Here for Kids 22nd Century Conference

Kenny Glenn, Program Manager, Leading Men Fellowship
Location: Room 113

This session will explore the critical role Black male teachers play in shaping the educational landscape. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the unique contributions Black male educators bring to the classroom and the broader community. Through research, personal stories and practical insights, the session will highlight the positive impact these educators have on student success. Topics will include the importance of representation, mentorship, and cultural relevance in teaching practices.

William (PJ) Pope, Career-Based Learning Associate, and Tajha Laflore, Education Specialist, Cincinnati Public Schools
Location: Room 107

Join us for an informative presentation about the School-to-Work program, a transformative initiative in partnership with TriHealth, designed to bridge the gap between education and career development. In this session, attendees will take a deep dive into the history and evolution of the program, exploring its foundational goals and the key milestones that have shaped its success. Participants will gain insight into how the program operates, including its structure, enrollment process and the hands-on experiences provided to students.

Pam Cocklin, Curriculum Manager, Cincinnati Public Schools
Location: Room 110

In this interactive discussion on the science of reading, participants will explore the research behind how people learn to read and the most effective instructional methods. Key topics will include the five essential components of reading and why systematic, explicit instruction is essential for literacy development. Participants will examine how the brain processes written language, debunk common misconceptions about reading instruction and compare structured with balanced literacy approaches. This discussion will also address strategies for supporting struggling readers, the role of assessment in identifying reading difficulties and how families and educators can implement evidence-based practices to support reading development.

Dr. Dawn Williams, Curriculum Manager, Jamie Riester, Math Coach, and Morgan Allen, Math Coach, Cincinnati Public Schools
Location: Room 112A

This session explores the pivotal role of a Math Specialist within the District’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), featuring insights from a K-6 Math Specialist. Participants will delve into understanding MTSS and how the Math Specialist enhances its implementation.

L’Taundra Everhart, Special Education Manager, Cincinnati Public Schools
Location: Room 109

In this interactive session, educators will explore how guided journaling, paired with SEL-focused activities, can support students in processing emotions, developing problem-solving skills and building resilience. Participants will engage in hands-on exercises using scaffolded prompts designed to meet students at various levels of emotional readiness. 

Dr. Adam Cooper, ESL Manager, Yordy Cabrera Garcia, ESOL Student Data Coordinator, and Alex Nizigiyimana, ELL Coordinator, Cincinnati Public Schools
Location: Room 111

2025 Graduates of Multilingual Programs at four different CPS high schools will lead a panel discussion with two alumni who are now employed by the district. Students will describe their experiences as newcomer English Learners, highlighting program supports. Audience participation is welcome as students provide firsthand accounts of the challenges they faced learning a new language while meeting the rigorous requirements for graduation in Ohio. Learn about the tools that led to their success, as well as their plans for the future!

Rodger D. Horton, Lead Teacher, Cincinnati Public Schools
Location: Room 113

A thought-provoking session exploring the critical role of Black male educators in shaping student success. This session will delve into the importance of diversifying the teaching workforce to better reflect the students we serve. Through data-driven insights and expert perspectives, attendees will identify effective strategies, policies and practices to recruit, hire, and retain more Black male educators. This session will discuss how increasing Black male representation in the classroom leads to positive student outcomes, promotes culturally responsive teaching and provides students with powerful role models.

William (PJ) Pope, Career-Based Learning Associate and Tajha Laflore, Education Specialist, Cincinnati Public Schools
Location: Room 107

Join us for an informative presentation about the School-to-Work program, a transformative initiative in partnership with TriHealth, designed to bridge the gap between education and career development. In this session, attendees will take a deep dive into the history and evolution of the program, exploring its foundational goals and the key milestones that have shaped its success. Participants will gain insight into how the program operates, including its structure, enrollment process and the hands-on experiences provided to students.

Brandi Foster, Curriculum Manager, Cincinnati Public Schools
Location: Room 110

This session aims to provide early childhood education professionals and administrators with the requisite knowledge, pedagogical strategies and motivational frameworks to facilitate the effective incorporation of scientific inquiry within their instructional environments. The intended outcomes encompass the development of a deeper comprehension regarding the significance of early science education, coupled with an augmented capacity to implement interdisciplinary science integration.

David Traubert, Curriculum Manager, Cincinnati Public Schools
Location: Room 112A

Engaging social studies lessons unlock connections to students’ experiences and create the background knowledge necessary to grow as readers and writers. Beyond that, offering the opportunity for students to build on their own experiences, defend their thinking and explore new ideas simply makes social studies the class students look forward to during their school day! Join the CPS social studies team to experience hands-on engaging, and FUN lessons straight from their classrooms.

Sarah Morales, Curriculum Manager, Cincinnati Public Schools
Location: Room 109

This session will give participants an experience of what it feels like to acquire a language,  share the opportunities CPS students have to earn credits and the Seals of Biliteracy and hear from students about how Biliteracy has impacted their academic and personal lives.    

Dr. Adam Cooper, ESL Manager, MLL Family Coordinators, Cincinnati Public Schools
Location: Room 111

The growing population of Multilingual families in the Cincinnati region impacts English Learner enrollment in Cincinnati Public Schools. As a result, CPS continues to respond with increased academic supports for students and engagement strategies for families. MLL Family Coordinators at fourteen schools across the district are actively organizing family outreach events throughout the year, including an intensive literacy, enrollment and health and legal services drive each summer. This session welcomes a representative panel of MLL Family Coordinators to discuss the work they do connecting multicultural families with their school and local community.

Scott Pena, Senior Admissions Counselor, University of Cincinnati
Location: Room 107

The College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Information Technology (CECH) at the University of Cincinnati is dedicated to making a difference in our communities through outreach, academic programs and community partnerships. Students and faculty work side-by-side with teachers, athletic directors, community wellness experts, cybersecurity professionals and law enforcement officials, because experiential learning is valued as an important element of degree programs. Current research is incorporated into every course to ensure graduates are prepared to address the most urgent challenges of our society. Join this session to discuss how CECH is committed to advancing your career with a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, endorsements and certificates. Flexible courses are designed to strengthen your credentials and support your continued education.

Debra Fricke, Digital Learning Manager, Cincinnati Public Schools
Location: Room 107

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming how we learn, teach and experience the world. In this hands-on session, explore how AI can assist with everyday tasks, personalize learning and spark creativity. Whether you're a teacher, parent or community member, this session will give you a chance to try out these technologies, see them in action and discuss their potential impact on the future of education. No tech experience required—just bring your curiosity!

Connie Noble, Curriculum Manager and Elizabeth Wolf, Curriculum Manager, Cincinnati Public Schools
Location: Room 110

STEM is everywhere! Cooking in the kitchen? Using a map app in the car? Explaining why the moon changes shape or why the leaves fall off the tree? These are all examples of natural STEM conversations that could happen any day. This session will show you how to take advantage of these natural moments in everyday life to engage with kids about STEM topics and have some fun at the same time. Come join us!

Bryan Wright, Executive Director, Cincinnati Compass, Anne Lucas, Lead Attorney, Immigrant and Refugee Law Center, and Naomi Green, Bilingual Social Worker, Cincinnati Public Schools
Location: Room 111

This panel discussion highlights critical examples of Cincinnati Public Schools’ close partnerships with community organizations focused on improving opportunities for Multilingual students and their families. Representatives from Cincinnati Compass, the Immigrant and Refugee Law Center and the CPS Positive School Culture team will join together to describe their work in CPS Community Learning Centers. This panel provides a view of how school personnel identify student challenges related to health and legal services, fair housing and job training, then link them to professionals trained to address those needs. 

Briana Ellis, Recruiting and Employee Engagement Specialist, and Jamie McKnight-Pipkins, Diversity Recruiting Fellow, Cincinnati Public Schools
Location: Room 112A

As Cincinnati Public Schools evolves, our approach to recruiting, selecting and supporting educators is transforming to meet the needs of 22nd century students. This session will provide an in-depth look at the District’s new teacher selection process, including key hiring criteria, technological innovations in recruitment and ways to ensure diverse, high-quality educators are in every classroom. Participants will explore best practices for attracting and retaining top teaching talent, understand the competencies we seek in future educators and engage in hands-on activities designed to simulate real-world hiring decisions. Attendees, school and district talent leaders will leave with actionable strategies to enhance their recruitment efforts and gain insights into how CPS is shaping the future of education.

• Exclusive naming rights (e.g., "[Event Name] presented by [Sponsor Name]").
• Logo featured prominently on all event materials (website, flyers, banners).
• Opportunity to address the audience during the event.
• Recognition in press releases and all media communications.
• Full-page advertisement in the event program.
• Social media shout-outs on all event channels leading up to the event.
• Recognition in all event signage and on-site banners.

• Logo prominently displayed on event materials (website, flyers, banners).
• Half-page advertisement in the event program.
• Recognition on event signage and during the event.
• Social media mentions on event channels.
• Recognition in event press releases.

• Logo included on event materials (website, flyers, banners).
• Quarter-page advertisement in the event program.
• Recognition on event signage.
• Social media mentions.

• Logo included on event materials (website, flyers, banners).
• Recognition in the event program.
• Recognition on event signage.
• Social media mention.

• Name included in the event program.
• Recognition on event signage.
• Social media thank-you mention.

• Recognition for donations of goods or services (e.g., food, drinks, equipment).
• Company logo included on event materials (website, flyers, banners) as appropriate.
• Benefits based on the level of donation (e.g., space at the event). Vendor
• Recognition in the event program and event signage.