Gulf Regional Innovative Teaching Conference

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10:00am CDT

Sugar and Spice...Not Always Nice: Understanding and Addressing Relational Aggression in Girls

Monday July 13, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT

This session provides school counselors, educators, and support staff with a practical understanding of relational aggression among girls, using key insights from the book, Queen Bees and Wannabes. Participants will explore the secret society of girls, how social dynamics, peer influence, and communication patterns impact behavior, and how adults can respond in ways that build connection, accountability, and healthy relationships.

Presenters

Sherry Rainbolt

Prevention and Support Supervisor, Central Office Staff

Monday July 13, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 254

Behavior

Level Administrators, All Teachers, Pre-K Teachers, Elementary Teachers, Middle Teachers, High Teachers, Counselors, Librarians, Special Education

10:00am CDT

How to Start a Podcast for Your School or Program.

Monday July 13, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT

Room 96

This PD session will provide a beginner-friendly overview of how to start a podcast. Participants will learn the basic equipment needed, simple recording and editing tools, tips for planning content, and ways to publish and share episodes. The session is designed to help educators feel confident taking the first steps in creating a podcast for their classroom, program, or personal interests.

Presenters

Morrell Baxter

CTE Supervisor, Central Office Staff

Monday July 13, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 96

CTE Digital Citizenship STEM/STEAM Technology

Level Administrators, Central Office, All Teachers, Career Tech Teachers, Counselors

10:00am CDT

General PowerSchool Q&A

Monday July 13, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT

Room 32

Get answers to your PowerSchool questions and learn how to make the most of its features.

Presenters

Joseph Marshall

Enterprise Systems Professional, Other

Enterprise Department

Monday July 13, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 32

Data Technology

Level Administrators, Central Office, 504 Coordinators, Counselors, Librarians, Special Education, Registrars

10:00am CDT

PowerSchool SIS Basics / Tips and Tricks

Monday July 13, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT

Room 28

Learn the essentials and expert tips to navigate PowerSchool SIS efficiently.

Presenters

Joseph Marshall

Enterprise Systems Professional, Other

Monday July 13, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 28

Data Technology

Level Administrators, Central Office, 504 Coordinators, Counselors, Librarians, Special Education, Registrars

10:00am CDT

Low Tech/Know Tech: Powerful Lessons Unplugged

Monday July 13, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT

Room 202

When you KNOW tech, a powerful lesson doesn't have to be designed around a device! This session is intended to showcase low-tech and no-tech strategies that spark curiosity, plug into creativity, and power up engagement without sticking students behind a Chromebook. Sometimes, less really is more, and this session is intended to show you how with easy-to-implement ideas that are fun for both your students and you, the teacher!

Presenters

Jaime Tillman

Curriculum Leader, Daphne Middle School

Alyssa Abdeltif

Teacher, Baldwin Preparatory Academy

Monday July 13, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 202

ELA eMINTS Math Reading Science Social Studies

Level All Teachers, Career Tech Teachers, Counselors, Librarians, Special Education

11:00am CDT

From the Wide Lens to the Deep Dive: Pinpointing At-Risk Trends and the Students behind Them

Monday July 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

Room 202

Learn how to take the pulse of your school and drill down to your most at-risk students in 5 minutes or less. Save future time and effort by quickly finding those "under the radar" kids before they are consuming all your resources. Whether you're developing a school wide initiative or prepping for a parent meeting, PowerSchool's dynamic Analytics and Insights platform has everything you need to get started. Discover how to quickly and efficiently pull meaningful data into an easy to digest format. Participants will also learn about the newest at-risk module coming in the Fall of 2026.

Presenters

Kate Wellborn

Attendance Department, Prevention and Support

Monday July 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 202

Data Technology

Level Administrators, Central Office, Counselors

11:00am CDT

General PowerSchool Q&A

Monday July 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

Room 32

Get answers to your PowerSchool questions and learn how to make the most of its features.

Presenters

Joseph Marshall

Enterprise Systems Professional, Other

Enterprise Department

Monday July 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 32

Data Technology

Level Administrators, Central Office, 504 Coordinators, Counselors, Librarians, Special Education, Registrars

11:00am CDT

PowerSchool SIS Incidents

Monday July 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

Room 28

Manage and track student incidents with ease using Simple.

Presenters

Lance Lewis

Supervisor Registrar and SIS Operations, Other

Monday July 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 28

Technology

Level Administrators, Central Office, All Teachers, Pre-K Teachers, Elementary Teachers, Middle Teachers, High Teachers, 504 Coordinators, Career Tech Teachers, Counselors, Librarians, Special Education, Registrars

12:00pm CDT

ZENgaged: Effective Approaches for Teaching the Anxious Generation

Monday July 13, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT

Library

To ban or not to ban? That is the question when it comes to cell phones in the classroom. Now more
than ever, educators need to be equipped with strategies to address student anxiety through techniques and effective classroom management. Learn how to implement practices
that build resilience, and strategies for students to reduce distractions and anxiety. This session provides actionable
insights to create a calm, focused learning environment where students can thrive emotionally and academically. Join
us to discover how to transform anxious energy into positive engagement, fostering a supportive classroom culture
for the Anxious Generation.

Presenters

Carl Hooker

Keynote Speaker, Hooker Technology

Carl Hooker is an educator, consultant and speaker from Austin, TX. He spent the past 27 years as a teacher and administrator supporting the he has held a wide range of roles. From teacher to administrator, he’s always had one common belief – that kids need to drive their own... Read More →

Monday July 13, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Library

Behavior

Level All Teachers, Counselors

12:00pm CDT

“L.E.N.S.: Looking at Behavior Through the 504 Lens”

Monday July 13, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT

Room 93

Participants will explore how behavior can be understood through the **L.E.N.S. framework—Learn, Evaluate, Navigate, and Support—**to better recognize when student behavior may be connected to a disability under Section 504. This training will help educators identify potential 504 indicators, evaluate behavior within the context of student needs, navigate appropriate procedures while maintaining compliance with Section 504. Participants will leave with practical tools to shift from simply reacting to behavior to responding with informed, supportive interventions.

Presenters

Dionne Dunton

Supervisor, Central Office Staff

Monday July 13, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 93

Behavior Data Differentiation Health/ Wellness

Level Administrators, All Teachers, 504 Coordinators, Counselors

12:00pm CDT

CTE Updates and Review

Monday July 13, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT

Room 96

Reviewing all things CTE especially Curriculum Rules for CCR.

Presenters

Morrell Baxter

CTE Supervisor, Central Office Staff

Monday July 13, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 96

CTE

Level Administrators, Middle Teachers, High Teachers, Career Tech Teachers, Counselors

1:00pm CDT

Section 504 101: From Questions to Confidence

Monday July 13, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT

Room 93

This training will cover the purpose of Section 504, eligibility criteria, and the process for identifying, evaluating, and supporting students with disabilities.By the end of the training, coordinators and administrators will feel more confident navigating the 504 process and supporting staff, students, and families. 📚

Presenters

Dionne Dunton

Supervisor, Central Office Staff

Monday July 13, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 93

Behavior Data Differentiation

Level Administrators, All Teachers, 504 Coordinators, Counselors, Special Education

1:00pm CDT

Fantastic 5-Minute Tips Ready to Use in Your Classroom!

Monday July 13, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT

Room 214

Looking for some simple, effective strategies and routines that will enhance your classroom during the upcoming school year? Did you know that eMINTS has a ton of free tips, resources and strategy cards on various topics including technology integration, building classroom culture, and using reflective practice with students? Come experience the tips live and in person, and then feel free to use them all year long!

Presenters

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 →

Doug Caldwell

Instructional Specialist, eMINTS

Inspiring education with digital learning!

Monday July 13, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 214

Community Building Community Engagement eMINTS

Level All Teachers, Counselors, Librarians, Special Education

1:00pm CDT

Show Me The Money, We Up Next

Monday July 13, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT

Room 269

This session will engage the participants to understand and learn their asking style. Where every level need the understanding of the importance of fundraising and introduce the exploring post and exploring club workforce development program of 6th-12th grade.

Presenters

William Bryant

Scout Executive/CEO, Mobile Area Council, Scouting America

William Bryant, Jr. is the Scout Executive/CEO Mobile Area Council, Scouting America. He is the immediate past Revenue and Membership Growth Coach for the National Office of the Boy Scouts of America. William is a Subject Matter Expert in Fund Development. In his over 15 years of experience, Willia... Read More →

Monday July 13, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 269

Community Building Community Engagement Leadership Professionalism

Level Administrators, All Teachers, Pre-K Teachers, Elementary Teachers, Middle Teachers, High Teachers, Career Tech Teachers, Counselors

1:00pm CDT

General PowerSchool Q&A

Monday July 13, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT

Room 32

Get answers to your PowerSchool questions and learn how to make the most of its features.

Presenters

Joseph Marshall

Enterprise Systems Professional, Other

Enterprise Department

Monday July 13, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 32

Data Technology

Level Administrators, Central Office, 504 Coordinators, Counselors, Librarians, Special Education, Registrars

1:00pm CDT

PowerSchool SIS Reporting and SubReports

Monday July 13, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT

Room 28

Dive into reporting features to gather valuable insights from PowerSchool SIS data.

Presenters

William Waldrop

Enterprise Systems Professional, Other

Monday July 13, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 28

Data Technology

Level Administrators, Central Office, 504 Coordinators, Counselors, Librarians, Special Education, Registrars

1:00pm CDT

Teach Smarter, Not Harder: Curriculum‑Aligned Content with Discovery Education

Monday July 13, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT

Room 255

Discover how Discovery Education simplifies planning with ready‑to‑use, standards‑aligned videos, activities, and lesson supports across all subjects K-12. Walk away with resources you can teach with tomorrow.

Presenters

Tomi Rush

Sr. Partner Success Manager, Discovery Education

Monday July 13, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 255

ELA ELL Math Science Social Studies Technology

Level Administrators, All Teachers, Counselors, Librarians, Special Education

1:00pm CDT

Illuminated Learning: Engaging Students with Blacklight Activities

Monday July 13, 2026 1:00pm - 2:50pm CDT

Room 45 - Art Room

In this interactive workshop, educators will discover how blacklight activities can boost student engagement across subjects.
Learn the science behind UV light, explore creative lesson ideas, and see hands-on demos with fluorescent materials, invisible ink, and glow-in-the-dark elements.
After exploring classroom applications, participants will take part in a printmaking activity under blacklight and experiment with a variety of fluorescent and neon art materials.
Teachers will leave with practical, ready-to-use strategies, along with a product list and links to all materials used in the workshop.

Presenters

Joyce Garrison

teacher, Rosinton Elementary

Hello!I am excited to be returning to GRITC as a presenter!
I graduated with my bachelors of fine art and master's of education from the University of Montevallo, which is located in Montevallo, AL.
I am married and we live in Loxley. I teach elementary art and I absolutely love it... Read More →

Nancy Timmons

Middle School Art Teacher, Central Baldwin Middle

I have been teaching visual arts in Baldwin County for seven years, working with students from Pre-K through 8th grade. I studied art, religion, and philosophy at the University of West Florida and currently teach 8th grade art, where I enjoy blending creative skill-building with... Read More →

Monday July 13, 2026 1:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 45 - Art Room

Arts ELA Math Science Social Studies STEM/STEAM

Level All Teachers, Elementary Teachers, Middle Teachers, High Teachers, Counselors, Librarians, Special Education

1:00pm CDT

Executive Functioning-Why we act like we do!!!

Monday July 13, 2026 1:00pm - 2:50pm CDT

Room 202

This session will provide an in-depth training on Executive Functioning to better understand why students act like they do and how we can support positive changes.

Presenters

Leigh Anne McPherson

Spec Ed Supervisor, Central Office Staff

Monday July 13, 2026 1:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 202

Continuing Education

Level Administrators, All Teachers, Counselors, Special Education

2:00pm CDT

Basics to Breakthroughs: Designing intentional learning with Kami

Monday July 13, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT

Room 254

Join us to explore how to strategically leverage Kami’s features to create highly engaging, personalized learning experiences. In this hands-on session, you will learn to create custom content scaffolding and provide critical, in-the-moment student support. We will discuss how to use Kami tools to tailor the environment for every learner. You’ll leave with a versatile toolkit of instructional strategies and a proven roadmap for fostering student independence.

Presenters

Janet Burnett

Teacher Success Manager, Kami & Book Creator

Janet Burnett is a Teaching & Learning Coordinator for Kami and Book Creator, but also a lifelong educator. With 28 years of experience in education as a teacher and Technology Specialist, she is passionate about helping teachers “power-up” daily lessons while bringing joy to... Read More →

Monday July 13, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 254

Assessment Chromebook Digital Citizenship ELA ELL Guided Reading Math Reading Science Social Studies Technology

Level All Teachers, Counselors, Librarians, Special Education

2:00pm CDT

Pathways to Possibility: Career Exploration with Discovery Education

Monday July 13, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT

Room 255

Get ready to spark curiosity and inspire tomorrow’s
workforce! In this interactive session, we’ll explore curated
career resources and student-driven career exploration
tools that make real-world learning come alive. See how
Discovery Education helps empower teachers, propel
student growth, and connect your classroom to exciting
career pathways. Walk away with ideas and resources to
help students dream big and take their first steps toward
the future they imagine.

Presenters

Tomi Rush

Sr. Partner Success Manager, Discovery Education

Monday July 13, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 255

Continuing Education CTE

Level Administrators, All Teachers, Career Tech Teachers, Counselors

2:00pm CDT

Click to Compliance: Creating 504 Plans in Frontline

Monday July 13, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT

Room 93

Participants will learn how to use Frontline Education to efficiently create and manage student Section 504 plans. This training will guide participants through the step-by-step process of entering student information, documenting eligibility, selecting appropriate accommodations, and completing required forms within the system. Session participants will feel confident navigating Frontline to build clear, compliant, and effective 504 plans.

Presenters

Dionne Dunton

Supervisor, Central Office Staff

Monday July 13, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 93

Data Differentiation

Level Administrators, 504 Coordinators, Counselors

2:00pm CDT

Maximizing Intervention Periods with Student Data to Improve Academic Achievement

Monday July 13, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT

Room 17

This presentation will focus on utilizing prior student data points from the Pre-ACT, ACT, and other assessment platforms to build a school wide ACT study plan during student "intervention/skinny" periods. The attendees will learn to how to collect and analyze data and how to group student data sets to optimize student learning and engagement during ACT prep. Attendees can expect to have an action plan that includes: data collection/analysis, committee formation, creating planning time, teacher selection, and student and teacher incentives for ACT preparation, growth, and achievement.

Presenters

Monica Shaner

Curriculum Leader, Spanish Fort High

Hello, I am Monica Shaner, the Curriculum Leader at Spanish Fort High School. With sixteen years experience in education, my focus is on academic growth and achievement through problem-based learning, differentiated instruction, and data driven resources. I strive to support teachers... Read More →

Zachary Wenzel

Assistant Principal, Spanish Fort High

I am currently an assistant principal at Spanish Fort High School. I have over ten years of experience in education. My background is in data management and analysis. I am currently working on my doctorate in educational leadership at the University of South Alabama. The focus of... Read More →

Monday July 13, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 17

Data Leadership PLCs