2026 Conference Speakers & Honorees
Keynote Speaker 2026
|
Theodore Robison III
Region 3 Superintendent of Clark County School District |
Luncheon Keynote Speaker 2026
|
Dr. Vincent Palacio
President, University of Belize Dr. Vincent Palacio is a career educator and leader. His training is in Management, Environmental Protection and Leadership. His work has supported the development of policy and the implementation of projects across the Environmental Protection, Tourism and Education sectors. He has a sharp mind for planning and evaluation and the personality to match. He inspires confidence and motivates innovation. His leadership has helped the University of Belize to launch its foundation, build coalitions, set standards and expand its wings. He served as Director of Development, Director of the Marine Research Center, Chair and Dean of the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences and now is making waves as a coalescing force bringing new levels of synthesis at the national university behind a common brand. He was raised in Dangriga, and now lives in Belmopan with his wife and two sons. |
Cocking Lecture 2026
|
Dr. Noni Mendoza-Reis
Professor, San Jose State University Dr. Noni Mendoza-Reis is Professor Emerita in Educational Leadership, San Jose State. She is a distinguished scholar in educational equity, leadership preparation, and culturally sustaining pedagogy. She has played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of equity-minded leaders. She emphasizes justice-centered approaches to leadership and critical consciousness (Equity-Principled Action), encouraging educators to challenge inequities through third-space leadership practices. Dr. Mendoza-Reis amplifies the voices of women of color in academia (Why Are There So Few of Us?), mentoring Latina and multilingual learners while advocating for systemic changes in leadership preparation programs (Baila Conmigo, Changing the Pedagogical Culture of Schools with Latino English Learners). Through research, editorial contributions, and leadership in scholarly publications, she continues to shape transformative educational practices, fostering equity-centered leadership in schools and higher education. |
Creighton Publishing Award 2026
|
Dr. Kelly Brown
|
Morphet Award 2026
|
TBA
|
Berry Emerging Scholar Award 2026
|
Debalina Maitra, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Teacher Leadership Kennesaw State University |