Open a Session · Meet & Connect · Energize
Superlatives Round
Find the table's harmless professional extremes without putting anyone through a formal introduction.
Time3–4 minutes
Group size4+ people
FormatTable groups
MaterialsNone
What this accomplishes
Tables identify who has worked across the most campuses, taught the widest grade span, or made the most recent role change. Participants can pass or swap any category.
- Surface professional range
- Raise energy quickly
Before you begin
Materials
- None
Preparation
- Display a visible timer
- Plan to hear no more than two table reports
What to say
“Here is the ask. You will work only with your table, the timer will stay visible, and passing is always fine.”
How to run it
- 1
Display four safe categories and remind everyone that passing is fine.
- 2
Give tables 30 seconds per category to find the person or people who fit.
- 3
Allow ties and do not require proof.
- 4
Invite two tables to share their most surprising category.
Prompts to use
Most campuses or work sites served
Widest grade-level span taught or supported
Most recent role change
Most different education roles held
Adapt it to the room
Small group
Use one table and let everyone contribute; skip the room report.
Large group
Run the activity simultaneously at tables of four to six, then hear only two brief reports.
Virtual
Use breakout rooms of four to six, broadcast the prompt and timer, and collect one response in chat when rooms close.
Accessibility & inclusion
- Keep participation seated by default.
- Display and read the prompt aloud.
- Allow anyone to pass, write, or contribute through a tablemate.
Debrief, if useful
What range of perspective is sitting at your table?
Why it works—and what can go wrong
Why it works
The rapid search creates natural questions and makes professional variety visible without a long round-robin.
Watch out for
- Avoid commute, age, family, salary, or other personal categories.
- Never frame one end of a category as better.