Agenda &amp; Breakout Sessions

Agenda at a Glance

GENERAL SESSION I 8:30 am - 9:30 am	Opening Remarks & Welcome TBA Keynote Speaker TBA
BREAKOUT SESSION I 9:40 am - 10:20 am	*The TWAH Method and DWOW Mindset of Success* Presented by Mr. Roberto Rabelo Miami-Dade County Public Schools 2027 Francisco R. Walker Teacher of the Year GC 140 When Learning Doesn't Look Like Sitting Still: Rethinking *Engagement in Early Childhood* Presented by Aynour Soliman Graduate Student, Educational Leadership Florida International University GC 305 Navigating Financial Aid and Opportunities for Higher Education: *Preparing Future Educators to Support College and Career Readiness* Presenters: Emmanuel Mallah, Graduate Student, Curriculum Development and Instruction; and Roi Ji, Graduate Student, TBA Florida International University GC 316 College Ready: What You Need to Know Before You Apply Presenters TBA GC 150
BREAKOUT SESSION II 10:30 am - 11:10 am	TBA Presented by Dr. Saima Sanaullah 2026 Broward County Teacher of the Year Room GC 140 Beyond the Classroom: How Movement, Creativity, and Interaction Shape the Way We Learn – Finding Your Voice *as a Future Educator* Presented by Daria Lapeka Graduate Student, Curriculum and Instruction Florida International University GC 316 School Psychology Unpacked: What We Do & Why It *Matters* Presented by Leah Oppel Graduate Student, School Psychology Florida International University GC 305 Where Can Teaching Take You? Presenters: Dr. Ashley Floyd, Assistant Professor, Educational Policy Studies; Dr. Tiberio Garza, Department Chair, Counseling, Recreation,& School Psychology; Dr. Martha Meyer, Teaching Professor, Educational Policy Studies; Dr. Andy Pham, Professor and Program Leader, School Psychology; Dr. Jessica Pouranfar, FIU Area Coordinator of Music Therapy, Assistant Professor; Dr. Galaxina G. Wright, Assistant Professor, Counselor Education Florida International University GC 150
BREAKOUT SESSION I & II 9:40 am - 11:10 am	Program Fair, TBA Competitive Events Job Interview Competition, TBA Public Speaking Competition, TBA Spotlight on Education Competition, TBA Creative Writing and Illustration Competition, TBA Leadership in Education, TBA Ethical Dilemma Competition, TBA Researching Learning Challenges Competition, TBA Chapter Display Competition, TBA
11:20 am - 12:05 pm	Lunch GC Ballrooms
GENERAL SESSION II 12:10 pm - 12:45 pm	*Planting Seeds: Shaping Florida’s Future* Kyndall Brown 2027 Florida Teacher of the Year Osceola County Public Schools GC Ballrooms
CLOSING CEREMONY/AWARDS 12:50 pm - 1:30 pm	TBA

Breakout Session I 9:40 am – 10:20 am

The TWAH Method and DWOW Mindset of Success
Mr. Roberto Rabelo
2027 Francisco R. Walker Teacher of the Year
Miami-Dade County Public Schools

In order to achieve greatness in anything we must possess two qualities, a positive mindset and the willingness to do anything to achieve our goals. This is what the TWAH Method and the DWOW Mindset of Success provide. In my 38-year teaching career, it has been these two qualities that have led to all the professional and personal success and made me worthy of being awarded Miami Dade County Public Schools' "Francisco R Walker 2027 Teacher of the Year.

"Our THOUGHTS shape our words, our WORDS shape our actions, our ACTIONS shape our habits, and our HABITS will shape our future! This is TWAH. This is what me and my students say every day before we start formal instruction. The TWAH method shows the individual how to use the power of their unique TWAH to create the life they want to live. Based on the power of daily manifestation and positive affirmations, the individual will learn the power their thoughts have over their ability to achieve anything. This is paired with my DWOW Mindset of Success. DWOW stands for "Do What Others Won't!" It is based on my top ten executive functioning skills I teach my students to implement into their lives in order to achieve the results they are (we) manifesting for ourselves. It is these two traits that lead my mixed ability 7^th grade civic students to surpass the state and district passing proficiency percentages on the Florida CIVIC EOC exam every year by double digits.

This presentation will empower those in attendance to adopt these (or at least consider adopting them) two traits to help their students (and themselves) to feel LIMITLESS!

When Learning Doesn't Look Like Sitting Still: Rethinking Engagement in Early Childhood
Presented by Aynour Soliman
Graduate Student, Educational Leadership
Florida International University

Higher education plays a vital role in shaping students’ futures, providing opportunities for academic growth, personal development, and career success. Yet, research shows that students thrive most when they feel a strong sense of belonging within their campus community. In this workshop, participants will explore why belonging is essential to the college experience, with a focus on practices used at Florida International University to foster inclusion and student success. Students will reflect on their own educational paths, gain insights into how belonging impacts persistence, and learn practical ways to create welcoming, supportive spaces. This session equips future educators to understand the importance of higher education while developing strategies to inspire connection and community for every learner.

Navigating Financial Aid and Opportunities for Higher Education: Preparing Future Educators to Support College and Career Readiness
Presenters: Emmanuel Mallah, Graduate Student, Curriculum Development and Instruction; and Roi Ji, Graduate Student, TBA
Florida International University

In this interactive session, we will equip students with the practical knowledge and strategies needed to successfully navigate the financial aspects of pursuing higher education. Students will explore financial aid opportunities, including FAFSA, scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and other funding resources. Through engaging activities and guided discussions, students will identify financial aid options relevant to their educational and career goals and learn how to access them.

College Ready: What You Need to Know Before You Apply
Presenters: TBA
Florida International University

College applications can feel overwhelming—but they don’t have to be. Hear from FIU experts and current students about what colleges look for, how to strengthen your application, financial aid and scholarships, choosing the right major, and what to expect as you transition from high school to college. Get practical advice, common mistakes to avoid, and tips you can start using now—no matter where you ultimately choose to attend college.

Breakout Session II 10:30 am – 11:10 am

TBA
Presented by Dr. Saima Sanaullah
2026 Teacher of the Year
Broward County Public Schools

TBA

Beyond the Classroom: How Movement, Creativity, and Interaction Shape the Way We Learn – Finding Your Voice as a Future Educator

Presented by Daria Lapeka
Graduate Student, Curriculum and Instruction
Florida International University

What makes a teacher memorable? Is it what they know, how they explain it, or how they make students feel involved? This interactive workshop explores how movement, creativity, and interaction can shape the learning experience. Participants will hear about one educator's journey across language teaching, movement, and performance, take part in a short experiential activity, and reflect on how their own interests and experiences could influence the way they teach. The session invites future educators to experiment, reflect, and begin discovering what their own teaching voice might look like.

School Psychology Unpacked: What We Do & Why It Matters
Presented by Leah Oppel
Graduate Student, School Psychology
Florida International University

Have you ever considered a career working with children and adolescents, supporting their academic, behavioral, and social-emotional development, and making a meaningful impact in schools? School psychology may be a career path for you! This workshop will introduce the field of school psychology, including what school psychologists do, the different roles they can have, and why their work matters. We will also explore the different graduate programs and pathways available, ways to gain relevant experience, and how to connect with professionals in the field. Whether you are familiar with school psychology or hearing about it for the first time, this workshop will give you a better understanding of the field and where to begin.

Where Can Teaching Take You?
Presenters: Dr. Ashley Floyd, Assistant Professor, Educational Policy Studies; Dr. Tiberio Garza, Department Chair, Counseling, Recreation,& School Psychology; Dr. Martha Meyer, Teaching Professor, Educational Policy Studies; Dr. Andy Pham, Professor and Program Leader, School Psychology; Dr. Jessica Pouranfar, FIU Area Coordinator of Music Therapy, Assistant Professor; Dr. Galaxina G. Wright, Assistant Professor, Counselor Education
Florida International University

General Session II 12:10 pm – 12:45 pm

Planting Seeds: Shaping Florida's Future
Presented by Kyndall Brown
2027 Florida Teacher of the Year
Osceola County Public Schools

What if the most important seed an educator plants is one they may never see bloom? In Planting Seeds: Shaping Florida’s Future, Kyndall Brown, 2027 Florida Teacher of the Year, connects plant growth to growth through education and encourages teachers to grow together. Through heartfelt stories from her own journey, Kyndall explores the power of mentorship, meaningful learning opportunities, and the importance of lifelong learning. This inspiring keynote challenges educators to discover their next “why” and keep planting seeds of confidence, curiosity, compassion, and resilience along the way.

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Agenda & Breakout Sessions

Agenda at a Glance