The 5th annual ACSA Mid-State Conference is scheduled for March 6-8, 2020, at the San Luis Obispo Embassy Suites. Hosted by ACSA Regions 9, 10, 11 and 13, this year’s conference has the theme “Inspire Your Team: People, Passion & Purpose.”

The opening session on Friday night will begin with a keynote presentation by nationally recognized author Peter DeWitt speaking on collective efficacy. DeWitt is a former K-5 teacher (11 years) and principal (8 years) who runs workshops and provides keynotes nationally and internationally focusing on collaborative leadership, fostering inclusive school climates, and connected learning. Within North America, his work has been adopted at the state level, university level, and he works with numerous districts and school boards. 

The Saturday general session will feature Beth Houf on the topic of “Lead Like a Pirate.” Houf is passionate about developing schools that encourage high levels of learning and empowerment for all — schools where students and staff are running to get in, not out. To do so, Houf seeks out fun and meaningful ways to interact with students and teachers so they are excited about coming to school. Houf is the proud principal of Fulton Middle School in central Missouri. 

The Sunday morning general session speaker will be Steve Ventura. Ventura was a physical education and special education resource teacher before ending up as a district superintendent. As an author and consultant, Ventura hopes to create what he would have liked more of when he was teaching: a vibrant, encouraging, stimulating community of teachers and leaders, supporting each other toward excellence. A pre-conference to the Mid-State Conference is scheduled for Friday, March 6. The workshop “Trauma Informed Practices” will be led by DeWitt. Participants will receive a copy of DeWitt’s new book.  

The ACSA Mid-State Conference registration is $199 and includes dinner on Friday night as well as Saturday lunch. To register for this event, go to .