MOmentum: Full Schedule

8:00am CDT

Letting Go, Reaching Forward, Summoning Courage

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

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

Speakers

Rick Wormeli

Education Consultant, author/speaker

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

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

Keynote innovate Elevate

10:00am CDT

Google Gems in Action

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

RM 250

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

Speakers

Sarah Hollstrom

Pattonville School District

Lauren Negrete

Pattonville R-III

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

Instructional Practices for English Learners Elevate

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

10:00am CDT

Intentional Questioning That Builds Language and Thinking

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

RM 251

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

Speakers

Reah Morabith

MELL Instructional Specialist, Heart of Missouri RPDC

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

Instructional Practices for English Learners ELevate

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

10:00am CDT

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

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

RM 229

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

Speakers

Rob Greenhaw

MELL Instructional Consultant, EducationPlus

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

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

Instructional Practices for English Learners ELevate

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

10:00am CDT

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

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

RM 231

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

Speakers

Angelica Mitchell

EL Educator, Ritenour

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

Martha Pinones

Ritenour

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

Leadership and School Culture Elevate

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

10:00am CDT

Differentiating and Connecting with GoGuardian Teacher

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

CDW Room - 119

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

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

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

Speakers

Natalie Pottier

George Burt

Customer Success Manager, GoGuardian

PD Partners

CDW

Jackie Grummel

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

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

ignite innovate Elevate

Dynamic Theme Exploration

10:00am CDT

Foster Human-in-the-Loop Critical Thinking

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

eMINTS Room - 145

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

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

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

Speakers

Haylee Anderson

Instructional Specialist, eMINTS National Center

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

Ben Miller

Emints

Foster Human in the Loop Critical Thinking pptx

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

ignite innovate ELevate

Dynamic Theme Exploration

10:00am CDT

Future of the Classroom with Chromebook Plus and Class Tools

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

Google Room - 131

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

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

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

Speakers

Google for Education

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

ignite innovate Elevate technology

Dynamic Theme Exploration

10:00am CDT

From Any Web Page to a Learning Experience

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

schoolai Room - 137

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

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

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

Speakers

Tarah Tesmer

Senior Educational Strategist, SchoolAI

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

ignite innovate Elevate technology design culture

Dynamic Theme Exploration

10:00am CDT

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

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

Discovery Room - 233

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

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

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

PD Partners

John David Son

Regional VP, John David Son

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

launch innovate Elevate design technology belonging

Dynamic Theme Essentials

10:40am CDT

Beyond SEL: Harnessing a Bicultural Superpower Identity through Literacy

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

RM 250

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

Speakers

Marie Heath

Consultant, Seidlitz Education

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

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

Instructional Practices for English Learners Elevate

10:40am CDT

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

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

RM 229

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

Speakers

Carol Salva

Lead Education Consultant, Seidlitz Education

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

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

Instructional Practices for English Learners Elevate

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

10:40am CDT

WIDA ELD Standards Framework Implementation

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

RM 231

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

Speakers

Lori Hanna

Professional Learning Specialist, WIDA

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

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

Instructional Practices for English Learners ELevate

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

10:40am CDT

Tiering Assessments and Assignments

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

Dunseth Auditorioum

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

Speakers

Rick Wormeli

Education Consultant, author/speaker

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

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

Keynote innovate Elevate

11:00am CDT

American Democracy in Action!

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

eMINTS Room - 145

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

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

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

Speakers

Carla Wylie

Associate Director, eMINTS National Center

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

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

ignite innovate ELevate

Dynamic Theme Exploration

11:00am CDT

Accommodations with Pear Assessment

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

CDW Room - 119

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

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

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

Speakers

Natalie Pottier

George Burt

Customer Success Manager, GoGuardian

PD Partners

CDW

Jackie Grummel

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

ignite innovate Elevate design

Dynamic Theme Exploration

11:00am CDT

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

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

Google Room - 131

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

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

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

Speakers

Google for Education

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

ignite innovate Elevate technology

Dynamic Theme Exploration

11:00am CDT

Amplify Every Voice: AI Support for Every Learner

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

schoolai Room - 137

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

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

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

Speakers

Tarah Tesmer

Senior Educational Strategist, SchoolAI

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

ignite innovate Elevate belonging technology design

Dynamic Theme Exploration

11:35am CDT

Conceptual Math That Clicks: Building Deep Understanding in Minutes

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

Discovery Room - 233

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

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

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

PD Partners

John David Son

Regional VP, John David Son

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

spark innovate Elevate design technology belonging

Dynamic Theme Essentials

1:00pm CDT

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

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

schoolai Room - 137

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

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

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

Speakers

Tarah Tesmer

Senior Educational Strategist, SchoolAI

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

launch innovate Elevate belonging design technology

Dynamic Theme Exploration

1:00pm CDT

Digital Tools for Authentic Student Publishing

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

eMINTS Room - 145

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

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

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

Speakers

Maggie Bunten

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

spark innovate Elevate

Dynamic Theme Essentials
about <br>

1:10pm CDT

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

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

Dunseth Auditorioum

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

Speakers

Rick Wormeli

Education Consultant, author/speaker

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

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

ignite design Elevate

Dynamic Theme Essentials

1:10pm CDT

GoGuardian Teacher Support for Diverse Learners

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

CDW Room - 119

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

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

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

Speakers

Natalie Pottier

George Burt

Customer Success Manager, GoGuardian

PD Partners

CDW

Jackie Grummel

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

ignite innovate Elevate belonging

Dynamic Theme Exploration

1:10pm CDT

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

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

Discovery Room - 233

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

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

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

PD Partners

John David Son

Regional VP, John David Son

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

ignite innovate Elevate belonging design wellness

Dynamic Theme Essentials

1:10pm CDT

The Differentiated Classroom: Accelerated by AI and Supported with Google

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

Google Room - 131

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

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

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

Speakers

Google for Education

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

ignite innovate Elevate design

Dynamic Theme Essentials

1:10pm CDT

Connection First: Elevating ML Learning

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

RM 231

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

Speakers

Anne Paonessa

ConnectED Classrooms

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

Instructional Practices for English Learners ELevate

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

1:10pm CDT

Lab Partners: Collaborative Strategies for Supporting MLs in Science

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

RM 250

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

Speakers

Amanda Borodin

Ferguson-Florissant R-II

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

Instructional Practices for English Learners Elevate

ELevate Secondary

1:10pm CDT

Stability Through Change: Protecting the Whole Child

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

RM 229

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

Speakers

julie m hahn

Ritenour

Chris Kilbride

Ritenour School District

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

Leadership and School Culture Elevate

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

1:10pm CDT

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

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

RM 251

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

Speakers

Daisy Skelly, EdD

ELD Specialist, Parkway School District

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

Summative and Formative Assessment ELevate

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

1:30pm CDT

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

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

eMINTS Room - 145

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

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

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

Speakers

Ben Miller

Emints

Maggie Bunten

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

ignite innovate Elevate

Dynamic Theme Essentials

2:10pm CDT

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

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

Discovery Room - 233

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

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

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

PD Partners

John David Son

Regional VP, John David Son

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

ignite innovate Elevate culture design technology

Dynamic Theme Exploration

2:10pm CDT

Reading Reimagined: Using Read Along for Literacy Success

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

Google Room - 131

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

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

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

Speakers

Google for Education

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

ignite innovate Elevate design

Dynamic Theme Essentials

2:10pm CDT

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

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

CDW Room - 119

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

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

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

Speakers

Natalie Pottier

George Burt

Customer Success Manager, GoGuardian

PD Partners

CDW

Jackie Grummel

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

ignite innovate Elevate design

Dynamic Theme Essentials

2:10pm CDT

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

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

RM 231

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

Speakers

Jeanne Allgeyer

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

Instructional Practices for English Learners ELevate

2:10pm CDT

More Than Just Pictures: Multimodal Scaffolding for MLs

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

RM 229

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

Speakers

Rob Greenhaw

MELL Instructional Consultant, EducationPlus

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

Instructional Practices for English Learners ELevate

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

2:10pm CDT

The Power of Math Without Numbers

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

RM 250

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

Speakers

Rachel Emanuel-Prude

Parkway C-2

Meghan Schultz

Parkway C-2

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

Instructional Practices for English Learners Elevate

ELevate Elementary

2:10pm CDT

Strategic By Design: A Blueprint for Multilingual Programs

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

RM 251

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

Speakers

Marie Heath

Consultant, Seidlitz Education

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

Leadership and School Culture ELevate

2:30pm CDT

From Gloom to Bloom

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

eMINTS Room - 145

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

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

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

Speakers

Haylee Anderson

Instructional Specialist, eMINTS National Center

From Gloom to Bloom Innovate 2026 pptx

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

ignite innovate ELevate

Dynamic Theme Essentials

3:00pm CDT

The SchoolAI Campfire

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

schoolai Room - 137

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

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

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

Speakers

Tarah Tesmer

Senior Educational Strategist, SchoolAI

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

spark innovate Elevate belonging culture wellness

Dynamic Theme Essentials

3:10pm CDT

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

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

Discovery Room - 233

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

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

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

PD Partners

John David Son

Regional VP, John David Son

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

spark innovate Elevate technology leadership culture

Dynamic Theme Exploration

3:10pm CDT

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

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

Google Room - 131

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

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

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

Speakers

Google for Education

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

ignite innovate Elevate design

Dynamic Theme Essentials

3:10pm CDT

Leveraging Linguistic and Cultural Assets Through Projects

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

RM 251

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

Speakers

Taya Tselolikhina

Sr. Director of District Sales & Partnerships, PBLWorks

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

Instructional Practices for English Learners ELevate

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

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, interactive/collaborative, social-emotional and environmental! Numerous authentic classroom examples will be shared, and as a special gift, you will receive a book entitled Nine Dimensions of Scaffolding for Multilingual Learners, coauthored by Andrea Honigsfeld, to continue expanding your scaffolding practices.

Speakers

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

Speakers

Marie Heath

Consultant, Seidlitz Education

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

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

ELevate Elementary

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

Speakers

Carol Salva

Lead Education Consultant, Seidlitz Education

Thursday June 4, 2026 9:15am - 10:35am CDT
Dunseth Auditorioum

Instructional Practices for English Learners ELevate

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

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

Ryan Rumpf

Principal Consultant, Global Educators

Thursday June 4, 2026 9:15am - 10:35am CDT
RM 250

Leadership and School Culture ELevate

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

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

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

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

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

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

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

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 is no small feat! Review and evaluate key linguistic scaffolding techniques connected to the three levels of academic language (word, sentence and discourse) and multiple modes of communication (listening, speaking, reading, writing, and visually accessing and representing). Gain tips to apply them to your own planning, instruction and assessment practices.

Speakers

Andrea Honigsfeld

Featured Speaker, Andrea Honigsfeld Consulting LLC

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 improve their speaking skills over time.

Speakers

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

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

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

Christina Mendoza

Lead El Specialist, Lindbergh School District

Jillian Baldwin Kim

Lindbergh School District

Thursday June 4, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
RM 231

Leadership and School Culture ELevate

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

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 planning and prep.

Speakers

Stacey Kastner

EL Educator, Francis Howell R-III

Thursday June 4, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
RM 250

Summative and Formative Assessment Elevate

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 thinkers. Don't just watch them navigate the language--give them the map to master it.

Speakers

Dr. Berri Richardson

Thursday June 4, 2026 1:05pm - 1:55pm CDT
RM 233

Instructional Practices for English Learners ELevate

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

1:05pm CDT

Linguistic Scaffolding for MLs

Thursday June 4, 2026 1:05pm - 1:55pm CDT

RM 229

Speakers

Andrea Honigsfeld

Featured Speaker, Andrea Honigsfeld Consulting LLC

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

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

Lori Hanna

Professional Learning Specialist, WIDA

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

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

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

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

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

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 student-centered activities that encourage expressive, meaningful writing. Gain ready-to-use tools, prompts and frameworks to create a safe and supportive environment where students can share their journeys, strengthen their writing skills and see their identities reflected in the classroom.

Speakers

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

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

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. Gain actionable tools and a renewed sense of purpose to guide your teams and programs forward.

Speakers

Merica Clinkenbeard

Springfield School District

Thursday June 4, 2026 2:05pm - 2:55pm CDT
RM 233

Leadership and School Culture ELevate

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

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 acquisition or language disability?

Speakers

Stacey Kastner

EL Educator, Francis Howell R-III

Thursday June 4, 2026 2:05pm - 2:55pm CDT
RM 250

Summative and Formative Assessment ELevate

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

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

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

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

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

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

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

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

Anne Paonessa

ConnectED Classrooms

Thursday June 4, 2026 3:05pm - 3:55pm CDT
RM 231

Instructional Practices for English Learners ELevate

ELevate Elementary and Secondary

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 entire class.

Speakers

Carol Salva

Lead Education Consultant, Seidlitz Education

Thursday June 4, 2026 3:05pm - 3:55pm CDT
Dunseth Auditorioum

Instructional Practices for English Learners ELevate

ELevate Secondary

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 AI to create peer-editors, planning collaborators and grammar practice bots, and learn how to make your own!

Speakers

Sarah Hollstrom

Pattonville School District

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

ELevate Secondary

3:05pm CDT

Strategic By Design: A Blueprint for Multilingual Programs

Thursday June 4, 2026 3:05pm - 3:55pm CDT

RM 229

Speakers

Marie Heath

Consultant, Seidlitz Education

Thursday June 4, 2026 3:05pm - 3:55pm CDT
RM 229 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301

Leadership and School Culture Elevate