Approximately 250 educators from across Magnolia Independent School District came together on May 28 for the annual Momentum Magnolia conference, a high-energy professional learning event designed by Magnolia ISD teachers, for Magnolia ISD teachers.

Focused on supporting PreK through 4th-grade educators, Momentum Magnolia featured roughly 40 teacher-led sessions covering topics such as literacy development, phonics instruction, reading comprehension, math fluency, number sense, student engagement, differentiated small-group instruction, classroom management, behavior support, personalized learning, parent engagement, co-teaching, and the responsible use of instructional technology and AI. Each 40-minute session was created and presented by Magnolia ISD educators, allowing participants to learn practical, real-world strategies directly from colleagues who are actively working in classrooms every day.

This year’s conference also featured a teacher panel and roundtable discussion serving as the keynote session. Panelists shared insights on literacy instruction, math strategies, fluency development, teacher “hacks,” student engagement techniques, and classroom routines, reinforcing the conference’s emphasis on collaboration and shared expertise. 

“There is no better expert for a teacher to learn from than a fellow educator who is doing the work every day,” said Sarah Wright, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning. “This conference goes beyond traditional professional development because it provides an opportunity to share creativity and real-world strategies that are actively working in our classrooms.”

Momentum Magnolia is designed to bring together educators of all roles, experience levels, and content areas to celebrate learning and strengthen instructional practices that directly benefit students across the district.

The atmosphere throughout the day reflected that mission. From local food trucks on site to snacks and door prizes donated by community partners and vendors, the conference created an environment centered on celebration, connection, and professional growth.

“MISD is home to some of the best educators, and the opportunity to collaborate and learn from one another is incredibly impactful,” said Angie Lagunas, Reading Interventionist at Nichols Sawmill Elementary. “Momentum serves as a meaningful way to close out the school year while reminding us that we are one school community, united in supporting one another and, most importantly, in discovering new and engaging ways to serve our most valuable asset: our students. Our curriculum specialists thoughtfully consider every detail to ensure the day is meaningful and purpose-driven.” 

Momentum Magnolia continues to grow each year as a signature example of Magnolia ISD’s commitment to empowering educators, fostering innovation, and investing in high-quality learning experiences for both teachers and students.