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Venue: RM 254 clear filter
Wednesday, June 3
 

10:00am CDT

Panel: Career Pathways + Experiential Learning
Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Success-ready learning extends beyond the four walls of the classroom to ensure students are prepared for the complexities of the workforce. District leaders will explore how they are bridging the gap between school and the workforce by co-designing real-world learning projects with industry partners to solve actual community challenges. 


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

11:00am CDT

Panel: Beyond the Newsletter: Building Meaningful Connections with Families
Wednesday June 3, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
What if family engagement felt less like a checklist and more like a meaningful connection? K–12 educators explore innovative approaches to building authentic partnerships between schools and families.


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


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


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

1:00pm CDT

Panel: Digital Equity: Exploring the Impact of Accessibility
Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
With new federal rulings setting clear standards for web and mobile accessibility, school districts are at a critical turning point. This panel brings together the "three pillars" of successful implementation: local district practitioners, regional advisors and industry experts in accessibility remediation. Dive into the practicalities of the Title II ruling, focusing on the collaborative efforts needed to support classroom and school-wide compliance. From training staff to auditing digital assets, discover how your district can lead with empathy and expertise to ensure equitable access for all students, families, and staff.
Moderators
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

2:00pm CDT

Panel: Integrating AI with Authentic Learning
Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
As AI becomes a daily reality for students, the conversation has shifted from "if" to "how" teachers can use it responsibly. Educators and AI professionals will discuss the practical application of AI from elementary through secondary classrooms.


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


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