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Monday, July 13
 

8:00am CDT

AMSTI K-2 Choral Counting & Counting Collections
Monday July 13, 2026 8:00am - 11:00am CDT
Room D - 9th Grade Academy
This 3-hour session focuses on the development of an understanding of numbers, and
providing the foundation for understanding place value. Participants will participate in
counting routines and explore one-to-one correspondence, rote count sequence,
counting on, cardinality, subitizing, and their implications in K-5 mathematics
classrooms.
Presenters
avatar for Jennifer Fagerstrom

Jennifer Fagerstrom

AMSTI K-5 Math Mentoring Specialist, AMSTI
I am passionate about building educator confidence, strengthening instructional systems, and ensuring all students experience meaningful mathematics learning. My career has progressed from classroom teacher to building-based math coach to multi-district mathematics specialist, giving... Read More →
Monday July 13, 2026 8:00am - 11:00am CDT
Room D - 9th Grade Academy
  Math

8:00am CDT

AMSTI K-5 Math Alabama Course of Study Training
Monday July 13, 2026 8:00am - 11:00am CDT
Room B - 9th Grade Academy
K-5 Mathematics Foundational Training session is a pre requisite for this session. This
3-hour session is a dive into the Alabama 2019 Course of Study: Mathematics where
participants will explore the conceptual framework of the ALCOS (four critical
components: Position Statements, Student Math Practices, Math Teaching Practices,
and the Alabama Content Standards). Participants will become familiar with the
structure of the ALCOS, discover themes and learning progressions, and uncover
connections and relationships between components that are critical for effective
elementary mathematics instruction.
Presenters
avatar for Candyce Tracy

Candyce Tracy

AMSTI K-5 Math Mentoring Specialist, AMSTI
Monday July 13, 2026 8:00am - 11:00am CDT
Room B - 9th Grade Academy
  Math

8:00am CDT

AMSTI K-5 Math Foundations Training
Monday July 13, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Room C - 9th Grade Academy
This 1-day session is a prerequisite for AMSTI K-5 math content area trainings. It
focuses on an overview of pedagogical strategies, the student and teacher math
practices, and the power of collective teacher efficacy. Participants will analyze
evidence of student understanding to inform planning of next instructional steps.
Presenters
avatar for Brooke Love

Brooke Love

AMSTI K-5 Math Mentoring Specialist, AMSTI
Monday July 13, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Room C - 9th Grade Academy
  Math

8:00am CDT

AMSTI NUMBERS 3-5 Fractions and Decimals (Day 1 of 3)
Monday July 13, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Room A - 9th Grade Academy
*Note: If you enroll in this session, you must attend ALL 3 full days of the sessions to receive credit.

This 3-day module focuses on fractional equivalence, fraction magnitude, operations, and the connection between fractional and decimal representation, and operations with decimals. Days 1 and 2 will highlight fractions and day 3 will highlight decimals.
Presenters
AR

Andrea Robinson

AMSTI Mentoring Specialist, AMSTI
Position at Company ABC.
avatar for Becky Soumeillan

Becky Soumeillan

AMSTI Mentoring Specialist, AMSTI
Monday July 13, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Room A - 9th Grade Academy
  Math

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
avatar for Teressa Rocker

Teressa Rocker

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

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
avatar for Sherry Rainbolt

Sherry Rainbolt

Prevention and Support Supervisor, Central Office Staff
Monday July 13, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 254
  Behavior

10:00am CDT

Canva Essentials Skills
Monday July 13, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 251
Join our workshop to build confidence using Canva in your classroom. Learn how to navigate the Home screen, find and use templates, and share activities. We will dive into the Canva editor and explore tips and tricks to level up your designs. You’ll get hands-on experience using elements, animation, and more. Please bring your laptop for some hands-on learning!
Presenters
avatar for Sasha Goman

Sasha Goman

Canva Learning Consultant, Canva Education
Sasha is a Canva Learning Consultant, and she is a former secondary education teacher. She has a master's degree in Teacher Leadership from Northwestern University, where she studied professional development and coaching. She is excited to help teachers create more engaging and dynamic... Read More →
Monday July 13, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 251
  Community Engagement   Professionalism

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
avatar for Destinie Thomas

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

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
avatar for Jacquelyn Wilson

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

10:00am CDT

Focused on Improving Engineering Designs
Monday July 13, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 91
Students regularly engage in the engineering design process to solve problems, but with time constraints, we can rush through the testing and improving phases. This session will use hands-on experiences to see how you can engage students in testing and refining prototypes during EDP challenges. We will also connect to cross curricular subjects such as writing prompts and math solutions.
Presenters
avatar for Laura Ruth Hunter

Laura Ruth Hunter

STEAM Teacher, J Larry Newton Elementary
Monday July 13, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 91
  STEM/STEAM

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
avatar for Joyce Garrison

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 →
avatar for Nancy Timmons

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

10:00am CDT

From Grip to Growth: Fine Motor Skills that Power Classroom Success in K-1
Monday July 13, 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Room 268
Fine motor development is a critical foundation for writing, independence, and overall classroom success in primary grades. Research shows a strong correlation between fine motor skills and various aspects of language and cognitive development, highlighting their significance in early education. Additionally, proficient handwriting is linked to later academic achievement, underscoring the importance of nurturing fine motor skills throughout childhood. Participants will explore developmentally appropriate, classroom-ready activities that strengthen hand muscles, improve pencil control, and build coordination—all using materials commonly found in primary classrooms. Teachers will leave with practical strategies they can implement immediately to support young learners in building the fine motor strength and confidence they need for success.
Presenters
MB

Mandi Boyd

Hand2Mind Rep, Hand2Mind
KB

Kayla Benak

Hand2Mind Educational Consultant, Hand2Mind
Monday July 13, 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Room 268
  ELA   Math

10:00am CDT

Math Talk That Works: Building Language into Every Math Lesson in K-6
Monday July 13, 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Room 20
English learners have to juggle learning math and a new language at the same time. In this session, we’ll look at easy, practical ways to weave language supports into your daily math routines using the WIDA language standards. Walk away with ready-to-use strategies and examples to boost both math and language learning.
Presenters
avatar for Danielle White

Danielle White

ALSDE ESL Education Specialist, ALSDE ESL Department, Region 10
Monday July 13, 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Room 20
  ELL   Math

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
avatar for Stacey Tatum

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

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
avatar for Jacquelyn Wilson

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 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 207
  Community Building   eMINTS   Health/ Wellness   Technology

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
avatar for Destinie Thomas

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 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 92
  ELA   ELL   Math   Science   Social Studies

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
avatar for Lance Lewis

Lance Lewis

Supervisor Registrar and SIS Operations, Other
Monday July 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 28
  Technology

11:00am CDT

K-6 Math Evidence Based Practice #1: Systematic Instruction
Monday July 13, 2026 11:00am - 12:50pm CDT
Room 270
Join the the Office of Mathematics Improvement to take a dive into Evidence Based Practice #1, Systematic Instruction. Unlock the power of Systematic Instruction! Learn how clear goals, sequenced steps, scaffolds, and timely feedback boost student success. Walk away with practical tools and fresh ideas to energize your teaching!
Presenters
avatar for Connie Arnold

Connie Arnold

OMI Region 10 Coordinator, Office of Mathematics Improvement
Connie Arnold is the Regional Coordinator for the Office of Mathematics Improvement (OMI) at the Alabama State Department of Education. With over 15 years of experience in education, she has served as a classroom teacher, librarian, and Secondary Math Specialist with the Alabama... Read More →
Monday July 13, 2026 11:00am - 12:50pm CDT
Room 270
  Math

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
avatar for Sarah Nisewonger

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 →
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Monday July 13, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 16
  Community Building   ELA   eMINTS   Math   Reading   Science   Social Studies   STEM/STEAM   Technology

12:00pm CDT

Math in Action - Kagan Engagement
Monday July 13, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 91
My session is geared toward K-6 BCBE teachers. I will share how I use Kagan engagement strategies in the kindergarten classroom. The presentation will include several examples of math instruction as well as ways to incorporate the engagement strategies in ELA.
Presenters
SM

Stephanie Merritt

Kindergarten Teacher, Belforest Elementary
Monday July 13, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 91
  ELA   Math

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
avatar for Timothy Johnson

Timothy Johnson

Regional Technology Specialist, Alabama Technology in Motion, Region 10
avatar for Angela Clark

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

12:00pm CDT

AMSTI 3-5 Counting Collections and Choral Counting
Monday July 13, 2026 12:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Room D - 9th Grade Academy
In this ½ day session participants will discuss the importance of counting and how fundamental it is to learning mathematics in elementary school. It is the basis upon which operations with whole numbers, estimation, and algebraic thinking build. Through the powerful instructional routines of Choral Counting and Counting Collections,
students are engaged in rich mathematics, which can be utilized to pursue a broad range of mathematical goals throughout the upper grades in elementary school. By increasing the magnitude of the counting collection or by including packaged items, students can explore several mathematical concepts and develop a deep, conceptual understanding of quantity. The math routines in this professional learning are tailored for grades 3-5.
Presenters
avatar for Jennifer Fagerstrom

Jennifer Fagerstrom

AMSTI K-5 Math Mentoring Specialist, AMSTI
I am passionate about building educator confidence, strengthening instructional systems, and ensuring all students experience meaningful mathematics learning. My career has progressed from classroom teacher to building-based math coach to multi-district mathematics specialist, giving... Read More →
Monday July 13, 2026 12:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Room D - 9th Grade Academy
  Math

12:00pm CDT

AMSTI K-5 Math Alabama Course of Study Training
Monday July 13, 2026 12:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Room B - 9th Grade Academy
K-5 Mathematics Foundational Training session is a pre requisite for this session. This
3-hour session is a dive into the Alabama 2019 Course of Study: Mathematics where
participants will explore the conceptual framework of the ALCOS (four critical
components: Position Statements, Student Math Practices, Math Teaching Practices,
and the Alabama Content Standards). Participants will become familiar with the
structure of the ALCOS, discover themes and learning progressions, and uncover
connections and relationships between components that are critical for effective
elementary mathematics instruction.
Presenters
avatar for Candyce Tracy

Candyce Tracy

AMSTI K-5 Math Mentoring Specialist, AMSTI
Monday July 13, 2026 12:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Room B - 9th Grade Academy
  Math

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
avatar for Jacquelyn Wilson

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 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 207
  Artificial Intelligence   Digital Citizenship   Technology

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
avatar for William Bryant

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

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
avatar for Stacey Tatum

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 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 16
  Community Building   Community Engagement   Technology

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
avatar for Destinie Thomas

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 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 92
  ELA   ELL   Math   Science   Social Studies   Technology

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
avatar for Joyce Garrison

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 →
avatar for Nancy Timmons

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 1:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 45 - Art Room
  Arts   ELA   Math   Science   Social Studies   STEM/STEAM

1:00pm CDT

K-6 Math Evidence Based Practice #2: Multimodal Instruction
Monday July 13, 2026 1:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 270
Join the the Office of Mathematics Improvement to take a dive into Evidence Based Practice #1, Multimodal Instruction. Make math meaningful with Multimodal Instruction! Use hands-on tools, visuals, symbols, and talk to support all learners. Help students deepen their understanding and apply math in real-world ways.
Presenters
avatar for Connie Arnold

Connie Arnold

OMI Region 10 Coordinator, Office of Mathematics Improvement
Connie Arnold is the Regional Coordinator for the Office of Mathematics Improvement (OMI) at the Alabama State Department of Education. With over 15 years of experience in education, she has served as a classroom teacher, librarian, and Secondary Math Specialist with the Alabama... Read More →
Monday July 13, 2026 1:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 270
  Math

1:00pm CDT

From Grip to Growth: Fine Motor Skills that Power Classroom Success in K-1
Monday July 13, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Room 268
Fine motor development is a critical foundation for writing, independence, and overall classroom success in primary grades. Research shows a strong correlation between fine motor skills and various aspects of language and cognitive development, highlighting their significance in early education. Additionally, proficient handwriting is linked to later academic achievement, underscoring the importance of nurturing fine motor skills throughout childhood. Participants will explore developmentally appropriate, classroom-ready activities that strengthen hand muscles, improve pencil control, and build coordination—all using materials commonly found in primary classrooms. Teachers will leave with practical strategies they can implement immediately to support young learners in building the fine motor strength and confidence they need for success.
Presenters
MB

Mandi Boyd

Hand2Mind Rep, Hand2Mind
KB

Kayla Benak

Hand2Mind Educational Consultant, Hand2Mind
Monday July 13, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Room 268
  ELA   Math

1:00pm CDT

Math Language Traps for English Language Learners in K-6
Monday July 13, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Room 20
English learners have to juggle learning math and a new language at the same time. In this session, participants will look at math tasks through the lens of language traps. Teachers will learn practical strategies for identifying and addressing a number of hidden barriers that interfere with an English learner’s ability to access the task and demonstrate their understanding.
Presenters
avatar for Danielle White

Danielle White

ALSDE ESL Education Specialist, ALSDE ESL Department, Region 10
Monday July 13, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Room 20
  ELL   Math

2:00pm CDT

Kagan Meets AI: Cooperative Learning in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Monday July 13, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 3
Artificial intelligence tools are quickly becoming part of today’s classrooms—but how do we ensure students remain active thinkers rather than passive consumers? This session explores how educators can combine AI tools with Kagan Cooperative Learning structures to increase engagement, collaboration, and critical thinking. Participants will experience practical classroom activities where AI helps generate prompts, discussion topics, and review questions that students process through cooperative structures. Walk away with ready-to-use ideas for blending emerging technology with proven instructional strategies.
Presenters
avatar for Makenzie Cunningham

Makenzie Cunningham

Instructional Coach, Rosinton Elementary
Makenzie Cunningham is an instructional coach at Rosinton with 11 years of experience in education. She has taught second, third, and fourth grades, as well as special education for pre-K through first grade. Makenzie has completed both Kagan Coaching and Instructional Coaching certifications... Read More →
Monday July 13, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 3
  Artificial Intelligence   Community Engagement

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
avatar for Jenny McAllister

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

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
avatar for Stacey Tatum

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 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 16
  Differentiation   ELA   Math   Reading   Science   Social Studies

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
avatar for Destinie Thomas

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 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 92
  Digital Citizenship   ELA   ELL   Math   Science   Social Studies   Technology
 
Tuesday, July 14
 

8:00am CDT

K-1 Navigating Numeracy Learning Progression Math Centers
Tuesday July 14, 2026 8:00am - 11:00am CDT
Room 20
This session is for Kindergarten and 1st grade teachers ONLY.

Join Sue O’Connell, author of Math in Practice and creator of the Navigating Numeracy Learning Progression Centers to explore a variety of engaging, hands-on tasks that elevate math practice from worksheets to games and interactive activities. Discover how carefully-crafted centers help your students master their priority standards related to numbers and operations. See how grade-specific center tasks can reinforce foundational skills, encourage strategic thinking, and support all learners in developing confidence with numbers. During this session, you will engage in a variety of math centers and each participant will receive a set of Navigating Numeracy center tasks to use with students in their classrooms following the session.

K-1 teachers who attend this session will receive a copy of the Print Pack of the Navigating Numeracy Centers for their grade level. These will be ordered and delivered following the training to ensure you receive the appropriate materials for your grade. Manipulatives will not be included, only the print materials.
Presenters
avatar for Sue O'Connell

Sue O'Connell

Hand2Mind Educational Specialist, Hand2Mind
Sue O’Connell has years of experience as an elementary classroom teacher, math coach, and math speaker/consultant. Sue is the lead author of Heinemann’s Math in Practice series (2016), Math by the Book series (2021), and numerous other professional books that support the teac... Read More →
Tuesday July 14, 2026 8:00am - 11:00am CDT
Room 20
  Math

8:00am CDT

AMSTI 4-5 NUMBERS: Decimals (Completion of Day 3)
Tuesday July 14, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Room B - 9th Grade Academy
**Note: This session is a second part to the 4-5 AMSTI NUMBERS Fractions and Decimals sessions that were offered during the school year. Since those sessions did not get to the decimals component, this session will focus on decimals.

This 1 day module focuses on the connection between fractional and decimal representations and operations with decimals.
Presenters
avatar for Candyce Tracy

Candyce Tracy

AMSTI K-5 Math Mentoring Specialist, AMSTI
avatar for Kristi Ellard

Kristi Ellard

AMSTI K-5 Math Specialist, AMSTI

Tuesday July 14, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Room B - 9th Grade Academy
  Math

8:00am CDT

AMSTI K-2 Geometry
Tuesday July 14, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Room C - 9th Grade Academy
**Note: AMSTI Math Foundations Training (K-5 or 6-12) is a REQUIRED prerequisite to be able to attend and participate in this course.

This one-day session focuses on identifying, analyzing, composing, and decomposing
shapes and laying the foundation for early fractional reasoning in K-2. Participants will
learn that geometry in K-2 is much more than identifying shapes as they explore the
learning progressions related to geometric reasoning, discover the power of purposeful
geometry experiences in the classroom, discuss strategies to incorporate geometry
into the full academic year, and analyze evidence of students understanding to inform
planning of next instructional steps.
Presenters
avatar for Brooke Love

Brooke Love

AMSTI K-5 Math Mentoring Specialist, AMSTI
Tuesday July 14, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Room C - 9th Grade Academy
  Math

8:00am CDT

AMSTI K-5 Math Foundations Training
Tuesday July 14, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Room D - 9th Grade Academy
This 1-day session is a prerequisite for AMSTI K-5 math content area trainings. It
focuses on an overview of pedagogical strategies, the student and teacher math
practices, and the power of collective teacher efficacy. Participants will analyze
evidence of student understanding to inform planning of next instructional steps.
Presenters
avatar for Jaymie Gregg

Jaymie Gregg

AMSTI K-5 Math Mentoring Specialist, AMSTI
Tuesday July 14, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Room D - 9th Grade Academy
  Math

8:00am CDT

AMSTI NUMBERS 3-5 Fractions and Decimals (Day 2 of 3)
Tuesday July 14, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Room A - 9th Grade Academy
*Note: If you enroll in this session, you must attend ALL 3 full days of the sessions to receive credit.

This 3-day module focuses on fractional equivalence, fraction magnitude, operations, and the connection between fractional and decimal representation, and operations with decimals. Days 1 and 2 will highlight fractions and day 3 will highlight decimals.
Presenters
AR

Andrea Robinson

AMSTI Mentoring Specialist, AMSTI
Position at Company ABC.
avatar for Becky Soumeillan

Becky Soumeillan

AMSTI Mentoring Specialist, AMSTI
Tuesday July 14, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Room A - 9th Grade Academy
  Math

9:00am CDT

You Can't Teach A Nervous System That's On Fire: Understanding Student Dysregulation in the Age of Social Media
Tuesday July 14, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Library
Something has shifted in our classrooms. Educators across grade levels and subject areas are reporting the same thing: students who cannot focus, cannot regulate, cannot tolerate uncertainty, and cannot connect the way they once could. And most professional development has responded by adding more — more curriculum, more programs, more policy, more things for already-exhausted educators to implement.

This session takes a different approach entirely.

You Can't Teach a Nervous System That's On Fire is a deep, honest, and surprisingly hopeful look at what is actually happening to the students sitting in our classrooms — through the lens of neuroscience, social media research, and the realities of growing up in an era of unprecedented collective overwhelm.

Participants will leave with:

A clear, accessible understanding of how chronic social media consumption is affecting the adolescent nervous system

The ability to recognize and reframe specific student behaviors through a neurological lens — transforming how they see and respond to their most challenging students

Practical, evidence-informed strategies to support student regulation that require no new budget and no additional programs

Language and tools to share with parents navigating these same challenges at home

This is not a session about blaming phones, diagnosing students, or adding to anyone's workload. It is a session about understanding — because when you truly understand what you are looking at, everything about how you show up changes.

And that changes what is possible in the room.
Presenters
avatar for Kristi Bush

Kristi Bush

Keynote Speaker, Social Media Safety Educator, KNB Communications
Kristi Bush serves as a national education consultant and social media safety advocate. She is a licensed social worker with greater than 20 years of clinical practice and health care experience. She attended Troy and Auburn University where she studied social work and counseling... Read More →
Tuesday July 14, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Library
  Assessment   Behavior   Community Building   Community Engagement   Digital Citizenship   Google   Health/ Wellness   Leadership   Professionalism   Safety   Technology

9:00am CDT

Canva Essentials Skills
Tuesday July 14, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Room 251
Join our workshop to build confidence using Canva in your classroom. Learn how to navigate the Home screen, find and use templates, and share activities. We will dive into the Canva editor and explore tips and tricks to level up your designs. You’ll get hands-on experience using elements, animation, and more. Please bring your laptop for some hands-on learning!
Presenters
avatar for Sasha Goman

Sasha Goman

Canva Learning Consultant, Canva Education
Sasha is a Canva Learning Consultant, and she is a former secondary education teacher. She has a master's degree in Teacher Leadership from Northwestern University, where she studied professional development and coaching. She is excited to help teachers create more engaging and dynamic... Read More →
Tuesday July 14, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Room 251
  Community Engagement   Professionalism

9:00am CDT

Interact Differently: Reimagining Teaching with Interactive Displays & Digital Signage
Tuesday July 14, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Room 93
Today’s classrooms require more than just a display — they require tools that actively engage students, support teachers, and create more dynamic learning environments. In this session, educators will explore how interactive displays and digital signage can transform the way teaching and learning happen in the classroom and across campus. Attendees will walk away with practical tips, creative classroom use cases, and simple strategies for using built-in tools from Clear Touch to increase collaboration, participation, and instructional impact.
Presenters
avatar for Madison Hunt

Madison Hunt

Account Manager, Clear Touch

Tuesday July 14, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Room 93
  CTE   Data   Math   PLCs   Reading   Robotics   Science   Social Studies   Technology

9:00am CDT

MagicSchool Teacher Level 2: Level Up Your AI-Powered Teaching
Tuesday July 14, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am 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
avatar for Destinie Thomas

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 →
Tuesday July 14, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Room 92
  ELA   ELL   Math   Reading   Science   Social Studies

9:00am CDT

K-6 Math Evidence Based Practice #3: Mathematical Language
Tuesday July 14, 2026 9:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 270
Join the the Office of Mathematics Improvement to take a dive into Evidence Based Practice #3, Mathematical Language. Build math language & understanding! Learn how to use visuals, manipulatives, and rich discourse to boost comprehension and confidence. Walk away with ready-to-use strategies to make math meaningful and accessible for all learners.
Presenters
avatar for Connie Arnold

Connie Arnold

OMI Region 10 Coordinator, Office of Mathematics Improvement
Connie Arnold is the Regional Coordinator for the Office of Mathematics Improvement (OMI) at the Alabama State Department of Education. With over 15 years of experience in education, she has served as a classroom teacher, librarian, and Secondary Math Specialist with the Alabama... Read More →
Tuesday July 14, 2026 9:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 270
  Math

10:00am CDT

MagicSchool Teacher Level 3: Transform Your Practice with Advanced AI Workflows
Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 92
Take your MagicSchool expertise to the next level. In this advanced session, educators will learn how to build and refine powerful, repeatable workflows that drive deeper learning, personalization, and efficiency across their practice. Explore strategic use cases for data-informed instruction, complex differentiation, and cross-role collaboration. Walk away ready to lead, model, and scale high-impact MagicSchool use across your school or district.
Presenters
avatar for Destinie Thomas

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 →
Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 92
  ELA   ELL   Math   Science   Social Studies   Technology

10:00am CDT

PowerSchool SIS Incidents
Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 28
Manage and track student incidents with ease using Simple.
Presenters
avatar for Lance Lewis

Lance Lewis

Supervisor Registrar and SIS Operations, Other
Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 28
  Technology

10:00am CDT

Tie Dye - Good Vibes
Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 45 - Art Room
Learn to Tie Dye! Make and take your very own original tie dye!
This is great session for teacher teams, field trips, clubs, field day grade colors, or just a reward for the students you love!
Tie-Dye a class or the whole school!
We will show you how easy it is to set up and have PEACE that it's something everyone can accomplish with fun success!!

Please bring ONE 100% cotton T-shirt and drop in the bucket of solution that morning before you go to the other wonderful sessions,
so it will be ready for you to create your colorful creation!
Presenters
avatar for Joyce Garrison

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 →
avatar for Nancy Timmons

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 →
Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 45 - Art Room
  Arts   STEM/STEAM

11:00am CDT

5 Ways to Get Students Involved in a Cooperative Team
Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 214
Using cooperative learning in the classroom can be a challenge! Let’s break this down and discuss specific steps and examples that keep team members involved and working positively towards your lesson goals.
Presenters
avatar for Doug Caldwell

Doug Caldwell

Instructional Specialist, eMINTS
Inspiring education with digital learning!
Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 214
  Community Building   Community Engagement   eMINTS

11:00am CDT

Unlocking Meaning: From the Word Level and Beyond
Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 267
This professional learning session is designed to support educators in understanding how meaning is constructed across multiple levels of reading – from the word and beyond. This session highlights the role of oral language, vocabulary, and background knowledge in supporting students’ ability to make meaning at the word, phrase, sentence, and paragraph levels. Educators will engage in practical strategies that demonstrate how these components work together to strengthen reading comprehension. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to intentionally connect instruction at all levels, ensuring that literacy practices support all learners in becoming meaning-focused readers.
Presenters
avatar for Jennifer Alberstadt

Jennifer Alberstadt

Regional Literacy Specialist, Alabama Reading Initiative
avatar for Amy Barker

Amy Barker

Regional Literacy Specialist, Alabama Reading Initiative



Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 267
  ELA   Reading

11:00am CDT

K-6 Math Evidence Based Practice #4: Assessment and Feedback
Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:00am - 12:50pm CDT
Room 270
Join the the Office of Mathematics Improvement to take a dive into Evidence Based Practice #4, Assessment and Feedback. Turn feedback into a game-changer! Learn how to use it as a tool for student ownership, motivation, and growth. Walk away with strategies to make feedback meaningful and impactful in your classroom.
Presenters
avatar for Connie Arnold

Connie Arnold

OMI Region 10 Coordinator, Office of Mathematics Improvement
Connie Arnold is the Regional Coordinator for the Office of Mathematics Improvement (OMI) at the Alabama State Department of Education. With over 15 years of experience in education, she has served as a classroom teacher, librarian, and Secondary Math Specialist with the Alabama... Read More →
Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:00am - 12:50pm CDT
Room 270
  Math

12:00pm CDT

Sugar and Spice...Not Always Nice: Understanding and Addressing Relational Aggression in Girls
Tuesday July 14, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm 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
avatar for Sherry Rainbolt

Sherry Rainbolt

Prevention and Support Supervisor, Central Office Staff
Tuesday July 14, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 254
  Behavior

12:00pm CDT

Collaboration over Chaos: Simple Systems for Powerful Group Leanring
Tuesday July 14, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 16
Effective collaboration does not happen by chance — it is intentionally designed through structured routines, purposeful tasks, and a classroom culture that values student thinking.

Participants will experience collaborative structures from a learner perspective and examine practical systems that support productive group work, including flexible grouping methods, role development, formative monitoring strategies, and reflection protocols.
Presenters
avatar for Annie Freeman

Annie Freeman

Curriculum Leader, Robertsdale High School
Tuesday July 14, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 16
  Behavior   Community Building   eMINTS

12:00pm CDT

Big Feelings, Big Behaviors: Helping Students Reset in K–6
Tuesday July 14, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 19
Big feelings. Big behaviors. Real solutions.

If you’ve ever felt your classroom shift in seconds from calm to chaos, this session is for you. Join us for an energizing, no-fluff deep dive into how to confidently handle escalating behaviors without power struggles, shutdowns, or lost learning time.

You’ll learn how to catch the early warning signs before things blow up, use game-changing de-escalation language that actually works, and put proactive strategies in place that help students regulate and refocus. Built for K–6 educators, this session is packed with real talk, real strategies, and ready-to-use teacher scripts you can take back and use immediately.

Walk in curious—leave feeling confident, equipped, and ready to take back your classroom.
Presenters
avatar for Angela Hurst

Angela Hurst

K3 Project Success Teacher, Pine Grove Elementary

I am a dedicated educator with 22 years of experience teaching 3rd and 4th grade. I currently serve as a Project Success Teacher, where I work closely with Tier 3 behavior intervention students to support their growth and success. I’m a proud wife to David and mom to DJ and Zach... Read More →
SM

Savanah Miller

Special Education Teacher

Tuesday July 14, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 19
  Behavior   Differentiation   Safety

12:00pm CDT

Not One More Thing: Embedding Kagan Structures Into Instruction
Tuesday July 14, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 3
Teachers often feel overwhelmed by new strategies layered on top of existing expectations. What if engagement didn’t require adding one more thing to your plate? In this interactive session, participants will learn how Kagan cooperative learning structures can replace traditional instructional routines within lessons. Discover simple “structure swaps” that transform lecture, questioning, and practice into highly engaging learning experiences. Teachers will leave with practical strategies that increase participation and accountability—without increasing planning time.
Presenters
avatar for Makenzie Cunningham

Makenzie Cunningham

Instructional Coach, Rosinton Elementary
Makenzie Cunningham is an instructional coach at Rosinton with 11 years of experience in education. She has taught second, third, and fourth grades, as well as special education for pre-K through first grade. Makenzie has completed both Kagan Coaching and Instructional Coaching certifications... Read More →
Tuesday July 14, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 3
  Community Engagement   ELA   Math   Reading   Science   Social Studies

12:00pm CDT

MagicSchool Student Level 1: Getting Started with AI for Learning
Tuesday July 14, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm 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
avatar for Destinie Thomas

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 →
Tuesday July 14, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 92
  ELA   ELL   Math   Science   Social Studies   Technology

12:00pm CDT

2-3 Navigating Numeracy Learning Progression Math Centers
Tuesday July 14, 2026 12:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Room 20
This session is for 2nd and 3rd grade teachers ONLY.

Join Sue O’Connell, author of Math in Practice and creator of the Navigating Numeracy Learning Progression Centers to explore a variety of engaging, hands-on tasks that elevate math practice from worksheets to games and interactive activities. Discover how carefully-crafted centers help your students master their priority standards related to numbers and operations. See how grade-specific center tasks can reinforce foundational skills, encourage strategic thinking, and support all learners in developing confidence with numbers. During this session, you will engage in a variety of math centers and each participant will receive a set of Navigating Numeracy center tasks to use with students in their classrooms following the session.

2-3 teachers who attend this session will receive a copy of the Print Pack of the Navigating Numeracy Centers for their grade level. These will be ordered and delivered following the training to ensure you receive the appropriate materials for your grade. Manipulatives will not be included, only the print materials.
Presenters
avatar for Sue O'Connell

Sue O'Connell

Hand2Mind Educational Specialist, Hand2Mind
Sue O’Connell has years of experience as an elementary classroom teacher, math coach, and math speaker/consultant. Sue is the lead author of Heinemann’s Math in Practice series (2016), Math by the Book series (2021), and numerous other professional books that support the teac... Read More →
Tuesday July 14, 2026 12:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Room 20
  Math

1:00pm CDT

MagicSchool Student Level 2: Deeper Learning with AI-Powered Support
Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm 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
avatar for Destinie Thomas

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 →
Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 92
  Digital Citizenship   ELA   ELL   Math   Science   Social Studies   Technology

1:00pm CDT

Tie Dye - Good Vibes
Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 45 - Art Room
Learn to Tie Dye! Make and take your very own original tie dye!
This is great session for teacher teams, field trips, clubs, field day grade colors, or just a reward for the students you love! A class or the whole school! We will show you how easy it is to set up and have PEACE that it's something everyone can accomplish with fun success!!
Presenters
avatar for Joyce Garrison

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 →
avatar for Nancy Timmons

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 →
Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 45 - Art Room
  Arts   STEM/STEAM

2:00pm CDT

Unlocking Meaning: From the Word Level and Beyond
Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 267
This professional learning session is designed to support educators in understanding how meaning is constructed across multiple levels of reading – from the word and beyond. This session highlights the role of oral language, vocabulary, and background knowledge in supporting students’ ability to make meaning at the word, phrase, sentence, and paragraph levels. Educators will engage in practical strategies that demonstrate how these components work together to strengthen reading comprehension. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to intentionally connect instruction at all levels, ensuring that literacy practices support all learners in becoming meaning-focused readers.
Presenters
avatar for Jennifer Alberstadt

Jennifer Alberstadt

Regional Literacy Specialist, Alabama Reading Initiative
avatar for Amy Barker

Amy Barker

Regional Literacy Specialist, Alabama Reading Initiative



Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 267
  ELA   Reading
 
Wednesday, July 15
 

8:00am CDT

AMSTI K-5 Math Alabama Course of Study Training
Wednesday July 15, 2026 8:00am - 11:00am CDT
Room B - 9th Grade Academy
K-5 Mathematics Foundational Training session is a pre requisite for this session. This
3-hour session is a dive into the Alabama 2019 Course of Study: Mathematics where
participants will explore the conceptual framework of the ALCOS (four critical
components: Position Statements, Student Math Practices, Math Teaching Practices,
and the Alabama Content Standards). Participants will become familiar with the
structure of the ALCOS, discover themes and learning progressions, and uncover
connections and relationships between components that are critical for effective
elementary mathematics instruction.
Presenters
avatar for Jennifer Fagerstrom

Jennifer Fagerstrom

AMSTI K-5 Math Mentoring Specialist, AMSTI
I am passionate about building educator confidence, strengthening instructional systems, and ensuring all students experience meaningful mathematics learning. My career has progressed from classroom teacher to building-based math coach to multi-district mathematics specialist, giving... Read More →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 8:00am - 11:00am CDT
Room B - 9th Grade Academy
  Math

8:00am CDT

AMSTI 3-5 Measurement, Data, and Geometry
Wednesday July 15, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Room D - 9th Grade Academy
**Note: AMSTI Math Foundations (K-5 or 6-12) is a REQUIRED PREREQUISITE to attend and participate in this course.

This one-day session focuses on deepening conceptual knowledge through the use of
various models of representation for teaching and learning geometry, measurement,
and data analysis. Participants will engage in various activities that will build students'
understanding of geometry, measurement, and data analysis.
Presenters
avatar for Jaymie Gregg

Jaymie Gregg

AMSTI K-5 Math Mentoring Specialist, AMSTI
Wednesday July 15, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Room D - 9th Grade Academy
  Math

8:00am CDT

AMSTI NUMBERS 3-5 Fractions and Decimals (Day 3 of 3)
Wednesday July 15, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Room A - 9th Grade Academy
*Note: If you enroll in this session, you must attend ALL 3 full days of the sessions to receive credit.

This 3-day module focuses on fractional equivalence, fraction magnitude, operations, and the connection between fractional and decimal representation, and operations with decimals. Days 1 and 2 will highlight fractions and day 3 will highlight decimals.
Presenters
AR

Andrea Robinson

AMSTI Mentoring Specialist, AMSTI
Position at Company ABC.
avatar for Becky Soumeillan

Becky Soumeillan

AMSTI Mentoring Specialist, AMSTI
Wednesday July 15, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Room A - 9th Grade Academy
  Math

9:00am CDT

You Can't Teach A Nervous System That's On Fire: Understanding Student Dysregulation in the Age of Social Media
Wednesday July 15, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Library
Something has shifted in our classrooms. Educators across grade levels and subject areas are reporting the same thing: students who cannot focus, cannot regulate, cannot tolerate uncertainty, and cannot connect the way they once could. And most professional development has responded by adding more — more curriculum, more programs, more policy, more things for already-exhausted educators to implement.

This session takes a different approach entirely.

You Can't Teach a Nervous System That's On Fire is a deep, honest, and surprisingly hopeful look at what is actually happening to the students sitting in our classrooms — through the lens of neuroscience, social media research, and the realities of growing up in an era of unprecedented collective overwhelm.

Participants will leave with:

A clear, accessible understanding of how chronic social media consumption is affecting the adolescent nervous system

The ability to recognize and reframe specific student behaviors through a neurological lens — transforming how they see and respond to their most challenging students

Practical, evidence-informed strategies to support student regulation that require no new budget and no additional programs

Language and tools to share with parents navigating these same challenges at home

This is not a session about blaming phones, diagnosing students, or adding to anyone's workload. It is a session about understanding — because when you truly understand what you are looking at, everything about how you show up changes.

And that changes what is possible in the room.
Presenters
avatar for Kristi Bush

Kristi Bush

Keynote Speaker, Social Media Safety Educator, KNB Communications
Kristi Bush serves as a national education consultant and social media safety advocate. She is a licensed social worker with greater than 20 years of clinical practice and health care experience. She attended Troy and Auburn University where she studied social work and counseling... Read More →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Library
  Assessment   Behavior   Community Building   Community Engagement   Digital Citizenship   Google   Health/ Wellness   Leadership   Professionalism   Safety   Technology

9:00am CDT

Collaboration over Chaos: Simple Systems for Powerful Group Leanring
Wednesday July 15, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Room 252
Effective collaboration does not happen by chance — it is intentionally designed through structured routines, purposeful tasks, and a classroom culture that values student thinking.

Participants will experience collaborative structures from a learner perspective and examine practical systems that support productive group work, including flexible grouping methods, role development, formative monitoring strategies, and reflection protocols.
Presenters
avatar for Annie Freeman

Annie Freeman

Curriculum Leader, Robertsdale High School
Wednesday July 15, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Room 252
  Behavior   Community Building   eMINTS

9:00am CDT

Show Me The Money, We Up Next
Wednesday July 15, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am 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
avatar for William Bryant

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 →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Room 269
  Community Building   Community Engagement   Leadership   Professionalism

9:00am CDT

Class Bank: Building Responsibility Through Classroom Economics
Wednesday July 15, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Room 16
A classroom economy system can transform student motivation, responsibility, and financial literacy. This session introduces Class Bank, a structured classroom economy framework where students earn, save, and spend classroom currency while practicing real-world decision-making skills. Participants will learn how to implement and manage a classroom economy without adding extra workload.
Presenters
avatar for Stacey Tatum

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 →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Room 16
  Community Building   Community Engagement   Leadership   Technology

9:00am CDT

Interact Differently: Reimagining Teaching with Interactive Displays & Digital Signage
Wednesday July 15, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Room 93
Today’s classrooms require more than just a display — they require tools that actively engage students, support teachers, and create more dynamic learning environments. In this session, educators will explore how interactive displays and digital signage can transform the way teaching and learning happen in the classroom and across campus. Attendees will walk away with practical tips, creative classroom use cases, and simple strategies for using built-in tools from Clear Touch to increase collaboration, participation, and instructional impact.
Presenters
avatar for Madison Hunt

Madison Hunt

Account Manager, Clear Touch

Wednesday July 15, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Room 93
  CTE   Data   Math   PLCs   Reading   Robotics   Science   Social Studies   Technology

9:00am CDT

The Librarian’s Secret Stash: Meeting Standards with Picture Books
Wednesday July 15, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Room 207
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
avatar for Jacquelyn Wilson

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

9:00am CDT

Focused on Improving
Wednesday July 15, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Room 91
Students regularly engage in the engineering design process to solve problems, but with time constraints, we can rush through the testing and improving phases. This session will use hands-on experiences to see how you can engage students in testing and refining prototypes during EPD challenges. We will also connect to cross curricular subjects such as writing prompts and math solutions.
Presenters
avatar for Laura Ruth Hunter

Laura Ruth Hunter

STEAM Teacher, J Larry Newton Elementary
Wednesday July 15, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Room 91
  STEM/STEAM

9:00am CDT

Illuminated Learning: Engaging Students with Blacklight Activities
Wednesday July 15, 2026 9:00am - 10:50am 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
avatar for Joyce Garrison

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 →
avatar for Nancy Timmons

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 →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 9:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 45 - Art Room
  Arts   ELA   Math   Science   Social Studies   STEM/STEAM

9:00am CDT

Concrete to Clear: Building Fraction & Decimal Understanding with Manipulatives in Grades 3-6
Wednesday July 15, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am CDT
Room 8
Develop fraction and decimal understanding in grades 3–6 through hands-on learning. This session explores how manipulatives help students visualize relationships, build connections between fractions and decimals, and develop flexible, conceptually grounded number sense beyond memorization. Teachers who attend this session will receive a 4-pack of the Hand2Mind Build-a-Grids to use in their classrooms.
Presenters
avatar for Angie Meredith-Ridgeway

Angie Meredith-Ridgeway

hand2mind Educational Specialist, hand2mind
I am passionate about mathematics education – especially at the elementary and middle school level.  As a previous awardee of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching, Georgia Roundtable Award for Excellence in Math Teaching, as well as the Award... Read More →
MB

Mandi Boyd

Hand2Mind Rep, Hand2Mind
Wednesday July 15, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am CDT
Room 8
  Math

10:00am CDT

Scaffolding for ELs with Easy-to-Implement Strategies & AI
Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 91
Teachers of English learners will walk away from this session with ideas for how to accommodate any level of English learner in their classrooms. We will examine the most common barriers to learning for ELs and how to easily bridge the gap between their native language and English for them to be successful in any content area class. Real-life examples of EL strategies from the teachers who use them every day will be shared. We will show you easy-to-use strategies, including the use of AI-produced scaffolds, to reach your English learners with equitable academic content.
Presenters
DF

Debbie Frey

Baldwin County Schools
avatar for Shay Stewart

Shay Stewart

ESL Resource Teacher, Daphne High School
I began my teaching career in Baldwin County as a French teacher at Robertsdale High School in 1993. Since 2002, I have been an ESL Resource Teacher. My passion is to support ELs in their language and content learning and to help teachers learn scaffolds that accommodate English learners... Read More →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 91
  Artificial Intelligence   Assessment   Differentiation   ELA   ELL

10:00am CDT

Big Feelings, Big Behaviors: Helping Students Reset in K–6
Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 19
Elementary teachers are increasingly encountering students who struggle to manage big emotions that lead to disruptive or escalating behaviors. This session will equip educators with practical, classroom-tested strategies to recognize early warning signs of escalation and respond with calm, effective techniques that help students reset while maintaining a productive learning environment.

Participants will explore the stages of behavioral escalation, learn de-escalation language that prevents power struggles, and discover proactive strategies that support emotional regulation in K–6 classrooms. Attendees will leave with ready-to-use tools, teacher scripts, and behavior supports they can implement immediately.
Presenters
avatar for Angela Hurst

Angela Hurst

K3 Project Success Teacher, Pine Grove Elementary

I am a dedicated educator with 22 years of experience teaching 3rd and 4th grade. I currently serve as a Project Success Teacher, where I work closely with Tier 3 behavior intervention students to support their growth and success. I’m a proud wife to David and mom to DJ and Zach... Read More →
SM

Savanah Miller

Special Education Teacher
Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 19
  Behavior   Differentiation   Safety

10:00am CDT

Session 1 | The Foundation: Integers & The Two-Step Bridge
Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 93
Focus: Level 1 – Integers and Two-Step Equations: Stop relying on "Keep-Change-Change" and other shortcuts that leave students confused. In this session, we’ll use bingo chips and unifix cubes to make positive and negative values concrete. We will then transition these visual "zero pairs" directly into solving two-step equations. You’ll walk away with a toolkit to help students see the balance before they ever write an x (variable).

A Note on Attendance: We’ve designed this series to grow with your students. If you teach upper elementary, Session 1 provides everything you need to transform your foundational math instruction. For secondary educators, this session is the "must-have" first step in a journey that bridges the gap from basic integers to multi-step equations.
Presenters
avatar for Daphne Lincoln

Daphne Lincoln

Math 8 Teacher, WJ Carroll Middle School
The 2026-2027 school year will be my 34th year in education dispersed between Mobile and Baldwin Counties--public and private. I have served in many capacities from teaching 3rd grade through Honors Algebra I. I hold degrees from the University of South Alabama, various other Professional... Read More →
avatar for Kaitlyn Cowan

Kaitlyn Cowan

Teacher, Foley Middle School
I am finishing up my third year of teaching mathematics and am passionate about creating engaging, student-centered learning experiences. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Math Education and my Master of Education in Learning Design and Technology from the University of West Alabama.Before... Read More →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 93
  Differentiation   Math

10:00am CDT

History That Feels Real: Teaching Critical Thinking with Retro Report
Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 16
Students often struggle to connect historical events to modern issues. This session introduces Retro Report, a resource that uses journalism and documentary storytelling to connect past events to current conversations. Teachers will explore ready-to-use lessons that promote inquiry, media literacy, and civil discourse while aligning with social studies and literacy standards.
Presenters
avatar for Stacey Tatum

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 →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 16
  ELA   Reading   Science   Social Studies

11:00am CDT

Teaching Magic Without a Wand: AI Tools That Actually Save Time
Wednesday July 15, 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
avatar for Stacey Tatum

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 →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 16
  Artificial Intelligence   Data   Differentiation   ELA   ELL   PLCs   Reading   Science   Social Studies

12:00pm CDT

Magical Strategies for Modern Classrooms with Magic School
Wednesday July 15, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 3
This workshop will focus on the in's and out's of Magic School. You will learn to navigate the platform and explore core features designed to save you time. Figure out how easy it is to generate lesson plans, assessments, and engaging materials in minutes. Lastly, we will learn how to easily adapt instruction for diverse learners without the extra workload. This session is geared toward teachers at all levels/contents.
Presenters
AN

Andrea Niblock

English Teacher, Daphne High School
Wednesday July 15, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 3
  Artificial Intelligence   Assessment   Differentiation   Technology

12:00pm CDT

National Boards? Yes, You Can!
Wednesday July 15, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 91
Attendees will receive information on the process of achieving National Board Certification. You will learn how to navigate the NBCT site, download materials for your area of certification, and plan work for your components. Details on component weights and scoring, available resources, and tips and tricks will be shared from a National Board certified teacher.
Presenters
avatar for Shay Stewart

Shay Stewart

ESL Resource Teacher, Daphne High School
I began my teaching career in Baldwin County as a French teacher at Robertsdale High School in 1993. Since 2002, I have been an ESL Resource Teacher. My passion is to support ELs in their language and content learning and to help teachers learn scaffolds that accommodate English learners... Read More →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 91
  Assessment   Continuing Education

12:00pm CDT

Sugar and Spice...Not Always Nice: Understanding and Addressing Relational Aggression in Girls
Wednesday July 15, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 202
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
avatar for Sherry Rainbolt

Sherry Rainbolt

Prevention and Support Supervisor, Central Office Staff
Wednesday July 15, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 202
  Behavior

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
avatar for Courtney Cunningham

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

12:00pm CDT

Pull a Print, Not Your Hair!
Wednesday July 15, 2026 12:00pm - 1:50pm 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
avatar for Joyce Garrison

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 →
avatar for Nancy Timmons

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 →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 12:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 45 - Art Room
  Arts   STEM/STEAM

12:00pm CDT

Thinking About Thinking: Math Routines and Word Problems in Grades 2-5
Wednesday July 15, 2026 12:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 251
Teachers in grades 2-5 will learn about fractions on the number line, word problem strategies, and get a peak into what a Thinking Classroom looks like.
Presenters
avatar for Cynthia Griffin

Cynthia Griffin

Math Coach, Pine Grove Elementary
I have been teaching for 21 yrs. I am Building Based Math Coach at PGES.  This is my 3rd yr. as the math coach and I am so excited to continue our math journey with the teachers and students.
Wednesday July 15, 2026 12:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 251
  Math

12:00pm CDT

Concrete to Clear: Building Fraction & Decimal Understanding with Manipulatives in Grades 3-6
Wednesday July 15, 2026 12:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Room 8
Develop fraction and decimal understanding in grades 3–6 through hands-on learning. This session explores how manipulatives help students visualize relationships, build connections between fractions and decimals, and develop flexible, conceptually grounded number sense beyond memorization. Teachers who attend this session will receive a 4-pack of the Hand2Mind Build-a-Grids to use in their classrooms.
Presenters
avatar for Angie Meredith-Ridgeway

Angie Meredith-Ridgeway

hand2mind Educational Specialist, hand2mind
I am passionate about mathematics education – especially at the elementary and middle school level.  As a previous awardee of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching, Georgia Roundtable Award for Excellence in Math Teaching, as well as the Award... Read More →
MB

Mandi Boyd

Hand2Mind Rep, Hand2Mind
Wednesday July 15, 2026 12:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Room 8
  Math

12:00pm CDT

AMSTI K-5 Math Alabama Course of Study Training
Wednesday July 15, 2026 12:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Room B - 9th Grade Academy
K-5 Mathematics Foundational Training session is a pre requisite for this session. This
3-hour session is a dive into the Alabama 2019 Course of Study: Mathematics where
participants will explore the conceptual framework of the ALCOS (four critical
components: Position Statements, Student Math Practices, Math Teaching Practices,
and the Alabama Content Standards). Participants will become familiar with the
structure of the ALCOS, discover themes and learning progressions, and uncover
connections and relationships between components that are critical for effective
elementary mathematics instruction.
Presenters
avatar for Jennifer Fagerstrom

Jennifer Fagerstrom

AMSTI K-5 Math Mentoring Specialist, AMSTI
I am passionate about building educator confidence, strengthening instructional systems, and ensuring all students experience meaningful mathematics learning. My career has progressed from classroom teacher to building-based math coach to multi-district mathematics specialist, giving... Read More →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 12:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Room B - 9th Grade Academy
  Math

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
avatar for Jacquelyn Wilson

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 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 207
  Artificial Intelligence   Digital Citizenship   Technology

1:00pm CDT

5 Ways to Get Students Involved in a Cooperative Team
Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 214
Using cooperative learning in the classroom can be a challenge! Let’s break this down and discuss specific steps and examples that keep team members involved and working positively towards your lesson goals.
Presenters
avatar for Doug Caldwell

Doug Caldwell

Instructional Specialist, eMINTS
Inspiring education with digital learning!
Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 214
  Community Building   Community Engagement   eMINTS

1:00pm CDT

One Screen to Run the Room: Engagement and Management Made Simple
Wednesday July 15, 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
avatar for Stacey Tatum

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 →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 16
  Community Building   Community Engagement   Technology

1:00pm CDT

Math in Action - Kagan Engagement
Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 91
My session is geared toward K-6 BCBE teachers. I will share how I use Kagan engagement strategies in the kindergarten classroom. The presentation will include several examples of math instruction as well as ways to incorporate the engagement strategies in ELA.
Presenters
SM

Stephanie Merritt

Kindergarten Teacher, Belforest Elementary
Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 91
  ELA   Math
 
Thursday, July 16
 

8:00am CDT

Who's the Middleman: Linear Models (Grades 3-8) (AMSTI - TEAMS approved)
Thursday July 16, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Room F - 9th Grade Academy
This one-day session focuses on developing linear models from upper elementary
through middle school grades. Participants will experience the foundation of linear
models and how they can be extended through high school math concepts.
Presenters
avatar for Kristi Ellard

Kristi Ellard

AMSTI K-5 Math Specialist, AMSTI

avatar for Teressa Rocker

Teressa Rocker

AMSTI Specialist, AMSTI
Thursday July 16, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Room F - 9th Grade Academy
  Math
 
Gulf Regional Innovative Teaching Conference - GRITC 2026
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