The EdTech Tech Talks and Summit are for teachers and teacher-leaders who use or want to begin using technology in the classroom, actively work to integrate technology into their lessons and curriculum, and are willing to share/model instructional tech to others in their schools and districts.
Program Contact: Ayla Olson
ayla.olson@imesd.k12.or.us
541-966-4657
What are Tech Talks?
A Year of AI is a monthly virtual professional learning series designed to help educators explore, understand, and implement artificial intelligence in K–12 teaching and learning. Each one-hour Tech Talk focuses on a timely topic, blending practical tools with ethical considerations and opportunities for collaboration. By creating space for curiosity, conversation, and experimentation, the series supports educators in confidently navigating AI’s evolving role in education.
Goals
Build AI Literacy Across Roles – Empower educators, specialists, and leaders with foundational knowledge and critical understanding of how AI tools function and impact teaching, learning, and assessment.
Promote Ethical, Student-Centered Use of AI – Support educators in developing classroom practices and policies that encourage responsible, equitable, and transparent AI use—by both teachers and students.
Foster a Collaborative Community of Practice – Create a shared space for educators to explore emerging tools, share implementation ideas, and reflect on challenges and successes as AI continues to shape education.
Meetings & Topics
Join us on the second Tuesday of each month from 4pm to 5pm. Register on the IMESD Events Calendar.
September: Teaching AI Literacy: Helping Students Think Critically About AI
October: AI for Lesson Planning: Work Smarter, Not Harder
November: AI-Powered Differentiation: Reaching Every Learner
December: AI for Teacher Workload: Communication, Admin Tasks, and More
January: AI for Feedback & Grading — and the Ethics Behind It
February: AI & Writing: From Brainstorming to Revision
March: AI for Visual Learning: Images, Videos, and Creative Media
April: AI as a Thinking Partner – Using AI to Spark Deeper Inquiry
May: Future-Proofing: Where AI is Headed — and How Educators Can Prepare
Innovate. Integrate. Inspire.
Join us for a dynamic one-day professional learning event focused on the future of teaching and learning! Dive into hands-on sessions exploring AI in Education, Canva for the Classroom, and Innovative EdTech Practices. With inspiring general sessions, interactive breakouts, and practical takeaways, this summit is designed to energize your practice and spark fresh ideas for the year ahead.
Empower Educators to Leverage Technology for Authentic and Impactful Learning
Participants will explore innovative tools and strategies to design learner-driven, differentiated, and inclusive experiences that elevate student engagement, achievement, and creativity across all grade levels.
Promote Ethical, Purposeful, and Empowering Technology Use in Classrooms
Educators will reflect on their role in preparing students to responsibly participate in a digital world, using generative AI and design tools to foster critical thinking, voice, and agency.
Foster a Collaborative Community of Practice Around Educational Technology
Attendees will connect with peers to share resources, solve challenges, and co-create ideas that strengthen teaching, support diverse learners, and continuously improve professional practice.
This is monthly newsletter from the Instructional Services Department of the IMESD. It includes current issues or concerns of tech (within the realms of education), tips and tricks, resources, and suggestions.
August 2025
September 2025
October 2025
November 2025
December 2025
January 2026
February 2026
March 2026
April 2026
May 2026
June 2026
Content Specific Resources- websites and apps: multi-content curriculum, ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, Art, Health, CTE, and Music.
Teacher Tools- websites and apps for classroom management, student polling/response, assessments & assignments, podcasts & blogs, Smart TVs, and student creation tools.
Library- Your IMESD instructional coaches have collected a variety of professional development books over their combined 50+ years of teaching. And we are excited to share those books with you.
Sora- Digital IMESD component district library- has a section for PD books that are both ebooks and audio books.
Literacy Resource HUB- ELA and ELL/ELD resources, Yolanda Westerberg resources. Curated by Ashley Harsin; IMESD ELL Specialist.
IMESD PD Calendar- view and register for the events being offered around our region on the IMESD PD calendar.