INNOVATIVE INSTITUTE
July 17-18, 2023 • Biloxi, Mississippi • Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center
The Innovative Institute highlights and showcases innovative programs, practices and data that are part of Mississippi’s current educational landscape. Sessions are intentionally selected based on trends, needs and issues observed and identified by schools statewide. Designated Districts and Schools of Innovation, along with other state and national educators, are sought after for their expertise and guidance to provide engaging and meaningful content throughout each breakout session.
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
Online registration closes Monday, July 10. On-site registration will be available on Monday, July 17.
Register Now
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
You must submit your proposal using our online system. Emailed, faxed, mailed and incomplete proposals will not be accepted.
Submit A Proposal
HOTEL INFORMATION
We want to provide you with the flexibility to choose a hotel that best suits your and/or your group's needs, so we will not be providing a conference hotel block for the 2023 Innovative Institute. Whether you prefer a luxurious hotel with a view of the Gulf Coast or a more budget-friendly option, Biloxi offers a wide range of accommodation choices to suit every taste and budget.
We recommend that you make your hotel reservations early to ensure that you secure the best possible rates and availability. Biloxi is a popular tourist destination, and the summer months can be particularly busy, so booking early is essential to avoid disappointment.
Hotel Options
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Eric Sheninger works with schools worldwide, helping educators meet and exceed their potential to improve outcomes for learners. Prior to this, he was the award-winning principal at New Milford High School in New Milford, New Jersey. Under his leadership, his school became a globally recognized model for innovative practices. Sheninger oversaw the successful implementation of several sustainable change initiatives that radically transformed the learning culture at his school while increasing achievement.
His work focuses on leading and learning in the digital age as a model for moving schools and districts forward. This has led to the formation of the Pillars of Digital Leadership, a framework for all educators to initiate sustainable change to transform school cultures. As a result, Sheninger has emerged as an innovative leader, best-selling author and sought-after speaker. His main focus is using research and evidence-based practices to empower learners, improve communications with stakeholders, enhance public relations, create a positive brand presence, discover opportunities, transform learning spaces and help educators grow professionally in the digital age.
Sheninger has received numerous awards and acknowledgments for his work. He is a CDE Top 30 award recipient, Bammy Award winner, NASSP Digital Principal Award winner, PDK Emerging Leader Award recipient, Learning Forward Excellence in Professional Practice Award winner, Google Certified Innovator, Adobe Education Leader and ASCD 2011 Conference Scholar. He has also contributed to education for the Huffington Post, sits on the advisory board for many innovative companies and was named to the NSBA "20 to Watch" list in 2010 for technology leadership. TIME Magazine identified Sheninger as having one of the 140 Best Twitter Feeds in 2014.
He now presents and speaks nationally to assist other school leaders and educators in transforming teaching, learning and leadership. His blog, A Principal's Reflections, was selected as Best School Administrator Blog in 2013 and 2011 by Edublogs. It was also recognized with an Editor's Choice Content Award in 2014 by SmartBrief Education.
Sheninger began his career in education as a science teacher at Watchung Hills Regional High School, where he taught a variety of subjects, including biology, chemistry, marine biology and ecology, and coached several sports, including ice hockey, football and lacrosse. He then transitioned into the field of educational administration as an athletic director/supervisor of physical education and health and vice-principal in the New Milford School District.
During his administrative career, he has served as the district affirmative action officer and was the president of the New Milford Administrator's Association. He successfully implemented numerous initiatives as a high school principal, including a new teacher evaluation system (McREL), Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), Common Core implementation and a new grading philosophy.
Sheninger received his Master of Education degree in Educational Administration from East Stroudsburg University, a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Salisbury University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine/Environmental Science from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Please see the 2023 Innovative Institute tentative agenda below to assist you in scheduling your trip. We will share more information as it becomes available. In the meantime, if you have any questions concerning the conference, please email helpdesk@rcu.msstate.edu. We look forward to seeing you in Biloxi!
Monday, July 17
8:30 - 9:00 a.m. Conference Opening Session
9:10 - 10:00 a.m. Keynote Session
10:10 - 11:00 a.m. Concurrent Sessions
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Working Lunch
12:10 - 1:00 p.m. Concurrent Sessions
1:10 - 2:00 p.m. Concurrent Sessions
2:10 - 3:00 p.m. Concurrent Sessions
3:10 - 4:00 p.m. Concurrent Sessions
Tuesday, July 18
8:30 - 9:20 a.m. Concurrent Sessions
9:30 - 10:20 a.m. Concurrent Sessions
10:30 - 11:20 a.m. Concurrent Sessions
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Networking Lunch/District of Innovation presentations
12:40 - 1:30 p.m. Concurrent Sessions
1:40 - 2:30 p.m. Concurrent Sessions
2:40 - 3:30 p.m. Concurrent Sessions
3:40 - 4:00 p.m. Closing and final reflection