Gulf Regional Innovative Teaching Conference

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8:00am CDT

Math Foundational Training (6-12) (AMSTI - TEAMS approved)

Monday July 13, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT

This training is a prerequisite for AMSTI 6-12 Math Content Area Trainings. This one-day session focuses on providing an overview of pedagogical strategies, student mathematical practices, mathematics teaching practices and formative assessment cycle making connections among grade-band standards and strategies to the ALCOS. Participants will explore student-invented strategies, analyze evidence of student understanding to inform planning of next instructional steps, discuss the importance of sense-making, and explore the impact of concrete, semi-concrete, and abstract learning opportunities on the development of conceptual understanding.

Presenters

Emily Black

Math Specialist, AMSTI

Monday July 13, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Room E - 9th Grade Academy

Math

Level All Teachers, Middle Teachers, High Teachers

8:00am CDT

Who's the Middleman: Area Models (Grades 3-8) (AMSTI - TEAMS approved)

Monday July 13, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT

Room F - 9th Grade Academy

This one-day session focuses on developing area models from upper elementary
through middle school grades. Participants will experience the foundation of area
models and how they can be extended through middle school math concepts.
Participants will practice using area models with hands-on manipulatives and materials
through applications of multiplication, division, fractions, geometry, percents, and
probability.

Presenters

Teressa Rocker

AMSTI Specialist, AMSTI

Monday July 13, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Room F - 9th Grade Academy

Math

Level Elementary Teachers, Middle Teachers, High Teachers

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

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

Flip the Script: Assessment Remix

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

Room 206

Tired of the "teach to the test" cycle? Join us for a hands-on exploration of assessment strategies that reflect what your students know. In this session, we’re ditching the Scantron and Google Form in favor of high-engagement alternatives. We will dive into the versatility of Choice Boards, the storytelling power of Podcasts, and the visual synthesis of One Pagers. You’ll also learn how to spark deep classroom discourse with Parlay Ideas and empower students with the “You Write the Test” approach. Leave with a digital toolkit ready to transform your next unit.

Presenters

Nikki Minoso

Teacher, ELA, Spanish Fort High

Allison Fisher

English Teacher, Daphne High School

Monday July 13, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 206

Differentiation Digital Citizenship ELA Reading Social Studies

Level Middle Teachers, High Teachers

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

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

10:00am CDT

Mathematical Practices and Gizmos

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

Room 253

This workshop is designed to help participants deepen their understanding of the Standards for Mathematical Practice and learn to develop effective lessons grounded in the standards. These lessons will allow students to go beyond memorizing facts, formulas, and mnemonics and instead focus on developing a deep conceptual understanding of underlying principles. Teachers build skills to engage students and advance mathematical understanding through the Standards of Mathematical Practice. Participants review grade-appropriate content standards and collaborate on potential teaching strategies to achieve student understanding. Participants also work collaboratively to identify mathematical tasks to develop students' capacity to meet the Standards of Mathematical Practice.

Presenters

Tiffany Christian

Professional Learning Manager, ExploreLearning

Tiffany Christian is a Professional Learning Manager with ExploreLearning serving the East Coast region. She has over 23 years of experience in educational technology and public education as a gifted math and science teacher, an academic coach, district K-12 science instructional... Read More →

Monday July 13, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 253

Math

Level Middle Teachers, High Teachers

10:00am CDT

Schoology Unlocked: Making Technology Work for You

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

Room 16

Schoology is more than a place to post assignments, it can be a powerful tool for engagement, differentiation, assessment, and instructional clarity. This session provides practical, classroom-tested strategies for maximizing Schoology in grades 7–12 across all subject areas. Participants will explore ways to streamline workflows, increase student accountability, use analytics to guide instruction, and design engaging digital learning experiences. Walk away with ready-to-implement ideas that support rigor, efficiency, and student success.

Presenters

Christine Hayes

Curriculum Leader, Daphne High School

Monday July 13, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 16

Schoology Technology

Level Middle Teachers, High Teachers

10:00am CDT

Pull a Print, Not Your Hair!

Monday July 13, 2026 10:00am - 11:50am CDT

Room 45 - Art Room

Discover the magic of Gelli printing—a simple, playful form of printmaking that anyone can do.
In this hands-on workshop you’ll:
Roll, press, and pull colorful prints
Experiment with layers, textures, stencils, and line
Discover the fun of ghost prints and happy accidents
Leave with a stack of beautiful one-of-a-kind papers
No art experience needed—just come ready to play with paint and creativity!

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 10:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 45 - Art Room

Arts STEM/STEAM

Level All Teachers, Elementary Teachers, Middle Teachers, High Teachers

11:00am CDT

Teaching Magic Without a Wand: AI Tools That Actually Save Time

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

Room 16

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing education, but many teachers are unsure where to start. This session introduces Magic School AI as a practical classroom and planning tool that supports differentiation, lesson design, assessment creation, and student engagement. Participants will explore real classroom examples and leave with ready-to-use AI prompts aligned to curriculum standards.

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 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 16

Artificial Intelligence Data Differentiation ELA ELL PLCs Reading Science Social Studies

Level All Teachers, Elementary Teachers, Middle Teachers, High Teachers

11:00am CDT

The Discussion Revolution: Building Student Agency, One Round Table at a Time with Parlay Ideas

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

Room 206

Transform your classroom from a teacher-led lecture into a vibrant, student-driven community with Parlay Ideas. In this hands-on workshop, we’ll explore the Parlay Universe to find ready-made prompts that spark critical thinking and dive into the Written Round Table to see how anonymous peer feedback empowers even your quietest students. You’ll experience a Live Round Table firsthand to see how real-time data and discussion mapping can facilitate civil discourse and provide instant engagement analytics. Join us to learn how to step back as a lecturer and step up as a coach, using Parlay to make every student’s voice visible and every discussion measurable.

Presenters

Nikki Minoso

Teacher, ELA, Spanish Fort High

Monday July 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 206

Assessment Differentiation Digital Citizenship ELA Professionalism Reading Social Studies

Level Middle Teachers, High Teachers

11:00am CDT

Game On: Fostering Collaboration and Critical Thinking Unplugged

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

Room 3

Join me to learn about unplugging in order to get your game on. Analog games promote social engagement by encouraging students to interact, collaborate, and adapt to group dynamics while working through shared challenges. They build student agency by allowing learners to make meaningful choices, learn from low-stakes failure, and receive immediate feedback that guides future decisions.

Presenters

Diana McNaughton

Curriculum Leader, Elberta High

I am a seasoned eMints certified educator with over 20 years of experience in the field. I am currently the Curriculum Leader and 504 Facilitator at Elberta High School. My educational philosophy is rooted in the belief that prioritizing investments in students establishes a solid... Read More →

Monday July 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 3

Community Building Differentiation eMINTS

Level Middle Teachers, High Teachers

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

Unlocking the Reluctant Writer: Practical Strategies to Boost Secondary Students' Writing Craft

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

Room 252

Reluctant high school writers often shut down when facing an essay—blank-page panic, weak ideas, poor structure, or zero motivation for timed prompts. This session delivers practical, ready-to-use strategies to help even the poorest writers succeed.

Presenters

Patsy Brantley

ESL teacher, Robertsdale High School

I LOVE what I get to do every day! I hold a Doctorate in Teacher Leader and National Board Certification in English as a New Language.

Maria Diaz

EL Teacher, Robertsdale High

Monday July 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 252

Differentiation ELA ELL

Level Middle Teachers, High Teachers, Special Education

11:00am CDT

Using Amplify to Facilitate Visual Patterns, Number Talks, and Problem Solving in the Secondary Mathematics Classroom

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

Room 93

This session is primarily tailored for 6-12 math teachers but benefit can be found for all math educators with some modifications for earlier grades. We will use Amplify to focus on warmups that involve visual patterns and number talks that help students to connect visual patterns to their mathematical expressions. The number talks will help students develop numeracy skills and compare their ways of thinking with their peers to help them learn to work flexibly and efficiently with numbers. These tasks will be easy for students to start but encourage deeper thinking and can lead to deeper understanding of more advanced solutions.

Presenters

Ashley Burton

Secondary Mathematics and Computer Science Teacher, Robertsdale High School

Monday July 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 93

Differentiation Math STEM/STEAM Technology

Level Middle Teachers, High Teachers

11:00am CDT

MagicSchool Teacher Level 2: Level Up Your AI-Powered Teaching

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

Room 92

Ready to go beyond the basics? In this Level 2 session, educators will deepen their use of MagicSchool to design more targeted instruction, refine differentiation, and create higher-quality materials with greater efficiency. Learn how to customize outputs, build reusable workflows, and apply MagicSchool across planning, assessment, and student support. Walk away with advanced strategies that elevate your practice and maximize impact in the classroom.

Presenters

Destinie Thomas

PD & Community Specialist, MagicSchool

Monday July 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 92

ELA ELL Math Science Social Studies

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

11:00am CDT

Just Add Games

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

Room 17

The presentation explores the use of math games in secondary classrooms (6-12). Put those digital devices away because are talking actual games! We will be exploring how games can enhance student engagement and reinforce foundational skills that can be helpful in their current learning. Attendees will be able to participate in actual game play and debrief and collaborate on how they see these fitting into their current classroom environment.

Secondary students often lose the opportunity for play within the classroom and show a decreased motivation in mathematics. Math games provide an opportunity for active learning, problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and giving all learners the chance at low-stakes practice.

Presenters

Melissa Sessions

Teacher, Daphne Middle School

Monday July 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 17

Math

Level Middle Teachers, High Teachers

11:00am CDT

Teaching for Understanding in Mathematics

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

Room 253

Teaching for Understanding in Math is designed to help participants use Gizmos to help students reason mathematically and develop a deeper understanding of math concepts. The instructor discusses and models best practices for inquiry-based teaching with Gizmos in mathematics. Teachers learn how to use Gizmos to develop effective mathematics instruction that strengthens students' understanding of mathematics.

Presenters

Tiffany Christian

Professional Learning Manager, ExploreLearning

Monday July 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 253

Math

Level Middle Teachers, High Teachers

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

How to Time Travel

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

Room 3

How to create AI videos, placing you in the middle of your content.

Presenters

Will Carnley

Social Studies Teacher, Robertsdale High School

Monday July 13, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 3

Artificial Intelligence ELA Social Studies

Level Middle Teachers, High Teachers

12:00pm CDT

In District Fundraising for Clubs/Teams

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

Room 255

Baldwin County Public School’s After School Care program introduces the In-District Contract. These contracts allow high school and middle school organizations to earn funds by making presentations and teaching lessons to elementary school students during the After School program. These contracts are available for summer, fall, and spring semesters, offering opportunities for all groups to earn money for their organizations and recruit future members.

Presenters

Jacque Helms

ASC Coordinator, Central Office Staff

Monday July 13, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 255

12:00pm CDT

Set the Stage, Spark the Learning: Space + Strategy for Student Engagement

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

Room 16

Bring learning to life! Discover how to turn standards into high-energy, engaging experiences through strategic instruction, flexible spaces, and impactful room transformations. Walk away with ready-to-use ideas that amplify student voice, support all learners, and make engagement the norm, not the exception.

Presenters

Sarah Nisewonger

Third Grade Teacher, Fairhope East Elementary

Sarah Nisewonger has been teaching for 12 years. After spending 11 years teaching first grade, she recently completed her first year as a third grade teacher at Fairhope East Elementary. She is EMINTS and Kagan trained, STEAM certified and attended the Ron Clark Academy, an experience... Read More →

Tori Erdossy

Monday July 13, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 16

Community Building ELA eMINTS Math Reading Science Social Studies STEM/STEAM Technology

Level All Teachers, Pre-K Teachers, Elementary Teachers, Middle Teachers, High Teachers

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

12:00pm CDT

Simulations in Science: Bridging 3D Learning with Real-World Connections in Life Science

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

Room 252

In this one-hour session aligned to the Alabama Courses of Study, teachers will explore strategies for effectively using simulations to support 3-dimensional learning, engage students in critical thinking and inquiry, develop higher-level thinking skills, and connect literacy to support student understandings of scientific principles in life science and Biology. Participants will focus on using simulations to connect learning to real-world experiences and make sense of the science behind real-world phenomena.

Presenters

Tiffany Christian

Professional Learning Manager, ExploreLearning

Monday July 13, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 252

Science

Level Middle Teachers, High Teachers

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

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

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

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

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

Simulations in Science: Bridging 3D Learning with Real-World Connections in Earth Science

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

Room 252

In this one-hour session aligned to the Alabama Courses of Study, teachers will explore strategies for effectively using simulations to support 3-dimensional learning, engage students in critical thinking and inquiry, develop higher-level thinking skills, and connect literacy to support student understandings of scientific principles in Earth and Space sciences. Participants will focus on using simulations to connect learning to real-world experiences and make sense of the science behind real-world phenomena.

Presenters

Tiffany Christian

Professional Learning Manager, ExploreLearning

Monday July 13, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 252

Science

Level Middle Teachers, High Teachers

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

Nancy Timmons

Middle School Art Teacher, Central Baldwin Middle

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

Brain Pop Unleashed: Master The New Features for Fall!

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

Room 5

Join us for a hands-on exploration of BrainPOP's newest tools and features designed to transform your classroom instruction. Learn how to personalise learning, leverage powerful analytics, and boost student engagement with practical strategies you can implement immediately. Walk away confident and ready to unlock the full potential of BrainPOP in your teaching.

Presenters

Jenny McAllister

Ed Tech, Central Office Staff

Hello! My name is Jenny McAllister. I'm a fifteen-year veteran middle school science teacher who recently left the classroom to join Ed Tech. I'm the point of contact for Pear Deck, BrainPOP, and Magic School (secondary). This fall, I will be leading the STEAM cohort for BCBE and... Read More →

Monday July 13, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 5

Assessment Differentiation Reading Science Social Studies

Level Elementary Teachers, Middle Teachers

2:00pm CDT

Revolutionary Writing: Helping Students Think Through Sentences

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

Room 16

Strong writing begins with strong thinking. This session introduces the Writing Revolution (Hochman Method) and shows how explicit sentence-level instruction improves student writing across all subjects. Teachers will learn practical strategies that support struggling writers while strengthening academic writing for all learners.

Presenters

Stacey Tatum

6th Grade Science/Social Studies, Elberta Elementary

Monday July 13, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 16

Differentiation ELA Math Reading Science Social Studies

Level All Teachers, Elementary Teachers, Middle Teachers, High Teachers

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

Destinie Thomas

PD & Community Specialist, MagicSchool

Monday July 13, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 92

Digital Citizenship ELA ELL Math Science Social Studies Technology

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

2:00pm CDT

Retro Report: Bringing Real-World Relevance to Science, History, and ELA

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

Room 206

How does a 40-year-old news story help a student understand today’s biology lab, tomorrow’s history essay, or next week’s novel? Join us for a hands-on exploration of Retro Report, a free library of short-form documentaries that bridge the gap between historical events and modern-day impacts. Whether you are a Science teacher exploring the ethics of medical breakthroughs, a History teacher connecting past policies to current headlines, or an English teacher analyzing bias and narrative structure, Retro Report offers the primary source material you need. We will dive into their subject-specific collections, explore ready-to-use lesson plans, and learn how to use investigative storytelling to build critical thinking and media literacy skills in every classroom.

Presenters

Nikki Minoso

Teacher, ELA, Spanish Fort High

Monday July 13, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 206

Digital Citizenship ELA Reading Science Social Studies

Level Middle Teachers, High Teachers

2:00pm CDT

Simulations in Science: Bridging 3D Learning with Real-World Connections in Physcial Science

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

Room 252

In this one-hour session aligned to the Alabama Courses of Study, teachers will explore strategies for effectively using simulations to support 3-dimensional learning, engage students in critical thinking and inquiry, develop higher-level thinking skills, and connect literacy to support student understandings of scientific principles in Physical Science and Chemistry. Participants will focus on using simulations to connect learning to real-world experiences and make sense of the science behind real-world phenomena.

Presenters