2025 Summer Educators Summit

Hosted by Tools For Success

Mastering Rigor in Your Classroom: Unlocking Student Success Together

Why Rigor?

In today’s educational landscape, fostering a rigorous learning environment is more important than ever. Recent studies indicate that a significant gap still exists in many schools regarding the implementation of rigor and depth of knowledge (DOK). According to Hanover Research, while many districts and schools  have begun to adopt more systematic approaches to data collection and instructional practices, there remains a pressing need for strategies that promote high-quality learning and teaching to improve both student and teacher outcomes.

At Tools for Success, we are dedicated to transforming K-12 education by empowering teachers, supporting administrators, and guiding leaders with customized strategies and professional growth opportunities. Our student-focused approach aims to align every classroom with current educational standards, creating an environment where all students can excel. 

That’s why our 2025 Annual Summer Summit is centered on “Mastering Rigor in Your Classroom: Unlocking Student Success Together”—to equip educators with the tools and strategies needed to enhance classroom rigor and drive student achievement. Our Summit was created by educators for educators! 

Research shows that academic rigor, in grades K -12, challenge students to think critically and innovate, leading to a more profound understanding of important concepts and keeping them engaged and motivated in their learning journey​

Rigor in the classroom is defined by tasks that require complex cognitive engagement, and has been shown to significantly increase student achievement. Norman Webb’s Depth of Knowledge (DOK) framework categorizes tasks by their cognitive complexity, ensuring that students are not just recalling information but engaging in meaningful, deep learning that fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Educators who effectively incorporate higher levels of DOK into their teaching are better positioned to help students achieve higher academic standards and real-world skills.

By attending this summit, educators and administrators will gain valuable insights into the latest research on rigor and DOK, participate in hands-on workshops, and learn practical strategies for applying these concepts in their classrooms. You will leave with actionable tools to create more engaging and challenging learning experiences that not only meet academic standards but also prepare students for future success.

Join us to explore how you can enhance your teaching practices and drive student success through rigor and depth of knowledge. Together, we can unlock every student’s potential and pave the way for a brighter future in education.

Summer Educators Summit

When: June 9th & 10th 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM

  • Continental breakfast and lunch provided

Where: Cardinal Ritter High School 3360 W. 30th Street Indianapolis, IN 46222

Who: K -12 Educators & Administrators

Why Your School Should Join the Summit

Empower your entire teaching team with the tools and strategies they need to transform learning and boost student success! The Tools for Success Summit is designed to equip teachers and administrators with practical, research-backed techniques for enhancing academic rigor and fostering an inclusive classroom environment.

Here’s What Your School Will Gain:

Boost Student Success Rates: Implement proven strategies that enhance academic achievement, helping more students excel and reach their full potential.

Elevated Student Engagement: Keep your students motivated and involved by applying innovative strategies that challenge them to think critically and creatively.

Inclusive Learning for All: Learn how to adapt rigorous practices to meet the diverse needs of your students, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to excel.

 

Empower Teachers: Teachers who feel supported and have access to meaningful professional development opportunities are more likely to stay in their positions, reducing turnover and providing continuity for students.  

  • Upon completion 16 hours of extended learning for license renewal is available,

Real-World Application: Educators gain hands-on experience with tools and techniques that you can immediately implement in your classrooms to see impactful results.

Collaborative Growth: Build a strong network with other educators, share insights, and develop a supportive community focused on continuous improvement.

Maximize Federal Funding: Discover how to use Title I, II, and IV funding to enhance your school’s educational outcomes and support all students effectively.

Sign up your whole team and make a lasting impact on your school community. Together, let’s create an environment where every student thrives!

Investment Options for K-12 Schools

We understand the importance of professional development for educators, and we’re pleased to offer special group pricing for schools that want to bring their teachers and principals together for this enriching experience. The more members from your school team that attend, the greater the discount, making it easier to enhance your entire team’s skills and strategies!

  • 1 to 5 Attendees: $1,949 per person
  • 6 to 10 Attendees: $1,649 per person — A $300 savings per attendee!
  • 11+ Attendees: $1,449 per person — A $500 savings per attendee!

This is a wonderful opportunity for schools to invest in their educators’ growth while saving on costs. Bring your team and experience the summit together, learning new strategies to elevate your school’s success!

Plus, our summit is eligible for Title I, II, and IV federal funding, making it even easier for your school to invest in your team’s growth!

Summit Schedule Overview

Educators and Administrators alike can expect two days of inspiring learning, meaningful connections, and practical insights at the 2025 Annual Educators Summit!

Day 1: Igniting the Spark of Rigor and Knowledge

8:30 – 9:00 AM: Start your day with a warm welcome! Enjoy a continental breakfast while networking with fellow educators, administrators, and leaders dedicated to advancing K-12 education. This is the perfect opportunity to exchange ideas and set the tone for a collaborative day ahead.

9:00 AM: We kick off the summit with our keynote, “Lighting the Flame of Knowledge,” delivered by none other than our Founder and CEO, Cathy Tooley. Prepare to be inspired as Cathy shares her vision for education and how we can collectively elevate student success.

Morning Session: Introduction to Rigor
Begin your journey by understanding the key principles of rigor and why it’s critical in achieving excellence. This session will lay the foundation for enhancing educational practices and ensuring that every student reaches their full potential.

Lunch Break: Lunch will be served at approximately 11:30 AM, providing a wonderful opportunity to network and connect with peers. Share insights from the morning sessions and build valuable professional relationships.

Afternoon Session: Exploring Depth of Knowledge (DOK)
Dive into the world of Depth of Knowledge as we explore the different levels and learn how to apply them to assess and enhance learning. This session will empower you to create a more challenging and enriching classroom environment.

Late Afternoon Session: Practical Applications
Roll up your sleeves and get hands-on! Engage in practical activities and real-world scenarios that will help you implement rigorous thinking and problem-solving skills in your work. By the end of the day, you’ll be equipped with actionable strategies to take back to your school.

Day 2: Advanced Strategies for Rigor and DOK

8:30 – 9:00 AM: Another day begins with a delightful continental breakfast and more networking opportunities. Share insights from Day 1, build new connections, and prepare for an advanced day of learning.

Morning Session: Building Complex Cognitive Skills
Delve into strategies for fostering higher-order thinking and problem-solving abilities. This session will focus on advanced techniques to challenge students and develop their cognitive skills, preparing them for the demands of today’s world.

Midday Session: Assessment and Evaluation
Discover innovative methods to effectively measure and evaluate rigor and depth of knowledge across various contexts. Learn how to create assessments that accurately reflect student understanding and promote continuous learning and improvement.

Lunch Break: Lunch will be served at approximately 11:30 AM, offering another chance to network, exchange ideas, and discuss what you’ve learned with other educators.

Afternoon Session: Collaboration and Peer Learning
Participate in interactive group exercises that emphasize collaboration, reflection, and peer feedback. This session will help you build a network of support among your peers and reinforce the learning experiences from the summit.

By the end of this two-day summit, you’ll leave with a toolkit of resources, a deeper understanding of how to cultivate rigor and depth of knowledge, and the confidence to tackle complex challenges in your professional practice. Let’s empower each other to create classrooms where every student can thrive!

Partner with Tools for Success for ongoing support as needed!

www.toolsforsuccessindy.com

Register for the 2025 Summer Educators Summit
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