Lexington-Richland School District Five Hosts Teaching & Learning Conference Showcasing Teacher Leadership

For Immediate Release – February 18, 2026

Lexington-Richland School District Five Hosts Teaching & Learning Conference Showcasing Teacher Leadership

IRMO – Lexington-Richland School District Five hosted its second Teaching & Learning Conference of the 2025-2026 school year, highlighting the exceptional expertise and leadership of educators from across the district.

For School District Five, the conference serves as a powerful reminder that some of the most impactful professional learning happens when educators learn from one another. Teacher leaders from throughout the district facilitated sessions designed to strengthen instructional practices and foster collaboration among colleagues.

“The Teaching & Learning Conference reflects the strength of the educators in School District Five,” said Chief of Academics Tina McCaskill. “When our own educators lead the learning, it builds capacity across the system and reinforces our shared commitment to academic excellence. By investing in teacher leadership and creating space for collaboration, Lexington-Richland School District Five continues to prioritize high-quality instruction and a culture of continuous improvement.”

Throughout the day, over 2,000 educators engaged in meaningful professional development focused on building intentional and effective Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), clarifying learning intentions, and developing meaningful success criteria to support student achievement. Sessions emphasized practical strategies, real-world application, and collaborative dialogue aimed at enhancing classroom instruction and improving outcomes for students.

Over 120 educators in the district presented, including Hannah Carnes who teaches AP Language and Composition at Spring Hill High School Careers Pathways Magnet. 

“Presenting at the Teaching & Learning Conference was such a meaningful experience for me, especially because I had the chance to do it alongside colleagues I deeply respect and genuinely love,” Carnes said. “Our session focused on rethinking rubrics so they emphasize growth over grades, and the conversations that unfolded were energizing. It was so fun to brainstorm with fellow educators about how progression rubrics could be adapted for their own classrooms. Being in a room full of thoughtful teachers who care about student learning at that level was both affirming and inspiring." 

Anna Maria Hinson, who teaches English 1 at Spring Hill High School added, “Presenting at the Teaching & Learning Conference reminded me that when we take time to share our ideas, resources, and support, everyone - especially our students - wins." 

Sponsors of the event included Vivid Aesthetics, Edmentum, Hapara, ClassLink, and Grand Canyon University. School District Five hosts two Teaching & Learning Conferences annually taking place in the Summer and Winter.

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