Gulf Regional Innovative Teaching Conference

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

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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

12:00pm CDT

ZENgaged: Effective Approaches for Teaching the Anxious Generation

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

Cafeteria/Auditorium

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
Cafeteria/Auditorium

Behavior

Level All Teachers, Counselors

12:00pm CDT

Math Therapy: Adding Confidence, Subtracting Fear

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

Room 269

How often have you heard someone say "I am bad at math"? In this session we will discuss what 'Math Therapy' is and how it looks inside your math classroom. We will explore math trauma, where is comes from, and the impact it has on our students. What can we do to help these students to believe and achieve! We will discuss some small changes that we can make inside our classroom to help support out students and build that math confidence. Come explore the 5 steps to helping student build a better relationship with math!

Presenters

Melissa Sessions

Teacher, Daphne Middle School

Monday July 13, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 269

Behavior Community Building Math

Level All Teachers

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

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

2:00pm CDT

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

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

Room 253

Presenters

Sherry Rainbolt

Prevention and Support Supervisor, Central Office Staff

Monday July 13, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 253

Behavior

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

2:00pm CDT

What’s Next with eMINTS: Updates & Opportunities

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

Room 214

Are you a veteran of eMINTS? Or, considering joining the next training cohort? This workshop is meant for both teachers that have already been through eMINTS training and also for those that have been considering joining. We will “sample” the latest materials, resources, and then experience three of our newest hands-on topics that are featured in or inspired by our most recent grant research.

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 →