GCU Character Ed Summit 4: Full Schedule

This presentation provides a comprehensive guide for educators on creating and sustaining a school with a culture of character. It covers the definition and recent history of character education, its benefits, and the key principles for effective implementation. Practical strategies for embedding character education in the curriculum, fostering shared leadership, and engaging the school community are discussed.

Speakers

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 →

Saturday March 29, 2025 9:15am - 10:45am PDT
Lope Main Stage

Keynote Speaker

10:45am PDT

Break

Saturday March 29, 2025 10:45am - 11:00am PDT

Lope Main Stage

Saturday March 29, 2025 10:45am - 11:00am PDT
Lope Main Stage

Short Break

11:00am PDT

Feedback & Forward: Action Plan Accelerator

Saturday March 29, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT

Cardinal Room

Engage in dynamic parallel breakouts where speakers provide personalized feedback on your action plans and goals throughout the summit. Get expert insights, refine your strategies, and resolve lingering questions to maximize your impact!

Room Assignments
Dr. Chris Shirley- Javelina Room
Dr. Ashley Deckelman- Coyote Room
Dr. John Lowry- Roadrunner Room
Dr. Ben White- Cardinal Room
Natalie Bendall- Diamondback Room
Jolleen Wagner- Lopes Main Stage

Speakers

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 →

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 →

Dr. John Lowry

Director of Personnel and Academic Services at Homewood City School

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 →

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 →

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 →

Saturday March 29, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Cardinal Room

Parallel Breakouts