Gulf Regional Innovative Teaching Conference

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

8:00am CDT

ASIM Biology: Biotechnology (TEAMS APPROVED)

Monday July 13, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT

In this ASIM Biology: Biotechnology training, participants learn how to implement Lesson 5.3 Biotechnology in their classrooms. This lesson addresses the 3-dimensional nature of SC23.BIO.2c and is to be implemented over 4 instructional days. Participants will use MiniOne gel electrophoresis to investigate a murder, use Hudson Alpha’s DNA Phenotyping: Let’s Face It to analyze SNP data and infer phenotypes, and explore how genetic technology affects everyday life . Participants will also practice utilizing research-based strategies to strengthen pedagogy and promote evidence-based instructional practices. (TEAMS APPROVED)

Presenters

Samantha Wasdin

Alabama Science in Motion Specialist-Biology, AMSTI(ASIM)

I am the ASIM Region 10 Biology specialist with a passion for hands-on
learning science for students and teachers.

Monday July 13, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Room 4

Science

Level High Teachers

9:00am CDT

A CLEAR Look at Alabama's Teacher Observation Tool (ATOT)

Tuesday July 14, 2026 9:00am - 12:50pm CDT

Room 4

In this session, educators will explore the five dimensions of the Alabama Teacher Observation Tool (ATOT) and build an understanding of how the Alabama Core Teaching Standards (ACTS) are correlated. This will include discussions and reflections on evidence based instructional practices for fostering a positive culture and climate, an atmosphere focused on learning, classroom environments grounded in the essentials, strategies for developing agency, and ways to build positive relationships. The goal of this session is to support teacher growth in implementation of practices, authenticity of practices, and the effect on learners.

Presenters

Katryna Kinn

Professional Learning Specialist, Alabama State Department of Education

Tuesday July 14, 2026 9:00am - 12:50pm CDT
Room 4

2:00pm CDT

Inspecting vs. Erasing Mistakes: Shifting Students’ Focus

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT

Room 4

Mistakes are often viewed as obstacles to be erased and forgotten. However, when we shift the focus from erasing to inspecting, errors become the most powerful diagnostic tools in the classroom. Classroom strategies will be shared for supporting students’ inspection of mistakes.

Presenters

Angela Barlow

Dean, University of South Alabama College of Education and Professional Studies

Dr. Angela T. Barlow is a professor of mathematics education and dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies at the University of South Alabama. She is also the Editor-in-Chief for Mathematics Teacher: Learning & Teaching PK-12, the practitioner journal published by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 4

8:00am CDT

Science Foundational Training

Wednesday July 15, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT

Room 4

This session provides certification in the prerequisite PLO required for participating in AMSTI science content (kit) trainings K-12. Participants will explore the core components of high-quality science instruction aligned to the Alabama Course of Study and grounded in research-based practices.During this session, participants will engage in learning around the 5E instructional model, student-centered instructional strategies, and the role of phenomena in driving inquiry-based learning. Emphasis will be placed on building strong classroom discourse through strategies such as Talk Moves, as well as understanding how to support all learners through intentional lesson design, while experiencing lessons from K-12 grade levels. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of AMSTI’s instructional framework, expectations for science teaching and learning, and how foundational practices support effective implementation of science content in the classroom.

Presenters

Amanda Richardson

Wednesday July 15, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Room 4

Gulf Regional Innovative Teaching Conference - GRITC 2026

8:00am CDT

Samantha Wasdin

9:00am CDT

Katryna Kinn

2:00pm CDT

Angela Barlow

8:00am CDT

Amanda Richardson

Get help with the event