Gulf Regional Innovative Teaching Conference

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9:00am CDT

Field Trip Mastermind: Planning, Paperwork, and Preparation

Wednesday July 15, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT

Planning a field trip—especially an overnight trip—requires thoughtful organization, clear communication, and strong systems. In this practical session, educators will learn how to confidently plan and manage both local day trips and more complex multi-day overnight field experiences. Participants will explore step-by-step planning strategies for transportation, budgeting, paperwork, chaperone coordination, student supervision, and day-of logistics. Special attention will be given to the additional layers involved in overnight travel, including room assignments, extended schedules, safety planning, and communication with families. Attendees will leave with practical timelines, organizational tools, and teacher-tested tips to simplify the planning process and ensure field trips run smoothly from the first permission slip to the final bus ride home.

Presenters

Brittany Antinarella

Gifted Teacher, Fairhope West Elementary

I am a Project Jubilee teacher at Fairhope West Elementary. I love making things pretty, traveling, my planner, yoga, spending time with my family and friends, reading, and learning new things.

Wednesday July 15, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Room 20

Professionalism Safety

Level All Teachers

11:00am CDT

Let the Games Begin: Simple Strategies to Increase Student Engagement

Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

Room 20

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 →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 20

Artificial Intelligence Assessment Community Building Community Engagement Differentiation eMINTS Technology

Level All Teachers

12:00pm CDT

Play-Doh to Polygons: Making Math Stick in Upper Elementary

Wednesday July 15, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT

Room 20

Manipulatives aren’t just for primary grades. They are a powerful tool for building deep mathematical understanding in upper elementary as well. In this session, participants will explore how hands-on materials like play-doh, Magna-Tiles, and magnetic blocks can support conceptual learning in grades 4–6.
Through real classroom examples and practical strategies, teachers will learn how to help students move from concrete models to abstract thinking while increasing engagement and confidence in math. This session is ideal for upper elementary and middle school teachers looking to go beyond procedures and strengthen true understanding.

Presenters

Courtney Cunningham

Teacher, Rosinton Elementary

I am a sixth-grade math teacher at Rosinton Elementary School in Baldwin County, Alabama. I am passionate about creating engaging, student-centered learning experiences that combine collaboration, technology, and real-world problem solving. I am currently pursuing advanced studies... Read More →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 20

Math

Level Elementary Teachers, Middle Teachers, Special Education

1:00pm CDT

Maximizing Intervention Periods with Student Data to Improve Academic Achievement

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT

Room 20

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

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 →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 20

Data Leadership PLCs

Level Administrators, Central Office, Counselors

Gulf Regional Innovative Teaching Conference - GRITC 2026

9:00am CDT

Brittany Antinarella

11:00am CDT

Monica Shaner

12:00pm CDT

Courtney Cunningham

1:00pm CDT

Monica Shaner

Zachary Wenzel

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