Content/What to Expect
For 50 years, AMLE has celebrated the unique nature of young adolescents and the dedicated educators who support their social and academic growth every day. The Annual Conference is the world’s largest conference dedicated to this age group. Find your people at AMLE50, as well as more than 300 sessions across a broad range of topics.
Keynote and Featured Voices
General Session Keynotes
Jason Reynolds
Phyllis Fagell
Collaborate. Build. Nurture. Reflect.
Cornelius and Kassandra Minor
School. Lifelong memories are made there. Kids don’t just learn there. They become. For many adults, the experiences we had in school did not simply teach us. For better or for worse, they made us. We don’t have to replicate the “for worse.” We can work together to reimagine school. For better.
Collaborate. Build. Nurture. Reflect.
Cornelius and Kassandra Minor
School. Lifelong memories are made there. Kids don’t just learn there. They become. For many adults, the experiences we had in school did not simply teach us. For better or for worse, they made us. We don’t have to replicate the “for worse.” We can work together to reimagine school. For better.
Featured Voices
Jack Berckemeyer
Self-Proclaimed Ruler of Education
Jack is a nationally recognized presenter, author, and humorist known for bringing a new level of engagement to his presentations and a focus on realistic and practical hands-on tools for educators. His latest book, Successful Middle School Teaming, was released in 2022.
Kim Campbell
Daring Dean of Students
Kim currently serves as a Dean of Students while also crossing the country energizing educational professionals as a dynamic presenter. Kim’s second book, If You Can’t Manage Them, You Can’t Teach Them, offers humor and common sense approach to the building blocks of effective teaching and relationship-building.
Persida Himmele
Champion of Student Engagement
Persida is an associate professor at Millersville University in Pennsylvania. She has served as an elementary and middle school teacher, a district administrator, an English language learner program consultant, and a public speaker on issues related to student engagement and teaching in diverse classrooms. She is the co-author of Total Participation Techniques and, most recently, Why are we still doing that?
William Himmele
Champion of Student Engagement
William is an associate professor at Millersville University in Pennsylvania. He has served as an ESL teacher and a speech pathologist, a higher education administrator, an international consultant, and a speaker on issues related to increasing student engagement and teaching English language learners. He is the co-author of Total Participation Techniques and, most recently, Why are we still doing that?
Houston Kraft
Ambassador of Kindness
Houston Kraft is a professional speaker, author, curriculum designer, and kindness advocate who speaks at schools, conferences, and events internationally. He has spoken to over a half a million people at 600 engagements and counting. His first book, Deep Kindness, was published in 2020.
Katie Powell
Boredom Buster
Katie has served as a special education teacher, Title 1 teacher, instructional coach, and classroom teacher. Her focus on providing interventions for struggling students led to the development of strategies that leverage curiosity and fun to engage students while driving learning deeper, compiled in her first book, Boredom Busters. Her latest book, Frustration Busters, was released in 2021.
Anitra Warrior
Passionate Mental Health Advocate
Anitra is a psychologist specializing in working with children with anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autism, and those who have experienced traumatic events, helping educators understand how these factors can impact daily interactions for kids at school and home. She is a fierce advocate for culturally competent mental health care, and especially ending disparities for American Indians and rural populations.
Rick Wormeli
Education Avenger
One of the first Nationally Board Certified teachers in America, Rick brings innovation, energy, validity and high standards to both his presentations and his instructional practice, which include 39 years teaching and coaching teachers and principals. He is the author of the best-selling book Fair Isn’t Always Equal: Assessment and Grading in the Differentiated Classroom (Second Edition), as well as several other titles.
Practitioner Spotlights
In honor of AMLE’s 50th anniversary and our theme of A Rich History, A Bright Future, attendees are invited to hear from practitioners who are pushing their middle grades classrooms and schools forward into the next 50 years.
Janine is a visual arts teacher who believes art is all around us. She teaches art hand-in-hand with technology, encouraging kids to think like artists while developing the skills needed to achieve their goals.
Steven is a principal who is passionate about finding ways for students to be part of something special at school, offering rapid-fire ways to bring tangible school improvement ideas to life.
Tara is an innovative and veteran middle school math teacher, started flipping her classroom in 2012. Tara’s specialties include engaging math learners and creating a collaborative classroom.
Anthony is a principal who understands the importance of understanding students. He believes that when school leaders are armed with a knowledge of these development needs, we will be able to make more informed decisions that benefit students.
Practitioner Spotlights
Nathan Maynard
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Nathan Maynard
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Nathan Maynard
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Nathan Maynard
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Nathan Maynard
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Special Strands
It’s our 50th anniversary and we’re using this opportunity to explore the rich history and bright future of middle level education. Attendees are invited to help us envision this future through a series of special strands.
The Next 50
A series of presentations and panels of national experts explore: What will the next 50 years hold for middle level education?
The Successful Middle School
Explore essential middle grades concepts and best practice in action.
Early Career Educators
Supporting the next generation of educators with the tools and strategies you need for a productive classroom.
A Middle Level Education Policy Agenda
Exploring a cohesive policy agenda to support a bright future for middle level education.
The Changing Young Adolescent
Understanding and supporting today’s tweens toward personal and academic success.
Topics
Beyond these special strands, enjoy more than 300 sessions across a broad range of essential middle level education topics. There’s truly something for every member of the middle school team.
Sessions Across Subject Areas
Find effective strategies and emerging trends in middle grades math, science, ELA, social studies, arts, physical education, and exploratory courses.
Social and Emotional Learning
Gain tools to support the social and emotional needs of your students, enhance their executive functioning skills, and expand your understanding of young adolescent development.
Key Middle Grades Structures
Expand your understanding of evidence-based middle grades practices like advisory, interdisciplinary instruction, teaming, project-based learning, responsive scheduling, and more.
Emerging Research
Explore the latest research in middle level education and its implications for educators.
Making Connections at AMLE50
One of the most important parts of an AMLE annual conference are the rich connections attendees make with colleagues from around the world. Outside of sessions and the conference app, you’ll find a rich collection of opportunities to meet and engage with other attendees, including:
AMLE’s 50th Anniversary Celebration
Join us on Thursday evening of the conference for a birthday bash unlike any other!
Job-Alike Meet-Ups
Enjoy meeting colleagues in similar roles through Job-Alike Meet-Ups.
Earn Badges at AMLE50
Be recognized for your professional learning by earning digital badges at the conference. Digital badges are verifiable certificates backed by AMLE that tell the world what you did or learned and why it matters. Every badge can be shared on social media or embedded into an email signature, resume, website, or online professional profile.
