"Beyond the Building Budget: Understanding Wyoming’s School Finance Model for Principals" Wyoming’s school finance model drives staffing, class sizes, program offerings, and building-level budgets—yet many principals have never been taught how the model actually works.
"Data Rich & Results Driven- Streamlining Results with TACA and AI" This presentation outline is designed for administrators and instructional leaders. It leverages the Team Analysis of Common Assessments (TACA) process to demonstrate how data-driven decision-making can be streamlined, collaborative, and enhanced by AI.
"Principal Self Care/ Special Education for Principals" I've been a principal in Wyoming for over 20 years- now admin. Mostly in schools serving high risk students. I've helped alot of principals in my years. The list of folks on that list that have stuck with the profession for more than a few years is short. For special education - coming into the sped dir role after 20 years of principal experience really enlightened me real quick as to the key things principals really need to know about sped. I came into a situation where I was hit with 8 state complaints and a due process hearing over the course of two years- all from one parent. I managed to help the district come out ahead with all of these. What I learned from them all could really help principals and sped directors.
"Implementing the Wyoming Language and Literacy Program: A Roadmap for K-12 Success" SF 0059 became Wyoming law this past legislative session. How will schools and districts know what to do and implement the mandate with effectiveness and efficiency? I will provide a breakdown of the components of SF 0059 and provide timelines and requirements that the bill mandates. I will also provide an overview to give clarity on universal screeners and the MTSS to form collective efficacy and give administrators a toolkit of ways they can start off on the right step beginning July 1, 2026 when the bill takes effect.
Curriculum Director for Carbon County School District #2 in Saratoga, Wyoming, Ryan Searle brings over 15 years of K–12 administrative leadership to the field. Most recently, as Principal of Rawlins Middle School, Ryan and his team achieved national recognition for their commitment... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT Jackson B
Most leadership challenges in schools are not rooted in policy, programs, or systems. They are rooted in conversations that escalate, stall, or end without clarity. The Next Conversation is designed for principals who want practical, research-informed strategies to navigate high-stakes conversations with students, staff, and families.
This session is unique because it moves beyond generic communication advice and focuses on what actually happens in real leadership moments. Participants will learn how to regulate emotions before difficult conversations, use intentional framing to reduce defensiveness, and apply questions of intent that clarify expectations while preserving relationships. The strategies shared are immediately usable and directly aligned to the daily realities principals face.
Educators should choose this session because it provides concrete tools, real scenarios, and a clear framework for improving the conversations that shape school culture. Participants will leave with actionable language they can use in their very next conversation, not just ideas to consider later.
"From Bill Draft to School Impact: A Principal’s Guide to Navigating the Wyoming Legislature" Wyoming’s legislative session directly impacts funding, accountability, staffing, and daily operations in our schools—yet many principals feel unprepared to navigate the state legislative website, read bills, or advocate effectively during and between sessions.
"Explicit Instruction- A Guide to Supporting Your Staff" This session is designed for administrative leaders and instructional coaches to provide their staff with a systemic framework for Explicit Instruction to bridge the gap between intent and achievement.
What really happens when a reporter calls your school? What does “off the record” actually mean? And how can principals build positive, professional relationships with local media?
This unique session will be co-led by a practicing principal and a local education reporter, offering perspectives from both sides of the conversation. Together, they will provide practical guidance on communicating with reporters, understanding on-the-record expectations, and proactively telling your school’s story to strengthen community trust.
Participants will learn how newsrooms operate, how to clarify communication boundaries, and how to approach media relationships with professionalism and assumption of positive intent. The session will include real-world examples, scenario discussions, and candid dialogue between school leadership and media perspectives.
Principals will leave with greater confidence, clearer boundaries, and practical tools to put their school in its best light—before, during, and after challenging situations.
