PAIU - Keynotes

Opening Session Keynote Speaker: Dr. Tyler Cook

Dr. Tyler Cook
Author | Speaker | Coach

Who You Are Is How You Lead

Dr. Tyler Cook is the Principal of Klein Elementary School in the Harbor Creek School District in Erie, Pennsylvania. In addition to his work in educational leadership, Tyler serves as the Executive Director of Lake Erie Church. He holds his Doctorate in Leadership and Administration from Point Park University, where he focused his dissertation research on Authentic Leadership Development.

Tyler is passionate about developing high-impact leaders who will grow their organizations, staff, or students into their fullest potential. From fostering healthy cultures to empowering others to lead, Tyler believes that there is greatness inside of every person and it is the privilege of leaders to unlock it. Tyler lives in Erie, Pennsylvania with his wife Stacey and their four children - Elijah, Judah, Noah, and Anna.

Thursday Lunch Keynote Speaker: Dr. Nikole Hollins-Sims

Dr. Nikole Hollins-Sims
Consultant | Speaker | Author

A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes - Building Belonging from Birth On

Belonging is the feeling of being appreciated, validated, and treated fairly (Cobb & Krownapple, 2019). It is the goal of educational system frameworks to create climates and cultures in schools where learners of all ages are able to obtain a sense of belonging and connection. By dreaming out loud, we have the ability to create these spaces with the practices we employ to honor dignity and affirm those we serve. This keynote address will seek to empower participants to be change agents through the power of dreaming.

As a school psychologist by training, Dr. Hollins-Sims finds that transforming educational ecosystems can be some of the most rewarding experiences in servant-leadership. Her experiences in educational systems and as a leader prime her for supporting others seeking their place in leading for sustainable change. Dr. Hollins-Sims looks forward to connecting with you and creating conditions for thriving and success.

Closing Session Keynote Speaker: Dr. Justin Aglio

Dr. Justin Aglio
Educator | School Leader
Associate Vice President for Penn State Outreach & Executive Director of the Readiness Institute at Penn State

Seizing Today, Shaping Tomorrow: Embracing the Future in the Present Moment

We are a couple of years into a new era—the one that follows the 40-year information age. While AI and new technology-enhanced tools have the potential to exacerbate gaps in society and pose existential threats, they also, through curiosity and creativity, can lead to new ideas for a better and brighter tomorrow. This time of novelty and complexity will demand design thinking, human skills, and entrepreneurship. Dr. Justin Aglio will address the audience to provide insight into current trends, new research, and innovative best practices while providing relevant examples that emphasize how education is moving beyond change to empower students and teachers to embrace the future in the present moment.

Special Thanks to our 2024 Conference DIAMOND Sponsor: