The School Turnaround National Conference
Leading Change, Shaping Futures
September 23, 2025 – Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte
The Call for proposals is now open. CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL.
In a time when urban schools continue to face significant challenges, this transformative conference brings together the brightest minds in education to explore bold, innovative solutions to the ongoing crisis in K-12 education. Despite years of policy shifts and numerous accountability measures, many schools are still struggling to meet the needs of their students. But change is possible – and it starts with universities taking a proactive, leadership-driven role in reshaping education.
This gathering offers an exciting opportunity to dive deep into successful School Turnaround strategies that have made a real impact in classrooms across the country. Together, we’ll explore innovative, collaborative frameworks that bring universities and schools together to tackle these challenges head-on. Whether you are an educator, researcher, policy-maker or community advocate, you will leave this conference with powerful insights, actionable strategies, and the inspiration to drive lasting change in urban education.
Join us as we discuss the key factors that fuel successful school turnarounds – from dynamic university-school partnerships to innovative leadership models, data-driven interventions, and equity-centered teaching practices. Our goal is to spark meaningful dialogue and inspire the creation of sustainable, high-impact solutions that will elevated urban schools for generations to come.
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
Paper Proposal Sessions Include:
- Classroom-Level Implementation “From the Ground Up: Teacher-Led Turnaround Initiatives”
- School Leadership Transformation “Leading Through Change: Administrative Approaches to School Turnaround”
- District-Level Strategic Initiatives “Scaling Success: District-Wide Approaches to School Improvement”
- Policy Framework and Implementation “Policy to Practice: Creating Supportive Conditions for School Turnaround”
Poster Sessions Topics:
- University-School Collaborative Models for Successful Turnaround
- Leadership Development in Urban Schools
- Data-Driven Approaches to Improving Student Achievement
- Culturally Responsive Pedagogy in Urban Schools
- Teacher Development and Support for Turnaround Success
- Community Engagement and Stakeholder Involvement in School Turnaround
- Addressing Trauma and Mental Health in Urban K-12 Schools
- Innovative Curriculum Models for Urban Schools
- Technology Integration (AI) for Urban School Improvement
- Policy Advocacy for Systemic Change in Urban Education
- Sustainability and Scalability of Turnaround Programs
- Intersection of Urban Education and Social Justice
- Evaluating the Impact of Turnaround Strategies in Urban Schools
- Leveraging Federal and State Funding for School Turnaround