ESC20 OL Leadership Summit 2026: Full Schedule

We are excited to invite you to the 3rd annual "How Outdoor Learning Outperforms Indoor Learning Leadership Summit," an essential event designed to equip formal school leaders in Texas with the knowledge and tools to leverage the transformative power of nature. Our goal is to help you create systems that better support students and teachers in whole child wellness and academic excellence.

Registration will open in Connect20 on September 1, 2026 (Connect20 Session #117624). You must register in order to receive login information to create a personalized schedule. Invitations to join the Sched conference platform will be distributed beginning in September to registered attendees.

Registration fee is $150.
9:00 AM-4:00 PM

Location for event: Seguin ISD Irma Lewis Outdoor Learning Center, 1865 E. US Hwy 90, Seguin, TX 78155

TBA

Imagine A Child as a Tree: Fertilize with Recess and Character Skills

Thursday October 22, 2026 TBA

Pavilion

Imagine a child as a tree. Our culture, especially schools, are trying to grow strong branches on trees (cognitive development) without making sure that the tree has a strong root system (social/emotional/physical development). The result is our trees are struggling to stay nourished, energized, and productive because they can’t grow strong branches without watering and nourishing the roots on a daily basis. Commonly, people are trying to grow trees indoors in planters with a little water (movement in the classroom for 3-4 minutes at a time) and a lot of artificial light, recirculated air, and food with minimal nutritional value. The result is root bound trees that will stay stagnant or die. This makes it hard for teachers to be successful in their jobs, which is to grow stronger, more resilient roots for trees (whole child development). This presentation will take you on a short journey of why recess and character are critical to save our children from mental health disease, physical ailments, and cognitive delays.

Speakers

Debbie Rhea

Professor, Project Creator & Director, Texas Christian University

Dr. Debbie Rhea is a full professor in Kinesiology and Associate Dean of Research and Health Sciences in HCNHS at Texas Christian University. She prepares K-12 physical education teachers and is fully invested in her newest research called LiiNK (Let’s inspire innovation ‘N kids) which exa... Read More →

Thursday October 22, 2026 TBA
Pavilion

TBA

Seguin ISD Outdoor Learning Center Walking Tour

Thursday October 22, 2026 TBA

Pavilion

Thursday October 22, 2026 TBA
Pavilion

11:00am CDT

TEA Presents: Taking the TEKS Outside

Thursday October 22, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT

Pavilion

We will explore and engage with various phenomena that can be encountered or brought outside, and tie these activities to grade-level TEKS from kindergarten through Biology. Participants will design an outdoor experience for students anchored in one of the phenomena and tailored to their grade level.

Speakers

Liz Baker

Secondary Science Content Specialist, Texas Education Agency

Liz Baker is the Secondary Science Content Specialist at the Texas Education Agency and coordinator of the Texas Environmental Education Advisory Committee (TEEAC). She has a master’s in STEM Education and has been a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and student-teacher s... Read More →

Thursday October 22, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Pavilion

12:15pm CDT

Lunch Provided by Guadalupe Blanco River Authority (GBRA)

Thursday October 22, 2026 12:15pm - 1:45pm CDT

Pavilion

Thursday October 22, 2026 12:15pm - 1:45pm CDT
Pavilion

1:45pm CDT

Unconference

Thursday October 22, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT

Pavilion

Thursday October 22, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT
Pavilion

2:45pm CDT

Community Networking and Recreation

Thursday October 22, 2026 2:45pm - 4:00pm CDT

Pavilion

Thursday October 22, 2026 2:45pm - 4:00pm CDT
Pavilion

ESC20 OL Leadership Summit 2026

TBA

Debbie Rhea

TBA

11:00am CDT

Liz Baker

12:15pm CDT

1:45pm CDT

2:45pm CDT

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