VATLL Annual Conference

Buy-in means people agree with the plan. Ownership means people feel responsible for the outcome. Most school improvement efforts stall in the gap between the two, and leaders respond with reminders, checklists, and follow-up that quietly train staff to wait for direction. In this interactive session, participants will use the Levels of Engagement continuum (sabotage, defiance, compliance, buy-in, ownership, commitment, leadership) to map where the educators they support actually are, diagnose the unmet need underneath the resistance, and identify one right-sized move to shift a person or team one level forward. You will leave with a practical diagnostic tool you can use Monday morning.

After years in the classroom, you may be asking, “Now what?” While experience may bring expertise, it can also bring new wonderings related to your growth, purpose, and a path forward.


In this session, you will consider approaches to professional growth beyond “getting better.” We’ll explore pathways such as elevating your instructional expertise, broadening your impact through teacher leadership, mentoring colleagues, and reconnecting with your work. Through structured reflection and intentional planning, you’ll leave with actionable next steps for the journey.