8:30 AM - 9:20 AM

Rachelle Deńe Poth

9:30 AM - 10:20 AM

Donnie Piercey

10:30 AM - 11:20 AM

Evan Whitehead

11:30 AM - 12:20 PM

Victoria Thompson

12:20 PM - 12:30 PM

Closing remarks

8:30 AM - 9:20 AM

Dr. Desiree Alexander

9:30 AM - 10:20 AM

Carly Spina

10:30 AM - 11:20 AM

Victor Hicks

11:30 AM - 12:20 PM

Dr. Shaniqua Jones

12:20 PM - 12:30 PM

Closing remarks

8:30 AM - 9:20 AM

Yaritza Villalba

9:30 AM - 10:20 AM

Jed Dearybury

10:30 AM - 11:20 AM

Michael Matera

11:30 AM - 12:20 PM

Scott Bricker

12:20 PM - 12:30 PM

Closing remarks

Rachelle Deńe Poth

Diving into AI: The Possibilities, Responsibilities, and a Path to Success

AI can transform how we teach and learn, offering new opportunities to enhance student engagement and personalize learning experiences. Join me in exploring some do's and don'ts when it comes to AI and the impact AI has on the world. Walk away with some new ideas and tools to explore in the new school year!

Donnie Piercey

Coding with AI

Coding in the classroom might have felt out of reach in the past, but thanks to AI, that's no longer the case! Learn how AI can make coding accessible not only for teachers but also for students. Discover how artificial intelligence simplifies the creation of classroom projects, making it straightforward and approachable, even if you've never written a line of code in your life. If you're interested in coding but don't know how or where to begin, this is the session for you.

Evan Whitehead

Safe Digital EDU Space: Creating a physically, emotionally, and psychologically safe learning space for students and adults in a Digital Society.

With the ever changing digital landscape that provides a reality of efficiency automation, it is important that we do not forget the humanistic component and interpersonal, communal societal challenges for the user, learner, facilitator, and consumer of advanced technology. During this session attendees will be provided with a framework and suggestions to create an emotionally, physically, and psychological safe and equitable digital learning space to support diverse learners, mental health and wellbeing of students and adults from a global and local perspective combining ISTE Standards, United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Social Emotional Learning Standards, and DEI principals. At the end of the day” IT’S ALL INTERCONNECTED!”

Victoria Thompson

Cross-curricular teaching strategies for K-12 educators

Cross-curricular instruction is an instructional strategy that offers a way for teachers to plan lessons that incorporate more than one disciplinary area. This allows students to broaden their lens of understanding and apply skills and strategies they learn in lessons to deepen their overall understanding and make authentic, real-world connections. As an educator, how can you foster and support these environments? And, if this environment has not yet been cultivated, can you begin to brainstorm on cross-curricular opportunities? In this session we'll dive deep into how to get started with cross-curricular opportunities, learn more about the benefits of cross-curricular instruction, and discuss how to showcase cross-curricular student work.

We all want it, and we all ask for it...more time! But, even though we will never get it, there are tips & tricks that can help educators organize their lessons to accomplish more in less time and save time throughout the work day! You will want to begin using these immediately!

9:30 AM - 10:20 AM

Yes, it's back to school season, and many of us are looking for energizing ways to launch the year. Maybe you're bored with your usual getting-to-know you activities, or you're just curious about other ideas - whatever the case, this session will have something for you! During this workshop, we will explore new and unique ways for us to get to know our students and the families we serve. You'll receive a digital toolbank of resources with tools, tips, and templates to help you begin a brand new school year!

Delve into the dynamic intersection of computational and design thinking tailored for K-12 educators. In this interactive virtual presentation, you will discover how to seamlessly integrate these critical 21st-century skills into your curriculum through project-based learning and culturally responsive pedagogy.

Presented by Coding with Culture, this session will provide practical strategies, real-world examples, and a wealth of resources to help you foster creativity, problem-solving, and innovation in your students. Whether you're teaching elementary, middle, or high school, you'll leave with actionable insights and a digital resource guide to support your teaching journey throughout the year.

Don't miss this opportunity to empower your students with the skills they need to thrive in an ever-evolving world. Join us and transform your classroom into a hub of innovation and inclusivity!

Mental health is a necessity that we all possess. Yet, we have been traumatized due to the current pandemic, racial and civil unrest, and our own trauma. As the World Health Organization famously says, “There is no health without mental health.” In this workshop, we’re talking about our mental well-being: our emotions, our thoughts and feelings, our ability to solve problems and overcome difficulties, our social connections, and our understanding of the world around us.

Yaritza Villalba

Innovate to Include: Transformative Tech and AI for Equitable Learning Environments

In this dynamic and interactive workshop, educators will explore the transformative potential of culturally responsive educational technology (EdTech) strategies and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to foster equity both in and outside the classroom. Participants will:

1. Discover how culturally responsive teaching practices can be enhanced through innovative EdTech tools, ensuring that all students feel seen, heard, and valued.
2. Examine real-world examples and case studies where AI has been effectively integrated to support diverse learning needs and bridge educational gaps.
3. Engage in hands-on activities and collaborative discussions to develop practical strategies for implementing these technologies in their own educational settings.
4. Reflect on the ethical considerations and challenges of AI in education, ensuring that its use promotes fairness and inclusivity.

Jed Dearybury

Doodling with Dearybury

Unlock the transformative potential of doodling in this engaging session with Jed Dearybury. Doodling isn't just for artists—it's a scientifically proven method of learning that enhances comprehension and retention for learners of all ages and abilities. Join us as we explore the whimsical world of doodling and discover how this simple yet powerful technique can empower you to be a better thinker, learner, and creator.

Michael Matera

Unlock your creativity and inspire the whole child as you discover how game inspired course design can transform the landscape of learning in your classroom and beyond. Learn how to create a classroom model where students dive deep into content, develop real world skills, and collaborate to tackle challenges and reach their full potential. This make-and-take ideas session provides a treasure trove of tools, examples, and takeaways you can implement immediately. Push play, level up, and your course will never be the same.

Scott Bricker

Listen to Your Brain

As each new school year begins, everyone in education looks forward to all the excitement and newness of the first day of school, and the promise of what that annual fresh start brings. However, within just a few weeks of the school year, many of those same educators will fall in line with their same schedule of assignments, worksheets, tests, and activities…along with the same frustrations from wondering why their students aren’t performing better, learning more, or coming to class more excited each day. To reimagine what learning & teaching can and should be in our schools, and to better meet the current & future needs of every student, we can look to neuroscience and the latest brain research to better inform us on what our students are thinking and, more importantly, how and why they are thinking it. Let’s spend some time exploring some of the basic principles of brain-based learning & teaching and how an understanding of how to address and apply these principles can help you and your students create experiences full of curiosity, inspiration, and where a true love for learning exists in every member of your school community.