DCI Logo

Check back often for more details!

SAVE THE DATE

Tan-Tar-A Conference Center

May 27, 2026 (begin 9 am) –
May 28, 2026 (conclude 12:30 pm)

Keynote Speaker
John Antonetti

John Antonetti is a learner. He has had the great fortune to visit over 20,000 classrooms throughout North America in an effort to answer the question “What truly engages learners?” From thousands of students in pre-K through Graduate School, John has learned the three facets of powerful learning tasks—intellectual, academic, and emotional engagement.

John Antonetti is a teacher. He began his teaching career at middle school but has also enjoyed teaching elementary and high school as well as college chemistry in his home state of Arkansas.

Once described by Larry Lezotte as a “teacher’s teacher,” Mr. Antonetti works with schools across the country and Canada on student engagement; writing; rigor and relevance; and high yield best practices. As the former Director of Curriculum in the Sheridan School District in Arkansas, he took what he learned in his home district and developed strategies and protocols that work across all school types. While hands-on work in schools is his passion, John is also a highly-sought keynote speaker. His humor and parables are recognized by teachers, administrators, and parents as relevant examples of the power of teachers.

Call for Proposals

 

The 2026 DCI Summit theme is Weaving the Strands of Possibility!

DCI Summit 2026 Objectives

By the conclusion of the summit, attendees will have a better understanding of how to develop the following concepts.

    1. Weaving Purpose and Motivation
      DCI districts align and reinforce purpose and motivation, strengthening a collaborative culture that supports sustained educational improvement.
    2. Align Leadership Around a Shared Vision
      DCI districts have leadership at the district and building levels with a clear, coherent vision that provides structure, direction, and consistency across the district.
    3. Strengthening Collaborative Strands
      DCI districts maintain purposeful collaboration between administrators and educators resulting in trust, shared responsibility, and organizational capacity across the district.
    4. Integrating Data into the Fabric of Decision Making
      Systematic use of data is key to informing all decision making, creating responsive systems focused on student outcomes.
    5. Reweaving the Course Using Evidence and Practice
      Administrators and educators address challenges through systemic and instructional adjustments based on reflection and data.

Presentation Information

In addition to a nationally known key-note speaker, the DCI Summit features high-quality concurrent sessions presented by Missouri educators sharing successful practices. These sessions are a highlight to presenters and participants alike!

2026 Proposals

We invite Missouri educators to submit a proposal outlining a session to present at the summit.

    • Districts can submit more than one proposal, can include a team of presenters, and can also team up with their DCI Coaches
    • Be creative – think about what you’d want to hear about and think about sharing your successes and struggles
    • Join in the fun – make sure your title aligns with our  theme

Submitted proposals will be evaluated using the following criteria:

    • Alignment to the purpose and theme of the summit
    • Alignment to summit objectives
    • Impact on student or teacher learning
    • Can be adapted/adopted to various district settings
    • Scoring Guide

Please refer to the Proposal Rubric

Timeline

The deadline for submission is February 28, by 11:59 p.m. (Central Time). A team of experienced educators and administrators will review and score proposals. You will be notified by April 15 regarding selection.

Submit your proposal today:https://forms.gle/zdJPrr73van55dj7A

 

Tan-Tar-A Conference Center
494 Tan-Tar-A Drive
Osage Beach, MO 65065
573-348-3131

Parking
Free parking is provided at Tan-Tar-A Convention Center.

What to Wear

Business casual

What to Bring?

Electronic devices to access Guidebook Agenda as well as accessing documents in workshops.

Guidebook

Guidebook will be used for scheduling, announcements, and handouts. More information on how to access the conference Guidebook will be shared closer to the conference.