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.
Looking for new ways to spark your students’ interest in STEM? Discover how Trine University’s School of Engineering and Computing is engaging K–12 learners through exciting, hands-on outreach activities. From coding challenges and virtual reality explorations to ice cream science, biomechanics, and bridge design, this session will showcase a variety of STEM opportunities that connect classroom learning with real-world engineering and computing experiences. Participants will also learn how to leverage resources from engineering professional societies to enrich their curriculum and inspire future innovators. Please join us to explore partnership possibilities that can energize your classroom and empower your students.
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.
Starting at a new school can be overwhelming for students, but with the right support, they can quickly feel like part of the community. This 15-minute mini-lesson will equip future and current educators with practical strategies to help new students adjust socially, emotionally, and academically. Educators will learn how to create welcoming environments, foster peer connections, and implement simple yet effective orientation activities. Whether your school has regular or irregular rates of new students, these tools will enable you and your colleagues to build confidence in all students and ensure they thrive in their new environment. Participants will leave this engaging session with ready-to-use ideas to take back to their own communities and ensure every new student feels supported from day one.
A 6th-grade math and science teacher, Trista Deel has been an educator and tennis coach at Clark-Pleasant Middle School for four years. She grew up in Bryan, OH and earned a Bachelor of Science in elementary and special education from Trine University, where she also played tennis... Read More →
According to The National Child Stress Network, approximately 25% of American children will experience at least one traumatic event by the age of 16. School personnel are the first line of defense to help them overcome, prepare, and/or survive childhood trauma. My presentation will give background on trauma and how it affects a child's brain and learning. I give examples of simple practices teachers of all grades, counselors, and administrators can incorporate to create a trauma-informed, resilience-building classroom and school. Participants will leave with multiple handouts on how to assess trauma and resilience with their students and a better grasp on how to be proactive to trauma instead of reactive.
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.
In this session, you'll explore how Esports can be a powerful academic tool to support your program and students. While kids are passionate about video games, too much screen time can negatively affect their education. However, during this presentation, you'll uncover how Esports can be used to teach valuable skills in a way that excites children, all while encouraging them to stay motivated, improve their grades, boost attendance, and maintain positive behaviors.
Want to transform your exam review sessions into an interactive, engaging experience? In this session, participants will work through an escape room and discover how to create their own using puzzles, clues, and collaborative problem-solving. We’ll discuss strategies for designing escape rooms that reinforce key concepts, promote engagement, and enhance student learning—no special kits or software required. You'll leave with practical ideas to implement in your own classroom. Get ready to unlock new ways to make reviewing fun!
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 our increasingly divided world, social studies class (or any class) can be a place of unity and opportunity. It's a Small World After All combines inquiry teaching of maps, edtech, authentic experience lesson planning, primary source analysis, and more to help teachers deal with sometimes scary content. We can teach hard things without putting ourselves in hard situations with stakeholders. This presentation will be interactive and hopefully fun! I have a favorite map! Do you?!
2023 Indiana Teacher of the YearBluffton High SchoolHistory Team Leader, World History and AP World History Teacher, Co-Technology Coordinator, High Ability Coordinator.Head Girls Golf Coach and Assistant Coach for Track & Field - specializing in Throws.
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.
What does AI look like from a student’s perspective? In this hands-on session, teachers will get to sit on the side of the desk and experience AI-powered learning firsthand! Through interactive activities, discussions, and real-world examples from fellow teachers, we will explore how AI can spark creativity, critical thinking, and engagement in the classroom. Join us for the chance to experiment with AI tools firsthand and leave with fresh ideas and practical strategies to implement with your students.
Join us as we explore how Trine University can support your classroom STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) goals with safe, fun, and engaging youth programming right on our campus. We are committed to providing high-quality, hands-on experiences that foster creativity, innovation, and learning in a dynamic and supportive environment. Come see how we can collaborate to inspire and empower the next generation of thinkers and problem solvers!
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.
Traditional gym classes have long been centered around competitive sports, many of which students may never play again after high school. But as physical educators, we have the power to shift the focus toward lifelong movement, wellness, and fitness habits that students can carry into adulthood. In this interactive session, we will explore ways to reframe physical education as a foundation for lifelong activity, moving beyond traditional sports to include fitness, yoga, outdoor recreation, and functional movement skills. Participants will engage in discussions about their current PE curriculum, collaborate on new ideas, and leave with practical strategies to implement engaging, inclusive, and meaningful activities in their classes.
I graduated from Trine University in December 2023 and quickly stepped into my teaching career at Harper Creek High School. Since then, I’ve been dedicated to making a positive impact, both in the classroom and through extracurricular activities. I started a yoga class to promote... Read More →
Want to make your classroom a place where students are excited to learn? This engaging session will explore simple yet powerful ways to bring fun into your teaching every day. You'll discover quick and easy 5-minute activities that build community, boost energy, and keep students engaged. We'll also dive into creative ways to incorporate video making and graphic design into your lessons, giving your quick finishers meaningful and exciting projects to work on. Whether you're looking for fresh ideas to spark joy in learning or innovative tech tools to enhance your lessons, this session is packed with practical, ready-to-use strategies. Get ready to energize your classroom and inspire your students like never before!
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.
Ditch the dull vocab grind! Ignite your students' word power with UDL-driven strategies. We'll explore engaging matching games (words, pictures, definitions!), electrifying video game-style practice (Kahoot, Blooket!), and personalized writing connections. Plus, get ready for action-packed charades and self-paced digital flashcards. Transform vocabulary from a chore to a thrilling adventure, ensuring every learner thrives!
Regardless of your past interactions with AI, this session is for you. Whether you’ve never used AI before or use it frequently, you’ll learn how to save time in everything you do as a teacher. We’ll walk through a repeatable process that anyone can apply in the following situations:How to leverage AI to create hands-on activities that target specific state standards.How to engage AI to get the most out of it.How AI can simplify the development of cross-curricular lessons.Artificial intelligence can be a teacher’s best friend; all we have to do is engage with it.Regardless of your past interactions with AI, this session is for you. Whether you’ve never used AI before or use it frequently, you will find this session useful. We’ll walk through a repeatable process that you can apply in the following situations: How to get started and find value without investing much time How to leverage AI to create lessons that target specific state standards How AI can simplify the development of cross-curricular lessons Artificial intelligence isn’t perfect, but it can be one of the best resources for any educator.
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.
Online videos can inspire – how did that person walk on “water”. Beyond videos being entertaining, students can apply principles from their courses to demonstrate mastery of course material. The goal of this session is for teachers to leave with a worksheet filled with ideas on using videos in new ways in their courses. Examples will leverage my experience with engineering courses where my students author problems that reverse engineer actions in the videos. These real-world problems – affectionately called YouTube problems – bring new, creative, and unique content into all of my courses. While we won’t dive into the research in this session, students solving YouTube problems exhibited improved problem-solving skills and learning attitudes. More recently, YouTube Problems Met Generative Artificial Intelligence, which may or may not be helpful.
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.
Unlock science for every learner! Discover how UDL transforms a sedimentary rock lesson using GenerationGenius. We'll explore hands-on fun with crushed candy layers, offering visual and auditory support. See how flexible options like drawing or verbal descriptions empower students with ASD to shine. Learn to adapt and engage, ensuring every scientist builds success!
