughtful reflection on how AI influences their work. We’ll also tackle common challenges like maintaining academic integrity and navigating bias in AI tools. By the end of the session, you’ll be equipped to craft AI norms that align with your teaching goals, creating a space where students feel confident experimenting with AI while upholding academic and ethical standards.
Workshop Objectives
Participants will
- learn how to co-construct AI norms with students to promote ethical and effective AI use in the classroom
- identify when and how to integrate AI as a supportive tool while maintaining cognitive rigor and academic integrity
- develop strategies for fostering AI literacy, including prompt engineering, proper citation, and reflective practices
About the Presenter
Cindy Blackburn is the Director of Learning and Development at Toddle, with expertise in adult learning, instructional design, and AI integration. She has led workshops across five continents, focusing on personalized, human-centered approaches that empower educators and leaders. Cindy excels in breaking down complex concepts into engaging learning experiences that foster agency and belonging. Her work spans leadership development, content creation, and strategic program design, always driven by data and collaboration. Based in Colorado Springs, Cindy is passionate about advancing equitable education and creating transformative learning environments that align with her mission and values.
presented by
Brendan Minihan, Head of Middle School, Tatnall School
When a handful of black and brown seniors came to me to ask if I would be interested in facilitating an English course that would allow them to explore literature written by marginalized and underrepresented voices, I knew student agency had to be prioritized. I would establish the vision and objectives for the course with them and cultivate a syllabus based on their academic and personal interest. Students would drive the curriculum, while I would guide the way and give feedback. Together, we designed a seminar-style literature course that lit a fire in them. In "Culture and Representation in Literature," students analyze short and long-form American literature and develop the analytical skills to become better writers in various modes. Culture and Representation refers to works composed by underrepresented authors, poets, playwrights, and filmmakers in America seeking to diversify the lens through which we examine the American experience. Content covered will range from male, female, and non-binary black, white, indigenous, Asian (AAPI), Latinx, and LGBTQ+ people representing all abilities and ages.
Workshop Objectives
Participants will be able to:
- empower student agency
- increase student engagement
- diversify American literature
- create student-centered learning experience
- decentralize whiteness
About the Presenter
Brendan Minihan is in his eighth year as Head of Middle School at The Tatnall School in Wilmington, DE. Prior to Tatnall, Brendan taught for eighteen years at Metairie Park Country Day, outside New Orleans, LA, where he taught English in grades 6-12 and served as Upper School Assistant Principal for five years.
presented by
Brad Kershner, Ph.D., Head of School, Kimberton Waldorf School
This presentation will offer some guiding ideas for how to deepen our DEIB work. We will look at some of the most prevalent concepts and conflicts in contemporary culture and attempt to deepen our understanding of what is transpiring by exploring some developmental and historical points of view. We will identify some of the sticking points and relational identity traps that individuals and schools should work to understand and avoid, and we will outline some key ideas, intentions, and avenues for emergence that can enable educational communities to heal their collective psyche and continue to grow in a positive direction. In particular, we will identify how traditional, modern, and postmodern worldviews operate in our media, society, and school communities, and how we can work with and integrate these diverse perspectives into an inclusive cultural tapestry of solidarity and harmony.
Workshop Objectives
Participants will learn:
- what constitutes traditional, modern, and postmodern worldviews
- why shared values and shared identity are essential for cultural cohesion and solidarity, and for addressing the problems of polarization, tribalism, and the psychological roots of social dysfunction.
About the Presenter
Brad Kershner, Ph.D., is the Head of School at Kimberton Waldorf School and an independent scholar. He began his career as a teacher in San Francisco and Berkeley, CA, and went on to work as a school leader in both public and independent schools in Boston, MA, and Durham, NC. He received his graduate education at The University of Chicago and Boston College, and he is a co-founder of The Reconstitution Project, a meta-political think tank. Brad is the author of the book, Understanding Educational Complexity: Integrating Practices and Perspectives for 21st Century Leadership.presented by
Carol Dougherty, Associate Head of School
Dr. Jeffrey Rodgers, Institute Department Chair
Perkiomen School
Join us in a conversation about our journey to enhance student agency in our classrooms. Our Academic Institute programs are anchored with individual capstone projects. Students engage in medical research, AI projects, business launches, and design thinking projects. This model has become infectious in every department. Additionally, student pride in their work has skyrocketed, they share and invite peers to engage in their research and endeavors. The result has been significantly greater student investment in both the production of quality work and the desire to learn versus earning a grade. When engineering class runs an experiment, and invites anyone who is free to come, and the entire school shows up, that is when you know students are invested in learning. Additionally, faculty are excited about the student investment and seek other opportunities and input from peers to enhance student opportunities. This workshop will share our journey and invite others to share their stories on student agency.
Workshop Objectives
Participants will be better able to:
- incorporate student agency into every course
- demonstrate transferable skills with traditional academic content
- grow academic resiliency
About the Presenters
Veteran school person, Carol Dougherty, Associate Head of School, has worked at Perkiomen School for 38 years. She has taught, coached, and led various administrative roles. Currently, overseeing academics is a component of her work. She brings decades of insight and joyful energy.
Innovator and thought-leader Dr. Jeffrey Rodgers, leads Perkiomen Schools academic Institute department. Jeff is the Director of the Medical Institute and oversees the Entrepreneur, Artificial Intelligence, and Design Thinking Institutes. His work in Traumatic Brain Injuries at UPenn has led him to be an excellent researcher and a great inspiration for students and faculty.
presented by
Ross Wehner, World Leadership School
During this session, we will go deeper into both the personal and professional work behind Purpose Learning. On the personal side, we will craft purpose statements and then build a map around those statements to see our individual journeys more clearly. These maps will contain our sounding board, daily practices, purpose goals, and other key supports for our individual journey to greater meaning. On the professional side, we will explore tools like the Purpose Planner, which helps teachers develop lesson plans and units through a lens of thinking, feeling, and doing. We will do an audit of where Purpose Learning happens in our school today. We will then end with a flash design sprint where we will re-design a lesson plan, unit, or even the format of a faculty meeting to understand what Purpose Learning looks and feels like in concrete terms.About the Presenter: Ross Wehner
Ross Wehner is a writer, teacher, and social entrepreneur who is the Founder of World Leadership School, which “partners with K12 schools to reimagine learning and create next-generation leaders.” World Leadership School is accelerating the Purpose Learning movement, which is asking: How can K-12 school become the ultimate platform for launching students into lives of purpose? Ross also co-founded the nonprofit TeachUNITED, which works to transform learning at rural schools around the world. Ross began his career by working as a journalist in Chile and Peru in the 1990s. He received a Master’s in Latin American literature and has worked as both a classroom teacher and a wilderness educator at the National Outdoor Leadership School. He has worked alongside executive coach Richard Leider, author of Power of Purpose, on leadership development programs for Fortune 50 executives around the world. He lives in Boulder, Colorado, with his wife and two children.
presented by
Jim Fiorile, Middle School History Teacher & Curriculum Leader, The Shipley School
Most educational gaming functions as “sugar coating to be added to an educational core” (researcher and professor Amy Bruckman), but immersive computer games empower students, increase retention, celebrate diverse identities, and inspire students to craft games of their own. Immersive games work in a variety of synchronous and asynchronous environments and free the teacher to support students and focus on social emotional learning, avoiding the “sage on the stage” model that can plague the humanities. In this model, students play an immersive game, either individually or in small groups, which leads them to build their own grasp of the key understandings of the lesson.
Participants will explore the limits of common educational game platforms and then discover low-code and no-code platforms where teachers and students can build game experiences to cover a wide range of humanities topics.
Participants will learn how to connect with vibrant global communities that exist around teacher and student game-building for equity and social change. Educators will culminate their work by brainstorming possible applications for immersive gaming in their own curricula and programs.
Be sure to check out the presenter’s sample games, which can be found here and here.
Workshop Objectives
Participants will:
- understand the limitations and drawbacks of Kahoot and other common computer gaming experiences for students
- play examples of immersive humanities games that empower students, increase content retention, celebrate diverse identities, and inspire project-based learning
- explore supportive communities for immersive and meaningful student gaming. brainstorm possible applications for immersive gaming in their own curricula and programs
About the Presenter
Jim Fiorile leads the middle school history department at The Shipley School. He recently served as Director of Innovation at the ed tech startup ModSchool, where he focused on AI integration and video game design for learning. He began his career as a middle and upper school humanities teacher at the William Penn Charter School, where he also served as Assistant Director of Middle School, coordinated the Middle School's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging initiatives, and led five student trips to Italy.
presented by
Richard Marchini, Upper School Director,
The Quaker School at Horsham
In today's educational landscape, school leaders are called upon to communicate effectively with a diverse audience, including teachers, parents, and students. The ability to speak confidently and with emotional resonance is vital in fostering trust, building community, and inspiring action. This workshop is designed to equip school leaders with advanced public speaking skills, focusing on the art of storytelling. By integrating storytelling techniques, leaders can create more impactful, relatable, and memorable messages. Participants will learn how to craft and deliver stories that align with their school's vision and values, engaging their audience on a deeper emotional level. Through interactive exercises, live demonstrations, and peer feedback, attendees will develop the skills to articulate their ideas clearly, connect with their audience's emotions, and motivate positive change. This session aims to empower school leaders to not only inform but to inspire their community, enhancing their ability to lead with both heart and mind. Whether addressing a small group of teachers or a large assembly of parents and students, the skills gained from this workshop will transform the way participants communicate and lead.
Workshop Objectives
Leaders will be able to:
- add short relevant stories to their presentations
- craft stories with purpose, emotionality, and simplicity
- identify opportunities in the school year in which this enhanced public speaking techniques will benefit the learning community
About the Presenter
Dr. Richard Marchini is a seasoned educator and school leader with a Doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania. With extensive experience as a building leader and student services director, he has dedicated his career to creating nurturing and effective educational environments. Rich has also served as an adjunct professor for many years, teaching graduate students at both the master’s and doctorate levels. His work with aspiring educational leaders has been marked by a commitment to developing the next generation of professionals who are equipped to navigate the complexities of today’s educational landscape. Through leadership and teaching, he continues to inspire and guide others in the pursuit of excellence in education.
presented by
Alexis Steals, Program Director, Leadership Coach & Consultant, The Advanced Leadership Institute
in today’s dynamic work environment, the roles of managers and leaders are often conflated, yet they serve distinct purposes. This interactive workshop aims to clarify the fundamental differences between management and leadership, helping participants recognize the unique skills and approaches each role requires.
Participants will work in groups to discuss real-world scenarios and present how management and leadership collaborate to achieve optimal results.
Workshop Objectives
Participants will be able to
- recognize the distinct differences between management and leadership
- analyze the contrasting skill sets and attributes of managers and leaders
- identify strategies to determine when to implore management and leadership
About the Presenter
Alexis Steals is a former Senior Vice President with 25+ years of experience in Financial Services. She now serves as Program Director for The Advanced Leadership Institute’s Emerging Leaders Program. She also works with the Forbes Funds as an Executive in Residence Coach where she provides leadership development training, coaching, and high-level advisory support to non-profit leadership teams as they strive to strengthen organizational impact, agility, and sustainability. Alexis is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Education. Alexis has coached, consulted, taught, and presented on numerous topics. Effective leadership is her passion.
presented by
Erin McNichol, Director of Innovation, Ursuline Academy
This workshop explores our student-run coffee shop business and spotlights ten key experiences that teach small business operations in real time. Students learn by doing! Our coffee shop is brimming with opportunities to equip students with essential business and entrepreneurial mindsets. Student engagement in running the coffee shop teaches business and life skills while they have fun, and learn the ropes. On the menu, (besides fresh-brewed coffee), are lessons in leadership, financial literacy, planning and logistics, customer care, and community outreach.
Workshop Objectives
Participants will learn:
- a fresh approach to teaching business and social entrepreneurship
- Ccollaborative ideas to bring other content areas into entrepreneurship
- benefits/Risks of Experiential Learning
About the Presenter
Erin is an artist-educator with an early career in corporate advertising, issues management and public relations. As a high school art, innovation and leadership teacher. Erin spent the last 17 years helping young women prepare for futures in entrepreneurship and visual arts. She spent six years In Luxembourg Europe with her husband and children where she honed her creative skills and established her personal brand, Art by Erin. Erin completed with her MFA in Visual Narrative from the School of Visual Arts in New York to pursue a career in storytelling. Her unique mix of creative writing, fine art and marketing sets her apart, and provides clients with a powerful package to promote their brand's message.
presented by
Fahvyon Jimenez, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer
Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School
- Mitigate risks by designing a strong Responsible AI Use Policy
- Identify opportunities by equipping educators with a short-hand evaluation framework/criteria
- Use AI-Supported SAT-Growth as a sandbox for experimentation
Whether you are cautious about AI, curious about its potential uses, or committed to changing things today – this workshop has something for you. Join us for an interactive workshop where you’ll learn new concepts and immediately apply them to your school’s context.
Workshop Objectives
Participants will be able to:
- develop a Responsible AI Use Policy that addresses the immediate risks to student learning at their school
- evaluate any given AI use-case using simple criteria, and bring a shared language and evaluation-framework to their schools and classrooms
- identify strong candidates for small-scale AI experiments at their school and outline testing plans.
About the Presenter
Before joining Cristo Rey, Fahv was a Management Consultant in Deloitte's Technology Strategy team, helping large corporate clients leverage data to improve their offerings, operations, and technology. He joined CRPHS as Chief Technology Officer and later Chief Strategy Officer, where he co-led a $50MM campus construction project, modernized the technology ecosystem by integrating siloed systems, and led a portfolio of data-backed projects. His data-work helped launch their Integrated Math, Science Pathways, and DE&I programs. He is most proud of his role in nurturing a strong, school-wide culture of data-use. Today, he continues to contribute as a strategic and technical consultant.
presented by
Tina Yen, Assistant Upper School Director
Brendon Jobs, Upper School Director
Abington Friends School
Using restorative approaches to support more holistic systems in our schools can improve how school leaders support community members, including teachers, families, and students by reducing burnout and increasing well-being, belonging, and engagement. In this workshop, we will engage with principles of restorative practices (RP) and RP frameworks to inform leadership practice and to transform school climates for improved well-being and belonging. Participants will also consider RP frameworks for youth engagement and leadership.
Workshop Objectives
Participants will have an improved understanding of:
- how restorative practices informs leadership practice
- how RP frameworks can serve as important reflection tools for assessing school climate
- hear examples of RP frameworks in practice that improve school climate and youth engagement
About the Presenter
Tina is the Assistant Director of the Upper School at Abington Friends School. She recently completed the Friends Council on Education's Leadership Institute, working on restorative practices in student engagement for her action research project, and has also finished a graduate certificate from the International Institute of Restorative Practices. When she's not thinking about community building at school, Tina enjoys cooking for others, oil painting, and being a dog mom.
presented by
Tamara Southerling, School Psychologist
Joao (John) Gomes, Dean of Studies and Instruction
Mount Saint Joseph Academy
Over recent decades our understanding of science and the brain has played an increased role in informing strong instructional strategies in the classroom. Sweller’s Cognitive Load Theory seeks to explain how the load on learning brains, particularly the load on working memory, impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of learning techniques and instruction. This workshop will provide a brief background about brain science and how learning takes place as it relates to cognitive load. We will discuss the role of memory in learning, the difference between working memory and long-term memory, and ways an understanding of cognitive load theory can inform specific strategies for the delivery of effective classroom instruction to all students.
Workshop Objectives
Participants will:
- consider basic brain science and relevant concepts as they relate to learning
- understand how the concepts of working memory and cognitive load are relevant to knowledge acquisition
- be able to identify classroom techniques that will minimize students’ load on working memory in order to enhance learning
About the Presenters
Tamara Southerling is a Licensed School Psychologist with a Ph.D. in School Psychology. Currently she heads the Learning Team at Mount Saint Joseph Academy. Tamara's work focuses on understanding how students learn and translating that knowledge to working with faculty and students to make learning efficient and successful for all students.
Joao (John) Gomes is the Dean of Studies and Instruction at Mount Saint Joseph Academy, with an M.S. Ed. in Education, Culture and Society. John has been a high school math teacher, past math department chair and DEI practitioner for 17+ years.
PROGRAM FEES
Act 48 Credits Available
• You may request credit up to 7 days after the event.
• Per the PA Department of Education, ADVIS is required to report your successful completion of Act 48 evaluation within 30 days of the event.
• Available to members only.
• Contact Candyce Wilson for more information.
ACCESSIBILITY
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. Please feel free to request an accommodation on the registration form. For inquiries about accessibility, please contact Membership and Outreach Manager Candyce Wilson. At least two weeks' advance notice will help us to provide seamless access.
EVENT CONTACT
Dena Torino, Director of Programming