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GCU Character Ed Summit 4 has ended
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Friday, March 28
 

8:00am PDT

Registration
Friday March 28, 2025 8:00am - 8:30am PDT
Friday March 28, 2025 8:00am - 8:30am PDT
  Registration

8:30am PDT

Breakfast and Networking
Friday March 28, 2025 8:30am - 9:00am PDT
Friday March 28, 2025 8:30am - 9:00am PDT
  Lunch/Extended Break

9:00am PDT

CCCE Team Welcome
Friday March 28, 2025 9:00am - 9:15am PDT
Lope Main Stage
Friday March 28, 2025 9:00am - 9:15am PDT
Lope Main Stage
  Opening Sessions/Welcome

9:15am PDT

It Starts With You: Integrating Character Education Into School Cultures and Leadership Practices
Friday March 28, 2025 9:15am - 10:45am PDT
Lope Main Stage
Great schools don’t just teach academics—they shape character. But where does that work begin? It starts with you. During our time together, we’ll explore how leaders, educators, and school communities can embed character education into everyday practices. We hope this session will challenge and inspire you to see character education not as an initiative, but as a way of leading, teaching, and building a school culture where students and staff alike flourish. Walk away with actionable insights to make character a lived reality in your school—and leave ready to shape the future of education. Because it starts with you.
Speakers
avatar for Jolleen Wagner

Jolleen Wagner

Chief Mission & Advancement Officer for the Brilla Schools Network
Jolleen Wagner is the chief mission & advancement officer for the Brilla Schools Network. In her first 2 years at Seton and Brilla, Jolleen was a 2nd-grade teacher and the visionary leader of Brilla’s Character Initiatives approach. In the years following, she became the chief character... Read More →
Friday March 28, 2025 9:15am - 10:45am PDT
Lope Main Stage
  Keynote Speaker

10:45am PDT

Break
Friday March 28, 2025 10:45am - 11:00am PDT
Lope Main Stage
Friday March 28, 2025 10:45am - 11:00am PDT
Lope Main Stage
  Short Break

11:00am PDT

Panel
Friday March 28, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Lope Main Stage
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Chris Shirley

Dr. Chris Shirley

Principal of Oak Brook Elementary School
Christopher Shirley currently serves as School Principal at Oak Brook Elementary School in Ballwin, Missouri.  He holds both an Educational Specialist and Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from Saint Louis University, as well as a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Elementary... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Ashley Deckelman

Dr. Ashley Deckelman

Principal of Willow Brook Elementary
Ashley R. Deckelman is the Principal of Willow Brook Elementary in the Pattonville School District, St. Louis, MO. With extensive experience in education, she holds a Doctorate in Teacher Leadership from Maryville University and has served as an assistant principal, teacher, and technology... Read More →
Friday March 28, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Lope Main Stage
  Panel

12:00pm PDT

Lunch
Friday March 28, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Lope Main Stage
Friday March 28, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Lope Main Stage
  Lunch/Extended Break

1:00pm PDT

Creating the RCS Golden Tiger Core Values: Building a Culture of Character in the Classroom and Beyond
Friday March 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Diamondback Room
Discover how a rural school district created a powerful list of core values and embedded them into daily classroom instruction, curriculum content, and school culture. This session will explore strategies for making character education meaningful by integrating Respect, Integrity, Kindness, Responsibility, Self-Control, Positive Attitude, Determination, and Honesty into lessons and student interactions. Learn practical ways to cultivate a culture of character in a rural school district, using real-world examples and engaging activities that help students internalize these values. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to foster a core value mindset in their schools.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Natalie Bendall

Dr. Natalie Bendall

Curriculum Coordinator for Russellville City Schools,
Dr. Natalie Bendall serves as the Curriculum Coordinator for Russellville City Schools, where she is dedicated to fostering excellence in academics, innovation, and character education. She played a pivotal role in establishing the RCS Golden Tiger Core Values, shaping the district’s... Read More →

Friday March 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Diamondback Room
  Parallel Breakouts

1:00pm PDT

Developing students' values and moral compass through curricular integration of character education
Friday March 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Javelina Room
 Explore and discuss how to work with classroom and special area teachers as they plan for integrating character education flawlessly into your school’s curriculum. This session will explore practical strategies for fostering values like empathy, responsibility, and integrity through service learning, class meetings, and just-in-time teaching moments. Discuss using class meetings as a tool for collaborative curricular planning that empowers students to actively engage in their learning while developing essential life skills. Discover how service-learning projects can tie into curriculum and provide real-world applications that allow students the opportunity to further develop their moral compass.  Discuss how to use teachable moments in the classroom to reinforce positive behaviors and values. Leave with actionable tools to create a more holistic, student-centered learning environment where character development and academic growth go hand in hand.   
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Chris Shirley

Dr. Chris Shirley

Principal of Oak Brook Elementary School
Christopher Shirley currently serves as School Principal at Oak Brook Elementary School in Ballwin, Missouri.  He holds both an Educational Specialist and Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from Saint Louis University, as well as a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Elementary... Read More →

Friday March 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Javelina Room
  Parallel Breakouts

1:00pm PDT

Digging Deeper in Principle 7: Keys to Fostering Intrinsic Motivation in Your School and Classroom
Friday March 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Roadrunner Room
This presentation explores the vital role of student motivation in character and academic education and offers effective strategies for educators to foster intrinsic motivation and a growth mindset in their students.  It delves into the definition and importance of motivation, examines prominent theories like Expectancy-Value Theory, Attribution Theory, Self-Determination Theory, and Goal Theory, and provides practical techniques to enhance motivation in the classroom and beyond.  The presentation also emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and engaging learning environment where students feel valued, challenged, and empowered to succeed.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. John Lowry

Dr. John Lowry

Director of Personnel and Academic Services at Homewood City School
Dr. Lowry is in his fourth year as Homewood City School’s Director of Personnel and Academic Services. Prior to being in the central office, Dr. Lowry served eight years as principal at Shades Cahaba Elementary in Homewood, Alabama, a three-time National School of Character and... Read More →

Friday March 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Roadrunner Room
  Parallel Breakouts

1:00pm PDT

Establishing Shared Language as Leaders: Integrating Character Education Into School Cultures and Leadership Practices
Friday March 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Lope Main Stage
Discover practical strategies for embedding a shared language of virtue and character into school culture and leadership practices while advancing both student development and academic excellence. This session will explore how intentional language can shape mindsets, behaviors, and community engagement, fostering a culture where students, staff, and families work together. Leave with actionable ideas and real-world examples of how to integrate virtues into leadership, professional development, instruction, and daily interactions, creating a cohesive and mission-driven school environment that empowers every member of the community to grow and flourish.
Speakers
avatar for Jolleen Wagner

Jolleen Wagner

Chief Mission & Advancement Officer for the Brilla Schools Network
Jolleen Wagner is the chief mission & advancement officer for the Brilla Schools Network. In her first 2 years at Seton and Brilla, Jolleen was a 2nd-grade teacher and the visionary leader of Brilla’s Character Initiatives approach. In the years following, she became the chief character... Read More →

Friday March 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Lope Main Stage
  Parallel Breakouts

1:00pm PDT

From Lessons to Life: Embedding Character Education in the Curriculum
Friday March 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Coyote Room
Discover practical strategies for seamlessly integrating character education into your daily curriculum while meeting both academic and character development goals. This session will explore how service learning can be used as a powerful tool to teach empathy, responsibility, and collaboration, enriching students' personal growth alongside their academic success. Leave with actionable ideas and examples of how to weave character education into lessons, projects, and classroom activities to create a well-rounded learning experience that inspires students to excel both in and out of the classroom.  
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Ashley Deckelman

Dr. Ashley Deckelman

Principal of Willow Brook Elementary
Ashley R. Deckelman is the Principal of Willow Brook Elementary in the Pattonville School District, St. Louis, MO. With extensive experience in education, she holds a Doctorate in Teacher Leadership from Maryville University and has served as an assistant principal, teacher, and technology... Read More →

Friday March 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Coyote Room
  Parallel Breakouts

1:00pm PDT

What works in Character Education: Real-World examples based on the 11 Principles Framework
Friday March 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Cardinal Room
In this session, we will combine real-world implementation practices based on the 11 Principles Framework and discuss different strategies used at elementary, middle, and high schools. The session aims to equip attendees with practices they can take back to their schools and implement to enhance their current character education journey.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Ben White

Dr. Ben White

Clinical Assistant Professor of Education Leadership at the University of Alabama
Benjamin White, a resident of Northport, Alabama, is a clinical assistant professor of education leadership at the University of Alabama and a Fellow of the Hope Institute. With over 15 years in public education, he served as an elementary teacher, assistant principal, and principal... Read More →
Friday March 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Cardinal Room
  Parallel Breakouts

2:00pm PDT

Break
Friday March 28, 2025 2:00pm - 2:15pm PDT
Lope Main Stage
Friday March 28, 2025 2:00pm - 2:15pm PDT
Lope Main Stage
  Short Break

2:15pm PDT

Creating the RCS Golden Tiger Core Values: Building a Culture of Character in the Classroom and Beyond
Friday March 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
Diamondback Room
Discover how a rural school district created a powerful list of core values and embedded them into daily classroom instruction, curriculum content, and school culture. This session will explore strategies for making character education meaningful by integrating Respect, Integrity, Kindness, Responsibility, Self-Control, Positive Attitude, Determination, and Honesty into lessons and student interactions. Learn practical ways to cultivate a culture of character in a rural school district, using real-world examples and engaging activities that help students internalize these values. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to foster a core value mindset in their schools.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Natalie Bendall

Dr. Natalie Bendall

Curriculum Coordinator for Russellville City Schools,
Dr. Natalie Bendall serves as the Curriculum Coordinator for Russellville City Schools, where she is dedicated to fostering excellence in academics, innovation, and character education. She played a pivotal role in establishing the RCS Golden Tiger Core Values, shaping the district’s... Read More →

Friday March 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
Diamondback Room
  Parallel Breakouts

2:15pm PDT

Developing students' values and moral compass through curricular integration of character education
Friday March 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
Javelina Room
Explore and discuss how to work with classroom and special area teachers as they plan for integrating character education flawlessly into your school’s curriculum. This session will explore practical strategies for fostering values like empathy, responsibility, and integrity through service learning, class meetings, and just-in-time teaching moments. Discuss using class meetings as a tool for collaborative curricular planning that empowers students to actively engage in their learning while developing essential life skills. Discover how service-learning projects can tie into curriculum and provide real-world applications that allow students the opportunity to further develop their moral compass.  Discuss how to use teachable moments in the classroom to reinforce positive behaviors and values. Leave with actionable tools to create a more holistic, student-centered learning environment where character development and academic growth go hand in hand.  
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Chris Shirley

Dr. Chris Shirley

Principal of Oak Brook Elementary School
Christopher Shirley currently serves as School Principal at Oak Brook Elementary School in Ballwin, Missouri.  He holds both an Educational Specialist and Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from Saint Louis University, as well as a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Elementary... Read More →

Friday March 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
Javelina Room
  Parallel Breakouts

2:15pm PDT

Digging Deeper in Principle 7: Keys to Fostering Intrinsic Motivation in Your School and Classroom
Friday March 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
Roadrunner Room
This presentation explores the vital role of student motivation in character and academic education and offers effective strategies for educators to foster intrinsic motivation and a growth mindset in their students.  It delves into the definition and importance of motivation, examines prominent theories like Expectancy-Value Theory, Attribution Theory, Self-Determination Theory, and Goal Theory, and provides practical techniques to enhance motivation in the classroom and beyond.  The presentation also emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and engaging learning environment where students feel valued, challenged, and empowered to succeed.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. John Lowry

Dr. John Lowry

Director of Personnel and Academic Services at Homewood City School
Dr. Lowry is in his fourth year as Homewood City School’s Director of Personnel and Academic Services. Prior to being in the central office, Dr. Lowry served eight years as principal at Shades Cahaba Elementary in Homewood, Alabama, a three-time National School of Character and... Read More →

Friday March 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
Roadrunner Room
  Parallel Breakouts

2:15pm PDT

Establishing Shared Language as Leaders: Integrating Character Education Into School Cultures and Leadership Practices
Friday March 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
Lope Main Stage
Discover practical strategies for embedding a shared language of virtue and character into school culture and leadership practices while advancing both student development and academic excellence. This session will explore how intentional language can shape mindsets, behaviors, and community engagement, fostering a culture where students, staff, and families work together. Leave with actionable ideas and real-world examples of how to integrate virtues into leadership, professional development, instruction, and daily interactions, creating a cohesive and mission-driven school environment that empowers every member of the community to grow and flourish.
Speakers
avatar for Jolleen Wagner

Jolleen Wagner

Chief Mission & Advancement Officer for the Brilla Schools Network
Jolleen Wagner is the chief mission & advancement officer for the Brilla Schools Network. In her first 2 years at Seton and Brilla, Jolleen was a 2nd-grade teacher and the visionary leader of Brilla’s Character Initiatives approach. In the years following, she became the chief character... Read More →
Friday March 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
Lope Main Stage
  Parallel Breakouts

2:15pm PDT

From Lessons to Life: Embedding Character Education in the Curriculum
Friday March 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
Coyote Room
Discover practical strategies for seamlessly integrating character education into your daily curriculum while meeting both academic and character development goals. This session will explore how service learning can be used as a powerful tool to teach empathy, responsibility, and collaboration, enriching students' personal growth alongside their academic success. Leave with actionable ideas and examples of how to weave character education into lessons, projects, and classroom activities to create a well-rounded learning experience that inspires students to excel both in and out of the classroom.  
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Ashley Deckelman

Dr. Ashley Deckelman

Principal of Willow Brook Elementary
Ashley R. Deckelman is the Principal of Willow Brook Elementary in the Pattonville School District, St. Louis, MO. With extensive experience in education, she holds a Doctorate in Teacher Leadership from Maryville University and has served as an assistant principal, teacher, and technology... Read More →
Friday March 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
Coyote Room
  Parallel Breakouts

2:15pm PDT

What works in Character Education: Real-World examples based on the 11 Principles Framework
Friday March 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
Cardinal Room
In this session, we will combine real-world implementation practices based on the 11 Principles Framework and discuss different strategies used at elementary, middle, and high schools. The session aims to equip attendees with practices they can take back to their schools and implement to enhance their current character education journey.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Ben White

Dr. Ben White

Clinical Assistant Professor of Education Leadership at the University of Alabama
Benjamin White, a resident of Northport, Alabama, is a clinical assistant professor of education leadership at the University of Alabama and a Fellow of the Hope Institute. With over 15 years in public education, he served as an elementary teacher, assistant principal, and principal... Read More →

Friday March 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
Cardinal Room
  Parallel Breakouts

3:15pm PDT

Closing Remarks
Friday March 28, 2025 3:15pm - 3:45pm PDT
Lope Main Stage
Friday March 28, 2025 3:15pm - 3:45pm PDT
Lope Main Stage
  Closing/ End of Day
 
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