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Join us March 6 & 7  at The Hotel at Auburn University for AASB's Spring Academy Core Conference: Leadership for Developing a Highly Effective Staff. Go beyond the basics to better understand how to use student achievement data to make effective staffing decisions and explore innovative best practices in recruiting, hiring, training and retaining staff. (6 training hours) View Schedule

2026 Spring Academy Core Conference ($209) | March 6 & 7 | Please contact your board secretary or AASB to register.

NOTE:

• Cancellations: Please note, there will be no cancellations after Thursday, Feb. 26.
• There is a late registration fee of $20 after Thursday, Feb. 26. 
• Any registrations not cancelled or no shows the day of the event will be charged full price ($209).

Extend your learning even further and earn additional training hours by signing up for these pre-conference events: 

Each event requires a separate registration.

Poverty Simulation ($59) | Friday, March 6, 9 to 11:30 a.m. | Please contact your board secretary or AASB to register.

Alabama has the sixth highest poverty rate in the nation. Do you understand the challenges your students and their families face? Get a sobering glimpse into the day-to-day realities of students and families living in poverty by participating in this interactive simulation. (Earn 2.5 training hours)

Early Bird Workshop: ($79) | Communicating with the Media | Friday, March 6, 1 to 3 p.m. | Please contact your board secretary or AASB to register.

This workshop will explore essential do's and don'ts for engaging with reporters and feature hands-on practice with interview strategies that help you communicate your school system's message with confidence and clarity. (Earn 2 hours)

NOTE FOR ALL PRE-CONFERENCE EVENTS: 

• Cancellations: There will be no cancellations after Thursday, Feb. 26.
• Any registrations not cancelled or no shows the day of the event will be charged full price for the event.

Hotel Information

View Hotel Map

The Hotel at Auburn University 

241 South College Street, Auburn, Alabama 36830

Room rate: Varies from $199-$249

Last day to book: Tuesday, Feb. 3 

Parking: Overnight Valet - $25 | Overnight Self-Park - $20 

Update 1/8/26: Friday night is sold out.

Make A Reservation

Amenities: 

• In-Room dining | Available  6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
• Outdoor pool
• Wellness rooms 
• Gift shop
• Microwave and fridge 

Additional Hotel Options:

• The Laurel Hotel And Spa (0 miles)
• The Collegiate Hotel (0 miles)
• Courtyard by Marriott Auburn (4 miles)
• Staybridge Suites Auburn - University Area by IHG (3 miles)
• TownePlace Suites by Marriott Auburn University Area (1.5 miles)
• Tru by Hilton Auburn (4 miles)
• Hampton Inn Auburn (4 miles)
• Hilton Garden Inn Auburn/Opelika (4 miles)

Speakers

Early Bird Workshop

Rosanna Smith Brewton Director of Communications Montgomery Public Schools	John Huddleston  Director of Communications Jefferson County Schools
Communicating with the Media

General Sessions

Jonathan Alsheimer Best-selling Author, Educator &  International Speaker	Kim Mitchell Education Specialist ALSDE Educator Recruitment and Retention	Mona Coan Education Specialist ALSDE Educator Recruitment and Retention	Dr. Deborah L. Wortham Best-selling Author, Educational Leader & Executive Coach
Next Level Leading	Recruiting and Hiring Highly Effective Educators		Setting the Atmosphere: Beliefs, Practices and Protocols

Breakout Sessions

Shavon Harris State Educator Certification Officer ALSDE	Dr. Kelly Stanton State Educator Certification Officer ALSDE	Susanne Goodin Director of Human Resources Elmore County Schools	Dr. Randy Shearouse Superintendent Limestone County Schools	Dr. Bart Reeves Superintendent  Albertville City Schools	Todd Watkins  Asst. Superintendent Albertville City Schools
Educator Certification 101		Effective Teacher Mentoring	Local Strategies for Recruitment and Retention

Presentations

(All available presentations are linked below.)

Friday, March 6:

Early Bird Workshop

Communicating with the Media 

General Sessions

Setting the Atmosphere: Beliefs, Practices and Protocols | View Presentation

Recruiting and Hiring Highly Effective Educators | View Presentation

Personnel Hearing Gone Bad | Poll Question

Saturday, March 7: 

Breakout Sessions

Educator Certification 101 

Effective Teacher Mentoring | View Presentation

Local Strategies for Recruitment and Retention | View Presentation

General Sessions

Next Level Leading 

Legislative Update

Sponsors

Schedule at a Glance