Event Overview
School leaders face tough conversations every day—parent meetings, staff concerns, student issues, and high-stakes decisions. This workshop reframes those moments as opportunities to build trust, strengthen relationships, and move toward shared success. Dr. Kevin Daniel guides participants through practical tools that support calm, confident, and productive dialogue.
What You Will Learn
Who Should Attend
Principals, assistant principals, central office leaders, aspiring leaders, and anyone responsible for leading adults or teams.
Dr. Kevin Daniel retired from the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District after serving 31 years in Missouri public education. Kevin grew up in northwest Missouri in poverty not having indoor plumbing in his boyhood home until he was 10 years old. Thanks to great teachers, educators, mentors, a supportive family network, some grit and resilience – Kevin became an educator. He truly has lived the American dream and a blessed life.
Kevin retired from public education in July 2021. Over the course of his 31 year career he served as middle school and high school teacher, coach, youth mentor, middle school and high school principal, director, executive director, assistant and associate superintendent of instruction and academic services.
During Kevin’s 31 years in education he worked in four districts (Pattonsburg, Lathrop, Raymore-Peculiar and Lee’s Summit) with enrollments ranging from 250 to 18,000 students. Kevin knows there are great staff members, teachers, leaders and community members in all districts, regardless of size. He is also an ordained minister, certified executive and life coach and now works with public and private sector organizations in the development of staff, strategic planning, leadership development, culture and climate improvement, curriculum development and customer service.
Since retiring in July 2021, KD (as his friends call him) has been leading FiredUP Consulting Group as his full-time profession, 20 year vision and passion. He is the founder (2014), president and senior consultant for FiredUP, after consulting for nearly 20 years as a sole proprietor. Over the last 25 years he has inspired and collaborated with thousands of educators to be their best and to live a great personal and professional legacy.
18 Hole 4 Person SCRAMBLE The Oaks at Tan-Tar-A Saturday, February 28, 2026 $200 per team/$50 per player includes golf cart
Come one! Come All! MAESP will host a full 18-hole golf tournament as part of the MAESP Leadership Conference. All MAESP members, vendors, and sponsors are invited to put together a team to join the fun!
The awards reception will be held immediately following play on Saturday in The Oaks Clubhouse!
WE Lead MO: Together WE Lift to Lead MO Embracing Belonging, Empowering Leadership
Attention all women leaders of MAESP! You are invited to an empowering pre-conference session designed to elevate your leadership journey and foster a sense of belonging within a supportive community of like-minded professionals. In this third annual gathering, we will delve into the dynamics of career advancement, addressing the unique challenges faced by women in leadership roles.
Through engaging discussions and insights from seasoned female educators and leaders, we’ll explore strategies to lead authentically, create effective support systems, and balance the demands of leadership and life. Together, we’ll address navigating gender biases, advocating for our ideas, and cultivating resilience in the face of challenges.
This session is more than just a professional development opportunity—it’s a chance to connect, collaborate, and cultivate a sense of belonging. Share your story, learn from others, and expand your network as we inspire and empower each other on our unique leadership journeys.
Join us as we lift each other to lead with strength, confidence, and a renewed sense of belonging. Together, we can shape a future where every woman leader feels supported, valued, and unstoppable.
The MAESP Leadership Conference will be held February 28 - March 3, 2026 at Margaritaville Lake Resort in Osage Beach, MO. This conference typically brings together over 500 principals, superintendents, college professors and Missouri State Department of Education representatives from around the state.
Exhibit spaces will first be assigned to MAESP sponsors and business associate members. Other assignments will be made on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you are interested in becoming an MAESP sponsor or business associate member, please contact the MAESP office at 573-638-2460 or maesp@maesp.com.
Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals 3550 Amazonas Drive Jefferson City, MO 65109
Phone: 573-638-2460Fax: 573-556-6270maesp@maesp.com
