Instructional Collaboration Takes the Stage With NIET’s National Conference Bubble Sessions

It’s no secret why NIET’s National Conference Bubble Sessions are some of the most popular learning experiences: There’s no better way to learn and apply best practices than to watch them in action. In these sessions, educators are seated around a center table where the meeting will occur, with participants surrounding them in a “bubble” to observe.  This year, at NIET’s National Conference from April 1-2 in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Bubble Sessions will offer a window into what makes for the most effective structure of Cluster meetings, school Instructional Leadership Team meetings, and District Instructional Leadership Team meetings that lead to student learning growth.

“At the NIET National Conference, our Bubble Sessions put the effective work of strong instructional leadership on stage and in the spotlight,” said NIET Senior Vice President of Services Dr. Davita Lancelin. “Educators, school and building leaders leave inspired, but more importantly, walk out with a clear vision of how to strengthen their own school- and district-level Instructional Leadership Team meetings and professional learning communities to impact teaching and learning in their buildings.”

During the modeled instructional meetings, NIET specialists carve out time for “step-outs,” where participants can reflect, discuss, and ask questions about the meeting unfolding before their eyes. This year, school and district leaders from four different NIET partners will model these meetings, each designed to drive cohesion and productive collaboration at every level of a school system:

• Cluster/PLC Meeting: Experience teacher collaboration in action as educators analyze student work and refine instructional strategies. This model demonstrates how collaboration builds teacher capacity and directly influences classroom practice.
• Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) Meetings: What does it take to turn school priorities into real classroom impact? See how effective ILTs use focused agendas and strategic facilitation to keep every conversation centered on student learning, and every action aligned to achievement.
• District Instructional Leadership Team (D-ILT) Meeting: See how district leaders align vision, data, and school-level strategy to ensure coherence across multiple campuses. Learn how strong district structures foster accountability and improvement at scale.

After each of the sessions, participants will walk out equipped to identify key elements of high-quality meetings, analyze how collaborative structures drive educator impact, and determine next steps for strengthening their own meeting structures.

Whether attendees lead at the classroom, school, or district level, NIET’s signature Bubble Sessions provide a powerful model with replicable structures to drive measurable results and strengthen collaboration.