PRE-CONFERENCE ACADEMIES
Join us for our comprehensive Pre-Conference Academies, aimed at helping you create change both personally and professionally. These intensive sessions are designed to give participants an in-depth learning experience in specific areas. They are intended to rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit as well as build capacity by inspiring you to become an agent for change.
Pre-Conference Academy sessions are either half or full-day events (3-8 hours) and include workshop materials*. Pre-registration is mandatory. Please see individual academy descriptions below for exact times. You must be registered to attend the BOOST Conference in order to attend a Pre-Conference Academy.
NOTE: You cannot register on-site for Pre-Conference Academies. The deadline to register for all Pre-Conference Academy sessions is April 15, 2026.
You cannot switch your Pre-Conference Academy registration on-site. You may only attend the Pre-Conference Academy that you registered for online.
Tuesday, April 28
Planning for Impact: Tips and TOOLS TO LAUNCH EVIDENCE-BASED SUMMER LEARNING
10:00AM-3:00PM
$75 per person (includes lunch, all workshop materials, and Certificate of Completion)
E, ULA, MLA
Presenters: Hillary Oravec, MA, Managing Partner, The Learning Agenda, Akron, OH; Patricia “Pat” Lewis, Ed.D., Senior Consultant, The Learning Agenda, Denton, TX; Jared Scheck, MA, Strategic Initiatives Manager, The Learning Agenda, Chicago, IL
Whether you’re launching a new summer program or strengthening an existing one, this energizing, hands-on Pre-conference Academy will equip district summer learning leaders with evidence-based strategies and proven tools to plan and lead high-impact programs. Using The Wallace Foundation’s Summer Learning Toolkit and Getting to Work on Summer Learning, 2nd Edition, we’ll explore real-world strategies that boost engagement, improve outcomes, and build lasting demand. Learn from a district leader, apply adaptable tools, and collaborate to solve common challenges. All attendees will receive a free copy of the Wallace Foundation’s Summer Learning Toolkit and Getting to Work on Summer Learning, 2nd Edition.
Click here to learn more about our Planning for Impact Pre-Conference Academy.
Heart-Centered Connections: Creating Inclusive Environments for Neurodiverse Children
10:00AM-4:30PM
$175 per person (includes lunch, all workshop materials, and Certificate of Completion)
PK, E, M, H, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Presenter: Niki Elliott, Ph.D., Director, Center for Embodied Equity and Neurodiversity (CEEN), University of San Diego, San Diego, CA
The Heart-Centered Connections model supports teachers, community educators, and caregivers in creating trauma-informed, neuroinclusive learning environments. These environments, rooted in adult social-emotional wellness, promote emotional resilience and academic success for neurodiverse youth. By examining the connections between educational neuroscience, neurodiversity, trauma-informed teaching, and social-emotional learning, participants gain practical tools to engage effectively with youth. This holistic approach helps foster environments where all learners, especially those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, mental health diagnoses, or trauma, can thrive.
Click here to learn more about our Heart-Centered Connections Pre-Conference Academy.
Pre-Conference Academy REGISTRATION contact
Do you have any questions about registering for our Pre-Conference Academies? Please contact:
Connor Finn, Program Coordinator
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Please note: Name badges are required to attend all BOOST Conference events, including all meals and all workshops.
