Explore the Sessions

Take a deeper dive into the topics that matter most. 

Scroll down to explore each breakout session, meet the incredible educators and leaders behind them, and start mapping out the conversations that will shape your summit experience.

1) Handling Difficult Conversations Through the Art of Improvisational Theatre

Speakers: Lisa Chase, The REV Theater Company

This dynamic and interactive session is designed to equip educators with practical tools to navigate challenging interactions in the classroom and beyond by harnessing the techniques of improvisational theatre. Participants will learn how the core principles of improv—such as active listening, adaptability, collaboration, and creative problem-solving—can be applied to defuse difficult conversations, build stronger connections with students, parents, and colleagues, and foster a more positive learning environment.

By the end of this session, participants will have:

• A toolkit of improv-inspired techniques to manage difficult conversations with confidence and grace.

• The ability to maintain positive, solution-focused dialogues in the face of conflict.

• Enhanced skills for creating more open, supportive, and collaborative relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
  
  

2) BRAIN-STEM’s Teachers Toolkit for Inquiry Based Learning and Metacognition

Speakers: Lennart Johns, Clarkson University

In this interactive session, we will present our online toolkit that provides teachers a roadmap to engage with learners in the development of skill sets around inquiry-based learning and metacognition. The toolkit integrates methods aimed to foster curiosity through a variety of strategies. The overall goal is to encourage brainstorming, build a sense of belonging, and support learners in developing self-agency.

Topics to be explored include:

• Design thinking

• Issues mapping vs. mind mapping

• Fixed vs. growth mindset

• Metacognition

• Creating effective guiding questions

• Question formulation techniques

• Strategic framing of complex issues
  
  

3) Decoding Artificial Intelligence (AI) — What Students Need to Know About AI

Speakers: Pam Puri, tech4kidz

This session will focus on artificial intelligence exploration for middle school students. The goal is to explain the fundamental principles of how AI works; expose students to ethical considerations like bias; and discuss AI in the context of media literacy to encourage critical thinking.

Participants will leave with a framework for discussing AI with students, plus multiple resources and hands-on activities.

Note: This is a hands-on session—laptops are required.

4) BRAIN-STEM: Building Rural Aspirations in Neuroscience with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math

Speakers: Leigha Burkhalter & Bob Dowman, Clarkson University

BRAINSTEM is a Clarkson University afterschool and summer camp program focused on the neuroscience of drug addiction and treatment. Students explore interests in healthcare through challenge-based, interactive learning.

Throughout the curriculum, students engage with the fictional character Mike—a teen with a history of drug addiction—while learning the science behind drug use and recovery. As part of a simulated Health Care Team, students assess Mike’s situation and propose treatment recommendations.

This session includes program insights, testimonials from teachers and students, and access to launch materials for your own classroom.

5) Capstone for All: Transformational Learning for Workforce Readiness, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation

Speakers: Cindy Hlywa and Lisa McDougal, Capstone Collaborators, East Syracuse Minoa CSD

This session offers a brief overview of the yearlong Capstone course taught at East Syracuse Minoa CHS, followed by two immersive idea development experiences.

Takeaways include:

• Conducting a personal inventory to arrive at a research topic

• Using academic research to cultivate meaningful, real-world projects
  
  

6) Design and Iteration with DVC Games

Speakers: Jess and Jono Naito-Tet

Prototyping a game is like drafting an essay—it requires revision, feedback, and iteration. This session highlights how the game design process mirrors scientific and writing workflows. Participants will prototype a simple game, engage in peer playtesting, and take part in a feedback loop.

Key Takeaways:

• Integrating game design into other subject areas

• Accepting peer feedback with grace and critical thinking

• Valuing persistence as a creative and entrepreneurial trait

• Learning from exemplary games and role model designers
  
  

7) Curate, Create, & Connect: Exploring Museum Careers & Practices

Speakers: Monica Andrews, Everson Museum of Art

This interactive workshop puts participants in the shoes of a museum curator. Explore how curators ask guiding questions, craft narratives, and make key decisions about exhibitions. Through collaborative activities, participants will gain insight into museum careers including curation, education, exhibition design, and collections management.

8) Mini-Language Immersion / Language Acquisition

Speakers: Elizabeth Scaduto, ENL & Japanese Teacher, Riverhead Central School

Curious what it feels like to learn a new language and culture from scratch? Join this fun and interactive mini-immersion in Japanese to better understand the language acquisition process—and walk away with insights that apply across educational contexts.

9) Building Partnerships Through Micro-Credentialing

Speakers: Liz Garofalo, Canastota Central School District

Canastota CSD has developed successful partnerships that give students direct exposure to career pathways. Through its micro-credentialing program, students gain workplace experience and earn credentials that reflect real-world readiness while learning side-by-side with industry professionals.

10) Best Practices + AI = Instructional Superpower

Speakers: Tom Colabufo, Superintendent, Central Square CSD

This session explores how to pair high-yield instructional strategies with artificial intelligence to enhance teaching and student learning. Learn how AI can complement—not replace—effective pedagogy.

11) Designing for Discovery: Creative Learning Through Curiosity

Speakers: Marguerite Mitchell, Red House Arts Center

In this interactive workshop, educators will explore ways to integrate arts and technology into the classroom to support curiosity-led, student-driven learning.

Drawing inspiration from the children’s book Why is the Sky Blue?, the session emphasizes designing lessons that value questions, wonder, and creative ownership.

Participants will gain:

• Tools to design lessons that encourage experimentation and problem-solving

• Frameworks for student-led exploration in various learning environments

• Practical strategies that blend visual arts, digital media, and interactive technologies

12) Thinking Outside the Exhibit

Speakers: Mary Rice, Senior Education Coordinator, Rosamond Gifford Zoo

Discover how the zoo can serve as a classroom extension, supporting real-world learning aligned with NYS’s Portrait of a Graduate. Explore how experiential learning at the zoo fosters critical thinking, communication, and global citizenship—all while meeting instructional goals.

13) Empowering Future Innovators: An Introduction to Woz Ed

Speakers: Jim Klubek, Woz Ed (with Salamanca, Buffalo City, and North Tonawanda)

This session introduces Woz Ed’s hands-on, project-based STEM learning tools. Discover how to integrate Woz Ed kits and activities into your curriculum to promote inquiry, problem-solving, and collaboration—all while aligning with standards.

Participant Takeaways:

• Discover how Woz Ed’s kits foster deeper engagement and critical thinking

• Explore examples of STEM integration across subject areas

• Gain practical strategies for managing hands-on learning

• Learn how to access and adapt Woz Ed resources for your students
  
  

14) CNY Partnership Passport: Reimagining Learning Beyond the Classroom

Speakers: Christian Oliver and Will Jones, Citi BOCES

Our communities are full of rich opportunities waiting to be transformed into immersive, real-world learning experiences. This session explores how to reframe traditional field trips into lasting, cross-curricular adventures through collaboration with local partners.

15) Developing Opportunities for Future ECE Professionals

Speakers: Amanda Collins, Liverpool Central School District

Learn how to build work-based learning opportunities for students interested in careers in Early Childhood Education. This session provides actionable ideas for creating career-connected learning experiences.

16) From Classroom to Career: Empowering Students Through AFT’s Tech-Driven Learning Blueprint

Speakers: Christina Patterson, New York State United Teachers

This session highlights the Advanced Technology Framework developed by NYSUT, AFT, UFT, Micron, and Governor Hochul. It connects foundational and technical skills with the semiconductor industry to foster workforce development.

Participants will leave with a strong understanding of the framework and ideas for adapting it to their local schools.

17) Production Design: Creating the World of Film and TV

Speakers: Molle Debartlo, American High

Explore the visual storytelling tools used in film and television production. Learn how color, architecture, lighting, props, and graphic design bring fictional worlds to life—and how students can apply these techniques to their own video projects.

18) Portraits with Purpose: Building Student Identity, Voice, and Vision

Speakers: Ryan Lanigan, Brockport Central School District & Marc Siciliano, Left Bank Consulting

Using the Portrait of a Graduate as a foundation, this session explores Brockport CSD’s K–12 Excellence Plan and its strategy to foster student agency, brand-building, and purposeful post-secondary planning. Learn how to embed Portrait of a Graduate attributes across every grade and subject.

19) STEAM Workforce Developing

Speakers: Lina Pineros, Crew Concept

Learn how to provide meaningful STEAM (with Aviation as the “A”) learning experiences that prepare students for future workforce needs. This session explores in-classroom and afterschool applications to develop relevant technical and soft skills.

Breakout Sessions for All Attendees

Thursday: 3-D Printing is Elementary

Speakers: Lori Greabell, Christy Fahey, and Woodland Elementary 5th Grade, East Syracuse Minoa CSD

See how 5th graders used the Engineering Design Process and 3D printing to solve a real classroom problem: heavy water bottles tipping over. Students designed functional holders using Tinkercad and printed them with a MakerBot Replicator.

You’ll leave with a blueprint for introducing 3D printing, design thinking, and problem-solving to elementary learners.

Friday: Career Readiness Through Connection: Mentoring, Flexibility, and Industry Insight

Speakers: Amy Stewart and team from Partners for Business & Education

Work-based learning isn’t just about job prep—it’s about connection. Learn how Partners for Education & Business (PEB) and MACNY bring career coaches into schools to create hands-on, relationship-driven experiences.

Participants will try a sample student activity and explore how mentoring can ignite confidence, curiosity, and career readiness.