Gulf Regional Innovative Teaching Conference

10:00am CDT

Focused on Improving Engineering Designs

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

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

Laura Ruth Hunter

STEAM Teacher, J Larry Newton Elementary

Monday July 13, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 91

STEM/STEAM

Level Elementary Teachers

11:00am CDT

Technology in the classroom

Monday July 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

Room 91

Tips and tricks about the MacBook and the Interactive Board and Chromebox

Presenters

Greg Warren

Technician, BCBE Ed Tech

Dick Blackman

Helpdesk Professional, BCBE Education Technology

I have the privilege of answering Helpdesk calls everyday. It is so rewarding to solve issues that our fellow employees are having with technology. My session will talk about the MacBook, the interactive board, and the Chromebox. I encourage you to write down your questions and we... Read More →

Monday July 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 91

Technology

Level All Teachers

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

Stephanie Merritt

Kindergarten Teacher, Belforest Elementary

Monday July 13, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 91

ELA Math

Level Elementary Teachers

11:00am CDT

Technology in the classroom

Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

Room 91

Tips and tricks about the MacBook and the Interactive Board and Chromebox

Presenters

Greg Warren

Technician, BCBE Ed Tech

Dick Blackman

Helpdesk Professional, BCBE Education Technology

Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 91

Technology

Level All Teachers

12:00pm CDT

ParentSquare - Game Plan for Groups: Athletics & Activities Edition

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

Room 91

Coaches and club leaders—this one’s for you. Learn how to set up and manage your team using Groups, from adding guest users to organizing practices and games with the calendar. We’ll also cover post permissions and powerful add-ons so you can keep everyone informed, engaged, and ready for game day. Bring all of your questions and let's go!

Presenters

Scott Hardison

Training Specialist, ParentSquare

I am a Training Specialist at ParentSquare. My role is to educate ParentSquare customers on how to best utilize the product for effective school-to-home communication.

Tuesday July 14, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 91

Community Building Community Engagement Leadership Technology

Level Administrators, All Teachers, Counselors, Special Education

1:00pm CDT

ParentSquare - Data-Driven Communication & Secure Family Engagement

Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT

Room 91

Designed for principals and administrators, this session focuses on turning insights into action. Explore how to leverage ParentSquare reports to monitor engagement and make informed decisions, while also learning how to securely share important documents with families. We’ll also cover best practices for launching StudentSquare at your site and how to use data to keep a real-time pulse on communication across your school. Walk away with practical strategies to communicate with confidence.

Presenters

Scott Hardison

Training Specialist, ParentSquare

I am a Training Specialist at ParentSquare. My role is to educate ParentSquare customers on how to best utilize the product for effective school-to-home communication.

Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 91

Community Building Community Engagement Leadership Technology

Level Administrators, All Teachers, Counselors, Special Education

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

Laura Ruth Hunter

STEAM Teacher, J Larry Newton Elementary

Wednesday July 15, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Room 91

STEM/STEAM

Level Elementary Teachers

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

Debbie Frey

Baldwin County Schools

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

Level All Teachers, Elementary Teachers, Middle Teachers, High Teachers

11:00am CDT

Technology in the classroom

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

Room 91

Tips and tricks about the MacBook and the Interactive Board and Chromebox

Presenters

Greg Warren

Technician, BCBE Ed Tech

Dick Blackman

Helpdesk Professional, BCBE Education Technology

Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 91

Technology

Level All Teachers

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