Thursday, November 21, 2026 10 AM-4 PM
Creating from the Inside Out is an interactive professional learning experience connecting storytelling, literacy, art, mindfulness, movement, curiosity, and creativity. Aligned with the NYSATA 2026 theme of Mind, Body, Spirit, the session explores how stories and art can help students notice, question, express themselves, and connect more deeply with others. Susan Verde brings the author’s lens of storytelling, mindfulness, yoga, body awareness, and emotional presence. Allie-Alejandra Joyner brings the educator’s lens of literacy, the science of curiosity and creativity, and evidence-aligned classroom practice.

Together, they will model a practical book-to-art learning framework that connects read-alouds, movement, visual art, writing, reflection, and student voice. At its center is a simple belief: art and literacy are deeply connected. Through words, images, movement, symbols, questions, and stories, students make meaning, communicate ideas, and better understand themselves and the world.

Participants will

• Understand how storytelling, mindfulness, curiosity, and creativity can support meaningful learning
• Explore how movement, music, breath, and body awareness can strengthen attention, connection, and readiness to learn
• Examine how evidence-aligned practices can guide instruction while preserving student choice, original thinking, and authentic expression
• Experience practical ways to connect picture books, visual art, oral language, writing, movement, and reflection
• Develop adaptable strategies that support student voice, creative confidence, self-discovery, and belonging

Tentative Agenda*
9:15-10:00 AM—Coffee and check-in
10—11 AM Introduction 
10:30 AM-12 PM—
12-1 PM—Lunch (provided)
1-1:30 PM—
1:30-3:30 PM—
3:30-4:00 PM—
* timeline subject to change

Registration fee includes morning coffee and lunch with all gratuities + CTLE certificate for 5 hours
$130 Member/District Member
$100 Member Student, Retired, Unemployed 
$190 Non-Member

Space is limited to 40 participants.
Deadline to Register is November 1, 2026

CLICK HERE to register for Preconference

CLICK HERE for Cancellation and Refund Policy

New York Times bestselling author, Susan Verde grew up in the heart of Greenwich Village in New York City. Ultimately, she moved to the Hamptons where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s in reading remediation and become an elementary school teacher for many years. 

Now, Susan is an author capturing and celebrating the unique experience of children. Her titles include, The Museum, The Water Princess, Rock ‘N’ Roll Soul and Hey, Wall a Story of Art and Community and Unstoppable Me. Her instant #1 New York Times bestseller I Am Human: A Book of Empathy is part of a bestselling series including I Am Yoga and I Am Peace and the New York Times bestseller I Am Love: A Book of Compassion. Her recent books are Tortoise and Hare and The Tossy-Turny Princess, the latest in the Feel-Good Fairytale series, as well as another in the I Am series, Who I Am: Words I Tell Myself and there are many more to come. Susan’s books continue to inspire children, educators, yoga practitioners and mindful humans alike, helping to cultivate empathy and kindness in all of us.

In addition to writing Susan teaches yoga and mindfulness to kids of all ages.

Susan is currently living by the ocean in East Hampton, New York doing her best as a mother of 3 amazing humans and her menagerie of pets.