Mark McElroy’s Engaging Experience at Lead to Succeed

A Dynamic Conference for Leaders at All Levels

Mark was impressed by how Lead to Succeed brought together a wide range of participants—from teachers stepping into leadership roles to seasoned administrators. He shared, “The conference was great in bringing senior administrators together with teachers and beginning teacher leaders. It created a space where both groups could learn from each other’s perspectives.”

This diversity enriched discussions during sessions and facilitated robust conversations during breaks, lunches, and social events. Mark particularly valued the compact venue, which ensured that attendees regularly crossed paths, leading to ongoing discussions and deeper connections.

Sessions That Delivered Immediate Impact

For Mark, the conference sessions stood out because of their relevance, engaging delivery, and actionable takeaways. He praised the variety of themes, including data visualization, AI in education, DEI, and change management. “I found that there was a session for everyone, no matter their role or interest. That’s not always the case at conferences,” he said, noting that even with a smaller event, there was always something valuable to attend.

The extended deep-dive workshops were a highlight for Mark. He appreciated how these sessions combined high-level overviews with practical, hands-on activities. He explained, “The good presenters at this conference were able to say, ‘Now let’s think about how you would apply this in your context.’ I came back with materials and ideas I could share immediately with both my leadership team and faculty.”

One session that resonated deeply with Mark focused on moving from teacher-centered to student-centered classrooms. He and a colleague are already planning to run professional development sessions for their school based on what they learned, helping teachers explore small, incremental shifts to create more student-centered environments.

Pre-Conference and Keynote Sessions: Practical and Strategic Value

Mark also attended the pre-conference workshop led by Flossie, which focused on change management, a topic particularly relevant to his school’s current challenges. He described it as “far and away the most impactful piece for my position.” The workshop provided tools and frameworks for managing organizational change effectively, including strategies for identifying key stakeholders and building support.

Returning to his school, Mark and his leadership team are preparing to implement these tools as they navigate upcoming changes in student demographics and programming. “The pre-conference session gave us a clear outline of the people we’ll need in place to lead change, understanding who could be the practical visionaries to those who might be skeptics. It inspired me to approach change management with intention and confidence

The Power of Collaboration

Attending the conference with four colleagues from his school, including two senior leaders and two middle-level leaders, enhanced the experience for Mark. The group coordinated session attendance to cover a wide range of topics and has since strategized on how to share what they learned with the rest of their school community. “Having two senior leaders at the pre-conference was hugely beneficial,” Mark explained. “We’ll be able to use those tools to lead change effectively.”

The collaborative opportunities at the conference extended beyond Mark’s immediate group. He emphasized the value of debriefing sessions with other attendees during breaks and socials, where ideas and strategies were exchanged freely.

Constructive Feedback and Takeaways

Mark had high praise for the event’s organization and design, though he humorously noted that there was “way too much food—though that’s not a terrible problem to have!” He also appreciated how the conference mitigated the common challenge of overlapping sessions by ensuring facilitators shared resources widely, allowing attendees to switch sessions without missing out.

Why Tech Leaders Should Attend

As a technology leader, Mark found the conference particularly valuable for his role. He highlighted sessions on topics like AI, data visualization, and student-centered classrooms, noting how they bridged system-level technical leadership with pedagogy. “From a tech standpoint, there was a really good breadth of topics,” he said. “The sessions helped me think about how technology can facilitate shifts from teacher-centered to student-centered learning.”

Conclusion: A Must-Attend Event for Educational Leaders

Mark’s experience at Lead to Succeed underscores why educational leaders at all levels should consider attending. Whether you’re a seasoned administrator or an aspiring leader, the conference offers practical tools, inspiring sessions, and opportunities to collaborate with like-minded professionals.