TIFTON, GA — Tift County Schools is proud to announce its 2026 Summer Professional Learning Conference, "Moving the Needle: Achieving Academic Excellence," scheduled for July 16, 2026, at the University of Georgia Conference Center in Tifton.
The conference will bring together educators, school leaders, instructional coaches, and support staff from across the district for a day of learning, collaboration, and innovation designed to strengthen instructional practices and improve student outcomes.
Aligned with the district's strategic goal of Academic Excellence for All, the conference will provide participants with practical tools, research-based strategies, and opportunities to learn from colleagues and educational partners.
“Moving the Needle is more than the title of our conference—it reflects our district's commitment to continuous improvement,” said Jennifer Howell, Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning. “When educators strengthen their instructional practices, use data effectively, and create engaging learning environments, we create greater opportunities for every student to achieve academic excellence.”
Conference sessions will be organized around five key strands:
High-Impact Instructional Practices – Strengthening lesson design, explicit instruction, student engagement, checks for understanding, and instructional responsiveness.
Data-Informed Practices to Support All Learners – Using assessment data, student work analysis, and progress monitoring to drive instructional decisions and support student achievement.
Creating Supportive Classroom Culture & Environment – Building classrooms that promote belonging, engagement, positive relationships, and productive learning behaviors.
Leadership Moves to Support Instruction – Developing instructional leadership capacity through effective feedback, walkthroughs, PLC support, and system alignment.
Tech Tips & Tools for Teachers – Exploring innovative technology and artificial intelligence tools that enhance instructional design, efficiency, differentiation, assessment, and feedback.
The conference will feature presentations from Tift County educators, instructional coaches, administrators, regional educational partners, universities, and educational organizations. Participants will have opportunities to engage in meaningful learning experiences, network with colleagues, and explore resources that support teaching and learning excellence.
In addition to professional learning sessions, attendees will have opportunities to connect with educational vendors and community partners who support innovation and student success across Tift County Schools. Conference sponsors and partners include educational organizations, higher education institutions, and community businesses committed to supporting public education.
The Summer Professional Learning Conference serves as an important part of the district’s ongoing efforts to build leadership capacity, strengthen instructional practices, and ensure every student has access to high-quality learning experiences.
“Professional learning is most impactful when it is relevant, collaborative, and directly connected to the work educators do every day,” said Paul Nelson, Senior Director of Leadership and Professional Development. “This conference provides a unique opportunity for teachers, leaders, and support staff to learn from one another, explore innovative practices, and return to their schools energized and prepared to make an even greater impact on student achievement.”
For more information about the conference, registration opportunities, or partnership opportunities, contact the Tift County Schools Teaching and Learning Department.
#4theT
Collaborate | Learn | Achieve