August 5, 2025
Session resources will be added to this page, so don't forget to revisit for materials, templates, and takeaways shared by presenters.
Note: Sessions are subject to change as we finalize schedules, facilitators, and topics. Check back for the most up-to-date information!
Reading, Writing, and Thinking in the Disciplines: Building Disciplinary Literacy in Elem. Classrooms
Presented by: Dr. Madison Weary, Supervisor K-12 Social Studies and World Languages
Room C102
Support your students as readers, writers, and thinkers across content areas! Facilitated by Dr. Madison Weary, the new Supervisor of K–12 Social Studies, this session will explore how to build disciplinary literacy in elementary classrooms by weaving reading and writing into social studies and beyond—with practical strategies you can use to deepen understanding and strengthen academic thinking.
Implementing the ELA Workshop Model with Purpose for Student Engagement and Growth
Presented by: Dr. Deb Whitmire, Supervisor of Elementary ELA and Library
Room C106
Unlock the full potential of the ELA Workshop Model in your K–5 classroom! This session focuses on purposeful strategies to boost engagement, foster student independence, and drive literacy growth. Learn how to make every part of your workshop meaningful and effective.
What's New with Seesaw (and how it supports standards-based grading)
Presented by: Samantha Zang & Annie Korb, Instructional Technology Coordinators
Room C103/4
This session explores Seesaw’s latest updates through the lens of organize, engage, and assess. Learn how the new Progress View helps track student growth by standard, how updated activity templates support aligned and engaging learning, and how enhanced formative tools make it easier to gather evidence and give meaningful feedback—all in support of standards-based grading.
Building Student Motivation (K-12 Session)
Presented by: Dr. Stephen Brown, Director of Teaching, Learning and Equity
Room C101
Explore practical strategies to foster meaningful engagement and motivation for all learners. This session will focus on creating equitable, student-centered learning environments that spark curiosity and sustain motivation across grade levels.
Designing a Formative Assessment System (K-12 Session)
Presented by: Jim Ronayne, Supervisor of Assessment and Accountability
Room C109
Learn how to create a formative assessment system that empowers students and informs instruction. This session will explore strategies for designing assessments that promote reflection, guide learning, and build a culture of continuous growth across grade levels.
Speak Their Language: Making Parent Communication Clear, Accessible & Effective (K-12)
Presented by: Molly Schwemler, Manager of District Communications
Room C108
Clear communication builds strong partnerships. In this session, you'll learn how to write messages that are accessible, easy to understand, and family-friendly. This session will offer practical tips for writing with clarity, using inclusive language, and choosing tools that make your communication more effective for all families.
STEELSifying Mystery Science: Making Lessons Multidimensional
Presented by: Dr. Dina Dormer, Supervisor K-12 Science
Room C106
Learn how to enhance Mystery Science lessons by layering in STEELS-aligned practices and concepts—keeping the magic, adding the multidimensionality. Walk away with quick, ready-to-use strategies!
From Motivation to Action: How Satisfaction and Frustration of Basic Psychological Needs Drives Student Choice (K-12)
Presented by: Eddie Otto, Supervisor of Music, Health/Physical Education and Arts & Humanities
Room C101
Hear from the new Supervisor of Music, Health/Physical Education, and Arts & Humanities in this engaging session focused on how the satisfaction—or frustration—of students’ basic psychological needs influences their motivation and decision-making.
Session Resources:
Unlocking Curiosity: Building Sensemaking Units that Work
Presented by: Steph Cullen, Jess McCullough, Katelyn Zarr, Fern Hill 5th Grade Team
Room C102
Explore how to design lessons that put students at the center of learning through sensemaking! This session will share practical strategies for creating inquiry-driven units that foster critical thinking, collaboration, and deeper understanding of content.
What's New with Canva (K-12)
Presented by: Annie Korb, Instructional Technology Coordinator
Room C103/4
Canva keeps evolving—come see what’s new! This session will highlight the latest updates and features that make designing engaging classroom content even easier. From new templates to AI-powered tools, you’ll leave with fresh ideas and practical ways to level up your lessons with Canva.
Podcasting with Canva (K-12)
Presented by: Kaylin Richards, 7th Grade Reading & English Teacher
Room: C113
Ready to bring student voices to life? In this session, learn how to use Canva’s podcasting tools to create engaging audio projects that amplify creativity and build communication skills. Whether it’s interviews, storytelling, or collaborative discussions, discover how podcasting can elevate learning across grade levels and subjects.
Meet us in the library!
🎉 Sneak a Peek & Speak: A Glimpse into ELA Possibilities
Presented by Dr. Whitmire and ELA Vendors
Pop in to get a first look at potential ELA curriculum options coming down the line! You'll have the chance to browse through materials, chat with vendors, and glean quick insights into various Science of Reading aligned resources. No pressure—just an open space to explore what’s possible and engage in collegial conversations.
Seesaw Secrets: Quick Wins for Student Engagement
Presented by teachers, for teachers—sharing what works in real classrooms!
Explore a collection of ready-to-use Seesaw activities that have been classroom-tested and teacher-approved! This "Take & Make" room is packed with practical ideas to help you boost engagement and streamline your Seesaw workflow. Stop by, browse the favorites, and leave with new tools to try tomorrow!
Canva Creativity Lab: Templates, Tricks, and Time-Savers
Presented by teachers, for teachers—sharing what works in real classrooms!
Discover a treasure trove of Canva resources that bring learning to life! This "Take & Make" room is a hands-on space where you can explore easy-to-use templates, design tips, and classroom-ready materials created by fellow teachers. Find inspiration, grab a template, and get creating!
AI Spotlights: Prompts, Practices & Classroom Wins!
Presented by teachers, for teachers—sharing what works in real classrooms!
See how AI can transform teaching and learning! This "Take & Make" room features real prompts, practical examples, and success stories from teachers who have used AI to save time, spark creativity, and support student learning. Come explore, grab a prompt, and imagine the possibilities!