Gulf Regional Innovative Teaching Conference

arrow_back View All Dates

10:00am CDT

Mind vs. Machine

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

In the ultimate battle for AI supremacy, humans will put various AI tools through a series of challenges
and see which one creates the best output. Chatbots, image generators, and more compete in this interactive
Promptetition to see which tools are truly the best and which we should toss aside.

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 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Library

Artificial Intelligence

Level All Teachers, Administrators, Librarians

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

Room 254

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

Canva Essentials Skills

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

Room 251

Join our workshop to build confidence using Canva in your classroom. Learn how to navigate the Home screen, find and use templates, and share activities. We will dive into the Canva editor and explore tips and tricks to level up your designs. You’ll get hands-on experience using elements, animation, and more. Please bring your laptop for some hands-on learning!

Presenters

Sasha Goman

Canva Learning Consultant, Canva Education

Sasha is a Canva Learning Consultant, and she is a former secondary education teacher. She has a master's degree in Teacher Leadership from Northwestern University, where she studied professional development and coaching. She is excited to help teachers create more engaging and dynamic... Read More →

Monday July 13, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 251

Community Engagement Professionalism

Level All Teachers, Elementary Teachers, Librarians

10:00am CDT

Four Strategies to Foster Human-in-the-Loop Critical Thinking

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

Room 214

Discover four practical strategies that help learners use AI to think more critically…not just rely on it for answers. In this interactive session, you’ll explore how to use AI as a thought partner, spot misinformation, promote ethical use, and strengthen human‑in‑the‑loop reasoning. Leave with ready‑to‑use strategies that bring responsible, ethical, and creative AI informational literacy to your learning space.

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 →

Monday July 13, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 214

CTE eMINTS Technology

Level Middle Teachers, High Teachers, Career Tech Teachers, Librarians

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

MagicSchool Teacher Level 1: From First Login to First Win: Building a Strong MagicSchool Rollout for Back to School

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

Room 92

New to MagicSchool? This beginner-friendly, level one training session for teachers is designed to help you hit the ground running. Learn how to use MagicSchool to quickly generate lesson plans, differentiate instruction, support diverse learners, and streamline everyday tasks. Walk away with simple, high-impact workflows you can use immediately—no prior experience required.

Presenters

Destinie Thomas

PD & Community Specialist, MagicSchool

Destinie Thomas is a Professional Development and Community Specialist at MagicSchool, where she helps educators discover how AI can make teaching more joyful, efficient, and equitable. She has spent her career creating engaging learning experiences—whether coaching teachers, leading... Read More →

Monday July 13, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 92

Digital Citizenship ELA ELL Math Reading Science Social Studies Technology

Level All Teachers, Elementary Teachers, Middle Teachers, High Teachers, Career Tech Teachers, Librarians, Special Education

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

10:00am CDT

Using Primary Sources to Engage Your Students

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

Room 207

In this hands-on session, I’ll show you how to use high-interest hooks that turn your students into history detectives. You’ll learn how to use primary sources to anchor your lessons and activate deep inquiry.

Presenters

Jacquelyn Wilson

Library Media Specialist, Stonebridge Elementary

I am the Library Media Specialist at Stonebridge Elementary. I have been an educator for 13 years. In our school library, I like to promote a culture of reading while also including a variety of makerspaces and research lessons. I am a National Board Certified Teacher and I also facilitate... Read More →

Monday July 13, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 207

eMINTS Reading Social Studies

Level Elementary Teachers, Middle Teachers, Librarians

11:00am CDT

Unlock the Power of Kami

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

Room 254

Join us to discover how Kami empowers every learner by turning everyday lessons into interactive experiences. During this hands-on session, we will explore the tools together and learn how to easily enhance lessons you are already teaching in the classroom. You'll leave with ideas that will support students throughout the learning journey and make student engagement soar.

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 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 254

Assessment Community Building ELA ELL Math Reading Science Social Studies Technology

Level All Teachers, Librarians, Special Education

11:00am CDT

If I Knew Then What I Know Now

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

Room 207

If I could go back 13 years and hand myself a survival guide, this would be it. Whether you are just starting your journey and looking for a roadmap, or a seasoned veteran ready to trade old habits for fresh joy, the secret to longevity in education isn't working harder, it’s working happier.
From the classroom to the library, we’ll explore a curated collection of 'wish I’d known' tips that bridge the gap between surviving and thriving. We’ll cover everything from stress-free management hacks to building a professional tribe that keeps you inspired. Come learn how to implement the small, high-impact shifts that lead to big wins for your sanity, your students, and your soul.

Presenters

Jacquelyn Wilson

Library Media Specialist, Stonebridge Elementary

Monday July 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 207

Community Building eMINTS Health/ Wellness Technology

Level Elementary Teachers, Middle Teachers, Librarians

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

7 Challenges that Showcase STEM in the Middle Grades (4-8)

Monday July 13, 2026 12:00pm - 1:50pm CDT

Room 254

Discover seven classroom-tested STEM missions designed to shift students from passive observers to active problem-solvers with minimal setup and maximum curiosity. In this session focused on middle grades (4-8) learning, participants will explore and adapt 7 ready-to-implement STEM challenges that directly connect math/science concepts to Alabama's new 2025 Digital Literacy & Computer Science (DLCS) Standards. These intentionally designed student activities promote collaboration and build skills like computational thinking, iterative processing, and real-world application of learning. This session will include time for unpacking grade level standards to make meaningful connections, trying out STEM challenges that increase student engagement, and collaborating on how to customize a STEM experience that lets students apply their math, science and engineering skills.

Presenters

Timothy Johnson

Regional Technology Specialist, Alabama Technology in Motion, Region 10

Angela Clark

Regional Technology Specialist, Alabama Technology in Motion, Region 7

Monday July 13, 2026 12:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 254

Coding Community Building Makerspace Math Robotics Science Technology

Level Elementary Teachers, Middle Teachers, Librarians, Special Education

1:00pm CDT

The Essential Teacher Tech Toolbox

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

Room 207

Is your 'tab anxiety' real? In this fast-paced, high-impact session, we’re opening the ultimate digital toolbox designed for the modern educator. We are diving straight into the essential, 'can’t-live-without' tools that streamline your workflow, automate the boring stuff, and spark instant engagement. Whether you’re a tech-pro or just trying to survive the next bell, you’ll walk away with a curated kit of digital shortcuts to make your teaching life smoother, faster, and much more fun.

Presenters

Jacquelyn Wilson

Library Media Specialist, Stonebridge Elementary

Monday July 13, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 207

Artificial Intelligence Digital Citizenship Technology

Level Elementary Teachers, Middle Teachers, High Teachers, Librarians

1:00pm CDT

From Source to Syllabus: Using NotebookLM as Your Inquiry-Based Thought Partner

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

Room 5

In the age of AI, the challenge for educators isn't just finding information—it's synthesizing it into meaningful, inquiry-driven experiences. Enter NotebookLM, Google’s AI-powered research assistant that stays grounded in the documents you provide.

This session moves beyond generic AI prompting. You will see a "behind-the-curtain" look at how to use NotebookLM as a sophisticated thought partner to design high-level curriculum. We will walk through a live case study: planning an Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) unit centered on advanced questioning strategies.

Presenters

Jeremy King

Instructional Technology Coorindator, Central Office Staff

Monday July 13, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 5

Artificial Intelligence Technology

Level Central Office, All Teachers, Librarians

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

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

One Screen to Run the Room: Engagement and Management Made Simple

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

Room 16

Managing transitions, attention, and pacing can make or break a lesson. Classroom Screen provides a simple digital solution for timers, directions, grouping tools, and engagement supports. In this session, teachers will learn how to streamline routines, increase student independence, and create visually structured learning environments.

Presenters

Stacey Tatum

6th Grade Science/Social Studies, Elberta Elementary

Hello! My name is Stacey Tatum, and I am a 6th Grade Science and Social Studies teacher at Elberta Elementary School. This year marks my first year teaching 6th grade after spending several years in 3rd grade, where I developed a deep passion for understanding how students learn to... Read More →

Monday July 13, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 16

Community Building Community Engagement Technology

Level All Teachers, Pre-K Teachers, Elementary Teachers, Middle Teachers, High Teachers, Career Tech Teachers, Librarians, Special Education

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

MagicSchool Student Level 1: Getting Started with AI for Learning

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

Room 92

New to MagicStudent? This introductory session helps students and educators understand how to use AI as a tool for learning, not shortcuts. Explore how MagicStudent can support brainstorming, studying, writing, and organization while promoting responsible and ethical use. Walk away with simple, practical ways to help students build confidence, stay engaged, and use AI to enhance—not replace—their thinking.

Presenters

Destinie Thomas

PD & Community Specialist, MagicSchool

Monday July 13, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 92

ELA ELL Math Science Social Studies Technology

Level All Teachers, Elementary Teachers, Middle Teachers, High Teachers, Career Tech Teachers, Librarians, Special Education

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

Nailed IT! Ed Tech Edition

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

Library

In this highly interactive session, attendees will work to complete a series of challenges in a short time
limit to see if they “Nailed it”. This session builds on the framework that taking risks can be a good thing when it
comes to creating and sharing ideas. Attendees will walk away with strategies to use in their schools when it comes
to engaging learners and getting them to take risks.

Presenters

Carl Hooker

Keynote Speaker, Hooker Technology

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

Technology

Level All Teachers, Administrators, Librarians

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

2:00pm CDT

Mind vs. Machine

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

Library

Presenters

Carl Hooker

Keynote Speaker, Hooker Technology

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

Artificial Intelligence

Level All Teachers, Administrators, Librarians

2:00pm CDT

Battle of the Platforms: Canva vs. Adobe

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

Room 207

Join us for this fast paced, head-to-head showdown between Canva and Adobe Express. We’re taking away the fluff to show you the features that actually save teachers time and get students excited to create. Come ready to pick a side, learn new shortcuts, and discover which platform will define your next creative era.

Presenters

Jaime Tillman

Curriculum Leader, Daphne Middle School

Jacquelyn Wilson

Library Media Specialist, Stonebridge Elementary

Monday July 13, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 207

Artificial Intelligence Technology

Level All Teachers, Librarians

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

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

Canva Code and Magic Activities

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

Room 251

Discover how Canva’s AI tools, Magic Activities and Canva Code (no coding knowledge required), can transform your classroom. In this session, you’ll explore how these innovative features make it easier than ever to create engaging instructional materials, streamline classroom management, and design interactive games and activities aligned with academic standards. Learn how to harness AI to promote higher-order thinking skills, encourage creativity, and save valuable planning time while making learning more dynamic and meaningful for your students. Please bring your laptop for some hands-on learning!

Presenters

Sasha Goman

Canva Learning Consultant, Canva Education

Monday July 13, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 251

Community Engagement Leadership Coding

Level Administrators, Central Office, All Teachers, Librarians

2:00pm CDT

SIS - Searchbar Tips and Tricks

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

Room 28

Dive into Seachbar and Multiselect features to gather valuable insights from PowerSchool SIS data.

Presenters

Tabitha Syde

Utility Registrar, Other

Monday July 13, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 28

Data Technology

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

2:00pm CDT

MagicSchool Student Level 2: Deeper Learning with AI-Powered Support

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

Room 92

Take student learning to the next level with MagicStudent. In this session, participants will explore more advanced ways students can use AI to strengthen critical thinking, refine writing, and engage in meaningful problem-solving. Learn how to guide students in using AI for feedback, revision, and deeper understanding—while reinforcing academic integrity. Walk away with practical strategies to help students use MagicStudent as a true learning partner.

Presenters