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 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 →
In our session, we will walk you through the steps our school follows to implement the MTSS framework. You'll learn about the key components, such as setting SMART goals, creating interventions, monitoring progress, collecting data, and collaborating with teachers. This structured approach ensures that every student receives the necessary support to succeed at their individual level, with no student falling through the cracks. If you're dedicated to helping students reach their full academic potential and ensuring their success, this session is the ideal place to begin.
I have developed a Locally Created Pathway through the IDOE titled The Evolution Towards Employability. This Pathway is only allowed for 5% of cohorts and only intended for Alt Ed students. The cluster of classes include Careers, Personal Finance, Speech, Adult Roles & Responsibilities, and an internship (job or volunteering). Our alternative school is in person, but with the online forum Edgenuity. With our new pathway, we have also revised how we provide instruction. Pathway courses are provided in person at the ALC with a live teacher. We are also partnering with local businesses like the Chamber of Commerce to help find jobs for students, Ivy Tech and Freedom Academy to provide options for students earning certificates in lieu of a 4-year degree, and the Armed Forces. This pathway program also allows us to invite guests in and take students on field trips out to local businesses.
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.
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.
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 →
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!
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 →
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?
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.
