LEAD Education Summit: Full Schedule

8:30am EDT

Opening and Keynote Address

Monday July 27, 2026 8:30am - 9:00am EDT

Main Conference Room

Host - Kareem Neal
Keynote - Troy Long

Speakers

Kareem Neal

Teacher, Phoenix Union High School District

Kareem Neal is a self-contained special education teacher in Phoenix, AZ. He has taught students with cognitive delays for 24 years. He is the 2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year and is a 2022 inductee into the National Teachers Hall of Fame. He is on the board of directors for The National... Read More →

Monday July 27, 2026 8:30am - 9:00am EDT
Main Conference Room

9:00am EDT

The LEADership Panel

Monday July 27, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

Main Conference Room

Education is at a pivotal moment. The LEADership Panel brings together educators, policymakers, and community leaders to rethink how systems can better serve all students across both urban and rural communities. This conversation will highlight bold and practical strategies to expand equity, increase access, and open new opportunities. The goal is to ensure every learner, regardless of zip code, has access to high quality teaching, modern technology, and clear pathways to success in school, career, and life.

Speakers

Akbar Cook

Matt Carey

Dr. LaRetha Odumosu

Monday July 27, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Main Conference Room

8:30am EDT

Day Two Overview & Keynote

Tuesday July 28, 2026 8:30am - 9:00am EDT

Main Conference Room

Sylvester Chisom’s day 2 keynote will explore the future of Career and Technical Education, highlighting how innovative pathways can spark hope, expand access, and create real economic opportunity for students and communities alike.

Speakers

Kareem Neal

Teacher, Phoenix Union High School District

Sylvester Chisom

Tuesday July 28, 2026 8:30am - 9:00am EDT
Main Conference Room

9:00am EDT

Elevating Urban & Rural Schools Panel

Tuesday July 28, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

Main Conference Room

This panel brings together leaders from district administration, workforce readiness, and workforce development to explore how schools can better prepare students for success after graduation. The conversation will focus on closing opportunity gaps across urban and rural communities, strengthening durable skills, and aligning education with real workforce needs. Panelists will also examine how to redefine student success through college, career pathways, certifications, apprenticeships, and entrepreneurship. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for building stronger partnerships between schools, higher education, and industry to create more future-ready opportunities for all students.

Speakers