About the Conference
The National Best Practices Conference is a convergence of "Best Instructional Practices," welcoming educators from diverse educational programs—Bilingual, ESL, Gifted and Talented, Special Education, Core Content, Early Childhood, and Technology—across various grade levels and subject matters.
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This unique event is an opportunity for teachers, administrators, and support staff to unite and discover effective strategies not only within their specific programs but also through cross-pollination of ideas among different educational domains.
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Gone are the days of educational "silos." Instead, this conference fosters a collaborative environment where practitioners come together to explore innovative ways of meeting the diverse academic and linguistic needs of our students. It's a platform where specialized expertise converges, offering insights and practical solutions that enrich the educational landscape for all.
Conference Philosophy
We believe in uniting educators in a single space, empowering them to discover the most effective ways to address their students' academic and linguistic requirements.
Join us at NBPC 2025
"Empowering Educators, Transforming Futures: Innovation, Inclusion, and Impact"
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Our theme reflects the conference's commitment to equipping educators with the best teaching and learning strategies, fostering equity and inclusion, and driving positive outcomes for all students. It highlights the transformative power of education while emphasizing innovation and collaboration as tools for creating meaningful change.
Keynote Speaker
Gifted and Talented Pre-Conference
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Sarah Sales
Sarah Sales is a dedicated educator who fosters a classroom environment focused on growth mindset development. She incorporates computational thinking, design planning, and engineering into lessons across different subjects. Sarah has a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education with a focus on STEM from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, where she graduated magna cum laude. During her time in college, Sarah received awards including the Texas Council of Teachers of Mathematics Pre-Service Teacher’s Scholarship and a Study Abroad Scholarship, for which she taught Science in Central Mexico. Sarah founded and organized the Technology Learners and Leaders Council at TAMUCC, was an active member of TRIO, the Student Reading Council, and the Student Council of Math and Science Teachers.
Sarah has spent 20 years working in education. She currently works at the School of Science and Technology in Corpus Christi, TX, where she is the Gifted and Talented Coordinator, the Testing Coordinator, and a STEM-focused G.T. teacher. Prior to this appointment, she worked at Flour Bluff ISD and private schools in San Antonio. Sarah has also worked at several accredited preschools along with PPCD programs for Northside ISD, where she designed age-appropriate STEM programs.
Concurrently, Sarah has created curriculum for and directed STEM camps, as well as directed Camp Invention, mentored competition drone teams, volunteered as a lead judge for regional science fairs, and continues to work with the community to create science events. She works closely with local teachers and scientists to support mutual growth and to create cross-district collaborations.
Sarah has experience in Depth and Complexity, NGSS, ISTE Computational Thinking Competencies, the SAMR model, TPACK, Project Lead the Way, FUSE, and Project-Based Learning. Ms. Sales has been active in conferences that focus on her experience with STEM and with gifted students including TAMU-CC Me By the Sea, local school presentations, TCEA, Education Service Centers, and the National Best Practices Conference. She is currently a member of TCEA, TCMT, and TAGT.
Keynote Speaker
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Dr. Layne Pethick
Layne Pethick is a Behavior and Autism Spectrum Disorders Master Consultant for Region 10 ESC. He has a PhD in Business and Organization Leadership (with an MBA) and has a Master’s degree in Special Education with specialization in Human Behavior, Emotional/Behavioral Disorders, and Autism Spectrum Disorder, along with Bachelor’s degrees in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, and Reading.
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Layne has experience as a general and special education teacher, school administrator, district trainer, program director, and in higher education as a professor of special education, assessment, early childhood and teacher education. He has been deeply involved in brain research for the past 20+ years with a focus on the following areas: behavior, learning, autism, trauma, mental health, screen time, and various disabilities. He has had several articles published and presents at local, state, national, and international conferences. He continues to work with various countries in the areas of brain research, education and special education to include Mexico (2009-2011), Hong Kong (2011), Canada (currently), Vietnam (currently), and across the United States (currently).
Keynote Speaker
Friday, February 21, 2025
Marty Newman
As a twenty-seven-year educator, Mr. Newman has spent his entire career at Mount Pleasant ISD, serving as an ESL teacher, high school English teacher, advanced placement English instructor, dual credit instructor, and English department chair. Currently, he serves as the Director of Reading Language Arts for MPISD. He is a graduate student at Texas A&M University-Commerce researching oppressive rhetoric related to male body image in young adult literature. He plans to graduate in May with a Ph.D. in English Studies, with an emphasis on Literary Rhetoric.
In his current position, he works with teachers to make the curriculum relevant by using the literature of the students. His message to teachers is to engage with your students and their interests to teach your craft. “Our job as reading teachers is not to teach stories, but to teach skills students can use to read independently, which comes from relevance to texts or films. The idea that literature can only be defined as part of the literary canon has become an archaic concept that no longer engages students in the art of literary study. To engage students in literacy, you must use their world!”
Administrator Leadership Strand
Craig Toney is a seasoned educational leader with a distinguished career dedicated to transforming schools and empowering educational leaders to reach their full potential. Currently serving as the Superintendent at Sam Houston State University Charter School (SHSU Charter), Craig brings a wealth of experience and a passion for education to his role.
Before assuming his current position at SHSU Charter, Craig served in key leadership roles that showcased his dedication to educational excellence. His tenure as the Director of Bilingual Education and campus principal at two campuses within Sulphur Springs Independent School District in Texas stands as a testament to his leadership abilities and commitment to educational improvement.
As a campus principal, Craig was faced with the challenging task of leading two campuses through dramatic and rapid turnarounds. This demanding experience tested his leadership skills, strategic thinking, and ability to inspire change. Under his guidance, these campuses not only overcame obstacles but thrived, providing students with a more enriched and empowering learning environment. The success of these turnarounds underscored Craig's exceptional leadership acumen.
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Superintendent Craig Toney
Sam Houston State University
Charter School
Aspiring Students' Leadership Day
Facilitated by Dr. Jose Luis Zelaya
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
The Aspiring Students' Leadership strand engages high school students from the Ready, Set, Teach, Leadership, and Newcomers programs. This is a pivotal event designed for students currently in real classroom experiences as student apprentices under the guidance of seasoned mentor teachers.
This day is strategically crafted to nurture students' leadership potential and empower them to set ambitious college goals through a series of engaging workshops, interactive activities, and inspirational talks. The series of workshops include effective communication, teamwork, classroom management, and the importance of mentorship. Through these experiences, students develop the confidence to lead and inspire and guide their own future students one day.
Moreover, the Aspiring Students' Leadership Day serves as a platform for students to envision their respective journeys beyond high school. They receive guidance on setting meaningful college goals, exploring potential career paths, and accessing resources to support their academic endeavors.
For more details and registration information, contact us at info@myNBPC.com.
Special Student Registration fee, $110 (includes lunch).
Conference Schedule 2025
Wednesday
February 19
Bilingual Education
Pre-Conference
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8:30-9:30
Breakout Session #1
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9:45 am- 10:45 am
Featured Speaker
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11:00 am- 12:00 pm
Breakout Session #2
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12:00 pm-1:00 pm
Lunch and Exhibitor Visit
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1:15 pm- 2:15 pm
Breakout Session #3
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2:30 pm- 3:30 pm
Breakout Session #4
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Thursday
February 20
Best Practices
Conference
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8:30-9:30
Breakout Session #1
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9:45 am- 10:45 am
Keynote Speaker
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11:00 am- 12:00 pm
Breakout Session #2
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12:00 pm-1:00 pm
Lunch and Exhibitor Visit
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1:15 pm- 2:15 pm
Breakout Session #3
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2:30 pm- 3:30 pm
Breakout Session #4
Friday
February 21
Best Practices
Conference
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8:30-9:30
Breakout Session #1
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9:45 am- 10:45 am
Featured Speaker
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11:00 am- 12:00 pm
Breakout Session #2
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12:00 pm-1:00 pm
Lunch and Exhibitor Visit
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1:15 pm- 2:15 pm
Breakout Session #3
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2:30 pm- 3:30 pm
Breakout Session #4
Saturday
February 22
Best Practices
Conference
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9:00-10:00
Breakout Session #1
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10:15 am- 11:15 am
Breakout Session #2
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Banquet Lunch,
Live Entertainment,
and Raffles
February 19-21, 2025
Spirit Day at NBPC!
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We warmly invite all attendees to participate by donning their district's school shirt on
Friday, February 21, 2025, adding a
vibrant touch of school pride to the event.
To commemorate this spirited occasion, we'll be hosting an onsite photo booth on Friday, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm, where you can capture memorable moments showcasing your enthusiasm and school spirit.
Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to celebrate and showcase your pride in your school community!
INTERESTED IN PRESENTING in 2025?
Submit your Presentation Proposal
National Best Practices Conference 2025
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The Lead Presenter receives a $50 Registration Discount*
and an invitation to the VIP Gala
*Discount applicable to the Full or Regular Registration
February 22, 2024
5:00 -7:00
Sheraton Hotel
Bronze III
Appetizers and Drinks
February 20, 2025
5:00-7:00
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Embassy Suites
by Hilton Dallas Park Central
13131 North Central Expressway
Dallas, TX 75243
214-764-3181
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Special Conference Rate
$109 USD per night
Valid Until February 4, 2025
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*Contact the Hotel for Information on
Their Payment Policy
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Conference Location 2025
Complimentary Made to Order Breakfast, Parking, and Wifi for Hotel Guests
Registering with a Purchase Order Registration?
Select the Offline Payment option to complete the registration when prompted.
Group Registration of 10+ (Full or Regular Conference) receive a $25 per person discount
on the Full or Regular Conference.
Complete and email form to info@mynbpc.com
2025 Partners in Education
Platinum Partner
Diamond Partner
A community of educators united to support all children.
Silver Partners
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Commercial and Small Business Partners
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Professional Development Partnership
of Best Practices with
Gomez and Gomez Dual Language Consultants
Save the date
November 3-6, 2025
Professional development is KEY for campus and district administrators, support staff, and lead teachers to provide strategic academic and linguistic instructional support to teachers of Emergent Bilinguals.
The Institute provides an opportunity to increase one's capacity for a deeper understanding of supervising and supporting high-quality education of Emergent Bilinguals.
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See you at the Island!
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FLYER COMING SOON
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