In this interactive pre conference session, principals will explore what it means to be a future-ready leader in an era shaped by rapid technological advancement and artificial intelligence. Grounded in research and real-world application, this session will focus on strengthening Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), cultivating collective efficacy, and leveraging AI to enhance instructional leadership.

Participants will learn how to lead with clarity, implement high-impact PLC practices, and support teachers in improving the quality of instruction to accelerate learning and close achievement gaps. Walk away with practical strategies, implementation tools, and a renewed vision for leading schools forward—with equity, innovation, and instructional excellence at the core.

Presenter:

Dr. Rachael George - Rachael’s journey from battling wildland fires with the U.S. Forest Service to tackling educational challenges in the classroom exemplifies her unwavering commitment to making a profound impact. A pivotal conversation in Grangeville, Idaho inspired her transition into education, where she has since become an award-winning educator and a nationally sought-after keynote speaker, coach, consultant, and district leader.

Recognized as a member of the ASCD Emerging Leaders Class of 2015, Dr. Rachael George currently serves as the Executive Director of Elementary Programs in the Oregon Trail School District. Her previous roles include Executive Director of Student Services, building principal at both the elementary and middle school levels, and classroom teacher across all three grade bands.

Her transformative leadership was especially evident at Sandy Grade School, where she led the school from being one of Oregon’s lowest-performing to ranking in the top 20%. The school was recognized by the International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE) as a Model School for its success in closing the achievement gap. As a middle school principal, her focus on student growth and achievement led to statewide recognition, earning “Outstanding” status and being named a two-time “Level 5: Model School” by the State of Oregon.

Dr. Rachael George specializes in curriculum development, instructional improvement, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), principal support and coaching, and supporting at-risk student populations. Her passion lies in fostering collaboration, building capacity, and creating systems that support sustainable growth. She is committed to cultivating leadership that empowers collective learning and meaningful change.

In addition to her district leadership work, Rachael serves as an adjunct instructor at the University of Oregon and is a former President of the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators (COSA), having held the role in 2022. She is also a past NAESP Fellow for the Center of Innovation, where she contributed to national dialogue on school leadership and educational change.

Rachael is the co-author of PrincipalED: Navigating the Leadership Learning Curve and She Leads: The Women’s Guide to a Career in Educational Leadership. She is currently working on two additional books—one focused on school improvement and the other on PLCs.  Connect with Rachael to join a journey of exploration, growth, and shared leadership.