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Academic Innovation Conference 2026
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Tuesday, June 9
 

8:00am EDT

Conference Opening Breakfast & Keynote Experience
LIMITED
Tuesday June 9, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Opening Breakfast & Keynote Experience

Start your conference journey grounded in community, connection, and purpose with our Opening Breakfast and Keynote. This experience is designed to set the tone for everything that follows.

A Taste of Asheville
Enjoy a locally inspired breakfast sponsored by our partners at Biscuit Head, a beloved Asheville staple known for its bold flavors and Southern roots. This shared meal is more than nourishment; it’s a moment to gather, reflect, and begin building the connections that will carry throughout the conference.


Keynote Speaker: Carlos Ojeda, Jr.
Prepare to be energized and inspired by Carlos Ojeda Jr., Founder of CoolSpeak. Through powerful storytelling and lived experience, Carlos will challenge us to reflect on our own journeys as educators and leaders, reminding us that our voices, our identities, and our stories are the driving force behind meaningful change.
His keynote is not just something you will hear—it is something you will experience.

Your Story as the Thread

This opening session launches a personalized storytelling and connection-making experience that will guide you across the entire conference. Rooted in the history and traditions of Western North Carolina, this interactive journey will invite you to:
  • Reflect on your own story and its impact on your work
  • Build authentic connections with fellow attendees
  • Engage in moments of dialogue, creativity, and shared meaning
  • Carry a unifying thread of purpose through each session, showcase, and experience
This is where The Power of Our Stories comes to life; where your individual narrative becomes part of a larger, collective movement across our region.
Come ready to listen.
Come ready to reflect.
Come ready to share your story—and to help shape the next chapter.


Speakers
avatar for Carlos Ojeda, Jr.

Carlos Ojeda, Jr.

Founder, CoolSpeak
Carlos Ojeda Jr. has been called one of the most dynamic speakers in America today.He is a youth development expert with over twenty-six years of experience inspiring countless students, parents, and education professionals across the country.Carlos was a university administrator... Read More →
avatar for Doug Thompson

Doug Thompson

Director of GEAR UP, Appalachian State GEAR UP Partnerships
avatar for Rachel Nave-Lewis

Rachel Nave-Lewis

Assistant Director of Curriculum & Instructional Design, Appalachian State University | Office of Rural Promise

Tuesday June 9, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Mission Health / A-B Tech Conference Center 16 Fernihurst Dr, Asheville, NC 28801, USA

9:00am EDT

The GEAR UP Luminary Showcase
LIMITED
Tuesday June 9, 2026 9:00am - 9:55am EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
The GEAR UP Luminary Showcase is a time when we pause to honor the brilliance, creativity, and impact of our GEAR UP districts across Western North Carolina.

Our first annual Luminary Showcase is a living gallery of innovation, where powerful ideas become real stories of transformation, shared by the educators and leaders who are making a difference every single day.
Throughout the showcase, attendees will experience dynamic presentations from our winning districts, each highlighting groundbreaking work that is reshaping opportunities for students and communities:
  • 🏆 Trailblazer Award & Presentation
    Recognizing bold, forward-thinking innovation that charts new paths in education
  • 🏆 Greatest Impact Award & Presentation
    Honoring collaborative efforts that demonstrate measurable, meaningful outcomes
  • 🏆 Future Promise Award & Presentation
    Celebrating emerging initiatives with powerful potential to transform the future
Each award recipient will receive $12,000 to continue and expand their work, fueling sustained innovation and deeper impact across rural education.

The Luminary Showcase reminds us that within every district lies a story worth telling. Stories that can inspire, inform, and ignite change far beyond their origin.
Come celebrate.
Come be inspired.
Come witness the stories that are shaping the future of education in Western North Carolina.




This celebration is made possible through the support and partnership of our premier conference sponsors:
  • CoolSpeak
  • Participate Learning
  • Top School Speakers
Their commitment to amplifying educator voice and advancing student success helps make moments like this possible.

Speakers
avatar for Doug Thompson

Doug Thompson

Director of GEAR UP, Appalachian State GEAR UP Partnerships
avatar for Rachel Nave-Lewis

Rachel Nave-Lewis

Assistant Director of Curriculum & Instructional Design, Appalachian State University | Office of Rural Promise

avatar for Corinne Smith

Corinne Smith

Deputy Director, College Access Partnerships, Appalachian State College Access Partnerships
KS

Kelly Sparks

NPSI (National Post Secondary Institute)
Tuesday June 9, 2026 9:00am - 9:55am EDT
Mission Health / A-B Tech Conference Center 16 Fernihurst Dr, Asheville, NC 28801, USA

10:05am EDT

The Luminary Showcase Extension: Innovation Exchange
LIMITED
Tuesday June 9, 2026 10:05am - 11:10am EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Luminary Showcase Extension: Innovation Exchange

Following the Luminary Showcase, the energy continues with our Innovation Exchange, a dynamic, unconference-style extension designed to open the floor to every district, partner, and voice in the room.
In this flexible and fluid learning environment, attendees are invited to move freely through a variety of interactive formats:
  • Table Talks – Small-group discussions centered on real challenges, strategies, and successes
  • Project Displays – Hands-on showcases of innovative programs and practices
  • Poster Presentations – Visual storytelling of research, initiatives, and impact
  • Partner Spotlights – Opportunities to learn directly from organizations supporting the work
There is no single path; you design your own experience, engaging with the ideas and people that resonate most with your journey.

Throughout the Exchange, attendees will also have opportunities for Meet & Greets with our leading conference sponsors:
  • CoolSpeak
  • Participate Learning
  • Top School Speakers
These moments are designed for authentic conversation, collaboration, and exploration of how partnerships can elevate your work.

The People’s Choice Award

As you explore, engage, and experience the Innovation Exchange, your voice becomes part of the story.
At the conclusion of this session, attendees will cast their votes for the most innovative and impactful project presented during the Exchange.

The winning district will be awarded the $8,000 People’s Choice Award—an investment to continue and expand their work in rural education.

Because the next idea that transforms a classroom, a school, or a community…
might be discovered in the conversation you have yet to have.

Speakers
avatar for Rachel Nave-Lewis

Rachel Nave-Lewis

Assistant Director of Curriculum & Instructional Design, Appalachian State University | Office of Rural Promise

avatar for Corinne Smith

Corinne Smith

Deputy Director, College Access Partnerships, Appalachian State College Access Partnerships
KS

Kelly Sparks

NPSI (National Post Secondary Institute)
avatar for Doug Thompson

Doug Thompson

Director of GEAR UP, Appalachian State GEAR UP Partnerships
Tuesday June 9, 2026 10:05am - 11:10am EDT
Mission Health / A-B Tech Conference Center 16 Fernihurst Dr, Asheville, NC 28801, USA

11:15am EDT

Lunch & Connection
LIMITED
Tuesday June 9, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Lunch & Connection

Take a moment to pause, refuel, and reconnect during our conference lunch—generously sponsored by one of our incredible partners and catered by Biltmore 67.

This is a time to relax, build connections, and continue weaving your story thread alongside fellow attendees. As lunch comes to a close, be inspired by featured videos highlighting our Innovator of the Year nominees—powerful stories of impact, leadership, and transformation across our region.
Enjoy the moment. Share your story. Be inspired by the stories unfolding around you.

Speakers
avatar for Rachel Nave-Lewis

Rachel Nave-Lewis

Assistant Director of Curriculum & Instructional Design, Appalachian State University | Office of Rural Promise

Tuesday June 9, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm EDT
Mission Health / A-B Tech Conference Center 16 Fernihurst Dr, Asheville, NC 28801, USA

12:00pm EDT

Educator Workshop with Carlos Ojeda Jr.
FILLING
Tuesday June 9, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm EDT
Limited Capacity filling up
Educator Workshop with Carlos Ojeda Jr.

Engage in a high-energy, interactive experience led by Carlos, where storytelling meets strategy. This session will challenge you to unlock student voice, build authentic connections, and elevate engagement in your classroom and school community.

Speakers
avatar for Carlos Ojeda, Jr.

Carlos Ojeda, Jr.

Founder, CoolSpeak
Carlos Ojeda Jr. has been called one of the most dynamic speakers in America today.He is a youth development expert with over twenty-six years of experience inspiring countless students, parents, and education professionals across the country.Carlos was a university administrator... Read More →
Tuesday June 9, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm EDT

12:00pm EDT

GEAR UP 2.0 AIM Grant PITCH Competition
LIMITED
Tuesday June 9, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
GEAR UP 2.0 AIM Grant PITCH Competition
Hear from educators in the GEAR UP 2.0 cohort as they present innovative, student-centered proposals designed to transform learning. Selected winners will receive up to $8,000 in funding to bring their ideas to life.

Tuesday June 9, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm EDT

12:00pm EDT

GEAR UP 3.0 APEX AIM Grant PITCH Competition
LIMITED
Tuesday June 9, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
GEAR UP 3.0 APEX AIM Grant PITCH Competition
Hear from educators in the GEAR UP 3.0 APEX cohort as they present innovative, student-centered proposals designed to transform learning. Selected winners will receive up to $8,000 in funding to bring their ideas to life.

Tuesday June 9, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm EDT

12:00pm EDT

Innovator of the Year Workshop with Top School Speakers
LIMITED
Tuesday June 9, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Innovator of the Year Workshop with Top School Speakers
A special session for our Innovators of the Year
Join an inspiring session featuring Carla, renowned speaker and author of Beat the Odds, as she shares powerful insights on resilience, leadership, and creating transformative impact in education.

Tuesday June 9, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm EDT

12:00pm EDT

Principal Pathways & Mentorship
LIMITED
Tuesday June 9, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Principal Pathways & Mentorship
Explore the journey into school leadership through this session focused on mentorship, growth, and sustainable leadership pipelines. Ideal for aspiring administrators and those supporting leadership development.

Tuesday June 9, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm EDT

12:00pm EDT

The Empowering Teacher Learning Project Framework: Changing the Landscape of Professional Development in Western North Carolina
LIMITED
Tuesday June 9, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This presentation tells the story about how the Empowering Teacher Learning (ETL) Project and Teacher-Directed Professional Development (TDPL) impacted teachers and students in Western NC by highlighting key outcomes from ETL’s implementation across multiple districts, including rates of teacher engagement, sustained participation, teacher perceptions and evidence of instructional shifts. It also illustrates the evolution of the ETL Project into three other distinct exploratory programs: PRIME micro-credential development, Remote Learning, and the Innovation Cohort; displaying resilience amidst extreme challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Helene. 
Speakers
avatar for Janet Johnson

Janet Johnson

Finance and Compliance Manager, Appalachian State | Office of Rural Promise
Janet is a licensed CTE Business and Marketing teacher with 15 years of classroom experience. She currently serves as the Finance and Compliance Manager for Learning in the Professions and the GREAT STEM Project. In May 2024, she earned a Master of Arts in Online Engagement and Communication... Read More →
avatar for Sherry Paddie

Sherry Paddie

Learning in the Professions Navigator, Appalachian State University
Sherry is a former K-12 Special Education, English Language Arts, and Drama Teacher who spent most of her teaching career in the middle school grades. After teaching, she shifted her attention to social services where she was the administrator of a food bank and Lead Advocate at a... Read More →
Tuesday June 9, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm EDT

12:00pm EDT

The Kelly Holleman Media Specialist AIM Grant PITCH Competition
LIMITED
Tuesday June 9, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Media Specialist AIM Grant PITCH Competition
Come experience bold, creative ideas from Media Specialists reimagining what’s possible in their schools. These rapid-fire pitches showcase innovation in action—with winners eligible to receive up to $8,000 in grant funding for the 2026–2027 school year.

Tuesday June 9, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm EDT

12:00pm EDT

Vendor Hall Experience
LIMITED
Tuesday June 9, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Vendor Hall Experience
Connect with leading organizations, explore cutting-edge resources, and discover tools that can elevate your work. The Vendor Hall is your space to network, learn, and build partnerships that extend beyond the conference.

Tuesday June 9, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm EDT

1:30pm EDT

Partner and Vendor Showcase: Explore, Engage, Experience
Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
Partner & Vendor Showcase: Explore, Engage, Experience
AIC ’26 — Innovation in Motion

Step into a high-energy, unconference-style experience where exploration leads the way. The Partner & Vendor Showcase is designed for flexible movement, hands-on learning, and authentic interaction with the organizations that support and elevate our work.

Move freely through interactive booths and experiences featuring our valued partners and vendors while engaging in live demonstrations, creative activities, and meaningful conversations that bring ideas to life.
  • Hands-on, interactive learning experiences
  • Flexible, self-paced exploration
  • Opportunities to build meaningful partnerships
  • A fun, gamified layer of engagement
During this time, join in the fun with a conference-wide Goose Chase—an interactive challenge that encourages you to explore the space, connect with partners, and complete engaging missions along the way. It is a dynamic way to learn, collaborate, and experience the showcase with purpose and play.

Explore boldly. Engage deeply. Playfully connect.
Because sometimes the best learning happens when you follow curiosity.

Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
Mission Health / A-B Tech Conference Center 16 Fernihurst Dr, Asheville, NC 28801, USA

2:15pm EDT

Afternoon Snack
LIMITED
Tuesday June 9, 2026 2:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Take a moment to recharge and reconnect with a delicious afternoon treat, generously sponsored by our partners.

Enjoy handcrafted, gourmet popcorn and confectionery treats as you pause between sessions; a perfect opportunity to relax, reflect, and continue building connections with fellow attendees.

Grab a snack. Share a conversation. Keep your story going.

Tuesday June 9, 2026 2:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
Mission Health / A-B Tech Conference Center 16 Fernihurst Dr, Asheville, NC 28801, USA

2:30pm EDT

Innovator of the Year Recognition & Award
LIMITED
Tuesday June 9, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Innovator of the Year Recognition & Award


Join us for one of the most meaningful and heartfelt moments of the conference as we celebrate the extraordinary educators who are shaping the future of Western North Carolina.
This annual recognition is more than an award; it is a tribute to impact, dedication, and the power of educator voice.

Together, we will honor nominees from across the region whose work exemplifies innovation, leadership, and unwavering commitment to students and communities.
Throughout this special convening, you will hear powerful reflections from those who know and value these educators best. 

All nominees will be recognized for their contributions, culminating in the announcement of the 2026 Innovator of the Year—a distinguished honor that celebrates excellence in practice and the lasting impact of educational leadership.
Rooted in this year’s theme, The Power of Our Stories, this experience reminds us that behind every innovative practice is a person whose story inspires change.
Speakers
avatar for Carlos Ojeda, Jr.

Carlos Ojeda, Jr.

Founder, CoolSpeak
Carlos Ojeda Jr. has been called one of the most dynamic speakers in America today.He is a youth development expert with over twenty-six years of experience inspiring countless students, parents, and education professionals across the country.Carlos was a university administrator... Read More →
avatar for Rachel Nave-Lewis

Rachel Nave-Lewis

Assistant Director of Curriculum & Instructional Design, Appalachian State University | Office of Rural Promise

avatar for Corinne Smith

Corinne Smith

Deputy Director, College Access Partnerships, Appalachian State College Access Partnerships
Tuesday June 9, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Mission Health / A-B Tech Conference Center 16 Fernihurst Dr, Asheville, NC 28801, USA

3:30pm EDT

Day One Closing: Carry the Story Forward
LIMITED
Tuesday June 9, 2026 3:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Day One Closing: Carry the Story Forward

As we wrap up an unforgettable first day, take a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate all that we have experienced together. From powerful stories to bold ideas, today has been a reminder of the impact we create when we come together as a community.
- Day One Giveaways
- People's Choice Award Winner
- Evening Event Ticket Winners

Leave inspired by the voices you have heard, the connections you have made, and the story you are continuing to write.
Rest, recharge, and get ready. Tomorrow, we build on it all.

Speakers
avatar for Rachel Nave-Lewis

Rachel Nave-Lewis

Assistant Director of Curriculum & Instructional Design, Appalachian State University | Office of Rural Promise

Tuesday June 9, 2026 3:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Mission Health / A-B Tech Conference Center 16 Fernihurst Dr, Asheville, NC 28801, USA

6:00pm EDT

Program Cohort Dinner & Ticket Events
Tuesday June 9, 2026 6:00pm - 8:30pm EDT
Tuesday June 9, 2026 6:00pm - 8:30pm EDT
Mission Health / A-B Tech Conference Center 16 Fernihurst Dr, Asheville, NC 28801, USA
 
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Academic Innovation Conference 2026
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