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D2L Rise Round Table – Chicago

An exclusive, collaborative discussion with thought leaders in K-20 learning.

Registration Fee: None. Zip. Nada. 

Round Table Topics

Change is Essential: How Do We Change Right?

Change is inevitable, and many educators are resistant to change. However, it is important to shift the narrative from resistance to response. Change management in education can involve pedagogy, administrative process and technology, or a combination of one or more of these areas. Often, this requires being proactive through aligning technology and teaching goals to empower staff and students to embrace change in the classroom. We will discuss how to shift the narrative from “resistance” to “response” as well as share best practices, processes and examples to help teachers and students embrace change, and share strategies that help educators change fatigue/burnout.

Success for All Students: Tackling Learning Loss Through Equity and Technology

As leaders, how do we lean into these challenges and help our staff and students find new ways forward to successful learning outcomes? We will discuss how to refocus on how we can collectively grow, innovate, support our learners and educators – no matter who, no matter their experiences, no matter their learning needs, and no matter what is going on in the world around us. 

Ready to Rise Up?

Exclusive Round Table

  • Learn and share meaningful discussions with peers 
  • Enjoy VIP networking with fellow thought leaders 
  • Build lasting industry connections and partnerships 

Why Attend?

  • Be a part of the conversation – offer valuable insights and gain different and perspectives 
  • Grow your network with leaders in education 
  • Collaborate and work through challenges as part of a limited audience 

We hope you’ll rise to the occasion with us.

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Where

W Chicago – Lakeshore
644 North Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, Illinois, USA, 60611-3017

Booking
W Chicago – Lakeshore for $199 USD per night

Book your group rate for D2L RiSE Summit

*Book by April 14, 2023 to secure discounted Rise Summit room rates. Rates based on availability and are subject to applicable state and local taxes in effect at time of booking.

Getting There

Nearby Ground Transportation and Airports

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Presenters

headshot of presenter kiana pendleton
Dr. Kiana N. Pendleton Laurel Magnet School of the Arts Principal

Dr. Kiana N. Pendleton demonstrates a daily passion and enthusiasm for education that she credits her late grandparents, who were all former educators, for instilling in her at a young age.  Throughout her career, Dr. Pendleton has proudly served as a tutor, classroom teacher, reading interventionist, MTSS coordinator, and district reading specialist; all of which she excelled in, as evidenced by student achievement data.  Currently, Dr. Pendleton is the instructional leader (principal) of Laurel Magnet School of the Arts in Laurel, MS where she continues to thrive in her calling.  After her first year as principal, her school earned an A rating; this was the first A that both the school and district had achieved since the establishment of the A-F letter grading system.  She identifies several reasons for this accomplishment, but at the top of the list are building teacher capacity, creating a transparent data-driven culture, communicating the vision and goals to all stakeholders, and above all, having a sincere love for children.      

Dr. Kathleen Grigsby Elementary Assistant Superintendent for Jackson County Public School District

Dr. Kathleen Grigsby is the Elementary Assistant Superintendent for Jackson County Public School District. As a former teacher, coach and principal, she has over twenty years of experience in education. In her current role as assistant superintendent, she leads fifteen schools with a clear focus on student achievement. Throughout the course of her career, she has transformed school communities to increase overall student support and drive student success. Dr. Grigsby’s academic credentials include a doctorate and specialist from Mississippi College in Educational Leadership, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and a Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education from The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). Her personal philosophy of education and teaching, her community involvement, along with her contributions and accomplishments have changed the lives of many students and educators.

Dr Cristi Ford
Dr. Cristi Ford Vice President of Academic Affairs at D2L

Dr. Cristi Ford serves as the Vice President of Academic Affairs at D2L. She brings more than 20 years of cumulative experience in higher education, secondary education, project management, program evaluation, training and student services to her role. In this role, she offers thought leadership and direction to the academic affairs unit of the organization. Her previous roles have allowed her to have impact in education from secondary and higher education settings within North America and as part of the international landscape. Her reach has allowed her to focus on building online education in the US and in Africa. 

In addition to her experience building new online learning programs and research related to online teaching and learning, Dr. Ford possesses significant experience in the design and delivery of integrated educational support, training and transition services for young adults and children with neurodevelopment disabilities. 

Dr. Ford was selected by the Online Learning Consortium as the 2022 OLC Fellow (the highest professional distinction offered by the association). She is a tireless advocate for quality online education and has leveraged her passion and expertise in many realms in the education space. She is known for utilizing her leadership in extraordinary ways to help institutions build capacity to launch and expand online programming through effective faculty development, instructional design and pedagogical practices. 

Dr. Ford holds a PhD in Educational Leadership from the University of Missouri-Columbia and undergraduate and graduate degrees in the field of Psychology from Hampton University and University of Baltimore, respectively. 

headshot of speaker Brittany Singleton
Dr. Brittany Singleton Academic Affairs Manager at D2L

Dr. Brittany Singleton is the Academic Affairs Manager at D2L. In this role she provides strategic leadership, guidance and support for the development of innovative programs in the teaching and learning realm in both the K-12 and Higher Ed verticals. Dr. Singleton is an effective and resourceful education professional with over 14 years of experience in holistic student development, instruction, mentorship, and programming for diverse student populations. She also has extensive leadership skills evidenced by complex critical reasoning, collaborative strategic planning, and effective community engagement. Dr. Singleton also has a plethora of experience in curriculum planning, education administration, inclusive teaching, clinical supervision, conflict resolution, presentation facilitation, and higher education. She has served in several roles in the realm of online learning while working within graduate teacher education programs that focus on teacher preparation. She also has done extensive research on the implementation of effective instructional strategies to increase student achievement, and teacher preparation in teaching diverse student populations. Dr. Singleton received her degree in English from Tougaloo College and her Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration Pre K-12 from Tennessee State University. Dr. Singleton also holds a certificate in Women’s Entrepreneurship from Cornell University. 

Agenda

12:00 pm - 12:15 pm
Registration Check-In
12:00 pm - 1:15 pm
Lunch + Networking
1:15 pm - 1:30 pm
Welcome + Intro

Presenter: Dr. Cristi Ford, VP of Academic Affairs at D2L

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Round Table Discussion | Change is Essential: How Do We Change Right?

Facilitator: Dr. Brittany Singleton, Academic Affairs Manager at D2L

Presenter: Dr. Kathleen Grigsby, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools in Jackson Public School District

2:30 pm - 2:45 am
Snack Break
2:45 pm - 3:45 pm
Round Table Discussion | Success for All Students: Tackling Learning Loss Through Equity and Technology

Facilitator: Dr. Brittany Singleton, Academic Affairs Manager at D2L
Presenter: Dr. Kiana Pendleton, Principal of Laurel Magnet School of the Arts in Laurel School District

 

3:45 pm - 4:00 pm
Closing Remarks + Round Table Wrap-up

Host: Dr. Cristi Ford, VP of Academic Affairs at D2L

4:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Farewell Toast + Reception

Ready to Rise Up?

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