2025 AESD Annual Conference
Building bridges 
Charting the future
April 16 – 18, 2025
The Centennial Hotel
by Davenport, Spokane, WA
The 2025 conference will be collaboratively designed by the 2025 conference host ESD (Northeast Washington ESD 101) and the AESD Executive Board. We are excited to welcome ESD board members and staff to Spokane in April where we will network, learn, and grow together. This year’s them, Building Bridges | Charting the future will be the foundational theme for our conference keynotes and breakout sessions.
Check out our program from the 2024 conference! If you missed it, you can view materials from 2024 sessions.
Conference Agenda
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Thursday, April 17, 2025
Friday, April 18, 2025
Presenters
Sandy Zimmerman, Keynote Speaker
Sandy was a teacher for 23 years. She is a mother of 3, an inspirational speaker, author of ‘Get Out of the Car’, 9-time competitor on NBC’s hit show American Ninja Warrior and became the 1st mom in the show’s history to finish the course and hit the buzzer. Sandy is a 2-time FINA World Champion, 2-time UNAA World Champion, and World Cup Champion. She has appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show, CNN Entertainment, E! News, The Huffington Post, and Women’s Health. In 2022 Sandy was inducted into the National Teacher Hall of Fame. She is a TEDX speaker, national judo champion and played basketball at Gonzaga University. Sandy continues to coach basketball today with the Warriors and travels the country speaking and sharing her story.
Strengthening Tribal Consultation Workshop Presenters, OSPI’s Office of Native Education (ONE) Team
Henry Strom
OSPI Office of Native Education Executive Director
Maxine Alex
ONE Tribal Consultation Program Supervisor
Shandy Abrahamson
ONE CTE Tribal Engagement Specialist
Dr. Kenneth Olden
Wapato School District’s Director of Assessment & Data
Chris Reykdal, State Education Updates
State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Chris Reykdal was born and raised in Snohomish, Washington, as the youngest of eight children. He has served as a high school history teacher, local school board member, state legislator, and budget and policy executive for our state’s community and technical college system. Reykdal has dedicated his entire career to public education, and he is currently serving in his first term as the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. He and his wife, Kim, live in historic Tumwater with their two children, Carter and Kennedy.
Joan Wade, National Education Updates
AESA Executive Director
Joan Wade, Ed.D. is a life-long educator with over 30 years of service in public education. She began serving as the Executive Director for the Association of Educational Service Agencies (AESA), on July 1, 2016. Dr. Wade began her career as a library media specialist in Montello, Wisconsin. After attending graduate school, she served in various administrative capacities in Wisconsin school districts including as Technology Coordinator for Portage Community School District, and Distance Learning Director for CESA 5.
How to Register
Please contact Shayna Burmeister, AESD Administrative Specialist or your local ESD’s executive assistant for more information.
Lodging & Venue
The Centennial Hotel by Davenport
303 West North River Drive
Spokane, WA 99201
Located in the heart of downtown and just steps from the Spokane River and Centennial Trail, The Centennial by Davenport Hotels is focused on providing you unique and memorable experiences. The closest hotel to the Spokane Arena, you’ll also find yourself within walking distance to the Convention Center, U-District, downtown shops and restaurants. Here, your stay will be surrounded by a contemporary aesthetic paired with Pacific Northwest flair – an ideal home base for all your (and your dog’s) Spokane adventures.
Discounted rooms will be available for conference attendees. More information coming soon about the Group Block.
Photo Credit: Centennial Hotel; Davenport Hotel Collection
Sponsors
Diamond Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
If you’re interested in partnering with us as a sponsor in 2025, please reach out to communications@waesd.org.
