Discover how artificial intelligence can transform education by fostering deeper student engagement and supporting mastery of educational objectives. In this 45-minute session, Mark A. Heifner, a seasoned educator and AI advocate, will share practical strategies for integrating AI tools like SchoolAI, MagicSchool, Khanmingo, and BrainPOP Science 6-8 into classroom practice. Learn how AI can streamline tasks such as grading Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER) assignments, allowing teachers to provide targeted feedback while freeing up time for personalized instruction. Explore how AI-powered tools empower students to revisit oral presentations and demonstrations as pathways to mastery. This session will highlight real-world examples, discuss best practices for implementation, and address common challenges educators face when adopting AI. Attendees will leave with actionable insights and resources to harness AI's potential, helping students achieve academic success and develop critical 21st-century skills. Perfect for educators seeking innovative ways to engage today's learners.
This session will take you on a journey through one school district's implementation of the Science of Reading. Learn about the district's motivations, the steps taken to build a strong foundation, and the instructional shifts that have been made. Discover the challenges faced, the lessons learned, and the successes celebrated along the way. Leave with practical strategies and resources to support your own implementation of the Science of Reading
Jonathan Winslow is the Director of Elementary Education at MSD of Steuben County in Angola, IN. He is a former Elementary Educator with his administrative license. In his school district he works with teachers in coaching cycles, facilitates instructional technology professional... Read More →
This Creating Community/Service Learning session will: Demonstrate how philanthropy education and service-learning align knowledge and skills with students innate caring and generosity. Students become aware of needs larger than their own (purpose); *Students are engaged in activities that apply and expand their learning (mastery); and * Students take a role in directing their own experience (autonomy). * Show teachers how to incorporate these lessons into an already existing curriculum. It's not an add-on and doesn't put more on your plate. Allow teachers to participate in a lesson that they might use in their classroom. * Teach the Stages of Service Learning (Investigation, Preparation, Action, Reflection & Demonstration) and how to develop lessons utilizing them. * Introduce teachers to the Learning to Give website that is full of curriculum and resources to implement Service Learning into their own classrooms. * Q & A to answer questions.
6th Grade ELA teacher, Legg Middle School-Coldwater Schools
I am an enthusiastic middle school teacher who has just completed my 25th year in the classroom. My first 21 years were spent in Battle Creek Public Schools where I became aware of the benefits of infusing Service Learning into my everyday teaching practice. This became the bridge... Read More →
All the world’s a stage- Particularly your seated, online, or hybrid classroom, where slides can set the stage, provide drama, and sing backup vocals. Unfortunately, most educators do not know how to take full advantage of slides for their student audience. Further, many are unaware that their current slides could actually hinder student learning. Fortunately, impactful, student-focused slides can be generated or quickly modified using a few simple principles that incorporate a little brain science. For teachers who primarily handwrite notes, supercharged slides could bring even more dramatic results to your students, reducing student cognitive load associated with all of the notes on the board, providing context for new ideas with pictures, and exploiting dual coding to reinforce learning.
Explore how AI can revolutionize the way teachers plan and prepare by assisting routine tasks, personalizing lesson content, and boosting creativity. In this interactive seminar, you'll discover practical AI tools that save time, enhance lesson planning, and help you meet the diverse needs of your students. Whether you're new to AI or looking to level up your planning, this session will provide hands-on experience and actionable strategies to integrate AI into your teaching workflow. Attendees will need a laptop or device to participate in interactive activities.
Incorporate new and creative approaches to career and technical education with project based learning and real world problem solving. Increase student engagement, achievement, and long term success.
Ashley Johnson is a Career and Technical Education teacher with over a dozen years of experience at the high school level. After five years of working in the radio industry, Ashley was offered a job teaching high school business and hasn't turned back since. In, 2013, Ashley earned... Read More →
In this session, you'll learn to implement a weekly routine that empowers students to refine and share their writing using the free version of SeeSaw. This approach fosters growth and connection by enabling students to showcase their work to peers and families while building a dynamic digital portfolio. Students will upload and polish their written pieces weekly, practicing essential editing and revision skills. Through SeeSaw, they can share progress in real time, receive peer feedback, and celebrate their achievements with families. These interactions cultivate pride, ownership, and confidence as writers and communicators. Over time, student's digital portfolios capture their growth in structure, creativity, and voice. The audio recording feature enhances oral fluency by allowing students to read their work aloud, adding depth to their progress. Teachers gain insight into each student's development, enabling personalized instruction and strengthening connections between classroom learning and home support. By year's end, students will have a polished portfolio showcasing their journey as writers and communicators.
Join Bridget for an insightful workshop designed for teachers and administrators, focusing on the Montessori principle of preparing ourselves for our work with children. Drawing from Montessori preparation of the teacher resources, mental health research, and the psychology of awe, this session will explore the essential role of self-care and intentionality in education. Participants will reflect on the importance of work-life balance, discover practical strategies for maintaining well-being, and learn how fostering a sense of wonder can enhance their service to students and the broader community. By prioritizing our own growth and well-being, we create a more enriching and supportive learning environment for all.
Bridget Wallace York, MEd, is the Director of Curriculum & Student Services at Oak Farm Montessori School in Avilla, IN. She holds an AMS Secondary I–II credential and is a teaching fellow with the National Writing Project and the Center for Civic Education. A Phi Beta Kappa Honors... Read More →
This session looks at identifying signs of anxiety and defensive behaviors in others and how to react in a supportive way to these behaviors. We will also discuss proactive strategies that can potentially prevent crisis situations from happening or escalating. Finally, we will discuss how to rebuild a relationship and re-establish trust after a crisis situation.
Think of your classroom. Does a one-size-fits-all approach to teaching work? No. Of course not! To ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed, teachers must embrace differentiated instruction and tiered support systems (MTSS) that support to the various needs, strengths, and challenges of every learner. In this session, attendees will explore research-based strategies for tailoring instruction to meet the needs of all students. The session will focus on the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, researched based Tier 1 universal strategies, Tier 2 targeted interventions, and Tier 3 intensive supports. I will be sharing best practices in differentiated instruction with a tiered support approach, participants will learn how to create an inclusive environment that promotes success for all students.
Kaitlyn Reese - Literacy Coach Coordinator | MTSS Administrator | Leadership ConsultantWith nearly a decade of experience in education, I am dedicated to building supportive and effective learning environments. As a Literacy Coach Coordinator and MTSS Administrator, I specialize in... Read More →
Come see how AI can be helpful in putting your next lesson together! Participants will be able to see various ways that two online AI platforms can transform their classroom. Using the tips from this session will save you time when it comes to creating materials for classroom. This includes creating lesson plans, developing critical thinking questions, study guides, checks for understanding, differentiation, and assessments.
Educational leadership goes beyond formal titles. School leadership is about creating a meaningful impact with everyone who walks through your school doors. This interactive session will explore key concepts of educational leadership in action, while sharing practical strategies that equip educators and administrators to lead effectively from any position. Attendees will engage in thoughtful discussions, real-world scenarios, and reflective practices to identify leadership strengths and create small, actionable steps to strengthen their leadership impact. This session will be intentional in action planning. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of their leadership style and how to positively inspire sustainable change.
Kaitlyn Reese - Literacy Coach Coordinator | MTSS Administrator | Leadership ConsultantWith nearly a decade of experience in education, I am dedicated to building supportive and effective learning environments. As a Literacy Coach Coordinator and MTSS Administrator, I specialize in... Read More →
This session is designed for educators, coaches, and technology coordinators who are passionate about leveraging digital tools to elevate their teaching based on the Science of Reading. Discover how technology can enhance evidence-based strategies to improve all five components of literacy: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. We'll explore practical applications of technology, including AI-powered tools, to address challenges in literacy instruction and provide individualized support for students. Walk away with actionable insights and resources to transform your classroom and empower every reader!
Jonathan Winslow is the Director of Elementary Education at MSD of Steuben County in Angola, IN. He is a former Elementary Educator with his administrative license. In his school district he works with teachers in coaching cycles, facilitates instructional technology professional... Read More →
Integrating STEM remains a challenge for many educators. Academic standards favor interdisciplinary STEM curricula, while a universal model is elusive. Future City, a hands-on, cross-curricular program, engages students in engineering and design to address real-world sustainability issues, meaning it can serve as a cornerstone for your curriculum. STEM fosters critical thinking and problem-solving, preparing students for future careers. However, misconceptions about student abilities, teaching methods, and limited knowledge hinder STEM integration. Budget constraints also make finding effective curricula difficult. Future City, a free to low-cost program, offers a structured yet flexible approach. Students in grades 6-8 for middle or 9-12 for high school, research, write, design, and build 3D city models out of recycled materials. The program can be run as STEM classes, curriculum in general classes, or as an extracurricular. While it is a competition, mentors can also choose Future City Lite meaning they get all the resources without the competition. Overall, the Future City program makes STEM education accessible, engaging, and impactful for students and educators alike.
What would happen if we explored a new concept in education where the word inclusion is captured in an all-embracing societal ideology: where all teachers and students, including those with more significant cognitive and physical disabilities, will learn alongside each other in multiple learning environments?
Why aren't students getting it? A lot of times, it's because we make assumptions of knowledge they don't have. Let's look at those missing pieces together! Interactive/Practical/Any Level
I have been teaching for over fifteen years. I've taught K through college, including four years at Ball State University and several years as an elementary EL district teacher. I'm currently an ELA high school teacher for several levels, including dual credit. I focus on conceptual... Read More →
In this session, I will share several creative writing activities that have helped my students to write descriptive and imaginative stories, poems, and reflections. These activities can be used in any classroom setting and are a great way to begin class and to get students to begin thinking about words. These creative writing exercises are fun, easy to plug into any class and require minimal prep. They can be used to help students to brainstorm about topics related to your lessons.
Data isn't a dirty word! Developing a data-driven mindset can revolutionize the way we teach and explode the growth of our students! We will explore the effective collection, storage, and utilization of data in the classroom. We will delve into online data tools that make using data easy and efficient. Additionally, we will examine the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing data-driven instruction. You will leave with practical strategies and resources to harness the power of data and AI, informing instruction and improving student outcomes. Join us for an interactive and informative professional development session.
Start the school year on the right foot with activities designed to create an inviting, energetic, and engaging atmosphere in your classroom. In this session, we'll explore a variety of creative and effective first-day activities tailored for middle and secondary students. You'll learn how to build relationships, set expectations, and foster a sense of community from day one. Whether you're looking for icebreakers, team-building exercises, or strategies to reduce back-to-school anxiety, this session will provide you with the tools to make your first day memorable and impactful. Join us to kickstart a year of success, collaboration, and fun!
I've been teaching high school math for 12 years, and I've had the pleasure of working with students in Geometry, Algebra 1, and Algebra 2. I’m passionate about making math approachable and helping students build confidence in their skills. Outside of the classroom, I’ve earned... Read More →
Join Alison and Anni as they explore the latest neuroscience behind building authentic, meaningful connections with students. Backed by research, their insights focus on practical and effective strategies that educators can apply immediately in their classrooms. Discover how understanding the brain can transform student engagement, improve behavior, and create a positive learning environment. Whether you're looking to strengthen relationships, enhance classroom management, or support students' emotional well-being, Alison and Anni provide actionable tools that make a real difference. Their approach is not only research-based but also teacher-tested, ensuring that every strategy is both practical and impactful. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how connection can unlock student potential and create lasting success.
As educators we know that the expectations for our students are different, kindergarten has gone from free choice time to build essential developmental milestones, to teaching double-digit addition. 8th graders are not reading an analyzing Shakespeare, which I didn't do until I was a sophomore in High School. So, as educators, we are trying to meet the standards expected of students that seem to grow every year, and we know that their cognitive needs are not being met. It feels like an uphill battle, and we are seeing even larger gaps in children's educational experiences. So, how do we fix this, where do we start? There is not a one-size-fits-all approach, but incorporating play in the classroom can help improve the development of schema, behavior, and analysis skills in students (Allee-Herndon et al., 2022;& Elkind, 2007; Gil, 2010). I will be showing you ways to implement play into various contents, for various age groups. The methods taught can easily be implemented in morning meetings, content, and during brain breaks. You will learn how powerful play is for all ages.
In a world where we are desperately attempting to make education equitable for everyone I devised a plan within my classroom that allows students to achieve success based on the learning objectives and standards of the program rather than completion / incompletion of assignments. This allows all students the autonomy of study as they desire without the stress of assignment deadlines but ensures that the students are focusinig on the learning objective.
