Session 3

AI + EdTech Fusion: Crafting Engaging, Student-Centered Learning Experiences 

Room: Keystone

Presenter(s): Dr. Matt Bergman

Description: Discover innovative strategies for "app-smashing" AI tools and educational technologies to create engaging, student-centered learning experiences. This workshop will offer practical tools and methods for designing dynamic resources, including interactive hyperdocs, educational playlists, choice boards, and more. By the end of the session, educators will feel confident in their skills to leverage AI’s potential, enhancing student learning and improving classroom experiences.

Grade Level Focus: Secondary (6-12)

Audience: Classroom Teachers, Specialists, Librarians/Media Specialists, Curriculum Directors/Specialists

Bio: Dr. Matt Bergman has extensive experience in K-12 and higher education, serving as a teacher, administrator, technology coach, adjunct professor, instructional designer, and professional development leader. A passionate "UDL evangelist," he advocates for Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. His mission is to inspire educators to create inclusive, engaging environments where all students can thrive.

Click HERE for session resources.

Enhance Student Writing with Curipod 

Room: Meadow

Presenter(s): Tracy Purdy

Description: Curipod engages students in writing with interactive lessons that incorporate instant AI-generated feedback. Discover how Curipod helps students grow as confident writers through engaging, interactive activities. Writing skills are essential for critical thinking, creativity, and academic success—learn how Curipod supports these outcomes in every classroom.

Grade Level Focus: Secondary Focus (6-12)

Audience: Classroom Teachers, Specialists, Principals, Technology Directors/Facilitators, Superintendents, Curriculum Directors/Specialists

Bio: Tracy Purdy is an experienced educator and ed tech specialist passionate about aligning technology with purposeful pedagogy. A former 4th and 6th grade teacher, Tracy now focuses on empowering teachers to integrate tools that enhance learning, spark curiosity, and support student success. With a commitment to thoughtful tech use, she helps educators create engaging and impactful learning experiences.

Student-Centered Learning with Seesaw 

Room: Juniata

Presenter(s): Phil Terra

Description: Seesaw puts students at the center of learning with interactive tools that foster engagement, voice, and choice. Teachers personalize instruction, provide real-time feedback, and track progress with digital portfolios. Students actively participate using voice, video, and creative responses. Seesaw strengthens collaboration, reflection, and family engagement. Join us to explore how Seesaw makes learning more engaging, interactive, and student-driven!

Grade Level Focus: Elementary Focus (K-6)

Audience: Classroom Teachers, Specialists, Principals, Librarians/Media Specialists, Technology Directors/Facilitators, Superintendents, Curriculum Directors/Specialists

Bio: Phil Terra is a seasoned expert in the field of educational technology, with extensive experience helping school districts implement and optimize digital tools to enhance elementary education. Throughout his career, Phil has worked closely with district leaders and educators across the country to transform online learning environments, ensuring they are engaging, effective, and aligned with educational goals.

Seeds of Knowledge: Teaching Agriculture and Sustainability to K-5 Students 

Room: Friendship

Presenter(s): Emily Book, Kaitlin Pauling, & Kristin Seibert

Description: Engage K-5 students in a journey to understand the vital role agriculture plays in our daily lives and how sustainability ensures a healthier planet for future generations. This interactive presentation will highlight innovative, hands-on learning experiences designed to spark curiosity and environmental stewardship in young minds. We will explore how to teach and incorporate the following ideas into your classroom:  

• The Basics of Agriculture: Discover where food comes from and the importance of farmers and ecosystems in our lives.

• Hands-On Learning: Dive into fun, practical activities like planting seeds, observing plant life cycles, and understanding how aeroponics works.

• Aeroponics in Action: Learn about this soil-free method of growing plants and how it conserves water and space.

• Starting an Outdoor School Garden: Experience the joy of tending a garden, from planting to harvesting, while learning about pollinators, soil health, and composting.

Grade Level Focus: Elementary Focus (K-6)

Audience: Classroom Teachers, Specialists, Principals, Librarians/Media Specialists, Technology Directors/Facilitators, Superintendents, Curriculum Directors/Specialists

Bio: Emily has been a teacher for 17 years. She recently was named PPL's STEM Elementary Educator of the year for 2025. She is in her second year of building the K-5 STEM program in the Greenwood School District and is also the district's Gifted Support Teacher. Prior to this role, she was a K-4 Innovation Coach and K-12 Gifted Support Teacher, and taught grades three and four. She enjoys trying new innovative lessons and activities that will engage and empower her students. 

Kaitlin has been a teacher for five years. This is her third year a first grade teacher. As she has grown as an educator, Kaitlin has fallen in love with STEM, hands on learning opportunities and helping her students learn through real world experiences. In 2022 she was a KTI Star further helping her grow in the world of technology, coding and STEM all around.

Kristin has been a classroom teacher for 26 years.  She has enjoyed teaching in several different grade levels such as third grade, kindergarten and first grade. Kristin loves sharing unique learning opportunities with students and especially loves hands on experiences that allow students to make connections to the real world.  She also loves using mentor texts to introduce lessons and engage students in learning. 

Leaving Evidence of Our Lives in the Digital Age

Room: Dogwood

Presenter(s): Dr. Julia Lennox 

Description: What is a primary source? While primary sources are often associated with studying the past, are students aware that they are constantly creating primary sources and leaving evidence of their lives behind every single day? This session will explore how teachers can integrate the concept of primary sources in the Digital Age, providing an exciting and engaging way to introduce students to the study of these materials. Designed for both primary and secondary educators, teachers will learn how students can become “history archivists” as they gather and reflect on evidence of their daily lives. Students will consider what future historians may learn or infer about their lives by studying their daily digital footprints, such as social media posts, emails, text messages, digital photos, and GPS data. What valuable historical evidence and perspectives will students gather that may help future historians develop a better understanding about their past?  

Grade Level Focus: Overall focus (K-12)

Audience: Classroom Teachers, Librarians/Media Specialists, Curriculum Directors/Specialists

Bio: Dr. Julia Lennox is the Media Literacy & Youth Voice Program Director at Pennon Education and has a decade of experience as a secondary social studies teacher. Dr. Lennox is passionate about advocating for the importance of media literacy education to help students navigate the digital landscape. In her current role, Dr. Lennox leads initiatives in developing media literacy programs for primary and secondary level students as well as professional development opportunities. 

Click HERE Session Resources

Innovating With Challenge Based Learning

Room: Board

Presenter(s): Aubrey Loht & Terrance Shepler

Description: Discover Challenge Based Learning! Explore the framework, real-world examples, and brainstorm projects to inspire students with meaningful learning. This presentation will explain the CBL framework, showcase real-world examples of CBL projects, provide valuable resources for implementing CBL, and facilitate a brainstorming session for attendees to develop their own CBL projects.

Grade Level Focus: Overall Focus (K-12)

Audience: Classroom Teachers, Specialists, Librarians/Media Specialists, Technology Directors/Facilitators, Curriculum Directors/Specialists

Bio: Aubrey Loht is a passionate secondary health and physical education teacher and Innovation & Technology Coordinator with a Master’s degree in Educational Technology. She specializes in integrating technology to inspire student creativity and innovation. Aubrey is dedicated to designing engaging, student-centered learning experiences that promote critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving, equipping students with the skills they need to thrive academically and beyond.

Terrance Shepler holds a Master's degree in Educational Technology. As a dedicated history teacher at Susquenita High School, Terrance has showcased his versatility across subjects like AP US History, Civics, and Media. Honored as an Apple Distinguished Educator in 2023, he's not only adept at harnessing Apple's innovative tools but also a recognized voice in the field, having spoken at MACPL, PETE&C, and ISTE. Terrance is passionate about transforming learning through technology.