At the 13th Annual Conference on February 26-27, one message rose above the rest: improving student outcomes isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing the right work, better aligned, and sustained over time.
Across keynote sessions and learning experiences, educators and leaders explored what it truly takes to strengthen the teaching profession in today’s complex landscape. Dr. Tessie Rose Bailey challenged a common reality in schools—“initiative fatigue”—where competing priorities overwhelm educators and dilute impact. Her research points to a more effective path: systems grounded in student belonging, consistent and high-quality core instruction, and clear alignment across practices. When these elements are in place, educators are better equipped to deliver meaningful results for all students.
In a deeper dive on Integrated MTSS, Dr. Bailey emphasized the importance of integrating specially designed instruction within core systems—ensuring supports are not siloed, but intentionally connected to everyday teaching and learning.
Dr. Liz Bettini brought critical focus to the challenges facing the special education workforce, including persistent shortages, inequitable distribution, and high turnover. Her message was clear: lasting improvement requires long-term investments in preparation, mentoring, and working conditions—not quick fixes.
State leaders reinforced these themes, highlighting Ohio’s priorities around literacy, student wellness, workforce readiness, and the use of structured literacy practices grounded in the Science of Reading.
Together, the conference underscored a powerful shift: the future of education depends on strong systems that support educators—because when educators thrive, students succeed.