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Tuesday, June 2
 

8:00am CDT

From Othering to Belonging to Mattering to Flourishing: Creating (and Living) a New Story of Purpose for Schools 
Tuesday June 2, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
Hyland Arena
Multiple research sources, reinforced by a wide range of personal experiences, point to a crucial progression that goes beyond an ideal of “belonging” toward the conditions of mattering and flourishing for human development. As we come to grips with exponential technologies, shifting social norms, volatile geopolitics and an ambiguous future of work, the role of schools can either be seen as...
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Speakers
avatar for Homa Tavangar

Homa Tavangar

Cofounder, Big Questions Institute
Homa Tavanger is the co-founder of the Big Questions Institute and the Oneness Lab.She brings 30+ years’ experience helping diverse organizations and individuals to build cultural, racial and global competence, strategic governance, and visionary, generative leadership in diverse schools and organizations. She coaches leaders on accountability for equity... Read More →
Tuesday June 2, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
Hyland Arena
  Keynote   innovate

9:00am CDT

Breakfast + exhibitor expo
Tuesday June 2, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Evans Commons | exhibitor expo
Enjoy a morning snack sponsored by Circadia.
Tuesday June 2, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Evans Commons | exhibitor expo
  Exhibitor Expo

10:00am CDT

Panel: Turning the Page: Leveraging Reading Success Plans for Student Growth
Tuesday June 2, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
RM 250
Under SB 681, the Reading Success Plan (RSP) has evolved from a technical requirement into a vital roadmap for achievement. Literacy coordinators and regional experts will provide a "view from the district" on building robust, evidence-based systems that support both teachers and families. Panelists will share how their district transitioned into the Science of Reading along with some best...
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Moderators
avatar for Sherri Kulpa

Sherri Kulpa

Director of Curriculum and Instruction, EducationPlus

Speakers
JP

Julie Paur

Clayton School District

KW

Kate Wenger

Francis Howell School District
Tuesday June 2, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
RM 250
  Panel

10:00am CDT

Structured Literacy in Action: Success in a Multi-Tiered System of Supports
Tuesday June 2, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Theatre B - Evans Commons
Learn how the International Dyslexia Association’s InfoMap bridges the gap between the Science of Reading and classroom practice. Explore how structured literacy and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) work together to support all learners, including students receiving special education services. Examine practical tools, strategies and resources that strengthen implementation across a school...
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Speakers
avatar for Jennifer D'Aoust

Jennifer D'Aoust

Literacy Advisor, Wilson Language Training
Jennifer D’Aoust, M.Ed., brings over 28 years of education experience to her work as a Literacy Advisor with Wilson Language Training. She has a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from the University of Connecticut and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Lynn... Read More →
Exhibitors
avatar for Wilson Language Training

Wilson Language Training

Account Executive, Michael Benge
Wilson Language Training® offers foundational Structured Literacy programs for K–12 classrooms—Fundations®, Esperanza, Just Words®, and the Wilson Reading System®—grounded in the science of reading and supporting all tiers of instruction in an MTSS framework. Our evidence-based... Read More →
Tuesday June 2, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Theatre B - Evans Commons
  ignite

10:00am CDT

The Art of Disagreement: Teaching Students to Debate Respectfully and Confidently
Tuesday June 2, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Theatre A - Evans Commons
Learn how to transform student disagreement into a tool for academic thinking and social-emotional growth. Explore strategies for teaching students to argue with evidence, listen with empathy and respond with respect across all content areas. Examine practical routines, sentence stems and activities that support productive discourse and stronger classroom relationships. Engage in role-plays,...
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Speakers
FM
The Art of Disagreement mp4
Tuesday June 2, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Theatre A - Evans Commons 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301
  ignite   belonging   culture   innovate

10:00am CDT

GoGuardian Teacher Comprehensive
Tuesday June 2, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
CDW Room - 119
Learn how GoGuardian Teacher supports instruction, differentiation and classroom management in digital environments. Explore features that allow you to deliver content, monitor student activity and keep learners focused and engaged. Examine how real-time visibility enhances instructional decision-making.Engage in exploration of GoGuardian Teacher tools through examples and shared discussion....
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Speakers
NP
avatar for George Burt

George Burt

Customer Success Manager, GoGuardian
PD Partners
avatar for CDW

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 →
Tuesday June 2, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
CDW Room - 119
  ignite   innovate   design

10:00am CDT

Workflow, Collaboration and Insight: A Simple Guide to Mastering Google Classroom
Tuesday June 2, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Google Room - 131
Learn how Google Workspace for EducationPlus tools can streamline grading and feedback. Explore features like rubrics, comment banks and originality reports to improve efficiency and consistency. Examine ways to enhance collaboration and instructional support using Classroom tools like Sharing Classwork and Class Visit.Engage in collaborative exploration of Google Classroom features that support...
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Speakers
GF
Tuesday June 2, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Google Room - 131
  ignite   innovate   technology

10:00am CDT

Connecting the Dots: Transform Learning Insights into Action
Tuesday June 2, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
schoolai Room - 137
Learn how AI can help you see every student’s story in real time—where they are and what they need next. Explore teacher-guided AI experiences that support student thinking without doing the work for them. Gain a practical, research-based framework for learner-centered design, whether you're new to AI or ready to go deeper.Engage with schoolai by first experiencing a live learning environment...
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Speakers
avatar for Tarah Tesmer

Tarah Tesmer

Senior Educational Strategist, SchoolAI
Tuesday June 2, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
schoolai Room - 137
  ignite   innovate   technology   design   culture

10:00am CDT

Teaching Smarter with Google Gemini
Tuesday June 2, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
RM 136
Learn how to integrate Google Gemini as a classroom assistant to enhance language teaching and learning. Explore AI literacy, effective prompting and strategies for using generative AI to plan lessons, design resources and personalize instruction. Examine practical approaches to make teaching more creative, efficient and student-centered. Engage in hands-on practice using Google Gemini to generate...
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Speakers
avatar for Haydee Taylor-Arnold

Haydee Taylor-Arnold

AATSP-MO Chapter President, Spanish Instructor, and Character Ed Advocate, Ladue Horton Watkins High School
Haydee Taylor-Arnold has 20 years of experience in the field of language education and has taught elementary, middle school, high school, and college. Originally from Panamá, she graduated with a Bachelor in English from Universidad de Panamá. Having relocated to Missouri, she earned... Read More →
Teaching Smarter with Google Gemini mp4
Tuesday June 2, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
RM 136 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301
  ignite   technology   innovate

10:00am CDT

From Our Hands to Theirs
Tuesday June 2, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am CDT
RM 217
Learn how John Hattie’s high-impact strategies can shift from educator-driven tools to a framework for learner-driven education. Explore the why and how of transferring control of planning, assessment and progress monitoring to students. Identify actionable strategies that make learner ownership practical and sustainable. Engage in collaborative reflection around examples of high-impact...
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Speakers
avatar for Dria Setter

Dria Setter

Professional Development Specialist, Institute for Personalized Learning- CESA #1
As a Professional Development Specialist for the Institute, Dria brings 18 years of elementary education experience including work with technology integration, differentiation for gifted and talented students, personalized learning, and most recently, work as a Learning Coach.  She... Read More →
avatar for Theresa Ewald

Theresa Ewald

Senior Advisor, i4PL
Dr. Theresa Ewald is the former Assistant Superintendent of the Kettle Moraine School District,
and an educational consultant with 30 years of experience in transforming learning for all
students. Theresa coaches and mentors educational leaders, organizations and state leaders as
th... Read More →
From Our Hands to Theirs mp4
Tuesday June 2, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am CDT
RM 217 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301
  launch   culture   design   innovate

10:00am CDT

Behind the Scenes: How Discovery Education Makes Every Minute Matter in the School Day
Tuesday June 2, 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...
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PD Partners
avatar for John David Son

John David Son

Regional VP, John David Son

Tuesday June 2, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am CDT
Discovery Room - 233
  launch   innovate   design   technology   belonging

10:00am CDT

exhibitor expo
Tuesday June 2, 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Evans Commons | exhibitor expo

Tuesday June 2, 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Evans Commons | exhibitor expo
  Exhibitor Expo

11:00am CDT

Panel: Thinking in Action: Bringing Building Thinking Classrooms to Life in Elementary Spaces
Tuesday June 2, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
RM 250
What happens when we shift the focus from getting answers to developing thinkers? K–5 educators dive into the pedagogy of Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) and what it really looks like in elementary settings.These passionate practitioners will unpack what BTC is, what drew them to this approach, and how it has transformed the way their students engage with learning. Through honest...
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Moderators
avatar for Tanya Garcia

Tanya Garcia

St. Louis RPDC Educational Consultant, EducationPlus

Speakers
CT

Carrie Tomc

Rockwood

GB

Genevieve Betz

Rockwood School District
DE

Darlene Eckert

Dixon School District
Tuesday June 2, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
RM 250
  Panel

11:00am CDT

Newsela is More than just News!
Tuesday June 2, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Theatre B - Evans Commons
Learn how Missouri districts are using Newsela to support teaching and learning goals across content areas. Explore new features including assessment and analytics tools, STEM resources through Generation Genius and writing supports. Examine how these tools enhance engagement, differentiation and instructional decision-making.Engage in exploration of Newsela resources, demo accounts and classroom...
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Speakers
avatar for Newsela

Newsela

Matt Wheeland
Newsela is more than just news and current events! Our most popular solution for Missouri districts is ELA by Newsela, and we've been building and acquiring great solutions since 2023: Balanced Assessment by Formative, Writing, STEM with Generation Genius by Newsela, and now Schoolytics... Read More →
Tuesday June 2, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Theatre B - Evans Commons
  ignite

11:00am CDT

The Courage to Connect: Using Vulnerability, Trust, Relationships and AI to Drive Results
Tuesday June 2, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
RM 121
Learn how vulnerability, trust and authentic connection drive engagement, motivation and academic success. Explore the neuroscience of belonging, the link between transparency and performance, and the role of emotional intelligence in building relationally strong school cultures. Examine how AI tools can serve as reflective coaching partners to deepen empathy, self-awareness, and communication...
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Speakers
avatar for Abida Jafari
The Courage to Connect mp4
Tuesday June 2, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
RM 121 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301
  ignite   culture   belonging   leadership   innovate

11:00am CDT

Level Up! With Proficiency Scales
Tuesday June 2, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Theatre A - Evans Commons
Learn how to leverage proficiency scales to clearly define learning targets and guide student growth at every level. Explore methods for providing meaningful feedback and using flexible instructional strategies to support learners with different needs. Discover how to meet students where they are while keeping standards and learning targets central. Engage in reflection around personalized...
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Speakers
avatar for Dria Setter

Dria Setter

Professional Development Specialist, Institute for Personalized Learning- CESA #1
As a Professional Development Specialist for the Institute, Dria brings 18 years of elementary education experience including work with technology integration, differentiation for gifted and talented students, personalized learning, and most recently, work as a Learning Coach.  She... Read More →
avatar for Theresa Ewald

Theresa Ewald

Senior Advisor, i4PL
Dr. Theresa Ewald is the former Assistant Superintendent of the Kettle Moraine School District,
and an educational consultant with 30 years of experience in transforming learning for all
students. Theresa coaches and mentors educational leaders, organizations and state leaders as
th... Read More →
Level Up! With Proficiency Scales mp4
Tuesday June 2, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Theatre A - Evans Commons 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301
  ignite   design   innovate   technology

11:00am CDT

Hyperspeed Prep Time: Accelerate Lesson Planning
Tuesday June 2, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Google Room - 131
Learn how Google’s AI toolkit streamlines curriculum design and content creation. Explore how tools like Deep Research, NotebookLM and Gemini can gather sources, organize information and generate instructional materials. Examine how these tools work together to create an efficient, end-to-end workflow.Engage in collaborative exploration of AI-powered tools for research, organization and lesson...
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Speakers
GF
Tuesday June 2, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Google Room - 131
  ignite   innovate   design

11:00am CDT

Getting Started with Pear Start
Tuesday June 2, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
CDW Room - 119
Learn how Pear Start, Pear Deck Learning’s AI tool, supports teacher workflows and instructional best practices. Explore key features that streamline planning, enhance instruction and save time. Examine how AI can be used effectively to support student learning.Engage in exploration of Pear Start through examples and shared discussion. Interact with features and consider how AI tools can enhance...
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Speakers
NP
avatar for George Burt

George Burt

Customer Success Manager, GoGuardian
PD Partners
avatar for CDW

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 →
Tuesday June 2, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
CDW Room - 119
  ignite   innovate   technology

11:00am CDT

From Idea to Launch: Build an AI Learning Experience to Use Tomorrow
Tuesday June 2, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
schoolai Room - 137
Learn how to design a powerful AI learning experience in five minutes or less using the schoolai framework to guide your prompting from the very first idea. Explore what makes a Space effective and how purposeful prompting shapes the student experience. Examine how the Browser Extension transforms existing websites and resources into ready-to-launch AI learning experiences.Engage in building a...
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Speakers
avatar for Tarah Tesmer

Tarah Tesmer

Senior Educational Strategist, SchoolAI
Tuesday June 2, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
schoolai Room - 137
  ignite   innovate   design   technology

11:35am CDT

C3 in Action: Making Elementary Social Studies Meaningful
Tuesday June 2, 2026 11:35am - 12:00pm CDT
Discovery Room - 233
Learn the essentials of the C3 Framework—including how its four dimensions support inquiry, questioning, and critical thinking in K–5 social studies.Engage in fast, hands‑on inquiry routines using primary sources, See–Think–Wonder and resources from Discovery Education Experience such as the Need to Know Jr. channel to see how inquiry can happen in just minutes. Apply these C3‑aligned...
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PD Partners
avatar for John David Son

John David Son

Regional VP, John David Son

Tuesday June 2, 2026 11:35am - 12:00pm CDT
Discovery Room - 233
  spark   innovate   design   belonging   culture

12:00pm CDT

Lunch + exhibitor expo
Tuesday June 2, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
Evans Commons | exhibitor expo

Tuesday June 2, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
Evans Commons | exhibitor expo
  Exhibitor Expo

1:00pm CDT

Panel: The Collective Toolkit: Crowdsourcing Student Engagement Strategies
Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
RM 250
 In this high-energy "un-panel," the real experts aren’t on a stage—they are sitting in the seats. This session flips the traditional conference format on its head to harness the collective wisdom of the room. Instead of a one-way lecture, we’re creating a collaborative space where every educator has a seat at the table to trade "what works" in a relaxed, conversational setting. Explore...
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Moderators
avatar for April Burton

April Burton

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

avatar for Brian Reed

Brian Reed

Coordinator of Innovation and Learning, Rockwood R-VI

Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
RM 250
  Panel

1:00pm CDT

neXus: Transforming Building Safety Technology
Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Theatre B - Evans Commons
Learn how the neXus platform helps districts address modern school safety challenges through integrated, AI-powered solutions. Explore how existing infrastructure can work together without costly hardware upgrades. Engage in interactive exploration of the neXus platform through discussion and live demonstrations. Explore available integrations and consider how connected safety systems can improve...
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Speakers
avatar for SWC

SWC

Account Executive, Finley Turnbow
Since our inception in 1976, South Western Communications (SWC) has been a trusted leader in communication, physical security, and life safety solutions. Headquartered in Newburgh, Indiana, we enrich lives by providing integrated electronics solutions with progressive technologies... Read More →
Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Theatre B - Evans Commons
  ignite

1:00pm CDT

Ways to Strengthen RTI/MTSS
Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
RM 251
Learn how to strengthen high-quality instruction and MTSS systems without increasing teacher overload. Explore practical, AI-enhanced strategies that support Tier I, II and III instruction while improving engagement and efficiency. Examine how strong Tier I practices, clear systems and intentional scheduling create better outcomes for all learners.Engage in hands-on exploration and collaborative...
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Speakers
avatar for Varsity Tutors

Varsity Tutors

Varsity Tutors for Schools partners with districts nationwide to strengthen Tier I, II, and III instruction through a unified LIVE + AI platform. Our comprehensive solution combines high-dosage tutoring, on-demand academic support, AI-powered instructional tools, and real-time data... Read More →
Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
RM 251
  ignite

1:00pm CDT

Intentional Learning Cohorts and Critical Friends
Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Theatre A - Evans Commons
Learn to design teacher learning cohorts that align with individual growth goals and build collaborative, sustained professional development. Explore strategies for critical friend observations and coaching cycles that prioritize teacher growth before formal evaluations. Engage in reflective discussion and collaboration around professional development and coaching practices. Analyze examples and...
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Speakers
avatar for Stacy Stewart

Stacy Stewart

Principal, Archdiocese of St. Louis
My mission is to empower students through new opportunities while partnering with educators to refine and elevate their teaching craft. I lived 24 years in public education as a teacher and assistant prinicpal. I have now landed the principal leadership position at St. Dominic HS... Read More →
TG

Trisha Goins

Ft. Zumwalt R-II

AS

Ashley Schuler

Ft. Zumwalt R-II
Intentional Learning Cohorts and Critical Friends mp4
Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Theatre A - Evans Commons 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301
  ignite   culture   innovate   leadership

1:00pm CDT

12 Big Questions School Must Answer to Imagine Irresistible Futures
Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Dunseth Auditorioum
This session offers a guided exploration of the 2025 ebook release on the 12 Big Questions, following the popular 9 BIG Questions Schools Must Answer to Avoid Going "Back to Normal" (*Because "Normal" Wasn't That Great to Begin With) by Homa Tavangar and Will Richardson. The big questions are being used as a provocation to drive meaningful and fearless inquiry around school change and efficacy...
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Speakers
avatar for Homa Tavangar

Homa Tavangar

Cofounder, Big Questions Institute
Homa Tavanger is the co-founder of the Big Questions Institute and the Oneness Lab.She brings 30+ years’ experience helping diverse organizations and individuals to build cultural, racial and global competence, strategic governance, and visionary, generative leadership in diverse schools and organizations. She coaches leaders on accountability for equity... Read More →
Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Dunseth Auditorioum
  ignite   culture   leadership   wellness

1:00pm CDT

AI and You: Practical Tools for Teachers and Students
Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
RM 145
Learn how AI tools like ChatGPT, Canva, Gemini, Diffit and Adobe Firefly can enhance student engagement, creativity and understanding across content areas. Explore strategies to integrate AI responsibly, address ethical considerations and empower students to use technology as a learning tool. Examine real-world classroom examples that turn AI into an effective teaching partner. Engage in...
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Speakers
avatar for Lindsey Weatherby

Lindsey Weatherby

Special Education Teacher, Special School District

Lindsey Weatherby is a special educator, instructional leader, and founder of Ctrl Alt Teach PD, where she helps educators integrate AI and technology in practical, ethical, and accessible ways. With experience spanning special education, instructional coaching, and educator professional... Read More →
AI and You Practical Tools for Teachers and Students mp4
Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
RM 145 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301
  ignite   design   technology   innovate

1:00pm CDT

Getting Started with Pear Deck
Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
CDW Room - 119
Learn the basics of creating and presenting with Pear Deck to support engaging, interactive instruction. Explore how Pear Deck enhances formative assessment, increases student participation and supports both synchronous and asynchronous learning. Examine how to get started with a free teacher account and core features.Engage in exploration of Pear Deck through examples and shared discussion....
See More →
Speakers
NP
avatar for George Burt

George Burt

Customer Success Manager, GoGuardian
PD Partners
avatar for CDW

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 →
Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
CDW Room - 119
  ignite   innovate   design

1:00pm CDT

Work Smarter, Not Harder: Missouri‑Aligned Resources at Your Fingertips
Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Discovery Room - 233
Learn how Discovery Education’s Missouri‑aligned channels, curriculum resources, and SOS strategies streamline planning and strengthen standards‑aligned instruction.Engage in hands‑on exploration of sample lessons, modeled strategies and planning workflows that support clarity and student readiness. Apply ready‑to‑use routines and resource pathways to design effective lessons with...
See More →
PD Partners
avatar for John David Son

John David Son

Regional VP, John David Son

Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Discovery Room - 233
  ignite   innovate   design   technology   belonging

1:00pm CDT

More Secure Everyday with Chrome
Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 2:10pm CDT
Google Room - 131
Learn how Google Workspace and ChromeOS support district cybersecurity through advanced threat protection, device management and data loss prevention. Explore key features that help safeguard sensitive data and strengthen system security. Examine best practices for protecting users, devices and information across your district.Engage in exploration of cybersecurity tools and strategies through...
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Speakers
GF
Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 2:10pm CDT
Google Room - 131
  launch   innovate   technology

1:00pm CDT

Play Matters: The Power of Play in Education
Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 2:15pm CDT
RM 217
Learn the foundations of play - where it comes from, why it matters and what it truly is. Explore the brain science behind play and its lifelong role in learning, well-being and engagement. Examine how play supports both academic growth and human connection. Engage in exploration that models how play enhances learning and instruction. Experience how purposeful play fosters creativity, curiosity...
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Speakers
avatar for Denise Ford

Denise Ford

Gifted Teacher, Kirkwood School District
Passionate about Gifted Education, innovation, creativity, and learning.

Play Matters the Power of Play in Education mp4
Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 2:15pm CDT
RM 217 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301
  launch   wellness   belonging

1:00pm CDT

Crafting the Future: Designing People-Centered AI Guidelines
Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 2:15pm CDT
schoolai Room - 137
Learn how to shift your district’s AI approach from restrictive policies to asset-based, people-centered guidelines that empower teachers and students. Explore the difference between protecting systems and amplifying human potential, and what equitable, ethical AI use looks like in practice. Ground your thinking in a future-focused question: what do today’s kindergartners need from AI to...
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Speakers
avatar for Tarah Tesmer

Tarah Tesmer

Senior Educational Strategist, SchoolAI
Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 2:15pm CDT
schoolai Room - 137
  launch   innovate   leadership   design   technology

1:00pm CDT

exhibitor expo
Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Evans Commons | exhibitor expo

Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Evans Commons | exhibitor expo
  Exhibitor Expo

2:00pm CDT

Panel: Design LMS Experiences that Make Learning Stick
Tuesday June 2, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Theatre A - Evans Commons
What if learning flowed seamlessly from classroom to couch, from guided instruction to independent discovery? This lively panel brings together K–12 educators who are reimagining how a Learning Management System (LMS) can do more than organize content. It can assess student learning, extend learning, spark curiosity, and strengthen the connection between school and home.Panelists will share...
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Moderators
BM

Brad Moser

CidiLabs
Speakers
avatar for Hannah Dyksen

Hannah Dyksen

1001-TEACHERS-ELM (9/15-8/31), Fort Zumwalt
Hannah Dyksen has taught in the elementary setting for 18 years, including as a classroom teacher for 4th and 5th grade, and currently as an Elementary Technology Teacher for Kindergarten through 5th grade students. She is a Google Certified Trainer and Educator Levels 1 and 2, and... Read More →
avatar for Scott Wolz

Scott Wolz

1003-TEACHERS-HS(9/15-8/31), Fort Zumwalt School District
avatar for Brian Reed

Brian Reed

Coordinator of Innovation and Learning, Rockwood R-VI

NA

Nicole Ashrof

Francis Howell School District
Tuesday June 2, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Theatre A - Evans Commons 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301
  Panel

2:00pm CDT

Panel: Thinking in Action: Bringing Building Thinking Classrooms to Life in Secondary Spaces
Tuesday June 2, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
RM 250
What shifts when we move from delivering content to cultivating thinkers? Grades 6–12 educators explore the pedagogy of Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) and what it looks like in middle and high school environments.Learn from educators who have taken the leap as they break down what BTC is, what sparked their interest, and how it has reshaped student engagement, problem-solving and discourse...
See More →
Moderators
avatar for Tanya Garcia

Tanya Garcia

St. Louis RPDC Educational Consultant, EducationPlus

Speakers
JM

Jordan McGaughey

Rockwood School District

MW

Matt Waeckerle

Rockwood School District
JM

Jen Murray

Rockwood School District
BB

Beth Brinkley

7th Grade Math, Rockwood School District
Tuesday June 2, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
RM 250
  Panel

2:00pm CDT

Maximizing School Funding: Strategic Bond and Levy Campaigns
Tuesday June 2, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Theatre B - Evans Commons
Learn key strategies for preparing and planning future capital projects and bond campaigns. Explore implementation approaches that support long-term success, stakeholder alignment and effective project execution. Examine practical considerations that help move projects from planning to action.Engage in interactive discussion and collaborative exploration around capital project planning and...
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Speakers
avatar for Navigate

Navigate

Cory Bextermueller
NAVIGATE works with over 40 school districts, managing programs ranging from $50,000 to $525 million—tailored to meet each district’s unique needs, from long-range master planning and bond planning through implementation and project delivery. NAVIGATE Building Solutions’ Advisors... Read More →
Tuesday June 2, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Theatre B - Evans Commons
  ignite

2:00pm CDT

Getting Started with Pear Assessment
Tuesday June 2, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
CDW Room - 119
Learn how Pear Assessment streamlines digital assessment for teachers, teams and schools. Explore key features like the live classboard for real-time insight and teachable moments. Examine how assessment data can inform and drive instructional decisions.Engage in exploration of Pear Assessment tools through examples and collaborative discussion. Interact with features that support real-time...
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Speakers
NP
avatar for George Burt

George Burt

Customer Success Manager, GoGuardian
PD Partners
avatar for CDW

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 →
Tuesday June 2, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
CDW Room - 119
  ignite   innovate   design

2:00pm CDT

Phenomena That Spark Learning: Bringing K-12 Science to Life with Inquiry and the Discovery Education Ecosystem
Tuesday June 2, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm 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...
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PD Partners
avatar for John David Son

John David Son

Regional VP, John David Son

Tuesday June 2, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Discovery Room - 233
  ignite   innovate   design   culture   technology

2:00pm CDT

Fueling Educator Wellbeing
Tuesday June 2, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
RM 136
Learn how energizing physiological habits can enhance clarity, stamina and purpose throughout the school day. Explore research-backed strategies for creating routines that support focus, resilience and overall well-being. Examine practical ways to make habits systematic for lasting impact. Engage with peers through collaborative problem-solving to troubleshoot potential obstacles to habit...
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Speakers
avatar for Jessica Arico
Fueling Educator Wellbeing mp4
Tuesday June 2, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
RM 136 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301
  ignite   innovate   wellness

2:00pm CDT

Think Like a Futurist
Tuesday June 2, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Dunseth Auditorioum
The future isn’t something we predict; it’s what we create. Futurists from some of the most prestigious research institutions tap into particular tools like sense-making imagination infrastructures, urgent optimism and evidence-based imagination. Learn how these can help make you not only a better leader, but also a more hopeful one.
Speakers
avatar for Homa Tavangar

Homa Tavangar

Cofounder, Big Questions Institute
Homa Tavanger is the co-founder of the Big Questions Institute and the Oneness Lab.She brings 30+ years’ experience helping diverse organizations and individuals to build cultural, racial and global competence, strategic governance, and visionary, generative leadership in diverse schools and organizations. She coaches leaders on accountability for equity... Read More →
Tuesday June 2, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Dunseth Auditorioum
  ignite   leadership   culture

2:00pm CDT

Bots and Boundaries: Ethical AI Use for Students
Tuesday June 2, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
RM 121
Learn key ethical considerations for student AI use, including academic integrity, bias and responsible tool use aligned to College Board guidance. Examine how ethical AI practices can support curriculum goals while maintaining high expectations for student learning. Engage in collaborative discussion around real-world classroom scenarios involving student AI use. Explore shared problem-solving...
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Alicia Kleoppel

Alicia Kleoppel

Gifted Resource Specialist, North Kansas City Schools
Alicia Kleoppel is an AP educator and instructional leader focused on helping teachers and students navigate the ethical use of AI in the classroom. Through a national AI grant, she collaborates with educators across settings to explore practical, responsible approaches to integrating... Read More →
Bots and Boundaries Ethical AI Use for Students mp4
Tuesday June 2, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
RM 121 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301
  ignite   technology   innovate

2:20pm CDT

Reclaim Your Day: Admin Tasks in Minutes
Tuesday June 2, 2026 2:20pm - 3:10pm CDT
Google Room - 131
Learn how to use Gemini within Docs, Gmail and Sheets to streamline communication, organization and task management. Explore how AI can draft personalized parent messages, summarize meeting notes and build efficient project trackers. Examine how NotebookLM can organize administrative documents and surface key insights.Engage in exploration of AI-powered tools that simplify everyday administrative...
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Speakers
GF
Tuesday June 2, 2026 2:20pm - 3:10pm CDT
Google Room - 131
  ignite   innovate   technology

2:30pm CDT

Identity as the Foundation of NIST Alignment in K–12
Tuesday June 2, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
RM 251
Learn how identity-centered cybersecurity strategies support alignment with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework in K–12 environments. Explore how Identity and Access Management (IAM), Single Sign-On (SSO) and secure rostering reduce risk, support least-privilege access and strengthen cybersecurity readiness. Examine real-world examples of how districts use platforms like ClassLink to improve both...
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Speakers
avatar for ClassLink

ClassLink

Vince Haass
ClassLink is a global education provider of identity, access and analytics products that create more time for learning and help schools better understand digital engagement. As leading advocates for open data standards, we offer instant access to apps and files with single sign-on... Read More →
Tuesday June 2, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
RM 251
  ignite

3:00pm CDT

The Power of Productive Disagreement
Tuesday June 2, 2026 3:00pm - 3:25pm CDT
Dunseth Auditorioum
The goal isn’t consensus—it’s understanding. This highly interactive session explores why disagreement is necessary for learning and how to challenge ideas without dehumanizing people. Act as a "provocateur" alongside our facilitators as we tackle education’s most controversial topics in real-time. Practice the discomfort of honest dialogue and learn to build stronger communities through...
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Speakers
BM
CB
AR
Tuesday June 2, 2026 3:00pm - 3:25pm CDT
Dunseth Auditorioum
  spark

3:00pm CDT

The Discovery Education Help Desk: Ask. Explore. Solve.
Tuesday June 2, 2026 3:00pm - 3:25pm 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...
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PD Partners
avatar for John David Son

John David Son

Regional VP, John David Son

Tuesday June 2, 2026 3:00pm - 3:25pm CDT
Discovery Room - 233
  spark   innovate   technology   leadership   culture

3:00pm CDT

The SchoolAI Campfire
Tuesday June 2, 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...
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Speakers
avatar for Tarah Tesmer

Tarah Tesmer

Senior Educational Strategist, SchoolAI
Tuesday June 2, 2026 3:00pm - 3:25pm CDT
schoolai Room - 137
  spark   innovate   belonging   culture   wellness

3:10pm CDT

Google Drop-In
Tuesday June 2, 2026 3:10pm - 3:25pm CDT
Google Room - 131
Stop by the Google room and spend one-on-one time with Google experts to gain answers to your questions. 
Speakers
GF
Tuesday June 2, 2026 3:10pm - 3:25pm CDT
Google Room - 131
  technology   innovate   technolog

3:30pm CDT

Happy Hour
Tuesday June 2, 2026 3:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
Evans Commons | exhibitor expo
Enjoy prizes, snacks and an open bar sponsored by Discovery Education and Varsity Tutors.
Tuesday June 2, 2026 3:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
Evans Commons | exhibitor expo
  Exhibitor Expo
 
Wednesday, June 3
 

8:00am CDT

Letting Go, Reaching Forward, Summoning Courage
Wednesday June 3, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
Hyland Arena
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...
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Speakers
avatar for Rick Wormeli

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
SH

Sarah Hollstrom

Pattonville School District
LN

Lauren Negrete

Pattonville R-III

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:25am CDT
RM 250
  Instructional Practices for English Learners   Elevate

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
avatar for Reah Morabith

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

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
avatar for Rob Greenhaw

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

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
avatar for Angelica Mitchell

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 →
MP
Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:25am CDT
RM 231
  Leadership and School Culture   Elevate

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...
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Speakers
avatar for Robyn Haug

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"...
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Moderators
avatar for April Burton

April Burton

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

Speakers
EL

Erica Land

DIRECTOR, St. Charles R-VI School District
My niche is helping people find their passion in life.
PB

Pat Brown

Fort Zumwalt School District
BH

Ben Hebisen

Rockwood School District
LP

Lindsey Perkins

Parkway School District
avatar for Julie C. Durham

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...
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Speakers
avatar for Office Essentials

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...
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Speakers
TT

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...
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Speakers
avatar for Kate Sommerville

Kate Sommerville

Professional Development Specialist, The Institute for Personalized Learning

avatar for Zak Lenski

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....
See More →
Speakers
NP
avatar for George Burt

George Burt

Customer Success Manager, GoGuardian
PD Partners
avatar for CDW

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

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
avatar for Haylee Anderson

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 →
BM
Foster Human in the Loop Critical Thinking pptx
Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
eMINTS Room - 145
  ignite   innovate   ELevate

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...
See More →
Speakers
GF
Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Google Room - 131
  ignite   innovate   Elevate   technology

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...
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Tarah Tesmer

Tarah Tesmer

Senior Educational Strategist, SchoolAI
Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
schoolai Room - 137
  ignite   innovate   Elevate   technology   design   culture

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...
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Kendra Vaughn

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...
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Tina Lauer

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...
See More →
PD Partners
avatar for John David Son

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

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...
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Elizabeth Kean

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...
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Marie Heath

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
avatar for Carol Salva

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

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
avatar for Lori Hanna

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

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...
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Speakers
avatar for Rick Wormeli

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 →
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...
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Moderators
TH

Ted Huff

EducationPlus

Speakers
avatar for Dr. Dennis Rhodes

Dr. Dennis Rhodes

Director of Gifted Education, Rockwood School District
DM

Dawn Murray

District Lead Librarian and Innovation Specialist, Parkway School District
LB

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...
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Speakers
avatar for Kelly Serpa
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...
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Speakers
DR
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...
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Speakers
avatar for Carla Wylie

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

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...
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Speakers
NP
avatar for George Burt

George Burt

Customer Success Manager, GoGuardian
PD Partners
avatar for CDW

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 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
CDW Room - 119
  ignite   innovate   Elevate   design

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...
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Speakers
GF
Wednesday June 3, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Google Room - 131
  ignite   innovate   Elevate   technology

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...
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Speakers
avatar for Daniel Jones

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...
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Speakers
avatar for Tarah Tesmer

Tarah Tesmer

Senior Educational Strategist, SchoolAI
Wednesday June 3, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
schoolai Room - 137
  ignite   innovate   Elevate   belonging   technology   design

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...
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PD Partners
avatar for John David Son

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

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...
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Speakers
avatar for Tarah Tesmer

Tarah Tesmer

Senior Educational Strategist, SchoolAI
Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:00pm - 1:25pm CDT
schoolai Room - 137
  launch   innovate   Elevate   belonging   design   technology

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...
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Speakers
DJ

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...
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Speakers
MB
Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:00pm - 1:25pm CDT
eMINTS Room - 145
  spark   innovate   Elevate

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...
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Moderators
avatar for Erin Lawson

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
avatar for April Burton

April Burton

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

avatar for Brian Reed

Brian Reed

Coordinator of Innovation and Learning, Rockwood R-VI

BM

Brad Moser

CidiLabs
BM

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,...
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Speakers
avatar for Bryson Reid

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...
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Speakers
avatar for LaToya Jones

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...
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Speakers
avatar for Kerry Arens

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...
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Speakers
avatar for Rick Wormeli

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 →
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

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...
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Speakers
NP
avatar for George Burt

George Burt

Customer Success Manager, GoGuardian
PD Partners
avatar for CDW

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 1:10pm - 2:00pm CDT
CDW Room - 119
  ignite   innovate   Elevate   belonging

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...
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PD Partners
avatar for John David Son

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

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...
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Speakers
GF
Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:10pm - 2:00pm CDT
Google Room - 131
  ignite   innovate   Elevate   design

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
AP

Anne Paonessa

ConnectED Classrooms

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:10pm - 2:00pm CDT
RM 231
  Instructional Practices for English Learners   ELevate

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
AB

Amanda Borodin

Ferguson-Florissant R-II
Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:10pm - 2:00pm CDT
RM 250
  Instructional Practices for English Learners   Elevate

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...
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Speakers
JM

julie m hahn

Ritenour

CK

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

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...
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Speakers
avatar for Daisy Skelly, EdD

Daisy Skelly, EdD

ELD Specialist, Parkway School District
Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:10pm - 2:00pm CDT
RM 251
  Summative and Formative Assessment   ELevate

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...
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Speakers
avatar for 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...
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Speakers
BM
MB
Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
eMINTS Room - 145
  ignite   innovate   Elevate

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...
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Speakers
avatar for 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...
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Moderators
avatar for Brian Reed

Brian Reed

Coordinator of Innovation and Learning, Rockwood R-VI

Speakers
avatar for Tarah Tesmer

Tarah Tesmer

Senior Educational Strategist, SchoolAI
avatar for Stacy M. Hirt, PhD

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.
LS

Lauren Schoellhorn

Rockwood School District
CJ

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...
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Speakers
avatar for Lauren Fahy

Lauren Fahy

K-12 Instructional Coach, Valley Park

avatar for Tom Probst

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...
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Speakers
avatar for Rick Wormeli

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 →
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

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...
See More →
PD Partners
avatar for John David Son

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

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...
See More →
Speakers
GF
Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm CDT
Google Room - 131
  ignite   innovate   Elevate   design

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...
See More →
Speakers
NP
avatar for George Burt

George Burt

Customer Success Manager, GoGuardian
PD Partners
avatar for CDW

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 2:10pm - 3:00pm CDT
CDW Room - 119
  ignite   innovate   Elevate   design

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...
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Speakers
JA
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...
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Speakers
avatar for Rob Greenhaw

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 2:10pm - 3:00pm CDT
RM 229 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301
  Instructional Practices for English Learners   ELevate

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
RE
MS

Meghan Schultz

Parkway C-2

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm CDT
RM 250
  Instructional Practices for English Learners   Elevate

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...
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Speakers
avatar for Marie Heath

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 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
avatar for Haylee Anderson

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 →
From Gloom to Bloom Innovate 2026 pptx
Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
eMINTS Room - 145
  ignite   innovate   ELevate

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...
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Speakers
avatar for Tarah Tesmer

Tarah Tesmer

Senior Educational Strategist, SchoolAI
Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:00pm - 3:25pm CDT
schoolai Room - 137
  spark   innovate   Elevate   belonging   culture   wellness

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...
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PD Partners
avatar for John David Son

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

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...
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Speakers
GF
Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm CDT
Google Room - 131
  ignite   innovate   Elevate   design

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...
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Carol Salva

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 3:10pm - 4:00pm CDT
RM 229 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301
  Instructional Practices for English Learners

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...
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Speakers
GC

Genevieve Caffrey

Schema Curriculum & Consulting

Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm CDT
RM 250
  Instructional Practices for English Learners

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...
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Speakers
TT

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

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...
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Speakers
avatar for Angelica Mitchell

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 →
MP
Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm CDT
RM 231
  Leadership and School Culture
 
Thursday, June 4
 

8:00am CDT

Multidimensional Scaffolding for MLs
Thursday June 4, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
Hyland Arena
Do you scaffold? We know you do! But how many dimensions of scaffolding do you regularly integrate into your planning, teaching and assessment? This dynamic keynote will challenge you to redefine or refine what you have always known about scaffolding and consider nine research-informed, evidence-based approaches, such as instructional, linguistic, multimodal, multisensory, graphic, digital,...
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Speakers
avatar for Andrea Honigsfeld

Andrea Honigsfeld

Featured Speaker, Andrea Honigsfeld Consulting LLC
Dr. Honigsfeld is professor emerita in the School of Education and Human Services at Molloy University, Rockville Centre, New York, where she taught graduate courses related to cultural and linguistic diversity, language and literacy development, and equity. Before entering the field... Read More →
Thursday June 4, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
Hyland Arena
  Keynote   Elevate

9:15am CDT

Beyond SEL: Harnessing a Bicultural Superpower Identity through Literacy
Thursday June 4, 2026 9:15am - 10:35am CDT
RM 229
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...
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Speakers
avatar for Marie Heath

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.
Thursday June 4, 2026 9:15am - 10:35am CDT
RM 229 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301
  Instructional Practices for English Learners   ELevate

9:15am CDT

Small Group Reading Tips to Bring Words to Life
Thursday June 4, 2026 9:15am - 10:35am CDT
RM 231
Small group reading time with MLs can fly by without an intentional plan in place. Discover tips for maximizing your time, attacking texts and keeping students engaged. With a focus on the mindful mix of oral communication woven into phonics, morphology and reading comprehension, explore how to bring words to life.
Speakers
avatar for Rhonda Hittenberger Ortiz

Rhonda Hittenberger Ortiz

Instructional Coach, Missouri State University
Thursday June 4, 2026 9:15am - 10:35am CDT
RM 231
  Instructional Practices for English Learners   ELevate

9:15am CDT

The Talk, Read, Talk, Write Routine: Begin Using TRTW Right Away
Thursday June 4, 2026 9:15am - 10:35am CDT
Dunseth Auditorioum
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
avatar for Carol Salva

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 →
Thursday June 4, 2026 9:15am - 10:35am CDT
Dunseth Auditorioum
  Instructional Practices for English Learners   ELevate

9:15am CDT

Designing a Soft Landing for Recently-Arrived Students and Families
Thursday June 4, 2026 9:15am - 10:35am CDT
RM 250
Explore strategies and structures designed to provide a soft landing to recently-arrived students and their families. Review intake process through the first 30-90 days of school. Engage with tools that reduce the language barrier and accelerate the sense of belonging and attachment to their new community.
Speakers
RR

Ryan Rumpf

Principal Consultant, Global Educators
Thursday June 4, 2026 9:15am - 10:35am CDT
RM 250
  Leadership and School Culture   ELevate

9:15am CDT

Transform Tier 1 Instruction Through Engaging ML Data Analysis Practices
Thursday June 4, 2026 9:15am - 10:35am CDT
RM 217
Learn to shift data meetings from identifying struggling students to strengthening core instruction for all learners. Using the SERVE framework and Tier 1 Data Review Protocol, practice analyzing student work for misconceptions and connecting insights to instructional adjustments. Gain actionable strategies to implement weekly data cycles that improve whole-class teaching.
Speakers
SM

Sonya Murray-Darden

MLDS Specialist, EducationPlus
Thursday June 4, 2026 9:15am - 10:35am CDT
RM 217 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301
  Summative and Formative Assessment   Elevate

10:45am CDT

Empowering MLs in High-Stakes Content
Thursday June 4, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
RM 217
Struggling to support newcomers in your secondary content? Explore how you can integrate practical tools to support language development alongside rigorous grade-level content standards. Learn how a Secondary Biology course evolved it into a language-rich environment for all learners.
Speakers
RB

Rebecca Bock

Mehlville R-IX

Thursday June 4, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
RM 217 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301
  Instructional Practices for English Learners   ELevate

10:45am CDT

Linguistic Scaffolding for MLs
Thursday June 4, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
Dunseth Auditorioum
Explore one of the nine dimensions of scaffolding introduced during the keynote. Linguistic scaffolding is necessary for all learners to engage in academic discourse and to develop disciplinary literacy, but it is a lifeline and a nonnegotiable for MLs. Supporting students to access complex academic language and to meet language-based expectations along with grade-level academic content attainment...
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Andrea Honigsfeld

Andrea Honigsfeld

Featured Speaker, Andrea Honigsfeld Consulting LLC
Dr. Honigsfeld is professor emerita in the School of Education and Human Services at Molloy University, Rockville Centre, New York, where she taught graduate courses related to cultural and linguistic diversity, language and literacy development, and equity. Before entering the field... Read More →
Thursday June 4, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
Dunseth Auditorioum
  Instructional Practices for English Learners   ELevate

10:45am CDT

Taking the Stress Out of Speaking with Speaking Journals
Thursday June 4, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
RM 229
Help students practice their speaking in a low(er) stress way through Speaking Journals. Speaking Journals are a practical and engaging speaking activity that allow individual students to practice a variety of different speaking skills at their level with equal participation across a class. Explore a variety of different types of prompts, reflection strategies and feedback that help students...
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Speakers
KH

Kelly Heidt

Francis Howell R-III
Thursday June 4, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
RM 229 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301
  Instructional Practices for English Learners   ELevate

10:45am CDT

Lead with Purpose: Construct Inclusive Newcomer PD
Thursday June 4, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
RM 231
This newcomer education collaborative session will explore shifting demographics, experience a refugee journey simulation and gain hands‑on, asset‑based strategies, including math, to build inclusive school communities. Gain impactful lesson plans with next day application.
Speakers
avatar for Christina Mendoza

Christina Mendoza

Lead El Specialist, Lindbergh School District
JB

Jillian Baldwin Kim

Lindbergh School District

Thursday June 4, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
RM 231
  Leadership and School Culture   ELevate

10:45am CDT

One Size Fits None: High-Impact Scaffolding Without the Burnout
Thursday June 4, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
RM 250
In 2026 and beyond, educators have powerful opportunities to design learning experiences that meet the diverse strengths and needs of all students. Learn practical, ready-to-use strategies that help proactively remove learning barriers while maintaining high expectations for every learner. Explore efficient, effective scaffolding techniques that support student success without adding hours of...
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Speakers
avatar for Stacey Kastner

Stacey Kastner

EL Educator, Francis Howell R-III
Thursday June 4, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
RM 250
  Summative and Formative Assessment   Elevate

12:00pm CDT

Lunch
Thursday June 4, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
Evans Commons | exhibitor expo

Thursday June 4, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
Evans Commons | exhibitor expo
  Exhibitor Expo

1:05pm CDT

Beyond the Barrier: Empowering MLs through Asset-Based Action
Thursday June 4, 2026 1:05pm - 1:55pm CDT
RM 233
We all know when a student is struggling with language, but do we know how to unlock the brilliance hidden behind the barrier? Move beyond the "label" and into the "lesson" as we shift our lens from English deficiency to multilingual proficiency. Gain a practical tool kit of scaffolding strategies, translanguaging techniques and the confidence to turn every classroom into a sanctuary for diverse...
See More →
Speakers
DB
Thursday June 4, 2026 1:05pm - 1:55pm CDT
RM 233
  Instructional Practices for English Learners   ELevate

1:05pm CDT

Linguistic Scaffolding for MLs
Thursday June 4, 2026 1:05pm - 1:55pm CDT
RM 229
Explore one of the nine dimensions of scaffolding introduced during the keynote. Linguistic scaffolding is necessary for all learners to engage in academic discourse and to develop disciplinary literacy, but it is a lifeline and a nonnegotiable for MLs. Supporting students to access complex academic language and to meet language-based expectations along with grade-level academic content attainment...
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Andrea Honigsfeld

Andrea Honigsfeld

Featured Speaker, Andrea Honigsfeld Consulting LLC
Dr. Honigsfeld is professor emerita in the School of Education and Human Services at Molloy University, Rockville Centre, New York, where she taught graduate courses related to cultural and linguistic diversity, language and literacy development, and equity. Before entering the field... Read More →
Thursday June 4, 2026 1:05pm - 1:55pm CDT
RM 229 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301
  Instructional Practices for English Learners   ELevate

1:05pm CDT

Project Based Learning for ML Students
Thursday June 4, 2026 1:05pm - 1:55pm CDT
RM 250
While Project Based Learning can be demanding for multilingual learners due to its emphasis on language use, it also creates engaging and rewarding opportunities that build essential skills for their future. Explore options for using Canva AI and other digital options to help develop writing skills.
Speakers
LL

Lonni Long

EL Educator, Troy R-III
Thursday June 4, 2026 1:05pm - 1:55pm CDT
RM 250
  Instructional Practices for English Learners   ELevate

1:05pm CDT

When Language and Disability Meet: Planning Instruction to Support Dually Identified Students
Thursday June 4, 2026 1:05pm - 1:55pm CDT
RM 217
Learn the legal requirements for meeting the needs of MLs who have an identified disability. Examine the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) alongside instructional planning considerations from WIDA’s English Language Development (ELD) Standards Framework. Explore specific considerations for instruction that support both language development and accessibility.
Speakers
avatar for Lori Hanna

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 →
Thursday June 4, 2026 1:05pm - 1:55pm CDT
RM 217 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301
  Instructional Practices for English Learners   ELevate

1:05pm CDT

Removing Barriers, Not Expectations: Grading with ELs in Mind
Thursday June 4, 2026 1:05pm - 1:55pm CDT
RM 231
Explore practical, equitable grading approaches that support MLs across all grade levels and content areas. Explore the purpose behind grading, the role of student resilience, the M.A.P. strategy, effective accommodations and the power of meaningful feedback. Educators and administrators will gain tools to help every learner show what they truly know.
Speakers
avatar for Cammy Goucher

Cammy Goucher

ELD Director, Missouri DESE
As the DESE English Language Development and World Languages Director, I organize and conduct high-quality professional development and aid districts in developing and implementing effective ELD programs. I utilize my 20+ years of experience as a former ELD instructor/coordinator... Read More →
Thursday June 4, 2026 1:05pm - 1:55pm CDT
RM 231
  Summative and Formative Assessment   ELevate

2:05pm CDT

Developing a Content-Based, Language-Infused Learning Cycle
Thursday June 4, 2026 2:05pm - 2:55pm CDT
RM 229
Learn how to design mastery-based learning cycles for multilingual learners. Explore a practical framework of building knowledge, sense-making and application that integrates language and content so recently-arrived students can progress toward academic mastery.
Speakers
RR

Ryan Rumpf

Principal Consultant, Global Educators
Thursday June 4, 2026 2:05pm - 2:55pm CDT
RM 229 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301
  Instructional Practices for English Learners

2:05pm CDT

Empowered Voices: Boosting English Literacy Through Student Immigration Stories
Thursday June 4, 2026 2:05pm - 2:55pm CDT
RM 231
Explore an engaging, culturally affirming curriculum that helps MLs develop their English literacy skills by writing their own immigration stories. Examine instructional strategies that honor students’ lived experiences while building academic vocabulary, narrative structure and language proficiency. Discover practical lesson sequences, scaffolds for diverse proficiency levels and examples of...
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Daisy Skelly, EdD

Daisy Skelly, EdD

ELD Specialist, Parkway School District
Thursday June 4, 2026 2:05pm - 2:55pm CDT
RM 231
  Instructional Practices for English Learners   ELevate

2:05pm CDT

From Disruption to Direction: Leading EL Programs with Purpose and Flexibility
Thursday June 4, 2026 2:05pm - 2:55pm CDT
RM 233
How do effective program leaders adapt when everything shifts: policies, personnel, budgets or student needs? Explore a grounded and practical approach to leading ELD programs during times of uncertainty, transition or disruption. Whether you’re starting from scratch or trying to sustain a well-established initiative, learn research-backed strategies to lead with clarity, resilience and impact....
See More →
Speakers
MC

Merica Clinkenbeard

Springfield School District

Thursday June 4, 2026 2:05pm - 2:55pm CDT
RM 233
  Leadership and School Culture   ELevate

2:05pm CDT

Digging into Data: Building the Case Before the Referral
Thursday June 4, 2026 2:05pm - 2:55pm CDT
RM 250
Have you ever suspected an ML may have a learning disability, but do not know where to go next?  Does your team have a clear process in place to guide teams?  Learn about critical data pieces that must be considered for MLs.  Once the data is collected and organized, the team will have a clear picture on next steps. Using this method will help answer the question: language...
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Stacey Kastner

Stacey Kastner

EL Educator, Francis Howell R-III
Thursday June 4, 2026 2:05pm - 2:55pm CDT
RM 250
  Summative and Formative Assessment   ELevate

2:05pm CDT

Stop Guessing, Start Measuring: CBMs for MLs
Thursday June 4, 2026 2:05pm - 2:55pm CDT
RM 217
When and how do we measure reading for MLs? Learn to use diagnostic tools like phonics screeners, maze, ORF and spelling, plus family interviews to catch literacy problems in grades 4-12. Practice administering these tools and analyze data to distinguish language gaps from foundational needs.
Speakers
LR

Lauren Rea Preston

Hazelwood School District

Thursday June 4, 2026 2:05pm - 2:55pm CDT
RM 217 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301
  Summative and Formative Assessment   ELevate

3:05pm CDT

Healthcare for MLs in schools: Considering culture and trauma-informed care
Thursday June 4, 2026 3:05pm - 3:55pm CDT
RM 250
Meeting the healthcare needs of MLs in school often requires cooperation between school nurses and ELD teachers. These partnerships can enhance the awareness of the ways culture impacts our view of health and healthcare. Explore best practices for addressing the unique social, emotional and physiological challenges presented by MLs and their families
Speakers
avatar for Rhonda Hittenberger Ortiz

Rhonda Hittenberger Ortiz

Instructional Coach, Missouri State University
Thursday June 4, 2026 3:05pm - 3:55pm CDT
RM 250
  Community Resources and Family Support   Elevate

3:05pm CDT

Connection in Action: ML Service Projects
Thursday June 4, 2026 3:05pm - 3:55pm CDT
RM 231
Explore how service-learning extends and elevates ML learning beyond the classroom through authentic tasks that build language and confidence. Explore examples such as mini projects, community partnerships and virtual exchanges. Attendees leave with a project planning template.
Speakers
AP

Anne Paonessa

ConnectED Classrooms

Thursday June 4, 2026 3:05pm - 3:55pm CDT
RM 231
  Instructional Practices for English Learners   ELevate

3:05pm CDT

Content Teachers Supporting SLIFE: Examples from the Field
Thursday June 4, 2026 3:05pm - 3:55pm CDT
Dunseth Auditorioum
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...
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Carol Salva

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 →
Thursday June 4, 2026 3:05pm - 3:55pm CDT
Dunseth Auditorioum
  Instructional Practices for English Learners   ELevate

3:05pm CDT

Gemtastic Teaching
Thursday June 4, 2026 3:05pm - 3:55pm CDT
RM 217
Learn how Google's AI tools can improve productivity and creativity. Discover how to use Gemini and Notebook LM, as well as creating unique Gems that fit your specific purposes. Learn tips for using these tools during your planning, in addition to using these tools with ML students. Strategies can be easily applied to the secondary level or elementary classroom as well. Explore examples of using...
See More →
Speakers
SH

Sarah Hollstrom

Pattonville School District
LN

Lauren Negrete

Pattonville R-III

Thursday June 4, 2026 3:05pm - 3:55pm CDT
RM 217 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301
  Instructional Practices for English Learners   ELevate

3:05pm CDT

Strategic By Design: A Blueprint for Multilingual Programs
Thursday June 4, 2026 3:05pm - 3:55pm CDT
RM 229
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...
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Marie Heath

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.
Thursday June 4, 2026 3:05pm - 3:55pm CDT
RM 229 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301
  Leadership and School Culture   Elevate
 

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