MOmentum: Full Schedule

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8:00am CDT

Letting Go, Reaching Forward, Summoning Courage

Wednesday June 3, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT

Teaching is dynamic, not static, and in our schools right now, we’re in a whirlwind of intersecting forces, moving us towards – what? In many cases, too, we are told to adhere to recipes and timelines exactly, telling us what to teach on each day, how to teach it uniformly across the district, and given a list of “suspect” words and strategies to avoid, regardless of what is truly effective for the varied students before us. Here, professional expertise and creativity wither on the vine. If we’re not careful, some of us will cocoon in the familiar and easy, failing to recognize the powerful solutions that come from divergent thinking, instructional versatility and continued growth. A candid and constructive keynote that opens the door to how we dismantle the one-size-fits-all thinking so that we might teach the way students learn best. This IS doable! Explore innovative differentiation elements that will stand the test of time and replenish your educator oxygen. Challenge assumptions, build stamina and move closer to the constructive force we want to be in students’ current learning and meaningful achievement. Come on in, the water’s fine, the current’s strong, the tools are there and the timing couldn’t be better!

Speakers

Rick Wormeli

Education Consultant, author/speaker

One of the first Nationally Board Certified teachers in America, Rick brings innovation, energy, validity and high standards to both his presentations and his instructional practice, which include 39 years teaching math, science, English, physical education, health, and history, as... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
Hyland Arena

Keynote innovate Elevate

9:00am CDT

Breakfast + exhibitor expo

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am CDT

Evans Commons | exhibitor expo

Enjoy a morning snack sponsored by HMH.

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Evans Commons | exhibitor expo

Exhibitor Expo

10:00am CDT

Google Gems in Action

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:25am CDT

RM 250

This session will showcase real classroom examples of custom AI tools built to support MLs, including a WIDA-style writing and speaking prompt generator, a student peer-editing tool and a collaboration partner that suggests lessons and practice ideas based on your curriculum. Gain a clear picture of what Gems can do for your students.

Speakers

Sarah Hollstrom

Pattonville School District

Lauren Negrete

Pattonville R-III

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:25am CDT
RM 250

Instructional Practices for English Learners Elevate

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

10:00am CDT

Intentional Questioning That Builds Language and Thinking

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:25am CDT

RM 251

This interactive session will explore why traditional checks for understanding often fail and how intentional question framing dramatically increases student engagement, language production and depth of thinking.

Speakers

Reah Morabith

MELL Instructional Specialist, Heart of Missouri RPDC

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:25am CDT
RM 251

Instructional Practices for English Learners ELevate

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

10:00am CDT

Stronger and Clearer Each Time: Building Academic Language Through Structured Interaction

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:25am CDT

RM 229

Experience the "Stronger and Clearer Each Time" strategy firsthand — a structured discussion routine that helps students, especially MLs, practice using academic language to make their thinking clearer and more precise through repeated peer interaction. Gain a routine ready to use in your classroom.

Speakers

Rob Greenhaw

MELL Instructional Consultant, EducationPlus

Rob serves EdPlus members by providing consultation to schools that are working to implement high-quality, comprehensive and collaborative educational programs for English Learners. Rob also conducts professional development workshops that focus on providing practical strategies to... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:25am CDT
RM 229 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301

Instructional Practices for English Learners ELevate

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

10:00am CDT

Holding Space and Knowing What to Say: Responding to the Questions of Immigrant Students

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:25am CDT

RM 231

A bilingual therapist and a content teacher working with immigrant newcomer students share the most pressing questions from students and families, and how educators can respond with care and confidence.Topics include data privacy concerns, school safety policies, and talking with young children about fear and uncertainty.

Speakers

Angelica Mitchell

EL Educator, Ritenour

I've worked with multilingual students for the entirety of my teaching career. Now in my 26th year of teaching, I continue to learn and grow as a professional. My students have helped shape and equip me in beautiful ways. It is my honor and delight to serve this beautiful populat... Read More →

Martha Pinones

Ritenour

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:25am CDT
RM 231

Leadership and School Culture Elevate

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

10:00am CDT

Direct Instruction and Brain Science: A Situationship

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:25am CDT

RM 121

Learn why direct instruction is an essential part of effective teaching when aligned with how the brain learns. Explore cognitive science principles through the four Power Tools: retrieval practice, spaced practice, interleaving and feedback-driven metacognition. Examine how these strategies energize instruction, improve retention and reduce instructional burden with minimal prep.

Engage with the science by experiencing the Power Tools as a learner. Interact with examples from multiple content areas to see how brain-compatible direct instruction can be active, efficient and impactful.

Apply the four Power Tools to any lesson to design direct instruction that sticks. Use classroom-ready strategies to strengthen learning, improve long-term retention and teach with greater clarity and confidence. Gain practical ideas and resources to continue deepening instructional impact through cognitive science.

Speakers

Robyn Haug

Director of Assessment and Professional Learning, Clayton

Robyn has been a teacher, instructional coach, and district administrator for twenty-five years. She has taught K-12, but spent most of her career in 6-12 education as an English teacher and instructional coach. She now serves as the Director of Assessment and Professional Learning... Read More →

Direct Instruction and Brain Science A Situationship mp4

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:25am CDT
RM 121 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301

spark design innovate

10:00am CDT

Panel: Career Pathways + Experiential Learning

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT

RM 254

Success-ready learning extends beyond the four walls of the classroom to ensure students are prepared for the complexities of the workforce. District leaders will explore how they are bridging the gap between school and the workforce by co-designing real-world learning projects with industry partners to solve actual community challenges.

Dive into strategies for embedding the "soft skill" edge—essential durability skills like communication, adaptability and collaboration—directly into the core curriculum. Panelists will discuss how they are expanding access to Market Value Assets (MVAs), such as internships and industry-recognized credentials, while navigating the logistics of flexible learning models to create space for off-campus experiences within a traditional school schedule. Gain actionable ideas for building a more connected, relevant, and future-focused learning ecosystem for your students.

Moderators

April Burton

District-Level Staff or Administrator (e.g., superintendent, Chief Academic Officer, professional learning coordinator, etc.), FRANCIS HOWELL R-III

Speakers

Erica Land

DIRECTOR, St. Charles R-VI School District

My niche is helping people find their passion in life.

Pat Brown

Fort Zumwalt School District

Ben Hebisen

Rockwood School District

Lindsey Perkins

Parkway School District

Julie C. Durham

Real World Learning Coordinator, Lindbergh Schools

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
RM 254

Panel

10:00am CDT

Engaging Students in the Space of Well-Being

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT

Theatre B - Evans Commons

Learn the language and core attributes of wellness and well-being while exploring current research and data on the issues impacting student well-being. Explore how the design process can support student wellness and learning environments can influence engagement, connection and overall well-being.

Engage in collaborative conversation and reflection around the role of school and classroom design in supporting student wellness. Explore examples and share perspectives on how intentional spaces can positively impact learning and well-being.

Apply design-thinking strategies to identify unique approaches that promote student wellness and well-being in school settings. Use practical ideas and environmental considerations to create spaces that support connection, engagement and healthy learning experiences in your learning environment.

Speakers

Office Essentials

Dave Diller

Founded 25 years ago and headquartered in St. Louis, Office Essentials operates additional locations in Kansas City, Columbia, and Springfield, Illinois, allowing us to support districts statewide with consistent service and local accountability. Our St. Louis headquarters includes... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Theatre B - Evans Commons

ignite

10:00am CDT

Leveraging the Power of TEACH to Bring Authentic Project Based Learning to Your Classrooms

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT

Theatre A - Evans Commons

Learn how TEACH supports Gold Standard Project Based Learning with ready-to-use, standards-aligned units and embedded professional learning. Explore how teacher supports, coaching features and formative assessments simplify implementation and strengthen instructional consistency. Examine how real-time assessment data can help monitor student growth and guide instruction with confidence.

Engage in active exploration of the TEACH platform and its project-based learning resources. Interact with examples and consider how TEACH can support authentic, student-centered learning within your own classroom or district context.

Apply TEACH tools and resources to identify a standards-aligned PBL unit that fits your grade level and instructional goals. Use embedded supports and real-time data features to streamline planning, monitor progress and sustain high-quality project-based learning. Leave with a 2-week TEACH trial and practical strategies ready for immediate implementation.

Speakers

Taya Tselolikhina

Sr. Director of District Sales & Partnerships, PBLWorks

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Theatre A - Evans Commons 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301

ignite

10:00am CDT

The Learner Profile: Unlocking Learner Variability

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT

RM 243

Learn the core concepts behind effective learner profiles and how they support personalized, meaningful learning. Explore the difference between thoughtful profile design and simple preference questionnaires, emphasizing alignment with learning goals, check-ins and feedback loops.

Engage in collaborative analysis of real classroom examples and team discussions to explore how learner profiles can drive instructional decisions. Map out touchpoints, alignment with learning goals and feedback processes to ensure readiness for launch at the start of the school year.

Apply design principles to begin creating learner profiles, either from scratch or using provided resources for inspiration. Gain actionable steps and a plan for implementing learner profiles in your classroom or team.

Speakers

Kate Sommerville

Professional Development Specialist, The Institute for Personalized Learning

Zak Lenski

Learning and Innovation Strategist, i4PL

The Learner Profile Unlocking Learner Variability mp4

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
RM 243

ignite design innovate belonging

10:00am CDT

Differentiating and Connecting with GoGuardian Teacher

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT

CDW Room - 119

Learn how GoGuardian Teacher supports differentiation, student support and real-time monitoring in digital classrooms. Explore features that enable teachers to tailor resources, guide learning and maximize instructional impact. Examine how visibility into student activity informs instructional decisions.

Engage in exploration of GoGuardian Teacher through examples and collaborative discussion. Interact with features that support differentiated instruction and responsive teaching practices.

Apply GoGuardian Teacher to differentiate digital resources, support individual student needs and monitor learning in real time. Use these strategies to increase engagement and maximize instructional impact in your classroom.

Speakers

Natalie Pottier

George Burt

Customer Success Manager, GoGuardian

PD Partners

CDW

Jackie Grummel

CDW Corporation is a leading multi-brand provider of information technology solutions to business, government, education and healthcare customers in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. A Fortune 500 company and member of the S&P 500 Index, CDW helps its customers to... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
CDW Room - 119

ignite innovate Elevate

Dynamic Theme Exploration

10:00am CDT

Foster Human-in-the-Loop Critical Thinking

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT

eMINTS Room - 145

Learn four practical strategies that help learners use AI to think more critically…not just rely on it for answers.

Engage with AI as a thought partner, spot misinformation, promote ethical use and strengthen human‑in‑the‑loop reasoning.

Apply ready‑to‑use strategies that bring responsible, ethical and creative AI informational literacy to your learning space.

Speakers

Haylee Anderson

Instructional Specialist, eMINTS National Center

Haylee Anderson is currently an instructional specialist with eMINTS National Center. She has previously been a high school English and Spanish and a middle school ELA educator in Missouri. Her family is the most important thing in the world to her. She lives in Southwest Missouri... Read More →

Ben Miller

Emints

Foster Human in the Loop Critical Thinking pptx

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
eMINTS Room - 145

ignite innovate ELevate

Dynamic Theme Exploration

10:00am CDT

Future of the Classroom with Chromebook Plus and Class Tools

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT

Google Room - 131

Learn how Chromebooks and ChromeOS devices create connected, flexible classroom environments that support modern teaching and learning. Explore how these tools enable interactive lessons, streamline workflows and support project-based learning. Examine how technology can keep students engaged while maintaining focus and accountability.

Engage in exploration of classroom scenarios that highlight the impact of connected devices on instruction and learning. Interact with ideas and examples that demonstrate how technology can enhance engagement and collaboration.

Apply Chromebook and ChromeOS strategies to design flexible, interactive lessons that support deeper learning. Use connected tools to facilitate project-based learning, increase student engagement and keep learners on task.

Speakers

Google for Education

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Google Room - 131

ignite innovate Elevate technology

Dynamic Theme Exploration

10:00am CDT

From Any Web Page to a Learning Experience

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT

schoolai Room - 137

Learn how the schoolai Browser Extension brings an AI co-teacher into every tab. Explore three core capabilities: rubric-aligned feedback in Docs, instant lesson materials from any web page, and personalized student learning experiences without switching tools. Examine how revision history reveals the full story of student thinking and how Spaces connect to Mission Control for real-time insight.

Engage in a live demo of the extension in action across real classroom scenarios. Experience how any web page can instantly become a lesson, assessment, or translated resource. See how Mission Control surfaces student progress and next steps directly within your workflow.

Apply the extension to streamline feedback, planning, and differentiation. Provide rubric-aligned feedback faster, transform existing resources into ready-to-use materials, and monitor student learning in real time—all without leaving your current workflow.

Speakers

Tarah Tesmer

Senior Educational Strategist, SchoolAI

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
schoolai Room - 137

ignite innovate Elevate technology design culture

Dynamic Theme Exploration

10:00am CDT

Interactive Learning to Promote Critical Thinking and Student Voice

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am CDT

RM 217

Learn how to foster future leaders by using interactive learning activities that promote critical thinking and amplify student voice. Explore strategies that help students evaluate evidence, support opinions, solve problems, and think analytically. Examine research- and project-based practices that maximize engagement across all content areas.

Engage in reflection and discussion around implementing critical thinking and student-centered strategies. Explore examples, share ideas, and consider ways to make learning experiences more interactive and meaningful for students.

Apply critical thinking and student voice strategies to your own lessons and content areas. Design engaging tasks that encourage problem solving, evidence-based reasoning, and analytical thinking, ready for immediate classroom use.

Speakers

Kendra Vaughn

Reading Specialist and EdPlus Innovate Presenter

Interactive Learning to Promote Critical Thinking and Student Voice mp4

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am CDT
RM 217 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301

launch culture leadership innovate

10:00am CDT

Chatbots and Curriculum: A New Era for K-12 Instructional Design

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am CDT

RM 136

Learn about a range of AI chatbots while examining key cautions and considerations for using AI. Explore how to design effective prompts that generate standards-aligned essential questions, enduring understandings, transfer goals, student learning targets and proficiency scales with clear learning progressions.

Engage in hands-on AI tasks using content-area state or national standards. Analyze AI-generated outputs, reflect on prompt effectiveness and refine prompts through peer and facilitator feedback.

Apply new learning by creating proficiency scales with level 1–4 learning progressions aligned to grade level or content area. Gain ready-to-use lesson components and the ability to design meaningful learning experiences and assessment tools.

Speakers

Tina Lauer

Instructional Technology Specialist, St. Charles R-VI School District

Tina is the instructional technology specialist for the St. Charles R-VI School District. She has been an educator for over 25 years. She has taught technology to students through UMSL's Microcomputer program and to adults through district professional development opportunities. She... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am CDT
RM 136 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301

launch design technology innovate

10:00am CDT

Behind the Scenes: How Discovery Education Makes Every Minute Matter in the School Day

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am CDT

Discovery Room - 233

Learn how Discovery Education supports every part of a teacher's day through practical, UDL-aligned instructional moves, engagement routines and time-saving planning strategies.

Engage with modeled classroom moments, hands-on demonstrations and collaborative redesign activties that mirror a real instructional day.

Apply ready-to-use routines, digital tools and planning approaches that elevate learning from bell to bell.

PD Partners

John David Son

Regional VP, John David Son

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am CDT
Discovery Room - 233

launch innovate Elevate design technology belonging

Dynamic Theme Essentials

10:00am CDT

exhibitor expo

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm CDT

Evans Commons | exhibitor expo

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Evans Commons | exhibitor expo

Exhibitor Expo

10:30am CDT

PLORA: A Bridge to Reading

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:30am - 10:55am CDT

RM 121

Learn the principles of vulnerability and trust in the classroom and how intentional routines can cultivate a safe, supportive learning environment. Explore strategies for integrating AI reflectively and using data-informed leadership to strengthen relationships.

Engage in a hands-on decoding activity using PLORA’s one-sound-one-symbol approach. Explore how symbols connect to English spelling, experience the system in action, and reflect on its potential to build confidence and clarity for struggling readers.

Apply a simple one-sound-one-symbol decoding routine using PLORA’s visual sound-mapping approach. Use the sample PLORA sheet to introduce students to sound-by-sound word building, and implement the strategy as a warm-up, small group activity or intervention tool to support decoding and literacy confidence.

Speakers

Elizabeth Kean

Founder/President, PLORAverse LLC

PLORA A Bridge to Reading with Elizabeth Kean mp4

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:30am - 10:55am CDT
RM 121 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301

spark design innovate

10:40am CDT

Beyond SEL: Harnessing a Bicultural Superpower Identity through Literacy

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:40am - 12:00pm CDT

RM 250

Discover how to empower MLs by harnessing their "bicultural superpower" through reflective literacy. Explore the critical link between a student's acculturation experience and their academic success. Learn research-based strategies to bridge home and school cultures, highlight unique strengths and foster resilience. Engage in practical activities designed to support students during their transition, enhancing both their academic and linguistic readiness. Gain the tools needed to create a supportive, inclusive learning environment that truly celebrates and leverages cultural diversity.

Speakers

Marie Heath

Consultant, Seidlitz Education

Dr. Marie Heath is a Seidlitz Consultant and former district multilingual leader specializing in multilingual program systems, acculturation practices, and instructional design that supports newcomer and multilingual student success.

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:40am - 12:00pm CDT
RM 250

Instructional Practices for English Learners Elevate

10:40am CDT

The Talk, Read, Talk, Write Routine: Begin Using TRTW Right Away

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:40am - 12:00pm CDT

RM 229

Talk, Read, Talk, Write (TRTW) is a practical approach to classroom instruction that helps students meet and exceed the state standards for learning in the core classes while also developing the literacy skills needed for success in the 21st century. Experience the routine as a learner and leave with a planning resource that can be used right away.

Speakers

Carol Salva

Lead Education Consultant, Seidlitz Education

Dr. Carol Salva is a Lead Seidlitz Education consultant and the co-author of Boosting Achievement: Reaching Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education 2nd Ed and DIYpd: A Guide to Self-Directed Learning for Teachers of Multilingual Learners. In addition to her ESL certification... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:40am - 12:00pm CDT
RM 229 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301

Instructional Practices for English Learners Elevate

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

10:40am CDT

WIDA ELD Standards Framework Implementation

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:40am - 12:00pm CDT

RM 231

Explore ways to implement the WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework, 2020 Edition in practical ways. Learn the importance and purpose of mentor text to make language visible to students. Engage in exploration of materials and additional resources to support classroom implementation.

Speakers

Lori Hanna

Professional Learning Specialist, WIDA

Lori Hanna has over 20 years of experience in the field of education in both the private and public school systems in Missouri. Teaching in the elementary classroom setting and then as an English language development specialist in grades K-12 has given Lori an understanding of the... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:40am - 12:00pm CDT
RM 231

Instructional Practices for English Learners ELevate

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

10:40am CDT

Tiering Assessments and Assignments

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:40am - 12:00pm CDT

Dunseth Auditorioum

Some students are ready for the first steps of a topic and others are ready for advanced assignments and assessments in that topic. How do we tier assignments and assessments to maximize their learning? Explore a practical and thought-provoking look at what constitutes mastery, and how we can increase and decrease complexity while meeting the needs of standards and their benchmarks. We will include two helpful lesson sequences: the Anchor and the Football, as well as great attention moves, student "orbitals," personal agendas, tips on how to get students to work autonomously and much more. This is a "how-to" and "why-we-do-it" workshop for those just getting their feet wet with tiering assignments and assessments or those already swimming in differentiated instruction who want more ideas.

Speakers

Rick Wormeli

Education Consultant, author/speaker

Education Plus Conference June 2026 PDF Tiering Assessments and Assignments handout version pdf

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:40am - 12:00pm CDT
Dunseth Auditorioum

Keynote innovate Elevate

11:00am CDT

Panel: Beyond the Newsletter: Building Meaningful Connections with Families

Wednesday June 3, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT

RM 254

What if family engagement felt less like a checklist and more like a meaningful connection? K–12 educators explore innovative approaches to building authentic partnerships between schools and families.

Our panelists will share best practices for keeping families informed, involved, and invested in student learning without overwhelming them (or themselves). From rethinking communication strategies to creating opportunities for two-way engagement, learn how schools are moving beyond newsletters and notifications to foster genuine relationships.

Expect practical ideas, honest reflections, and creative strategies that meet families where they are… whether that’s through technology, community events, or simple shifts in mindset. Panelists will discuss challenges they’ve faced and how they’ve adapted to better support diverse family needs.

Whether you’re looking to strengthen trust, increase participation, or bring more voices into the conversation, this session will offer fresh inspiration to help you turn everyday interactions into lasting connections. Because when families feel connected, students thrive. That’s innovation that matters.

Moderators

Ted Huff

EducationPlus

Speakers

Dr. Dennis Rhodes

Director of Gifted Education, Rockwood School District

Dawn Murray

District Lead Librarian and Innovation Specialist, Parkway School District

Laurie Birkenmeier

Rockwood R-VI

Wednesday June 3, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
RM 254

Panel

11:00am CDT

Amplify Classroom: Transforming K-12 Education Through Interactive, Real-Time Teaching and Learning

Wednesday June 3, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

Theatre B - Evans Commons

Learn how Amplify Classroom brings together free K–12 resources, teacher guides and real-time instructional tools across math, literacy and science. Explore features like the drag-and-drop lesson builder, virtual manipulatives, real-time monitoring, and teacher dashboards that support engagement and instructional decision-making. Examine how interactive lessons and live student data can strengthen classroom discussion and responsive teaching.

Engage in hands-on exploration of Amplify Classroom by interacting with sample lessons, collaborative problem-solving tools and real-time data features while considering how these tools support classroom engagement. Collaborate with peers to explore lesson customization and instructional applications across grade levels and content areas.

Apply practical strategies for implementing interactive digital lessons that increase engagement and use student data to make informed instructional decisions. Maximize the potential of free educational technology tools to create effective classroom experiences.

Speakers

Kelly Serpa

Amplify

Wednesday June 3, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Theatre B - Evans Commons

ignite

11:00am CDT

Lightspeed Technologies: Creating connection for Missouri Schools

Wednesday June 3, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

Theatre A - Evans Commons

Learn how teacher voice amplification systems can improve classroom communication, student engagement and educator wellness. Explore how easy-to-use technology can reduce vocal strain while helping students hear instruction more clearly.

Engage in discussion and exploration of voice amplification technology and its impact on teaching and learning. Interact with examples and consider how amplified instruction can support both educators and students.

Apply voice amplification strategies to create clearer communication and a more effective learning environment. Use simple, classroom-ready technology to support student focus while protecting long-term vocal health.

Speakers

Dan Reid

Wednesday June 3, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Theatre A - Evans Commons 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301

ignite

11:00am CDT

American Democracy in Action!

Wednesday June 3, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

eMINTS Room - 145

Learn how the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence can serve as a meaningful context for student-driven, community-based learning. Explore how the eMINTS model supports inquiry, local connections and authentic problem solving. Examine ways to connect historical understanding with real-world issues that matter to students and their communities.

Engage in collaborative exploration of inquiry-based problem solving connected to local interests, issues, and community needs. Share ideas and consider how students can take an active role in meaningful, real-world learning experiences.

Apply inquiry-based strategies to design community-centered projects tied to the semiquincentennial celebration. Develop actionable project ideas that connect content, local relevance and student voice. Use these plans to create learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom and into the community.

Speakers

Carla Wylie

Associate Director, eMINTS National Center

Cara was a classroom teacher for 11 years in the St. Louis area before joining eMINTS in 2000. Since then, she has worked with teachers, administrators and technology specialists through professional development and on-site support. She is currently the eMINTS Associate Director and... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
eMINTS Room - 145

ignite innovate ELevate

Dynamic Theme Exploration

11:00am CDT

Accommodations with Pear Assessment

Wednesday June 3, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

CDW Room - 119

Learn what accommodations look like in Pear Assessment and how to support all learners. Understand how to locate and adjust individual student and class-wide accommodations settings, such as Text-to-Speech (TTS), to increase accessibility and differentiate for diverse learners and how to support students in a quick and effective way using our AI tool for Content Converter.

Engage in exploration of accommodations for all types of learners as well as how to quickly create Pear Assessment items using the Content Converter. Discuss ways to individualize tests to support learners quickly and efficiently.

Apply the Content Converter to streamline digital assessments and confidently configure customized test settings and items to maximize accessibility and engagement for all students, thereby increasing the accuracy of assessment data.

Speakers

Natalie Pottier

George Burt

Customer Success Manager, GoGuardian

PD Partners

CDW

Jackie Grummel

Wednesday June 3, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
CDW Room - 119

ignite innovate Elevate design

Dynamic Theme Exploration

11:00am CDT

Smart, Safe and AI-Ready: A Guide to Digital Literacy

Wednesday June 3, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

Google Room - 131

Learn essential online safety strategies to protect both educators and students in a digital world. Explore how to identify phishing scams, manage Google Drive sharing settings and integrate Google’s Be Internet Awesome curriculum with new AI literacy content. Examine how these practices build safer, more responsible digital habits.

Engage in exploration of real-world scenarios and strategies that strengthen digital safety awareness. Interact with examples and consider how to support students in navigating online spaces responsibly.

Apply online safety practices to secure your digital environment and guide student behavior. Use practical strategies and curriculum resources to teach safe, responsible technology use and build confident digital citizens.

Speakers

Google for Education

Wednesday June 3, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Google Room - 131

ignite innovate Elevate technology

Dynamic Theme Exploration

11:00am CDT

Grading for Equity in the Age of AI

Wednesday June 3, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

RM 251

Learn the core principles of Grading for Equity and examine how those practices intersect with the growing presence of AI in education. Explore strategies for designing assignments and assessments that may include AI, along with approaches for grading those deliverables equitably.

Engage in collaborative discussion and problem-solving around real-world scenarios that highlight the challenges of equitable grading in the age of AI. Interact with peers and contribute to shared analysis and reflection that deepen understanding and surface practical insights.

Apply an equitable lens to existing lessons and grading practices while accounting for the realities of AI use in classrooms. Gain practical tools and frameworks to navigate AI thoughtfully while ensuring grading practices remain fair, transparent and focused on student learning.

Speakers

Daniel Jones

High School Assistant Principal, Riverview Gardens School District

Looking forward to presenting about AI and grading practices at this year's Innovate conference! I'm passionate about all things pedagogy and educational leadership!

Grading for Equity in the Age of AI mp4

Wednesday June 3, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
RM 251

ignite design technology innovate

11:00am CDT

Amplify Every Voice: AI Support for Every Learner

Wednesday June 3, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

schoolai Room - 137

Learn how schoolai helps every learner access and demonstrate understanding regardless of language, readiness or learning profile. Explore how AI experiences embed scaffolds, language supports and differentiation without creating multiple lesson plans. Examine how real-time data highlights student needs instantly so you can respond in the moment.

Engage with examples of AI learning experiences designed for multilingual learners, diverse readiness levels and varied learning needs. Explore how translation, reading level adjustments and scaffolds remove barriers before they appear. Analyze real-time data to identify student needs and consider responsive next steps.

Apply a framework for designing inclusive, AI-powered learning experiences by default, not by accommodation. Use built-in tools to quickly adapt content for accessibility and personalization. Gain practical strategies to support every learner with targeted, real-time instruction.

Speakers

Tarah Tesmer

Senior Educational Strategist, SchoolAI

Wednesday June 3, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
schoolai Room - 137

ignite innovate Elevate belonging technology design

Dynamic Theme Exploration

11:35am CDT

Conceptual Math That Clicks: Building Deep Understanding in Minutes

Wednesday June 3, 2026 11:35am - 12:00pm CDT

Discovery Room - 233

Learn why conceptual understanding—not memorized steps—helps students make sense of mathematics, transfer knowledge and close learning gaps.

Engage in quick, hands‑on routines using DEX resources such as visual models, number lines, dot images and problem‑based prompts that reveal student thinking and support flexible reasoning.

Apply these routines in your classrooms to strengthen daily math instruction, and explore how DreamBox can extend conceptual learning and capture student strategies without adding extra work.

PD Partners

John David Son

Regional VP, John David Son

Wednesday June 3, 2026 11:35am - 12:00pm CDT
Discovery Room - 233

spark innovate Elevate design technology belonging

Dynamic Theme Essentials

12:00pm CDT

Lunch

Wednesday June 3, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT

Evans Commons | exhibitor expo

Wednesday June 3, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
Evans Commons | exhibitor expo

Exhibitor Expo

1:00pm CDT

The Multiplier Effect: Scaling AI Innovation for Classroom and Community Impact

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:00pm - 1:25pm CDT

schoolai Room - 137

Learn how to use a simple yet powerful facilitation framework to uncover what matters most to your teachers and anchor your AI implementation to real needs rather than features. Discover how this framework can serve as an entry point for identifying north stars and barriers across your school community. Gain a clear model for how coaches and education leaders can multiply their impact by turning teacher challenges into AI-powered solutions that drive impact across the wider school community.

Engage by experiencing a collaborative brainstorming activity, surfacing the bright spots and friction points most relevant to your own context. Use your identified challenges to drive a hands-on design sprint, building a schoolai-powered experience anchored to a real need in your school, district or community. Walk through a flexible facilitation protocol you can bring directly into your next team meeting, informal conversation or professional learning session.

Apply a repeatable, supportive conversation framework that moves your teachers from their most pressing challenges to AI-powered solutions with confidence and purpose. Return to your community with a schoolai artifact you built during the session, ready to introduce to your team. Use a 30/60/90 implementation road map structure to stay focused, learn from what is working and scale what is making a difference.

Speakers

Tarah Tesmer

Senior Educational Strategist, SchoolAI

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:00pm - 1:25pm CDT
schoolai Room - 137

launch innovate Elevate belonging design technology

Dynamic Theme Exploration

1:00pm CDT

Listen Up: Ace the MAP Listening Session with AI

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:00pm - 1:25pm CDT

RM 121

Learn effective, low-prep strategies to prepare students for the ELA MAP Listening test. Explore how audible annotation improves listening comprehension and accuracy for Grades 3–8. Examine how AI, Google Forms and Google Vids can streamline the creation of high-quality listening practice materials.

Engage with examples and collaborative exploration of MAP-aligned listening tasks. Interact with tools and ideas that demonstrate how technology can support authentic listening practice and assessment readiness.

Apply a simple, repeatable process to create MAP-style listening passages and questions using AI and Google tools. Design at least one classroom-ready listening assessment that includes an audio or video passage and aligned questions. Build a workflow that allows multiple listening assessments to be created efficiently across grade levels.

Speakers

Don Jeffries

Grandview R-II

Listen Up Ace the MAP Listening Session with AI mp4

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:00pm - 1:25pm CDT
RM 121 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301

spark design innovate technology

1:00pm CDT

Digital Tools for Authentic Student Publishing

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:00pm - 1:25pm CDT

eMINTS Room - 145

Learn how digital publishing tools empower students to share their work with authentic, real-world audiences. Explore how publishing increases engagement, ownership and student voice while connecting literacy to meaningful contexts. Examine practical tools and strategies that elevate student work beyond the classroom.

Engage in collaborative exploration of how content creators use familiar structures to connect with audiences. Interact with examples, share ideas and consider how these approaches can translate into classroom practice to support student creativity and communication.

Apply digital publishing tools and strategies to help students transform drafts into polished work for authentic audiences. Create or adapt examples that model real-world writing and publishing for students. Use practical tools to support creativity, amplify student voice and make learning more relevant and impactful.

Speakers

Maggie Bunten

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:00pm - 1:25pm CDT
eMINTS Room - 145

spark innovate Elevate

Dynamic Theme Essentials
about <br>

1:00pm CDT

Panel: Digital Equity: Exploring the Impact of Accessibility

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT

RM 254

With new federal rulings setting clear standards for web and mobile accessibility, school districts are at a critical turning point. This panel brings together the "three pillars" of successful implementation: local district practitioners, regional advisors and industry experts in accessibility remediation. Dive into the practicalities of the Title II ruling, focusing on the collaborative efforts needed to support classroom and school-wide compliance. From training staff to auditing digital assets, discover how your district can lead with empathy and expertise to ensure equitable access for all students, families, and staff.

Moderators

Erin Lawson

Lead Professional Learning Specialist, EducationPlus

Erin serves EdPlus member districts by developing tailored learning opportunities and professional development
programs. Erin has 19 years of education experience in a variety of roles including 6th-grade teacher, district technology coach and
Director of Professional and Program... Read More →

Speakers

April Burton

District-Level Staff or Administrator (e.g., superintendent, Chief Academic Officer, professional learning coordinator, etc.), FRANCIS HOWELL R-III

Brian Reed

Coordinator of Innovation and Learning, Rockwood R-VI

Brad Moser

CidiLabs

Bob Martin

MoreNet

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
RM 254

Panel

1:00pm CDT

Small Steps: Scaffolding Skills Across Classrooms

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT

RM 136

Learn how task analysis helps break complex academic, behavioral and life skills into clear, manageable steps. Explore instructional strategies that reduce cognitive overload, increase access and promote student independence across content areas. Examine how modeling, visuals and scaffolds support successful skill development.

Engage in shared exploration of task analysis through discussion, reflection and optional hands-on learning. Experience how breaking a process into steps clarifies instruction and supports diverse learners.

Apply task analysis strategies to identify points of overload and redesign instruction for greater clarity and access. Use modeling, visuals and scaffolds to teach skills step-by-step across classrooms, fine arts, practical life, PE and special education. Create actionable plans that increase engagement, reduce frustration and support successful task completion.

Speakers

Bryson Reid

Instructional Coach and Art Teacher, Premier Charter School

Bryson Reid is a teacher, instructional coach, and doctoral candidate passionate about the power of the extracurricular environment and restorative practices. Currently, Reid’s research is focused on student engagement, school culture, and fine arts and sciences advocacy. In her... Read More →

Small Steps Scaffolding Skills Across Classrooms mp4

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
RM 136 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301

ignite culture design innovate

1:00pm CDT

Healthy Boundaries: Fostering Professional Well-Being

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT

RM 243

Learn the importance of healthy professional boundaries for preventing burnout and maintaining positive work relationships. Explore a four-step framework for establishing and maintaining boundaries. Discover strategies to communicate effectively while protecting your time and energy.

Engage through a variety of hands-on, collaborative activities including a boundary self-assessment.

Apply practical strategies to set and maintain boundaries and create a personal action plan with three specific boundaries to support work-life balance, reduce stress and prevent burnout.

Speakers

LaToya Jones

Social Emotional Learning Coach, Kirkwood School District

LaToya is a PreK-12 SEL Coach dedicated to the work of equity, restorative practices, and building strong, supportive school communities. A firm believer that educator well-being is the foundation of student success, one of her primary focuses is helping staff move past burnout by... Read More →

Healthy Boundaries Fostering Professional Well Being mp4

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
RM 243

ignite wellness innovate

1:00pm CDT

Experiential Learning: Sparking Engagement and Innovation

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:00pm - 2:15pm CDT

RM 217

Learn how research on experiential learning, motivation and neuroscience connects to increased joy, relevance and student ownership. Explore learning approaches, from low-prep, high-impact entry points to longer-term designs that deepen community connection and shared responsibility for learning.

Engage in collaborative reflection and analyze learning examples across multiple content areas to uncover what makes these experiences powerful and replicable. Reimagine your own instructional practices through guided design time.

Apply learning principles by drafting an initial ExL design aligned to instructional goals and student needs. Gain a flexible framework to use in designing future experiential learning.

Speakers

Kerry Arens

Chelsea Center Coordinator, Webster Groves School District

Kerry Arens is a connector, creative problem-solver, systems designer, & coach of learners in the classroom and beyond. Kerry spent her first ten years in education as an English teacher in Parkway and Kirkwood School Districts. Her passion for working alongside her colleagues to increase student... Read More →

Experiential Learning Sparking Engagement and Innovation mp4

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:00pm - 2:15pm CDT
RM 217 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301

launch culture design innovate

1:10pm CDT

Motivation Mosaic: Cultivating Engagement, Self-Discipline and Efficacy in our Students

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:10pm - 2:00pm CDT

Dunseth Auditorioum

"No time for breakfast, Mom. I have to get to class on time. Today we open the box!" What is this…a Hollywood movie fantasy? No, it's from a real classroom with real students. Attitude can change a blob of sand into King Arthur's castle. Tenacity is a virtue, but the personal fortitude to stick with an arduous task takes time and experience to mature. Many students grow impatient with content not parsed into soundbites, and reading extended, logical rhetoric through each argument to its ultimate conclusion is almost unheard of. On the other hand, if the story is good, students will read books of more than 700 pages. They play online games working their way through 12 levels of difficulty for six hours, and they stay after school into the evening to practice for theater productions, get ready for sports tournaments and conduct fun science experiments for the public. Join us for a compelling session on the specific tiles to include in the strategic mosaic that helps students find the reserves to stick with projects and tasks, be they physical or intellectual. Examine the role of dopamine, goal-setting, descriptive feedback that does not invoke ego, meaning-making, executive function, constructive responses to anxiety/depression, teacher-student relationships, agency, and more. There is no such thing as laziness. Our students want to do demanding, complex learning, they want to persevere! To this, our students aspire; with this, our world was built. And what was in the box, you ask? Why, of course, it was a—Oh, darn. No more space. Join us to find out.

Speakers

Rick Wormeli

Education Consultant, author/speaker

EdPlus Conference June 2026 PDF Motivation Mosaic Cultivating Engagement Self Discipline and Efficacy handout version pdf

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:10pm - 2:00pm CDT
Dunseth Auditorioum

ignite design Elevate

Dynamic Theme Essentials

1:10pm CDT

GoGuardian Teacher Support for Diverse Learners

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:10pm - 2:00pm CDT

CDW Room - 119

Learn how GoGuardian Teacher supports diverse learners through real-time visibility and targeted instructional tools. Explore features that enable differentiation, reduce distractions and provide personalized support for students, including MLs and those needing additional support. Examine how these tools enhance engagement and access for all learners.

Engage in exploration of GoGuardian Teacher features through examples and collaborative discussion. Interact with strategies that support diverse learning needs and consider how real-time insights can strengthen instructional decisions.

Apply GoGuardian Teacher to differentiate instruction, guide student focus and provide timely, personalized support. Use real-time monitoring to respond to student needs and create a more inclusive, engaging learning environment.

Speakers

Natalie Pottier

George Burt

Customer Success Manager, GoGuardian

PD Partners

CDW

Jackie Grummel

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:10pm - 2:00pm CDT
CDW Room - 119

ignite innovate Elevate belonging

Dynamic Theme Exploration

1:10pm CDT

See It. Hear It. Understand It. Multimodal Magic for ML Success

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:10pm - 2:00pm CDT

Discovery Room - 233

Learn how Discovery Education’s multimodal resources, language supports and scaffolded strategies increase comprehension and confidence for multilingual learners.

Engage in analyzing accessible media, practicing scaffolded routines and experiencing how visual and auditory supports deepen understanding.

Gain practical techniques—like vocabulary routines, structured discussions and visual scaffolds—to make learning meaningful for every student.

PD Partners

John David Son

Regional VP, John David Son

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:10pm - 2:00pm CDT
Discovery Room - 233

ignite innovate Elevate belonging design wellness

Dynamic Theme Essentials

1:10pm CDT

The Differentiated Classroom: Accelerated by AI and Supported with Google

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:10pm - 2:00pm CDT

Google Room - 131

Learn how Google for Education tools can personalize instruction and support every learner. Explore how AI-powered features like Google Vids, Practice Sets, interactive YouTube questions and Gemini in Classroom enhance engagement, provide instant feedback and streamline grading. Examine how these tools support differentiation and dynamic instruction.

Engage in exploration of AI-driven tools that enhance learning and instruction. Interact with examples and consider how these features can create more responsive, student-centered classrooms.

Apply Google for Education tools to differentiate instruction, automate feedback and grading, and increase student engagement. Use AI-powered features to design dynamic learning experiences where all students can succeed.

Speakers

Google for Education

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:10pm - 2:00pm CDT
Google Room - 131

ignite innovate Elevate design

Dynamic Theme Essentials

1:10pm CDT

Connection First: Elevating ML Learning

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:10pm - 2:00pm CDT

RM 231

Discover practical, research-aligned strategies that elevate ML voice through purposeful connection. Explore strategies in three categories including Partner Talk, Synthesis Tasks and Reflective Pauses. Review a planning template to adapt these tools for your grade level or content area.

Speakers

Anne Paonessa

ConnectED Classrooms

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:10pm - 2:00pm CDT
RM 231

Instructional Practices for English Learners ELevate

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

1:10pm CDT

Lab Partners: Collaborative Strategies for Supporting MLs in Science

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:10pm - 2:00pm CDT

RM 250

Step into your students' shoes to bridge the language gap. Integrating years of classroom experience, explore how empathy fuels engagement. Gain practical strategies to support high school MLs in mastering complex science content through collaboration and connection.

Speakers

Amanda Borodin

Ferguson-Florissant R-II

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:10pm - 2:00pm CDT
RM 250

Instructional Practices for English Learners Elevate

ELevate Secondary

1:10pm CDT

Stability Through Change: Protecting the Whole Child

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:10pm - 2:00pm CDT

RM 229

As immigration laws and policies shift, many students and families experience fear and uncertainty that directly impacts learning and well-being. Discover how schools can provide stability through trauma-informed practices, culturally responsive supports and clear communication. Explore practical strategies to protect confidentiality, strengthen family partnerships and ensure every student feels safe, supported and connected—regardless of status.

Speakers

julie m hahn

Ritenour

Chris Kilbride

Ritenour School District

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:10pm - 2:00pm CDT
RM 229 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301

Leadership and School Culture Elevate

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

1:10pm CDT

It's All in the Prompt: Using AI to Create Formative Assessments

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:10pm - 2:00pm CDT

RM 251

Learn how to use AI tools to design quick and effective formative assessments. Explore simple prompting techniques that generate exit tickets, comprehension checks and differentiated tasks in minutes. Learn how to refine AI outputs to match learning objectives and support multilingual learners and discover strategies for checking the accuracy and appropriateness of AI-generated assessments. Gain ready-to-use prompts and examples they can implement immediately.

Speakers

Daisy Skelly, EdD

ELD Specialist, Parkway School District

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:10pm - 2:00pm CDT
RM 251

Summative and Formative Assessment ELevate

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

1:30pm CDT

When Wellness Meets Technology: Reimagining Teacher Sustainability in the Age of AI

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:30pm - 1:55pm CDT

RM 121

Learn how to pair wellness practices with technology to restore energy and creativity. Explore ways AI can simplify planning, reflection and communication while maintaining the human touch.

Engage in self-reflection, collaborative discussions, and hands-on exploration of wellness-centered tech strategies. Identify stress points in daily routines, test practical tools and consider how these approaches can be adapted to your own classroom context.

Apply wellness-centered tech strategies to immediately reduce stress and streamline workload. Create a personalized action plan that will protect time, sustain creativity and bring renewed energy to your teaching practice.

Speakers

James McKay

When Wellness Meets Technology mp4

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:30pm - 1:55pm CDT
RM 121 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301

spark innovate technology wellness

1:30pm CDT

Streamlining Lesson Design: Tech Tools That Boost Quality and Save Time

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT

eMINTS Room - 145

Learn the key components of high-quality lesson design and how they support effective instruction. Explore how technology tools can streamline planning, enhance instruction and reduce daily workload. Examine practical strategies that make lesson design more efficient and impactful.

Engage in collaborative exploration of tech tools and instructional strategies that support lesson design. Share ideas, interact with examples and consider how these approaches can strengthen teaching and learning.

Apply technology tools and strategies to design high-quality lessons with greater efficiency. Implement actionable ideas that enhance instruction and support immediate classroom use.

Speakers

Ben Miller

Emints

Maggie Bunten

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
eMINTS Room - 145

ignite innovate Elevate

Dynamic Theme Essentials

2:00pm CDT

What We Notice Matters: Implicit Bias in the Classroom

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:00pm - 2:25pm CDT

RM 121

Learn the foundations of bias and implicit bias, including how lived experiences such as family, schooling, media and professional environments shape perceptions. Explore why implicit bias is a common cognitive process rather than a moral failing and how it shows up in classrooms, especially for students from underrepresented groups. Examine research-informed strategies to recognize and reduce bias.

Engage in reflection and shared exploration to deepen understanding of how bias influences thinking and interactions. Participate in collaborative learning that surfaces perspectives, builds awareness and connects concepts to classroom practice.

Apply practical strategies such as mindfulness, empathetic communication, cross-group relationships and accountability to interrupt bias. Use bias-aware practices to create more inclusive learning environments and foster classroom cultures grounded in curiosity, representation and growth.

Speakers

Anissa Williams

What We Notice Matters Implicit Bias in the Classroom mp4

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:00pm - 2:25pm CDT
RM 121 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301

spark culture leadership innovate

2:00pm CDT

Panel: Integrating AI with Authentic Learning

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT

RM 254

As AI becomes a daily reality for students, the conversation has shifted from "if" to "how" teachers can use it responsibly. Educators and AI professionals will discuss the practical application of AI from elementary through secondary classrooms.

Panelists will explore how they are implementing essential guardrails—such as data privacy protections and academic integrity frameworks—to ensure AI remains a secure and powerful partner in the learning process.

Explore how to foster an AI-ready culture that prioritizes safe, ethical, and human-centered instruction for all students.

Moderators

Brian Reed

Coordinator of Innovation and Learning, Rockwood R-VI

Speakers

Tarah Tesmer

Senior Educational Strategist, SchoolAI

Stacy M. Hirt, PhD

Senior Account Executive, Magic School AI

Safe, district-aligned AI for schools that provides support, sparks creativity, and improves student learning outcomes.

Lauren Schoellhorn

Rockwood School District

Ciara Janas

Francis Howell School District

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
RM 254

Panel

2:00pm CDT

From Lecture to Thinking: Decentering the Classroom

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT

RM 243

Learn how to shift from teacher-centered to student-thinking classrooms using vertical non-permanent surfaces, randomized groups and inquiry-driven tasks. Explore how AI can transform traditional lessons into dynamic thinking activities across content areas.

Engage in a live micro-model of a thinking classroom by working in groups to solve an inquiry task. Explore how AI can accelerate the creation of student-centered work.

Apply a structured launch sequence to decenter your classroom. Gain a framework to transform existing lessons into thinking tasks that can be implemented immediately across content areas.

Speakers

Lauren Fahy

K-12 Instructional Coach, Valley Park

Tom Probst

Valley Park

From Lecture to Thinking Decentering the Classroom mp4

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
RM 243

ignite culture design innovate

2:10pm CDT

Building our Assessment Repertoire

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm CDT

Dunseth Auditorioum

We can’t innovate and be effective with what we don’t have. Some of us think narrowly, thinking there are only two ways to assess a topic when there are actually a dozen. Some of us get bogged down in students taking a test in a particular format rather than demonstrating genuine learning. Others wonder if can breathe life into more traditional assessment prompts. Opening the door to alternative ways to demonstrate mastery of subject content while holding students accountable for specific evidence and real learning ignites excitement in all of us! Join us for a quick tour of both traditional and innovative assessment possibilities when chasing evidence of learning, not merely of compliance from students. We’ll also discuss student ownership with their learning and assessments, the decrease in student excuses and deflection, where students find validation, and much more. It’s time to expand our repertoire, helping students find meaning and just as importantly, create accurate expressions of what they know and can do!

Speakers

Rick Wormeli

Education Consultant, author/speaker

Education Plus Conference June 2026 PDF Wormeli Building Assessment Repertoire handout version pdf

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm CDT
Dunseth Auditorioum

ignite

Dynamic Theme Essentials

2:10pm CDT

Phenomena That Spark Learning: Bringing K-12 Science to Life with Inquiry and the Discovery Education Ecosystem

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm CDT

Discovery Room - 233

Learn why anchoring science instruction in phenomena leads to deeper understanding, stronger sensemaking and NGSS-aligned learning experiences.

Engage in hands-on exploration of multiple phenomena routines—modeling Notice/Wonder, prediction cycles, data interactions and evidence-based explanation—using real examples from Mystery Science, Science Techbook and our K–5 NGSS resources.

Apply these routines to create meaningful, curiosity-driven learning moments and use digital tools that make high‑quality science instruction easier and more efficient.

PD Partners

John David Son

Regional VP, John David Son

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm CDT
Discovery Room - 233

ignite innovate Elevate culture design technology

Dynamic Theme Exploration

2:10pm CDT

Reading Reimagined: Using Read Along for Literacy Success

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm CDT

Google Room - 131

Learn how Google’s Read Along in Classroom creates personalized, engaging reading experiences. Explore how to assign stories or generate custom texts with AI while gaining insights at both the student and class level. Examine how these tools support reading comprehension, fluency and critical thinking.

Engage in exploration of interactive reading tools that support differentiated instruction and student growth. Interact with examples and consider how personalized reading experiences can increase engagement and confidence.

Apply Read Along strategies to design personalized reading activities that support diverse learners. Use insights and data to guide instruction, monitor progress and strengthen students’ reading skills in meaningful ways.

Speakers

Google for Education

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm CDT
Google Room - 131

ignite innovate Elevate design

Dynamic Theme Essentials

2:10pm CDT

Start Smarter, Teach Better: Differentiation and Time-Saving with Pear Start

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm CDT

CDW Room - 119

Learn how Pear Start supports quick creation of engaging, differentiated lessons that meet the needs of every learner. Explore how to streamline planning, build in accommodations and adapt instruction in real time. Examine how Pear Start, paired with Pear Deck, enhances student voice, accessibility and engagement.

Engage in exploration of Pear Start and Pear Deck through examples and collaborative discussion. Interact with features that support differentiation and consider how these tools can enhance instruction and learner access.

Apply Pear Start to design differentiated lessons efficiently while saving time. Use Pear Deck to implement interactive strategies that amplify student voice and support meaningful engagement in your classroom.

Speakers

Natalie Pottier

George Burt

Customer Success Manager, GoGuardian

PD Partners

CDW

Jackie Grummel

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm CDT
CDW Room - 119

ignite innovate Elevate design

Dynamic Theme Essentials

2:10pm CDT

Clip to Concept: A Visual Strategy for Teaching Main Idea to MLs

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm CDT

RM 231

Explore a classroom-ready strategy that leverages short video clips as “visual texts” to help MLs access and identify the main idea, lowering language barriers while building critical thinking skills. Experience the strategy as students would: viewing a clip, capturing observations and collaborating in small groups to find common patterns that point to the central meaning. Gain a replicable routine that uses visual supports and structured peer interaction to move MLs from noticing details to determining what matters most.

Speakers

Jeanne Allgeyer

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm CDT
RM 231

Instructional Practices for English Learners ELevate

2:10pm CDT

More Than Just Pictures: Multimodal Scaffolding for MLs

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm CDT

RM 229

Multimodal scaffolding is an intentional design move to provide multiple access points to content without reducing cognitive complexity. Grounded in 9 Dimensions of Scaffolding for Multilingual Learners by Honigsfeld et al., this session highlights how multilingual learners thrive when content is delivered through multiple modalities—known as “message abundancy”—and when they have meaningful choices in how they demonstrate understanding. Through real classroom examples and the three UDL lenses—representation, engagement and expression—participants will gain practical strategies they can apply immediately.

Speakers

Rob Greenhaw

MELL Instructional Consultant, EducationPlus

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm CDT
RM 229 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301

Instructional Practices for English Learners ELevate

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

2:10pm CDT

The Power of Math Without Numbers

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm CDT

RM 250

Numberless word problems provide a powerful way to support elementary MLs by shifting the focus from computation to comprehension, language development and mathematical reasoning. Explore how removing numbers from word problems creates space for students to make sense of context, discuss relationships and engage in meaningful mathematical discourse before solving the problem.

Speakers

Rachel Emanuel-Prude

Parkway C-2

Meghan Schultz

Parkway C-2

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm CDT
RM 250

Instructional Practices for English Learners Elevate

ELevate Elementary

2:10pm CDT

Strategic By Design: A Blueprint for Multilingual Programs

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm CDT

RM 251

Discover a framework for understanding all of the components that are interconnected within a multilingual program. Explore six interconnected pillars that shape effective programming—Compliance & Data, Curriculum & Instruction, Staffing, Professional Learning, Family & Community Engagement, and Pathways to Graduation. Examine common system stress points that limit student progress, and learn how intentional design drives success. Gain a practical blueprint to assess program health and guide strategic decision-making.

Speakers

Marie Heath

Consultant, Seidlitz Education

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm CDT
RM 251

Leadership and School Culture ELevate

2:30pm CDT

From Gloom to Bloom

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT

eMINTS Room - 145

Learn four research-based strategies to energize your classroom by cultivating joy and emotional well-being.

Engage in active learning experiences that blend Prosocial Education and explore classroom management strategies to boost engagement and improve classroom climate.

Apply practical techniques to foster positivity, strengthen relationships and support learner success.

Speakers

Haylee Anderson

Instructional Specialist, eMINTS National Center

From Gloom to Bloom Innovate 2026 pptx

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
eMINTS Room - 145

ignite innovate ELevate

Dynamic Theme Essentials

3:00pm CDT

The SchoolAI Campfire

Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:00pm - 3:25pm CDT

schoolai Room - 137

Learn how educators are putting AI into practice right now, what's landing and what still needs work. Come ready to learn and engage with fellow educators who are navigating the same real-world AI questions and challenges. This is a space for honest conversation about what AI is doing in real classrooms, what's working, what's hard and what's still uncertain.

Engage in a relaxed, open roundtable where there are no slides and no agenda, just real conversation. Share what you built or experienced today, ask the questions you didn't get to ask in a session and connect with fellow educators navigating the same AI journey you are.

Apply the ideas, connections and insights that surface in the room to your own context. Whether you leave with a new idea to try with schoolai, a clearer question to explore or simply a sense that you are not alone in this work, the campfire is where the day's learning lands.

Speakers

Tarah Tesmer

Senior Educational Strategist, SchoolAI

Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:00pm - 3:25pm CDT
schoolai Room - 137

spark innovate Elevate belonging culture wellness

Dynamic Theme Essentials

3:10pm CDT

The Discovery Education Help Desk: Ask. Explore. Solve.

Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:10pm - 3:35pm CDT

Discovery Room - 233

Learn practical, personalized solutions to your instructional questions across math, science and social studies.

Engage in a flexible, conversational Q/A experience with subject‑matter expert(s) who can offer guidance, model strategies and explore challenges one‑on‑one or in a small‑group setting.

Gain tailored strategies and optional digital resources discussed to improve instruction in ways that fit your unique classroom needs.

PD Partners

John David Son

Regional VP, John David Son

Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:10pm - 3:35pm CDT
Discovery Room - 233

spark innovate Elevate technology leadership culture

Dynamic Theme Exploration

3:10pm CDT

AI Literacy for Tomorrow: Preparing Students for the AI-Driven Future

Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm CDT

Google Room - 131

Learn how to position AI tools as ethical study partners that promote responsible use and deeper learning. Explore how Guided Learning supports step-by-step thinking and moves students beyond quick answers to true understanding. Examine how NotebookLM can transform class materials into personalized study tools that build college-ready skills.

Engage in exploration of AI-supported learning strategies that promote critical thinking and student ownership. Interact with examples and consider how these tools can shift students from passive consumption to active learning.

Apply AI tools like Guided Learning and NotebookLM to create structured learning experiences, interactive quizzes and personalized study supports. Use these strategies to help students build independence, strengthen understanding and prepare for advanced academic work.

Speakers

Google for Education

Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm CDT
Google Room - 131

ignite innovate Elevate design

Dynamic Theme Essentials

3:10pm CDT

Content Teachers Supporting SLIFE: Examples from the Field

Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm CDT

RM 229

Discover research-based sheltered strategies that offer the biggest bang for their buck in Content Classrooms and explore examples from the field. Top tips will be shared based on what is practical in diverse classrooms. The focus is on inclusion of newcomers and SLIFE (students with limited education), while content teachers will appreciate that these strategies boost the achievement of the entire class.

Speakers

Carol Salva

Lead Education Consultant, Seidlitz Education

Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm CDT
RM 229 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301

Instructional Practices for English Learners

ELevate Secondary

3:10pm CDT

P.O.W.E.R. for Equitable Learning Design

Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm CDT

RM 250

Explore the P.O.W.E.R. Framework, a research-based and practical tool for designing equitable learning experiences across curriculum and instruction. Learn how to use five guiding dimensions to evaluate curricular resources and engage in a hands-on activity to sort and label materials as part of a mock unit design. The process demonstrates how applying The P.O.W.E.R. Framework can affirm student identities, create belonging, strengthen content comprehension and build agency, particularly for MLs and students from historically marginalized communities.

Speakers

Genevieve Caffrey

Schema Curriculum & Consulting

Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm CDT
RM 250

Instructional Practices for English Learners

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

3:10pm CDT

Leveraging Linguistic and Cultural Assets Through Projects

Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm CDT

RM 251

Explore how to create project-based learning experiences to build upon the linguistic and cultural assets that MLs bring to the classroom. Grounded in the research of culturally sustaining pedagogy and translanguaging, examine how validating a student’s home language and background is a cognitive necessity for deep, authentic learning. Engage in research-to-practice mapping, the "Genius Activation Toolkit," and strategy design to discover a fresh perspective and practical strategies to unlock the genius within every student.

Speakers

Taya Tselolikhina

Sr. Director of District Sales & Partnerships, PBLWorks

Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm CDT
RM 251

Instructional Practices for English Learners ELevate

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

3:10pm CDT

Cut, Paste, Breathe: Junk Journaling for Educators of MLs

Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm CDT

RM 231

Educators of multilingual learners are navigating a great deal right now, and creative practices can offer a meaningful reset. Junk journaling—transforming scraps, clippings, and found materials into something beautiful—requires no experience and embraces imperfection. A bilingual therapist and newcomer teacher will share how this joyful practice fosters rest and renewal, and how it can be incorporated into your classroom. All experience levels are welcome. Some materials will be provided; feel free to bring your own.

Speakers

Angelica Mitchell

EL Educator, Ritenour

Martha Pinones

Ritenour

Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm CDT
RM 231

Leadership and School Culture

ELevate Elementary and Secondary