Gulf Regional Innovative Teaching Conference

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10:00am CDT

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

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

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

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

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

12:00pm CDT

Let the Games Begin: Simple Strategies to Increase Student Engagement

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

Room 206

In this session, you will learn quick and easy activities to use in any classroom to boost student engagement. This session will be interactive! You will have a time to try out some of the activities you will be learning about.

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 →

Monday July 13, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 206

Artificial Intelligence Assessment Community Building Community Engagement Differentiation eMINTS Technology

Level All Teachers

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

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

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