Session Details
This page is dedicated to the descriptions of each session and includes supplemental material on each facilitator. Registration will be available for all sessions soon, for now you can sign up to receive the registration information when available here.
For the 2025-2026 school year, all sessions will be in-person.
CI 101: Principles of Continuous Improvement
Robin Carter, Director of Wardlaw Center for Improvement Science with the Spartanburg Academic Movement
Date: September 24 from 9:00 am–12:30 pm EST
Location: Furman Innovation Lab @ Flywheel Coworking (25 Goldsmith Street, Greenville, SC 29609)
Description: This interactive session introduces the core mindsets and methods of continuous improvement using the Carnegie Foundation’s Six Core Principles and the Wardlaw Institute’s collaborative problem-solving model. Participants will learn to define problems, test change ideas through rapid PDSA cycles, and apply tools like root cause analysis and systems mapping to real-world scenarios. Ideal for educators and leaders, the session equips attendees with practical strategies to foster a culture of collaborative problem-solving and achieve measurable outcomes.
*Program Note for Spartanburg County Educators: this session meets the requirements for the full CI 101 training course with SAM for pre-requisite purposes in future training offerings.
About Robin: Robin Carter brings over 20 years of experience in science education and leadership. With a background as an environmental chemist and roles spanning high school and college instruction, curriculum development, and department leadership, she has earned recognition such as Adjunct Professor of the Year at Greenville Technical College. Robin holds a B.S. in Environmental Science and an M.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, along with certifications in Six Sigma, Strategic Leadership, and Collaborative Continuous Improvement. Her work centers on building data-driven, collaborative systems to advance academic achievement and equity, reflecting her commitment to growth, empowerment, and lifelong learning.
LeAnn Nickelsen, Maximize Learning, Inc.
Day 1: Tier One Excellence so All Students Succeed Daily
- Day 1 Date: Tuesday, October 21, 8:30 am–3:30 pm
- Day 1 Location: Registration dependent; either Furman Innovation Lab @ Flywheel Coworking or Younts Conference Center on Furman University’s campus
- Day 1 Audience: K-12 SC Educators
Description: Discover how intentional lesson design can drastically improve student outcomes and learn to design daily lessons that are engaging, differentiated, and backed by cognitive science to improve memory and learning. This session introduces LeAnn’s 4-step “Chunk-Chew-Check-Check” framework for planning high-impact instruction that sticks. Leave with actionable strategies to transform your classroom into a hub of meaningful learning.
Day 2: The High-Impact Literacy Triangle: Reading, Discussing, and Writing Across the Content Areas
- Day 2 Date: Wednesday, October 22, 8:30 am–3:30 pm
- Day 2 Location: Registration dependent; either Furman Innovation Lab @ Flywheel Coworking or Younts Conference Center on Furman University’s campus
- Day 2 Audience: K-12 SC Educators
Description: Explore the Literacy Triangle—reading, discussing, and writing—and learn how these elements work together to deepen comprehension. This session equips educators with science-backed strategies and tools for before, during, and after reading across all content areas. Expect ready-to-use techniques that make literacy a powerful part of every classroom.
* For those who experienced her 2-day seminar two years ago about the Instructional Cha-Chas, you will receive new tools during both ofthis year’s enriching sessions. *
About LeAnn: LeAnn Nickelsen, founder of Maximize Learning, Inc., is a nationally recognized educator, author, and trainer with extensive expertise in brain-based teaching and high-impact instructional strategies. She has written multiple award-winning books, including Teaching with the Instructional Cha-Chas and The Literacy Triangle, and is known for delivering engaging, research-based professional development that empowers teachers to boost student learning and achievement.
Tier 1 Planning in Math
Sandra Goff, Owner of J Squared Mathematics Consulting & Resources
Date: Thursday, November 13, from 9:30 am–3:30 pm
Location: Registration dependent; either Furman Innovation Lab @ Flywheel Coworking or Younts Conference Center on Furman University’s campus
Audience: Coming Soon
Description: Did you know that effective Tier 1 instruction impacts the success of approximately 80% of your students? Expllore Tier 1 planning, instructional and assessment strategies designed to meet the conceptual and procedural expectations of the SCCCR standards.
About Sandra: Sandra Goff is an independent K–12 mathematics consultant with over 25 years of experience helping educators improve instruction and student outcomes. A National Board Certified teacher, she has authored 10 Concepts Every Math Teacher Should Know and 7 Processes Every Math Teacher Should Know and played a key role in developing South Carolina’s mathematics standards, curricula, and statewide initiatives, including Algebra I improvement efforts. Sandra is widely recognized for creating supportive, reflective learning environments for teachers and has presented at local, state, and national conferences.
Separating Hype from Reality: Practical AI Implementation in Education
Jimmy Pryor
Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 9:00–11:30 am
Location: Registration dependent; either Furman Innovation Lab @ Flywheel Coworking or Younts Conference Center on Furman University’s campus
Audience: Coming Soon
Description: This session introduces the current AI landscape, separating marketing hype from practical realities, and explores evidence-based applications and classroom integration strategies. Participants will experience live demonstrations of AI tools, engage in Q&A, and conclude with action planning and resource sharing to support next steps.
About Jimmy: Coming Soon
Leadership in Education
Center for Innovative Leadership Staff
Date: February, 2026
Location: Registration dependent; either Furman Innovation Lab @ Flywheel Coworking or Younts Conference Center on Furman University’s campus
Audience: All levels of leadership in education
Description: Coming Soon
About the CIL: Learn more about the Center for Innovative Leadership’s mission here!