Gulf Regional Innovative Teaching Conference

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9:00am CDT

The Librarian’s Secret Stash: Meeting Standards with Picture Books

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

Join a school librarian for a deep dive into the stacks! Discover how to leverage the library's most versatile tools, picture books, to target rigorous state standards. You’ll leave with a librarian-curated book list and a suite of lesson blueprints designed to make your state standards shine through visual storytelling.

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 →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Room 207

ELA Reading

Level Elementary Teachers, Librarians

10:00am CDT

Where to Begin with National Board Certification

Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT

Room 207

Are you ready for the ups, downs, thrills, and chills of becoming an NBCT? Join us for an informative session on the National Board Certification process. This session will cover key aspects of the program, its benefits, and practical tips for success.

Presenters

Jaime Tillman

Curriculum Leader, Daphne Middle School

Jacquelyn Wilson

Library Media Specialist, Stonebridge Elementary

Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 207

Continuing Education Professionalism

Level All Teachers, Career Tech Teachers, Counselors, Librarians, Special Education

11:00am CDT

F.A.M.I.L.Y. - Fair Access, Meaningful Inclusion, Leadership, and You (Belonging)

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

Room 207

The goal of this research-informed session is to introduce Nancy Schlossberg’s concepts of marginality and mattering through demonstrating how they can transform K-12 practice for Hispanic (ELL) and African American Students. These concepts are crucial for understanding how people adapt and thrive in environments. Participants will learn accessible definitions of marginality and mattering and why they matter for student engagement, identity, and achievement. Furthermore, we will examine common classroom and school level indicators of marginality for Spanish speaking ELL’s, and black students through short case studies and reflect on how this looks in our schools. Lastly, the goal is to explore evidence-based strategies teachers, assistant principals, and supervisors can implement immediately to increase students’ sense of mattering such as family engagement practices, targeted mentoring, and peer network interventions.

Presenters

Sharrell Edmond

Assistant Principal, Foley High School

Sharrell Edmond is a native of Mobile, Al. She is a proud graduate of Auburn University. While on the plains, she was able to obtain both a B.A. in Spanish and a B.A. in Theatre. She returned to Mobile where she began her teaching career with MCPSS teaching both Spanish and theatre... Read More →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 207

Behavior Community Building ELL

Level Administrators, All Teachers, 504 Coordinators, Counselors, Special Education

12:00pm CDT

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

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

Room 207

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 207

Math

Level Elementary Teachers, Middle Teachers, Special Education

1:00pm CDT

The Essential Teacher Tech Toolbox

Wednesday July 15, 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