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Monday, July 15
 

8:00am CDT

Geometry and Measurement Part 1 (9-12)
This session will focus on the Geometry and Measurement content area, the ACT assessment as it relates to instruction, and Catalyzing Change in High School Mathematics connections. In this session, participants will engage in activities and tasks that provide experiences with transformations to study congruence and geometric ideas that enable the use of algebraic concepts through the study of functions and relations with coordinates and graphs in different representations. It encompasses points, lines, planes, parallel and perpendicular lines, distance formula, and Pythagorean Theorem.

Must register through AMSTI at the following link.

AMSTI Math Foundations Training is a prerequisite for AMSTI Content Training including this geometry session. More information can be found at https://www.amstiusa.org/training.
A formal 1-hour lunch break will take place during this session.
 
Presenters
MJ

Missy Jones

Geometry Teacher, Fairhope High School
avatar for Sarah Eddington

Sarah Eddington

Teacher, Foley High School

Monday July 15, 2024 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Room 269

8:00am CDT

Geometry and Measurement: Triangles (6-8)
This session is designed to support teachers in implementing the Geometry and Measurement content area. Participants will engage in tasks designed to help students build conceptual and procedural fluency in solving real-world and mathematical problems related to triangles.

Must register through AMSTI at the following link.

AMSTI Math Foundations Training is a prerequisite for AMSTI Content Training including this geometry session. More information can be found at https://www.amstiusa.org/training.
A formal 1-hour lunch break will take place during this session.
Presenters
RB
KS

Katina Stallworth

AMSTI, AMSTI Secondary Math Specialist

Monday July 15, 2024 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Room 270

10:00am CDT

ACT Prep with NoRedInk
In this session you'll learn best practices for using a variety of NoRedInk activities (Diagnostics, Practice, Passage Quizzes, and Skill-Building Quick Writes) to help students prepare for the ACT. This session is for Baldwin County teachers only.
Presenters
KC

Kristina Crouch

Professional Learning Specialist, NoRedInk

Monday July 15, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 267

10:00am CDT

Flow and Student Achievement
Discover the concept of FLOW and how to encourage your students to engage in FLOW activities.
Presenters
avatar for Patrick George

Patrick George

J3 Worldwide, Inc, Consultant
Internship and Career Coordinator, Adjunct Instructor and Faculty Advisor. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. from Auburn University in Higher Education Administration. For over 20 years, I have motivated students from all over the United States and Canada through energetic speeches, academic... Read More →

Monday July 15, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 95

10:00am CDT

Game-Based Learning for the Science Classroom
Experience the thrill of game-based learning with Sci-Ops: Global Defense! Transform your classroom with our NSF award-winning video game that teaches 6th-12th grade chemistry and physical science standards and exposes your students to STEM career paths and real world technologies. You will engage and excite your students by incorporating our video game and curricular resources into your classroom. Leave with an all inclusive access code to our 3D game-based platform.
Presenters
avatar for Jenny Savage

Jenny Savage

Plasma Games
avatar for Ashley Cooper

Ashley Cooper

Plasma, Customer Success Specialist

Monday July 15, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 20

10:00am CDT

Happy Students Learn More: Building an Emotionally Upbeat Classroom
The Emotionally Upbeat Classroom involves creating an atmosphere of positivity. Negative emotions block thinking and learning; while positive emotions promote creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Happy people learn more and are more prosocial; and the more prosocial learners are, the more positive and upbeat the classroom climate will be (Bergin, 2018). In this collaborative session, participants walk away with four tools for building an emotionally upbeat learning environment and understanding the research behind each strategy.
Presenters
avatar for Jen Foster

Jen Foster

Sr. Program Coordinator, eMINTS National Center
Jen Foster has been harnessing the power of technology to support instruction for more than 20 years. Over the last 12 years, Jen has provided professional development to a wide variety of educators, school administrators, instructional coaches, etc. to enhance and grow their tech... Read More →

Monday July 15, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 96

10:00am CDT

Lightspeed Chromebook Monitoring Crash Course
Introductory Session to show teachers how to use Lightspeed to monitory student Chromebook use in the Classroom.

-How to Log in and set the schedule for classes and groups
-Appropriate and Helpful uses
-Viewing the teacher and student-side user interface
-Viewing off-task student browsing/gaming/etc.
-Blocking or allowing specific websites and creating "Focus" lists
-Recording student computer usage for documentation
-What not to do
Presenters
avatar for Jennifer Hanson

Jennifer Hanson

Marketing Teacher, Robertsdale High School

Monday July 15, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 255

10:00am CDT

What's New with Discovery Education: Interactives, Virtual Field Trips and More
Discovery Education’s Learning Platform includes a variety of multimodal resources that help teachers engage students through interaction with rich and relevant content. Learn how to power up your lessons through maximizing your search results using a variety of strategies to efficiently locate video segments, images, songs, audiobooks, text, interactives, channels, ready-to-use lessons and more! Explore ways to use Discovery Education’s high-quality resources and instructional supports to engage all students.
Presenters
avatar for Tomi Rush

Tomi Rush

Partner Success Manager, Discovery Education
SM

Steve Mauricio

Discovery Education, Education Partnerships Manager

Monday July 15, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 93

10:00am CDT

MineCraft EDU: Engagement, Engineering and Axolotls
This workshop is relevant for every subject, grades 4 through 12. In this workshop I will introduce MineCraft for Education. Using this virtual world, teachers can invite their students to intact in a wide variety of activities that help students practice real world skills in a safe, productive, and fun environment.
Presenters
avatar for Rebecca Cissel

Rebecca Cissel

Teacher, Loxley Elementary
I am a 6th-grade teacher and a tech nerd.  I love trying out new tools in my classroom and sharing them with other educators.

Monday July 15, 2024 10:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 28

10:00am CDT

Next Steps Guided Reading Assessment
Research shows that small-group instruction must be based on student need and groups must be flexible. This session focuses on analyzing data gathered from the assessments and using the data to inform instruction for whole group, small group, and independent readers.
Participants will be able to:
• Administer the four parts of NSGRA
• Use the whole group assessment components to decide on whole-group, small-group, and independent instructional goals.
• Choose an appropriate text and instructional focus for a Guided Reading lesson based on Reading Conference data.
Presenters
avatar for Holly Christian

Holly Christian

Scholastic, Literacy Specialist

Monday July 15, 2024 10:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Room 268

11:00am CDT

Beyond the Basics: Secondary Education with Discovery Education
Dive into the vast array of resources tailored specifically for middle and high school educators within Discovery Education! In this session, participants will embark on an exciting journey through the treasure trove of multimedia content, interactive tools, and curriculum resources designed to captivate and inspire students at the secondary level. From dynamic virtual labs to immersive virtual field trips, attendees will discover innovative ways to ignite curiosity, foster critical thinking, and enhance student learning experiences across various subject areas.
Presenters
avatar for Tomi Rush

Tomi Rush

Partner Success Manager, Discovery Education
SM

Steve Mauricio

Discovery Education, Education Partnerships Manager

Monday July 15, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 93

11:00am CDT

Executive Function Skills
There is a lot that is happening in the classroom: new content, strategies, technology, etc.! But sometimes, things just don't seem to stick. It may not be you, it may be students executive functioning skills. Learn about how executive functioning impact the learner and strategies to support and develop those skills!
Presenters
RJ

Russel Johnson

Madison City Schools, Instructional Technology Specialist

Monday July 15, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 255

11:00am CDT

How to Start a Mentoring Group
Mentoring is a powerful practice that facilitates learning, development, and growth in individual students and in the school environment. The benefits of mentoring programs makes a valuable investment within the school as a way to unlock personal and educational skill development, leadership and a better school environment for students. The purpose of mentoring programs depends on the school’s and students' goals and objectives. Let me help you begin and develop a mentoring program to develop leadership skills that allow your students to improve behavior, academic growth, and community involvement.
Presenters
avatar for Jamie Franklin

Jamie Franklin

Special Education Teacher/Mentor, Daphne Middle School
Mrs. Franklin has been a special education teacher for over eight and a half years. She has a background in behavior and Speech Language Pathology. In addition to advocating for her students, she is an avid volunteer and member of Alpha Kappa Sorority. She is a mentor/founder of the... Read More →
MS

Margaret Smith

Daphne Middle School

Monday July 15, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 252

11:00am CDT

Innovate for Impact! Empower with Empathy, Equip with Inquiry
Innovation is most impactful when we inquire with empathy to guide our design thinking. This session will guide teachers to try on a community's shoes, by experiencing real problem vignettes, just like the students would. Ignite your student passion for compassion with strategies to empower learners with empathy. Brainstorm innovative solutions that matter to your school and community. Take-home a toolkit to equip your students with design thinking through inquiry to guide their problem-solving potential. From a first-person perspective, this session will inspire teachers to experience the problem and develop solutions from the perspective of the students for their community.
Presenters
avatar for Nicholas Linke

Nicholas Linke

eMINTS National Center, Educational Program Coordinator III
Nicholas Anthony Linke is an eMINTS National Center educational program coordinator. After graduating from University of Missouri with a  duel degree in Biology and Philosophy and returned for his Maters in Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum. He also  taught as science teacher for... Read More →
avatar for Doug Caldwell

Doug Caldwell

eMINTS National Center, Training and Marketing Manager

Monday July 15, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 96

11:00am CDT

Looking at ESL from OUTSIDE the Box
The areas up for discussion are Parental Contacts, Co-Teaching, Lessons/Activities/Transportation, and what ELs need to know for your school.
Presenters
avatar for Annette Putt

Annette Putt

ESL Teacher/ Bus Driver, Foley Middle School
The areas up for discussion are Parental Contacts, Co-Teaching, Lessons/Activities/Transportation, and what ELs need to know for your school.

Monday July 15, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 253

11:00am CDT

Map it Up!!!
My session will be all about applying maps to different disciplines. My audience will be for all content areas and is fueled by my enthusiasm for maps. My session is still in the raw beginning stage, however, I believe it will be a fun and informative session!
Presenters
CH

Cody Hall

Social Studies Teacher, Elberta High

Monday July 15, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 20

11:00am CDT

Strong Writing Feedback with NoRedInk Quick Writes
In this session you'll learn best practices for facilitating high-quality feedback with NoRedInk Quick Writes by discussing the principles of effective feedback, reviewing Quick Write feedback tools (including the new AI grading assistant!), and exploring next steps after students receive feedback.
Presenters
KC

Kristina Crouch

Professional Learning Specialist, NoRedInk

Monday July 15, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 267

12:00pm CDT

EmpowerED: Student-Driven Learning with BrainPOP
Put students in the driver’s seat of learning with BrainPOP! You already love our movies. Now explore the many learning activities – including brand new grade-leveled options – available to expand students’ understanding as they use technology to build knowledge and produce digital content.
Presenters
avatar for Michele Robinson

Monday July 15, 2024 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 252

12:00pm CDT

Fractions Are a Real Number Too!
Fractions are one area where young math students struggle the most. Frax is an adaptive and game-based program that helps students build a conceptual understanding of fractions and understand that fractions are real numbers too! Come and learn how to engage students in learning while building their skills and confidence in working with fractions.
Presenters
TC

Monday July 15, 2024 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 255

12:00pm CDT

Game-Based Learning for the Science Classroom
Experience the thrill of game-based learning with Sci-Ops: Global Defense! Transform your classroom with our NSF award-winning video game that teaches 6th-12th grade chemistry and physical science standards and exposes your students to STEM career paths and real world technologies. You will engage and excite your students by incorporating our video game and curricular resources into your classroom. Leave with an all inclusive access code to our 3D game-based platform.
Presenters
avatar for Jenny Savage

Jenny Savage

Plasma Games
avatar for Ashley Cooper

Ashley Cooper

Plasma, Customer Success Specialist

Monday July 15, 2024 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 20

12:00pm CDT

Let's Jump-Start Math Class!!
Jump-Start kickstarts your class with 20 different routines that promote student reasoning and number sense, all of which include content examples, extensions, and variations for grades 6–8.
Presenters
avatar for Daphne Lincoln

Daphne Lincoln

Math 8 Teacher, Daphne Middle School

Monday July 15, 2024 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 17

12:00pm CDT

Literacy Across Curriculum (Secondary)
Lets work together to find ways to consciously incorporate literacy across curriculum. This is especially great for CTE teachers.
Presenters
avatar for Alyssa Corbitt

Alyssa Corbitt

FACS Teacher, Elberta Middle School
I teach Family and Consumer Sciences and am the adviser for our chapter of Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) at Elberta Middle School, where I've taught since August 2015, after graduating from Auburn University in May 2015. In my classes we talk a lot about... Read More →

Monday July 15, 2024 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 7

12:00pm CDT

Ready Player One: Gamification in Content Areas
Ignite learning with gamification! Discover how game-based learning can engage students in new ways through a variety of formats and time frames to meet all needs. Differentiate and integrate puzzles, card games, and digital games in any classroom using the same tricks used by Nintendo. Empower students to create their own games. Join us to level-up your classroom!
Presenters
BB

Brittany Babineaux

teacher, Fairhope Middle
avatar for Allie Schultze

Allie Schultze

Consulting Teacher, Central Office Staff
Hi! I'm Allie and I'm a Consulting Teacher with the Ed Tech Department. Some of you may have cursed my name while attempting to finish some of our FLEX PD (totally understandable). This was my 8th year in Baldwin County and my 13th in education. I previously worked as a Teacher Consultant... Read More →

Monday July 15, 2024 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 8

12:00pm CDT

Text-Based Writing with NoRedInk
In this session you'll learn best practices for facilitating text-based writing in your classes with NoRedInk by exploring NoRedInk's pre-made text-based activities and discussing ways to grow reading and writing skills with NoRedInk activities.
Presenters
KC

Kristina Crouch

Professional Learning Specialist, NoRedInk

Monday July 15, 2024 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 267

12:00pm CDT

The Empowered Educator
Are you having a tough time juggling being an educator and all of your other responsibilities? This session will focus on creating systems to help you build and sustain healthy habits that serve you personally and professionally throughout the school year. You will walk away with a game plan that will set you up for success both inside and outside of the classroom. It's time to transition from overwhelmED to empowerED!
Presenters
avatar for Kayland Lamar

Kayland Lamar

Teacher, Baldwin County High

Monday July 15, 2024 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 95

12:00pm CDT

Pelican's Nest Science Lab: Lets Go to the Bay! Secondary Edition
Grab your sunscreen and come learn about the Pelican's Nest Science Lab, BCBE's award-winning marine and environmental science program. Teachers will experience an overview of the programs, field experiences, and environmental labs. View the many classroom resources available to check-out for your home campus use. Participants will also be invited to the Pelican's Nest Google Classrooms, which provide the rigor around the relevance. We will head to the bay to seine, cast, dig, and sift! Come get WET and inspired! You will deepen your own understanding of how to give students ownership and responsibility for Mobile Bay! Participants need to be prepared to get wet.
Presenters
avatar for Kacie Hardman

Kacie Hardman

Pelican's Nest Elementary Lab Director, Central Office Staff
Hi, I’m Kacie Hardman. I have been an educator for 16 years. I am passionate about students having ownership to their learning through their wonder! I am happily married to my husband Fred and we have three children. You can find us having fun together by the water most days of... Read More →

Monday July 15, 2024 12:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Pelican's Nest - Bus meets in front of ninth grade academy

1:00pm CDT

Captivate, Connect, Achieve: Elevating Student Engagement for Academic Success
Learn about strategies to engage students! Based on the texts, ATLAS and The New Art and Science of Teaching, teachers will learn ways to engage students with and without technology.
Presenters
RJ

Russel Johnson

Madison City Schools, Instructional Technology Specialist

Monday July 15, 2024 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 255

1:00pm CDT

Lightspeed Chromebook Monitoring Crash Course
Introductory Session to show teachers how to use Lightspeed to monitory student Chromebook use in the Classroom.

-How to Log in and set the schedule for classes and groups
-Appropriate and Helpful uses
-Viewing the teacher and student-side user interface
-Viewing off-task student browsing/gaming/etc.
-Blocking or allowing specific websites and creating "Focus" lists
-Recording student computer usage for documentation
-What not to do
Presenters
avatar for Jennifer Hanson

Jennifer Hanson

Marketing Teacher, Robertsdale High School

Monday July 15, 2024 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 243

1:00pm CDT

Pair up: Co-teaching for Success
Co-teaching can be awkward and overwhelming when first starting together. This session will build confidence in pairing up with a special education teacher to create an effective, co-teaching model where ALL students succeed.
Presenters
avatar for Jessicah Lawrence

Jessicah Lawrence

English Teacher, Spanish Fort High School
I am new to Baldwin County School District as I just moved from South Carolina in December 2023. This is my seventh year teaching English. I have taught 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th grades. Before teaching, I was a newspaper journalist for five years in Beaufort County, South Carolina and... Read More →

Monday July 15, 2024 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 17

1:00pm CDT

Think Before You Snap
As educators we recognize the importance of comprehending the underlying motivations behind students' online behaviors and want to provide guidance that fosters positive decision-making. Everyday educators find themselves navigating the challenges that our students bring to the classroom due to online behavior...two of the biggest issues faced daily are cyberbullying and sending of inappropriate content. This comprehensive program dives into various aspects of digital citizenship, encompassing three critical topics such as the delicate balance between self-confidence and self-worth, the potential hazards associated with excessive or inappropriate sharing, and a profound exploration of the root causes behind cyberbullying incidents. By diving into the complicated dynamics of self-confidence versus self-worth, this program aims to empower educators and thus students to develop a healthy sense of self-esteem and self-assurance in the digital space.Through thoughtful discussions and engaging activities, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of helping students to navigate their own worth while on social media platforms with confidence and resilience. The program also addresses the potential pitfalls of over sharing and inappropriate sharing on social media platforms. This has become a pressing issue in most schools and attendees will learn how to best educate students in this area. Last the program seeks to uncover the underlying reasons behind cyberbullying incidents. Through an empathetic and compassionate lens, attendees will explore the root causes and motivations that drive individuals to engage in harmful online behavior. By cultivating empathy and fostering a culture of kindness, this program aims to create a safer and more inclusive digital environment for all students. This program provides educators with the tools and resources necessary to guide students towards making positive decisions in the digital world.

Presenters
avatar for Kristi Bush

Kristi Bush

KNB Communications, Keynote Speaker/Owner KNB Communications
Kristi Bush serves as a national education consultant and social media safety advocate. She is a licensed social worker with greater than 20 years of clinical practice and health care experience. She attended Troy and Auburn University where she studied social work and counseling... Read More →

Monday July 15, 2024 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 28

1:00pm CDT

What's New with Discovery Education: Interactives, Virtual Field Trips and More
Discovery Education’s Learning Platform includes a variety of multimodal resources that help teachers engage students through interaction with rich and relevant content. Learn how to power up your lessons through maximizing your search results using a variety of strategies to efficiently locate video segments, images, songs, audiobooks, text, interactives, channels, ready-to-use lessons and more! Explore ways to use Discovery Education’s high-quality resources and instructional supports to engage all students.
Presenters
avatar for Tomi Rush

Tomi Rush

Partner Success Manager, Discovery Education
SM

Steve Mauricio

Discovery Education, Education Partnerships Manager

Monday July 15, 2024 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 93

1:00pm CDT

Who's Afraid of Chat GPT?: Learning More About AI in the ELA Classroom
In this session, we will do the following:
1.Explain how “generative AI” works, including what it can—and can’t—do.
2. Recognize our own beliefs and biases regarding AI in the classroom.
3. Decide one place where AI can help our planning/teaching.
Presenters
avatar for Morgan Plash

Morgan Plash

Teacher, Elberta High
Greetings! My name is Morgan Plash, and I've been teaching English at Elberta High School since 2016. Before landing in Baldwin County, I taught English in Frisco, Texas. I have taught English Language Arts at all levels from 6-12, including Gifted English and AP Language. I am a... Read More →

Monday July 15, 2024 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 92

1:00pm CDT

Good Vibes and Tie-dye!
A fan FAVE: Tie-DYE a T-shirt!!!
Bring a 100% cotton t-shirt and tie-dye it during the session!
There's even a chance win a tie-dye set to take home and make even MORE!!! ....shirts, socks, towels, your dog.....
You will learn how to do a Tie-Dye.
Then you can use your TieDying knowledge for a school fund raiser or make colorful shirts for your grade level!
The possibilities are endless!!!!!
Come join the colorful fun!
Presenters
avatar for Joyce Garrison

Joyce Garrison

Teacher, Rosinton Elementary School
Hello! This will be my THIRD year to present at GRITC.I graduated with my bachelors of fine art and master's of education from the University of Montevallo, which is located in Montevallo, AL.I am married and we live in Loxley. I have been teaching elementary art for 11 years and... Read More →
avatar for Amy Plunkett

Amy Plunkett

Other, K-12 Supervisor, Curriculum & Instruction Fine Arts, Health & Physical Education

Monday July 15, 2024 1:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 45 - Art Room

1:00pm CDT

Sunglasses and Hats- Perfect Tools for Building Community
Building a solid learning community can be challenging. I will showcase some of the hands-on activities I used this past year to create a fun atmosphere and encourage learning and a feeling of community among students.
Presenters
avatar for Patrick George

Patrick George

J3 Worldwide, Inc, Consultant
Internship and Career Coordinator, Adjunct Instructor and Faculty Advisor. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. from Auburn University in Higher Education Administration. For over 20 years, I have motivated students from all over the United States and Canada through energetic speeches, academic... Read More →

Monday July 15, 2024 1:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 95

2:00pm CDT

AI in Education
AI is sweeping the nation, especially in education. What is the impact in the classroom? How can we support students in learning about it? Learn how AI can impact your teaching and learn specific ways you can incorporate AI into the classroom.
Presenters
RJ

Russel Johnson

Madison City Schools, Instructional Technology Specialist

Monday July 15, 2024 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 255

2:00pm CDT

Empowering EL Student Engagement with Discovery Education
Join us for an interactive exploration of how Discovery Education can revolutionize the learning experience for English Learner (EL) students. In this session, we will dive into the wealth of resources and tools within Discovery Education's platform designed specifically to support EL students at various proficiency levels. Discover how to effectively integrate multimedia content, interactive activities, and scaffolded learning experiences to engage and empower EL students in their language acquisition journey. From differentiated instruction strategies to culturally relevant content, participants will leave equipped with practical techniques and inspiration to elevate EL student success using Discovery Education.
Presenters
avatar for Tomi Rush

Tomi Rush

Partner Success Manager, Discovery Education
SM

Steve Mauricio

Discovery Education, Education Partnerships Manager

Monday July 15, 2024 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 93

2:00pm CDT

Modern Classrooms: A Self-Paced Learning Model
The one thing we never have as teachers is time. Time to work with all of our students, time to differentiate, time to teach them all of the content and soft skills they need as adults. With the Modern Classroom model, you can use a self-paced method to give yourself more time to do all the things and your students the agency to to learn, collaborate, and truly master their learning.
Presenters
BB

Brittany Babineaux

teacher, Fairhope Middle

Monday July 15, 2024 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 8

2:00pm CDT

Relationships Before Rigor: How Building Community in Your Classroom Makes Rigor Possible
Building relationships in the classroom is crucial for creating a safe and inclusive environment, enhancing student engagement, improving classroom management, and facilitating personalized learning. This session will provide teachers with effective strategies and tools to help establish relationships that will add joy back into the classroom--for both students and teachers. Although most of the strategies showcased in this session are used with secondary students, they could be adapted for use with younger students as well.
Presenters
avatar for Lauren Latham

Lauren Latham

ELA Teacher, Robertsdale High School

Monday July 15, 2024 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 3

2:00pm CDT

The Loss of Truth: AI had entered the chat. How do we know what is real and what isn't?
In an era where misinformation, deepfakes, and algorithmic biases are everywhere, educators face the critical challenge of guiding students in distinguishing between what is real and what is not. This thought-provoking presentation explores the profound impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the concept of truth and equips educators with practical strategies to help students navigate the complex digital landscape with discernment and critical thinking.

The presentation begins by examining the pervasive influence of AI technologies on the dissemination and consumption of information. It delves into the phenomenon of deepfakes, AI-generated content that convincingly mimics real people or events, blurring the line between reality and fabrication. Through engaging examples educators will gain a deeper understanding of the potential consequences and ethical implications of AI-generated misinformation.

The presentation also explores the concept of algorithmic bias, shedding light on how AI algorithms can perpetuate and amplify existing prejudices and biases. Educators will learn how to recognize and challenge these biases, equipping them with the tools to empower students in critically evaluating information and questioning its sources.

Lastly this session delves into the psychological and cognitive factors that contribute to the spread of misinformation and the challenges associated with combating it. Educators will explore the cognitive biases that make individuals susceptible to believing and sharing false information, as well as effective strategies to foster media literacy and critical thinking skills among students.

Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, attendees will discover innovative teaching approaches and resources that can be integrated into their curricula to help students develop a discerning eye and a healthy skepticism towards information encountered online. The presentation emphasizes the importance of fostering a classroom environment that encourages open dialogue, fact-checking, and collaborative exploration of truth.

By the end of the presentation, educators will be equipped with the knowledge, tips 7 tools, necessary to guide their students in distinguishing between fact and fiction in the digital age. Together, we can empower the next generation to become critical thinkers, responsible digital citizens, and guardians of truth in an increasingly complex and AI-driven world.
Presenters
avatar for Kristi Bush

Kristi Bush

KNB Communications, Keynote Speaker/Owner KNB Communications
Kristi Bush serves as a national education consultant and social media safety advocate. She is a licensed social worker with greater than 20 years of clinical practice and health care experience. She attended Troy and Auburn University where she studied social work and counseling... Read More →

Monday July 15, 2024 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 28

2:00pm CDT

The Power of Primary Sources
We will do a hands on activity with primary sources then we will look at the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History to retrieve more sources to fit with our specific Lessons. In addition all teachers in attendance will be given a list of primary source websites with lesson plans included. "Punch Up Your Lessons With Primary Sources"
Presenters
avatar for Felicia Penn

Felicia Penn

History Teacer, Spanish Fort High
I have been teaching in Baldwin County for 23 years, and I love finding good primary sources for my lessons. This is a time-consuming task, and a lot of teachers don't have time, but I am hoping to give you some easy-to-use resources and ideas for planning and using primary sources... Read More →

Monday July 15, 2024 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 243

2:00pm CDT

Wash, Rinse, Repeat: Handwashing & Viruses in Schools
Through real-life case studies of disease outbreak in public schools, participants will learn about various viral pathogens, impact on school closure, the disease surveillance process, and the importance of collaboration between schools and public health departments. Public communication strategies will be outlined. Presenters will share evidence-based instructional methods for teaching best practices in hand hygiene in elementary and secondary education.
Presenters
AR

Alison Rudd

Health Services Coordinator, Central Office Staff
WL

Wendy Ledbetter

Other, Nurse Coordinator, Infectious Diseases and Outbreaks

Monday July 15, 2024 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 17
 
Tuesday, July 16
 

8:00am CDT

Geometry and Measurement Part 2 (9-12)
This session will focus on the Geometry and Measurement content area, the ACT assessment as it relates to instruction, and Catalyzing Change in High School Mathematics connections. In this session participants will engage in activities and tasks that provide experiences with transformations to study similarity and geometric ideas that enable the use of algebraic concepts through the study of functions and relations with coordinates and graphs in different representations. It encompasses special right triangles, distance formula, and Pythagorean Theorem. Geometry and Measurement Part 1 is a prerequisite for this session.

Must register through AMSTI at the following link.

AMSTI Math Foundations Training is a prerequisite for AMSTI Content Training including this geometry session. More information can be found at https://www.amstiusa.org/training.
A formal 1-hour lunch break will take place during this session.
Presenters
avatar for Sarah Eddington

Sarah Eddington

Teacher, Foley High School

Tuesday July 16, 2024 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Room 269

8:00am CDT

Geometry and Measurement: Transformations and 3D Shapes (6-8)
This session is designed to support teachers in implementing the Geometry and Measurement content area. Participants will engage in tasks designed to help students build conceptual and procedural fluency in 2&3D polygons.

Must register through AMSTI at the following link.

AMSTI Math Foundations Training is a prerequisite for AMSTI Content Training including this geometry session. More information can be found at https://www.amstiusa.org/training.
A formal 1-hour lunch break will take place during this session.
Presenters
RB
KS

Katina Stallworth

AMSTI, AMSTI Secondary Math Specialist

Tuesday July 16, 2024 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Room 270

9:00am CDT

EmpowerED: Student-Driven Learning with BrainPOP
Put students in the driver’s seat of learning with BrainPOP! You already love our movies. Now explore the many learning activities – including brand new grade-leveled options – available to expand students’ understanding as they use technology to build knowledge and produce digital content.
Presenters
avatar for Michele Robinson

Tuesday July 16, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Room 252

9:00am CDT

Empowering EL Student Engagement with Discovery Education
Join us for an interactive exploration of how Discovery Education can revolutionize the learning experience for English Learner (EL) students. In this session, we will dive into the wealth of resources and tools within Discovery Education's platform designed specifically to support EL students at various proficiency levels. Discover how to effectively integrate multimedia content, interactive activities, and scaffolded learning experiences to engage and empower EL students in their language acquisition journey. From differentiated instruction strategies to culturally relevant content, participants will leave equipped with practical techniques and inspiration to elevate EL student success using Discovery Education.
Presenters
avatar for Tomi Rush

Tomi Rush

Partner Success Manager, Discovery Education
SM

Steve Mauricio

Discovery Education, Education Partnerships Manager

Tuesday July 16, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Room 93

9:00am CDT

Game-Based Learning for the Science Classroom
Experience the thrill of game-based learning with Sci-Ops: Global Defense! Transform your classroom with our NSF award-winning video game that teaches 6th-12th grade chemistry and physical science standards and exposes your students to STEM career paths and real world technologies. You will engage and excite your students by incorporating our video game and curricular resources into your classroom. Leave with an all inclusive access code to our 3D game-based platform.
Presenters
avatar for Jenny Savage

Jenny Savage

Plasma Games
avatar for Ashley Cooper

Ashley Cooper

Plasma, Customer Success Specialist

Tuesday July 16, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Room 20

9:00am CDT

Lightspeed Chromebook Monitoring Crash Course
Introductory Session to show teachers how to use Lightspeed to monitory student Chromebook use in the Classroom.

-How to Log in and set the schedule for classes and groups
-Appropriate and Helpful uses
-Viewing the teacher and student-side user interface
-Viewing off-task student browsing/gaming/etc.
-Blocking or allowing specific websites and creating "Focus" lists
-Recording student computer usage for documentation
-What not to do
Presenters
avatar for Jennifer Hanson

Jennifer Hanson

Marketing Teacher, Robertsdale High School

Tuesday July 16, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Room 255

9:00am CDT

TEAMS Contracts-What You Need to Know
The session will provide information to secondary math and science teacher about TEAMS contract, the application process, and the professional development requirements for TEAMS teachers.
Presenters
JC

Jonathan Crawford

Human Resouces Supervisor, Central Office Staff

Tuesday July 16, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Room 91

9:00am CDT

MineCraft EDU: Engagement, Engineering and Axolotls
This workshop is relevant for every subject, grades 4 through 12. In this workshop I will introduce MineCraft for Education. Using this virtual world, teachers can invite their students to intact in a wide variety of activities that help students practice real world skills in a safe, productive, and fun environment.
Presenters
avatar for Rebecca Cissel

Rebecca Cissel

Teacher, Loxley Elementary
I am a 6th-grade teacher and a tech nerd.  I love trying out new tools in my classroom and sharing them with other educators.

Tuesday July 16, 2024 9:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 28

9:00am CDT

Sunglasses and Hats- Perfect Tools for Building Community
Building a solid learning community can be challenging. I will showcase some of the hands-on activities I used this past year to create a fun atmosphere and encourage learning and a feeling of community among students.
Presenters
avatar for Patrick George

Patrick George

J3 Worldwide, Inc, Consultant
Internship and Career Coordinator, Adjunct Instructor and Faculty Advisor. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. from Auburn University in Higher Education Administration. For over 20 years, I have motivated students from all over the United States and Canada through energetic speeches, academic... Read More →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 9:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 95

9:00am CDT

Differentiation In Secondary Classrooms
What does a balanced literacy classroom look like? We’ll explore the components of balanced literacy and how the interrelationships between each component contribute to a students' literacy development. We’ll also break down the milestones of the gradual release of responsibility as it frees students to forge their unique path to exploring and interpreting the world.
Participants will be able to:
• Define Balanced Literacy and its components.
• Explain the purpose of Guided Reading and its role in a Balanced Literacy classroom.
• Explain how to select appropriate leveled text for small groups and independent practice.
Presenters
avatar for Holly Christian

Holly Christian

Scholastic, Literacy Specialist

Tuesday July 16, 2024 9:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Room 268

10:00am CDT

AI in Education
AI is sweeping the nation, especially in education. What is the impact in the classroom? How can we support students in learning about it? Learn how AI can impact your teaching and learn specific ways you can incorporate AI into the classroom.
Presenters
RJ

Russel Johnson

Madison City Schools, Instructional Technology Specialist

Tuesday July 16, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 255

10:00am CDT

The Teacher’s Superpower: How to Build Your Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) and Put It to Work
Effective math teaching requires knowing more than just math facts, but understanding common mistakes students may take when learning math. This training will look at techniques for responding to those different paths: like detours and bridges that students may encounter on their road to mathematical proficiency. We will also look at a variety of “teacher moves” that will help invite all students to the table of learning.
Presenters
MJ

Missy Jones

Geometry Teacher, Fairhope High School

Tuesday July 16, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 243

10:00am CDT

What's New with Discovery Education: Interactives, Virtual Field Trips and More
Discovery Education’s Learning Platform includes a variety of multimodal resources that help teachers engage students through interaction with rich and relevant content. Learn how to power up your lessons through maximizing your search results using a variety of strategies to efficiently locate video segments, images, songs, audiobooks, text, interactives, channels, ready-to-use lessons and more! Explore ways to use Discovery Education’s high-quality resources and instructional supports to engage all students.
Presenters
avatar for Tomi Rush

Tomi Rush

Partner Success Manager, Discovery Education
SM

Steve Mauricio

Discovery Education, Education Partnerships Manager

Tuesday July 16, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 93

11:00am CDT

Beyond the Basics: Secondary Education with Discovery Education
Dive into the vast array of resources tailored specifically for middle and high school educators within Discovery Education! In this session, participants will embark on an exciting journey through the treasure trove of multimedia content, interactive tools, and curriculum resources designed to captivate and inspire students at the secondary level. From dynamic virtual labs to immersive virtual field trips, attendees will discover innovative ways to ignite curiosity, foster critical thinking, and enhance student learning experiences across various subject areas.
Presenters
avatar for Tomi Rush

Tomi Rush

Partner Success Manager, Discovery Education
SM

Steve Mauricio

Discovery Education, Education Partnerships Manager

Tuesday July 16, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 93

11:00am CDT

Empowering Educators: Using Prosocial Education to Cultivate Lasting Change
In this interactive session, you will explore the critical role of prosocial education in addressing the unique challenges in student behavior and classroom management in today's classrooms. You will gain a deeper understanding of how prosocial education promotes empathy, collaboration, and student engagement, ultimately leading to stronger schools and more resilient students and teachers. Through engaging discussions, real-world examples, and practical strategies, you will learn how to integrate prosocial principles into everyday teaching practices and school culture.
Presenters
avatar for Jen Foster

Jen Foster

Sr. Program Coordinator, eMINTS National Center
Jen Foster has been harnessing the power of technology to support instruction for more than 20 years. Over the last 12 years, Jen has provided professional development to a wide variety of educators, school administrators, instructional coaches, etc. to enhance and grow their tech... Read More →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 96

11:00am CDT

Engaging Literacy Stations Middle and High School Students Want to Do
Learning to design and implement independent/small group literacy stations can help grow a reader/writer's stamina, develop long lasting interest in books and different genres as well as build a positive classroom environment. Establishing choice through cooperative learning opportunities and allowing for quiet work time will have your middle or high schooler begging to do stations!

During this time you are able to work 1:1 or with a small group of students while other learners continue to hone their reading, writing, and digital literacy craft. Tracking completion is easy too! Either on paper or on a digital platform like Google Classroom or Schoology, you'll be able to set accountability measures and even take grades on the work completed. Come learn how stations can expand your teaching time and engage your middle schooler to read, write, and think.
Presenters
avatar for Sondra Dunn

Sondra Dunn

K-12 Reading Specialist/Educator, Fairhope Middle

Tuesday July 16, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 20

11:00am CDT

Executive Function Skills
There is a lot that is happening in the classroom: new content, strategies, technology, etc.! But sometimes, things just don't seem to stick. It may not be you, it may be students executive functioning skills. Learn about how executive functioning impact the learner and strategies to support and develop those skills!
Presenters
RJ

Russel Johnson

Madison City Schools, Instructional Technology Specialist

Tuesday July 16, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 255

11:00am CDT

Flow and Student Achievement
Discover the concept of FLOW and how to encourage your students to engage in FLOW activities.
Presenters
avatar for Patrick George

Patrick George

J3 Worldwide, Inc, Consultant
Internship and Career Coordinator, Adjunct Instructor and Faculty Advisor. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. from Auburn University in Higher Education Administration. For over 20 years, I have motivated students from all over the United States and Canada through energetic speeches, academic... Read More →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 95

11:00am CDT

Raiders of the Lost Art
In this session, I will explain the "Lost Art" of writing a business letter while investigating and researching hidden addresses of celebrities and influential persons' locations. Students will learn the "Lost Art" of writing a business letter, addressing envelopes, and the nearly extinct cursive signatures. On the students journey, they will find common ground with someone who has impacted their life while maintaining safe boundaries in the process!
Presenters
avatar for Anna Hunt

Anna Hunt

8th Grade Gifted, Daphne Middle School

Tuesday July 16, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 92

12:00pm CDT

ABCs of CER at the Secondary Level
This session is designed for teachers grade 7 - 12 who are interested in learning about CER writing and how to incorporate it in the classroom with fidelity.
Presenters
JM

Justin McNellage

Assistant Principal, Spanish Fort High

Tuesday July 16, 2024 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 252

12:00pm CDT

Equity in ELA
In this session teachers will learn strategies to accommodate instruction and make content accessible for English Language Learners in their secondary English Language Arts Classes.
Presenters
avatar for Marie Miller

Marie Miller

Teacher, Baldwin Preparatory

Tuesday July 16, 2024 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 255

12:00pm CDT

Gamify Your Science Classroom: Unleashing the Power of Plasma Games!
For Physical Science Middle School, Physical Science High School & Chemistry High School

Experience the thrill of game-based learning with Sci-Ops: Global Defense! Transform your classroom with our NSF award-winning video game that teaches 6th-12th grade chemistry and physical science standards. Engage and excite your students by incorporating our video game and curricular resources all while exposing your students to STEM career pathways.

During this three-hour training, you will learn how to integrate both our game-based learning video game, Sci-Ops: Global Defense, and our curricular resources into your classroom. You will receive a basic introduction of our platform, set up your classrooms and create your student accounts, play the game, explore our curricular resources, and lesson plan for your next unit.
Presenters
avatar for Jenny Savage

Jenny Savage

Plasma Games
avatar for Ashley Cooper

Ashley Cooper

Plasma, Customer Success Specialist

Tuesday July 16, 2024 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 20

12:00pm CDT

Gen AI Teaching Tools Shortlist and Demo
Saving time is important. We're only going to look at the best AI tools for the most common teacher tasks. This will include an overview of, how-to, and links to the tools, demos, and pros/cons for saving time in:
Planning
Content Generating
Communicating
Grading/Integrity
Presenters
avatar for Michelle Stockman

Michelle Stockman

Teacher, Robertsdale High School
I am currently serving as a senior English teacher at Robertsdale High School, but I have taught ELA in grades 6-12 in both Alabama and Tennessee during my time as a teacher. I have also served as a Reading Intervention teacher and mentor on the elementary level. I'm able to bounce... Read More →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 267

12:00pm CDT

Resistance is Futile: Outgrowing AI-Phobia
Lost in the AI hype-hyperdrive? This session explores how to turn AI into a powerful iterative tool for your classroom by exploiting its weaknesses. Uncover authentic real-world uses of AI that boost learning by reframing the shortcomings as opportunities. Design ways to integrate AI that makes new assignments more authentic rather than old assignments less difficult. Walk away with a plan of practical ideas to implement AI tomorrow. Stop the information overload, resistance isn’t just futile, it’s fertile.
Presenters
avatar for Nicholas Linke

Nicholas Linke

eMINTS National Center, Educational Program Coordinator III
Nicholas Anthony Linke is an eMINTS National Center educational program coordinator. After graduating from University of Missouri with a  duel degree in Biology and Philosophy and returned for his Maters in Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum. He also  taught as science teacher for... Read More →
avatar for Doug Caldwell

Doug Caldwell

eMINTS National Center, Training and Marketing Manager

Tuesday July 16, 2024 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 96

12:00pm CDT

Teaching with Interactive Grammar Notebooks
Teaching grammar is important (and difficult) in a secondary ELA setting. See how I used Interactive Notebooks to make grammar instruction engaging and effective in my middle school classes.
Presenters
avatar for Hollye Dueitt

Hollye Dueitt

Teacher
I am certified in English Language Arts and General Social Science, and this is my 10th year teaching. My favorite content to teach is British Literature, and I absolutely loved writing research papers in college. I have three amazing children, and my husband and I have been married... Read More →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 28

1:00pm CDT

Fractions Are a Real Number Too!
Fractions are one area where young math students struggle the most. Frax is an adaptive and game-based program that helps students build a conceptual understanding of fractions and understand that fractions are real numbers too! Come and learn how to engage students in learning while building their skills and confidence in working with fractions.
Presenters
TC

Tuesday July 16, 2024 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 255

1:00pm CDT

Podcasting: New Media Literacy & Alternative Assessment
This session will focus on the connection between podcasting and traditional literacy practices already in teacher repertoires.
Presenters
avatar for Morgan Plash

Morgan Plash

Teacher, Elberta High
Greetings! My name is Morgan Plash, and I've been teaching English at Elberta High School since 2016. Before landing in Baldwin County, I taught English in Frisco, Texas. I have taught English Language Arts at all levels from 6-12, including Gifted English and AP Language. I am a... Read More →
AH

Alex Homan

Baldwin County High, Teacher

Tuesday July 16, 2024 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 254

1:00pm CDT

Think Before You Snap
As educators we recognize the importance of comprehending the underlying motivations behind students' online behaviors and want to provide guidance that fosters positive decision-making. Everyday educators find themselves navigating the challenges that our students bring to the classroom due to online behavior...two of the biggest issues faced daily are cyberbullying and sending of inappropriate content. This comprehensive program dives into various aspects of digital citizenship, encompassing three critical topics such as the delicate balance between self-confidence and self-worth, the potential hazards associated with excessive or inappropriate sharing, and a profound exploration of the root causes behind cyberbullying incidents. By diving into the complicated dynamics of self-confidence versus self-worth, this program aims to empower educators and thus students to develop a healthy sense of self-esteem and self-assurance in the digital space.Through thoughtful discussions and engaging activities, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of helping students to navigate their own worth while on social media platforms with confidence and resilience. The program also addresses the potential pitfalls of over sharing and inappropriate sharing on social media platforms. This has become a pressing issue in most schools and attendees will learn how to best educate students in this area. Last the program seeks to uncover the underlying reasons behind cyberbullying incidents. Through an empathetic and compassionate lens, attendees will explore the root causes and motivations that drive individuals to engage in harmful online behavior. By cultivating empathy and fostering a culture of kindness, this program aims to create a safer and more inclusive digital environment for all students. This program provides educators with the tools and resources necessary to guide students towards making positive decisions in the digital world.

Presenters
avatar for Kristi Bush

Kristi Bush

KNB Communications, Keynote Speaker/Owner KNB Communications
Kristi Bush serves as a national education consultant and social media safety advocate. She is a licensed social worker with greater than 20 years of clinical practice and health care experience. She attended Troy and Auburn University where she studied social work and counseling... Read More →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 28

1:00pm CDT

Use Design Thinking to Develop Escape Rooms
Escape Rooms continue to be a very popular activity in schools and communities worldwide. The key design-thinking inspired steps in this session can guide students and teachers alike to design their own Escape Room for any grade level or subject. Receive resources, advice, templates, and planning assistance to engage your students in online and collaborative learning with online resources to design sample puzzles, beta-test those sample puzzles together. This session is your opportunity to break out beyond classic escape room combination locks and keys and maximize your Escape Room using modern tech and design-thinking steps.
Presenters
avatar for Nicholas Linke

Nicholas Linke

eMINTS National Center, Educational Program Coordinator III
Nicholas Anthony Linke is an eMINTS National Center educational program coordinator. After graduating from University of Missouri with a  duel degree in Biology and Philosophy and returned for his Maters in Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum. He also  taught as science teacher for... Read More →
avatar for Doug Caldwell

Doug Caldwell

eMINTS National Center, Training and Marketing Manager

Tuesday July 16, 2024 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 96

1:00pm CDT

Good Vibes and Tie-dye!
A fan FAVE: Tie-DYE a T-shirt!!!
Bring a 100% cotton t-shirt and tie-dye it during the session!
There's even a chance win a tie-dye set to take home and make even MORE!!! ....shirts, socks, towels, your dog.....
You will learn how to do a Tie-Dye.
Then you can use your TieDying knowledge for a school fund raiser or make colorful shirts for your grade level!
The possibilities are endless!!!!!
Come join the colorful fun!
Presenters
avatar for Joyce Garrison

Joyce Garrison

Teacher, Rosinton Elementary School
Hello! This will be my THIRD year to present at GRITC.I graduated with my bachelors of fine art and master's of education from the University of Montevallo, which is located in Montevallo, AL.I am married and we live in Loxley. I have been teaching elementary art for 11 years and... Read More →
avatar for Amy Plunkett

Amy Plunkett

Other, K-12 Supervisor, Curriculum & Instruction Fine Arts, Health & Physical Education

Tuesday July 16, 2024 1:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 45 - Art Room

2:00pm CDT

Captivate, Connect, Achieve: Elevating Student Engagement for Academic Success
Learn about strategies to engage students! Based on the texts, ATLAS and The New Art and Science of Teaching, teachers will learn ways to engage students with and without technology.
Presenters
RJ

Russel Johnson

Madison City Schools, Instructional Technology Specialist

Tuesday July 16, 2024 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 255

2:00pm CDT

Igniting the Flame: Harnessing the Power of English Learner (EL) Strategies
Harnessing the Power of English Learner strategies requires a multifaceted approach that acknowledges the diverse needs and backgrounds of students. Central to this endeavor is the cultivation of a supportive and inclusive learning environment where linguistic diversity is celebrated. Tailored instructional methods, such as differentiated instruction and scaffolding techniques, play a pivotal role in accommodating varying proficiency levels and learning styles. Equally important is the promotion of cultural competency among educators to ensure that English learners feel valued and understood. By embracing these strategies, we can empower English learners to unlock their full potential and succeed academically while fostering a sense of belonging in the classroom community.
Presenters
avatar for Michele Lee

Michele Lee

English Learner Consultant, Kids First Education

Tuesday July 16, 2024 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 16

2:00pm CDT

Navigating the Literary Seas: Essential Reads for Middle Grade & Young Adult Minds! (Grades 5-12)
Explore a thoughtfully curated list of great books for middle grade and young adult readers, spanning from classic favorites to compelling contemporary works. This session is designed to provide invaluable book titles that will not only enrich literacy skills but also ignite curiosity and cultivate a dynamic reading culture within your educational community.
Presenters
avatar for Jacquelyn Wilson

Jacquelyn Wilson

Library Media Specialist, Stonebridge Elementary
I am the Library Media Specialist at Stonebridge Elementary. I have been an educator for 11 years. I spent 5 of those years as an elementary school teacher and the other 6 as a Library Media Specialist. In our school library, I like to promote a culture of reading while also including... Read More →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 95

2:00pm CDT

The Loss of Truth: AI had entered the chat. How do we know what is real and what isn't?
In an era where misinformation, deepfakes, and algorithmic biases are everywhere, educators face the critical challenge of guiding students in distinguishing between what is real and what is not. This thought-provoking presentation explores the profound impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the concept of truth and equips educators with practical strategies to help students navigate the complex digital landscape with discernment and critical thinking.

The presentation begins by examining the pervasive influence of AI technologies on the dissemination and consumption of information. It delves into the phenomenon of deepfakes, AI-generated content that convincingly mimics real people or events, blurring the line between reality and fabrication. Through engaging examples educators will gain a deeper understanding of the potential consequences and ethical implications of AI-generated misinformation.

The presentation also explores the concept of algorithmic bias, shedding light on how AI algorithms can perpetuate and amplify existing prejudices and biases. Educators will learn how to recognize and challenge these biases, equipping them with the tools to empower students in critically evaluating information and questioning its sources.

Lastly this session delves into the psychological and cognitive factors that contribute to the spread of misinformation and the challenges associated with combating it. Educators will explore the cognitive biases that make individuals susceptible to believing and sharing false information, as well as effective strategies to foster media literacy and critical thinking skills among students.

Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, attendees will discover innovative teaching approaches and resources that can be integrated into their curricula to help students develop a discerning eye and a healthy skepticism towards information encountered online. The presentation emphasizes the importance of fostering a classroom environment that encourages open dialogue, fact-checking, and collaborative exploration of truth.

By the end of the presentation, educators will be equipped with the knowledge, tips 7 tools, necessary to guide their students in distinguishing between fact and fiction in the digital age. Together, we can empower the next generation to become critical thinkers, responsible digital citizens, and guardians of truth in an increasingly complex and AI-driven world.
Presenters
avatar for Kristi Bush

Kristi Bush

KNB Communications, Keynote Speaker/Owner KNB Communications
Kristi Bush serves as a national education consultant and social media safety advocate. She is a licensed social worker with greater than 20 years of clinical practice and health care experience. She attended Troy and Auburn University where she studied social work and counseling... Read More →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 28
 
Wednesday, July 17
 

8:00am CDT

Math Proficiency Scales
In this session, participants will explore how proficiency scales can be used to support instruction and assessment. At the end of this session, participants will know the basic components of proficiency scales, explain the benefits of using proficiency scales, describe the process of implementing proficiency scales to help guide instruction and assessment, and create student-friendly versions of proficiency scales.

Must register through AMSTI at the following link.
A formal 1-hour lunch break will take place during this session.
Presenters
avatar for Jennifer Fagerstrom

Jennifer Fagerstrom

University of South Alabama
LR

Lou Richardson

University of South Alabama

Wednesday July 17, 2024 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Room 270

9:00am CDT

Lightspeed Chromebook Monitoring Crash Course
Introductory Session to show teachers how to use Lightspeed to monitory student Chromebook use in the Classroom.

-How to Log in and set the schedule for classes and groups
-Appropriate and Helpful uses
-Viewing the teacher and student-side user interface
-Viewing off-task student browsing/gaming/etc.
-Blocking or allowing specific websites and creating "Focus" lists
-Recording student computer usage for documentation
-What not to do
Presenters
avatar for Michelle Stockman

Michelle Stockman

Teacher, Robertsdale High School
I am currently serving as a senior English teacher at Robertsdale High School, but I have taught ELA in grades 6-12 in both Alabama and Tennessee during my time as a teacher. I have also served as a Reading Intervention teacher and mentor on the elementary level. I'm able to bounce... Read More →

Wednesday July 17, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Room 243

9:00am CDT

Powered by Prosocial
Why is prosocial education so important? Join us in discovering the positive impacts of prosocial education on teaching and learning. We will explore how prosocial education supports STEM learning, team science, and collaborative learning projects. Participants will leave with a variety of prosocial education strategies that can be implemented with all learners.
Presenters
avatar for Jen Foster

Jen Foster

Sr. Program Coordinator, eMINTS National Center
Jen Foster has been harnessing the power of technology to support instruction for more than 20 years. Over the last 12 years, Jen has provided professional development to a wide variety of educators, school administrators, instructional coaches, etc. to enhance and grow their tech... Read More →

Wednesday July 17, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Room 96

9:00am CDT

Speed Dating through History
When I did this activity with my 8th-grade World History kiddos, I did it with the Ancient Rome unit. This is an engaging and interactive activity that has loads of potential and can be differentiated for any subject, grade level, or unit with multiple key characters! If you are looking to bring a fun project based learning activity to your school, look no further!
Presenters
avatar for Anna Hunt

Anna Hunt

8th Grade Gifted, Daphne Middle School

Wednesday July 17, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Room 92

9:00am CDT

Empowered Learning for All Learners with BrainPOP
Put students in the driver’s seat of learning with BrainPOP! You already love our movies. Now explore the many learning activities – including brand new grade-leveled options – available to expand students’ understanding as they use technology to build knowledge and produce digital content. Learn about integrated support for multilingual learners as they engage with content across all subject areas.
Presenters
avatar for Michele Robinson

Wednesday July 17, 2024 9:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 252

9:00am CDT

MineCraft EDU: Engagement, Engineering and Axolotls
This workshop is relevant for every subject, grades 4 through 12. In this workshop I will introduce MineCraft for Education. Using this virtual world, teachers can invite their students to intact in a wide variety of activities that help students practice real world skills in a safe, productive, and fun environment.
Presenters
avatar for Rebecca Cissel

Rebecca Cissel

Teacher, Loxley Elementary
I am a 6th-grade teacher and a tech nerd.  I love trying out new tools in my classroom and sharing them with other educators.

Wednesday July 17, 2024 9:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 28

9:00am CDT

Using Short Text as Tributaries to Novel Study
Short texts allow students to learn content in digestible bites. They are also a less intimidating way to digest higher level content. This powerful session will help participants to teach vocabulary, content, and powerful subject matter through short texts making novel studies more understandable.
Presenters
avatar for Holly Christian

Holly Christian

Scholastic, Literacy Specialist

Wednesday July 17, 2024 9:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 268

9:00am CDT

Prompting That Makes a Difference!
Prompting readers beyond their word level can be a challenge. What can teachers do to stretch their students? In grade-level meetings, teachers will practice identifying the strengths and needs of readers for decoding, fluency, and comprehension. Once the strengths and needs are identified, they will then target and practice, using the prompts that address those needs.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will be able to:
• Identify students’ strengths as readers.
• Determine readers’ needs specific to their developmental level.
• Identify appropriate prompts that support the readers’ needs.
• Practice using prompts that support the needs of readers.
This full day session for cohort members will also include a review of Next Step Guided Reading Assesment for differentiation of instruction, and an introduction to the digital book platform, Literacy Pro.
Presenters
avatar for Catherine Douthard

Catherine Douthard

Literacy Specialist, Scholastic
As a Literacy Specialist at Scholastic, I support educators and students in developing and enhancing their reading and writing skills. I have a master's degree in Instructional Technology and over 30 years of experience as a public school teacher in Georgia.My core competencies include... Read More →


Wednesday July 17, 2024 9:00am - 1:50pm CDT
Room 269

9:00am CDT

Understanding Second Language Acquisition Theory
In this dynamic session, participants will explore key theories and models of second language acquisition. Through collaborative activities and discussion participants will understand the stages of language development and identify strategies that will support ELL students.
Participants will:
• Explore key theories and models of second language acquisition (SLA).
• Understand the stages of language development in English language learners (ELLs).
• Discuss implications of SLA theory for instructional practices.
• Identify strategies to support ELLs at different proficiency levels.
Presenters
avatar for Marisol Teran-Pinion

Marisol Teran-Pinion

Scholastic, Inc., Bilingual Literacy Specialist

Wednesday July 17, 2024 9:00am - 1:50pm CDT
Room 267

10:00am CDT

From Carrots & Sticks to Growth Mindsets: Transforming Classroom Management
Tired of the constant battle with extrinsic motivators? This session will explore how to move beyond rewards and punishments and foster a growth mindset classroom built on intrinsic motivation and helps students learn to regulate their own behavior. Discover the power of descriptive praise and natural consequences to empower students and encourage positive behavior change. You will leave this session with practical strategies to transform your classroom management and cultivate a love of learning in your students!
Presenters
avatar for Jen Foster

Jen Foster

Sr. Program Coordinator, eMINTS National Center
Jen Foster has been harnessing the power of technology to support instruction for more than 20 years. Over the last 12 years, Jen has provided professional development to a wide variety of educators, school administrators, instructional coaches, etc. to enhance and grow their tech... Read More →

Wednesday July 17, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 96

10:00am CDT

Pelican's Nest Science Lab: Local Relevance in the K-12 Classroom!
Come find out about BCBE's award-winning K-12 Marine and Environmental Science Program! Teachers will experience an overview of the program, field experiences, and environmental labs. View the many classroom resources available to check-out through out the year. Participants will also be invited to the Pelican's Nest Google Classrooms, which provide the rigor around the relevance. Come deepen your own understanding of how to give students ownership and responsibility to Mobile Bay!
Presenters
avatar for Kacie Hardman

Kacie Hardman

Pelican's Nest Elementary Lab Director, Central Office Staff
Hi, I’m Kacie Hardman. I have been an educator for 16 years. I am passionate about students having ownership to their learning through their wonder! I am happily married to my husband Fred and we have three children. You can find us having fun together by the water most days of... Read More →
CR

Celeste Rivenbark

Other, Pelican's Nest Secondary Director

Wednesday July 17, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 95

10:00am CDT

Section 504 FOMO IS NOMO'
This session will cover the fundamentals of Section 504 Law and outline the responsibilities of educators. Choose this session if you are ready to demonstrate competence and feel empowered by gaining a foundational understanding of the goal of Section 504 and how it benefits students.
Presenters
avatar for Dionne Dunton

Dionne Dunton

Instructional Support Supervisor, Central Office Staff
SY

Sarah Young

General Counsel- BCBE, Central Office
CB

Crystal Baugh

Central Office Staff, Counselor 9 month Itinerant

Wednesday July 17, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 253

10:00am CDT

Transforming Lessons into Triumphs
Integrating test-prep efforts into the lessons you are already teaching is not only great for time management and pacing – it also helps to make test prep efforts more meaningful and engaging for your students. This session will discuss ideas for teaching the habits of learning with a focus on key areas of Test Prep practice that can be addressed immediately and easily with resources and tools that you are already using (or at least already have access to through district-provided or free platforms). This session will ralso eview some new information about the latest state testing updates and example item specs to help you make the most out of your test prep practice activities. The session is appropriate for secondary teachers who want to integrate test prep efforts into their regular classroom routines.
Presenters
avatar for Jaime Tillman

Jaime Tillman

Teacher, Daphne Middle School

Wednesday July 17, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 4

10:00am CDT

Who's Afraid of Chat GPT?: Learning More About AI in the ELA Classroom
In this session, we will do the following:
1.Explain how “generative AI” works, including what it can—and can’t—do.
2. Recognize our own beliefs and biases regarding AI in the classroom.
3. Decide one place where AI can help our planning/teaching.
Presenters
avatar for Morgan Plash

Morgan Plash

Teacher, Elberta High
Greetings! My name is Morgan Plash, and I've been teaching English at Elberta High School since 2016. Before landing in Baldwin County, I taught English in Frisco, Texas. I have taught English Language Arts at all levels from 6-12, including Gifted English and AP Language. I am a... Read More →

Wednesday July 17, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 92

11:00am CDT

How to AI Your Classroom
We will explore AI tools such as Curipod, Diffit, and MagicSchool AI to transform lessons and increase student engagement. Teachers will also learn to elevate student learning, provide personalized feedback, and reduce planning time. Attendees will get hands-on experience with AI tools for education. These tools can enhance student engagement, simplify assessment, and innovate your lessons. Whether it is increasing the interactivity of your lesson or providing different reading levels of the same passage, this session is for you!
Presenters
SS

Sherry Smith

Science Teacher, Elberta High

Wednesday July 17, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 8

11:00am CDT

Lightspeed Chromebook Monitoring Crash Course
Introductory Session to show teachers how to use Lightspeed to monitory student Chromebook use in the Classroom.

-How to Log in and set the schedule for classes and groups
-Appropriate and Helpful uses
-Viewing the teacher and student-side user interface
-Viewing off-task student browsing/gaming/etc.
-Blocking or allowing specific websites and creating "Focus" lists
-Recording student computer usage for documentation
-What not to do
Presenters
avatar for Michelle Stockman

Michelle Stockman

Teacher, Robertsdale High School
I am currently serving as a senior English teacher at Robertsdale High School, but I have taught ELA in grades 6-12 in both Alabama and Tennessee during my time as a teacher. I have also served as a Reading Intervention teacher and mentor on the elementary level. I'm able to bounce... Read More →

Wednesday July 17, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 255

11:00am CDT

Podcasting: New Media Literacy & Alternative Assessment
This session will focus on the connection between podcasting and traditional literacy practices already in teacher repertoires.
Presenters
avatar for Morgan Plash

Morgan Plash

Teacher, Elberta High
Greetings! My name is Morgan Plash, and I've been teaching English at Elberta High School since 2016. Before landing in Baldwin County, I taught English in Frisco, Texas. I have taught English Language Arts at all levels from 6-12, including Gifted English and AP Language. I am a... Read More →
AH

Alex Homan

Baldwin County High, Teacher

Wednesday July 17, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 92

11:00am CDT

The In's and Out's of CFT Programs
This session will be an overview of the three programs that are offered at CFT. Crossroads, Alternative, and IMPACT programs will be explained in detail. There will be a Q and A at the end to address any information not covered.
Presenters
ZW

Zack Wigstrom

Principal CFT, CF Taylor Alternative School
This is a brief bio.
CD

Chesley Darby

CF Taylor Alternative School, Assistant Principal

Wednesday July 17, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 28

12:00pm CDT

Dyslexia and Section 504
If you want to showcase your competence and knowledge of the objectives of Section 504 law and how to appropriately accommodate students with Dyslexia, then this is the session for you. In this session, participants will gain an overview of how Dyslexia affects learning and how to align accommodations to support student success.
Presenters
avatar for Dionne Dunton

Dionne Dunton

Instructional Support Supervisor, Central Office Staff
AP

April Paul

Dyslexia Specialist, Central Office Staff
CB

Crystal Baugh

Central Office Staff, Counselor 9 month Itinerant

Wednesday July 17, 2024 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 253

12:00pm CDT

Igniting the Flame: Harnessing the Power of English Learner (EL) Strategies
Harnessing the Power of English Learner strategies requires a multifaceted approach that acknowledges the diverse needs and backgrounds of students. Central to this endeavor is the cultivation of a supportive and inclusive learning environment where linguistic diversity is celebrated. Tailored instructional methods, such as differentiated instruction and scaffolding techniques, play a pivotal role in accommodating varying proficiency levels and learning styles. Equally important is the promotion of cultural competency among educators to ensure that English learners feel valued and understood. By embracing these strategies, we can empower English learners to unlock their full potential and succeed academically while fostering a sense of belonging in the classroom community.
Presenters
avatar for Michele Lee

Michele Lee

English Learner Consultant, Kids First Education

Wednesday July 17, 2024 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 16

12:00pm CDT

Pelican's Nest Science Lab: Local Relevance in the K-12 Classroom!
Come find out about BCBE's award-winning K-12 Marine and Environmental Science Program! Teachers will experience an overview of the program, field experiences, and environmental labs. View the many classroom resources available to check-out through out the year. Participants will also be invited to the Pelican's Nest Google Classrooms, which provide the rigor around the relevance. Come deepen your own understanding of how to give students ownership and responsibility to Mobile Bay!
Presenters
avatar for Kacie Hardman

Kacie Hardman

Pelican's Nest Elementary Lab Director, Central Office Staff
Hi, I’m Kacie Hardman. I have been an educator for 16 years. I am passionate about students having ownership to their learning through their wonder! I am happily married to my husband Fred and we have three children. You can find us having fun together by the water most days of... Read More →
CR

Celeste Rivenbark

Other, Pelican's Nest Secondary Director

Wednesday July 17, 2024 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 95

12:00pm CDT

The Teacher’s Superpower: How to Build Your Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) and Put It to Work
Effective math teaching requires knowing more than just math facts, but understanding common mistakes students may take when learning math. This training will look at techniques for responding to those different paths: like detours and bridges that students may encounter on their road to mathematical proficiency. We will also look at a variety of “teacher moves” that will help invite all students to the table of learning.
Presenters
MJ

Missy Jones

Geometry Teacher, Fairhope High School

Wednesday July 17, 2024 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 243

12:00pm CDT

Think Before You Snap
As educators we recognize the importance of comprehending the underlying motivations behind students' online behaviors and want to provide guidance that fosters positive decision-making. Everyday educators find themselves navigating the challenges that our students bring to the classroom due to online behavior...two of the biggest issues faced daily are cyberbullying and sending of inappropriate content. This comprehensive program dives into various aspects of digital citizenship, encompassing three critical topics such as the delicate balance between self-confidence and self-worth, the potential hazards associated with excessive or inappropriate sharing, and a profound exploration of the root causes behind cyberbullying incidents. By diving into the complicated dynamics of self-confidence versus self-worth, this program aims to empower educators and thus students to develop a healthy sense of self-esteem and self-assurance in the digital space.Through thoughtful discussions and engaging activities, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of helping students to navigate their own worth while on social media platforms with confidence and resilience. The program also addresses the potential pitfalls of over sharing and inappropriate sharing on social media platforms. This has become a pressing issue in most schools and attendees will learn how to best educate students in this area. Last the program seeks to uncover the underlying reasons behind cyberbullying incidents. Through an empathetic and compassionate lens, attendees will explore the root causes and motivations that drive individuals to engage in harmful online behavior. By cultivating empathy and fostering a culture of kindness, this program aims to create a safer and more inclusive digital environment for all students. This program provides educators with the tools and resources necessary to guide students towards making positive decisions in the digital world.

Presenters
avatar for Kristi Bush

Kristi Bush

KNB Communications, Keynote Speaker/Owner KNB Communications
Kristi Bush serves as a national education consultant and social media safety advocate. She is a licensed social worker with greater than 20 years of clinical practice and health care experience. She attended Troy and Auburn University where she studied social work and counseling... Read More →

Wednesday July 17, 2024 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 28

12:00pm CDT

Good Vibes and Tie-dye!
A fan FAVE: Tie-DYE a T-shirt!!!
Bring a 100% cotton t-shirt and tie-dye it during the session!
There's even a chance win a tie-dye set to take home and make even MORE!!! ....shirts, socks, towels, your dog.....
You will learn how to do a Tie-Dye.
Then you can use your TieDying knowledge for a school fund raiser or make colorful shirts for your grade level!
The possibilities are endless!!!!!
Come join the colorful fun!
Presenters
avatar for Joyce Garrison

Joyce Garrison

Teacher, Rosinton Elementary School
Hello! This will be my THIRD year to present at GRITC.I graduated with my bachelors of fine art and master's of education from the University of Montevallo, which is located in Montevallo, AL.I am married and we live in Loxley. I have been teaching elementary art for 11 years and... Read More →
avatar for Amy Plunkett

Amy Plunkett

Other, K-12 Supervisor, Curriculum & Instruction Fine Arts, Health & Physical Education

Wednesday July 17, 2024 12:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 45 - Art Room

12:00pm CDT

Using Short Text as Tributaries to Novel Study
Short texts allow students to learn content in digestible bites. They are also a less intimidating way to digest higher level content. This powerful session will help participants to teach vocabulary, content, and powerful subject matter through short texts making novel studies more understandable.
Presenters
avatar for Holly Christian

Holly Christian

Scholastic, Literacy Specialist

Wednesday July 17, 2024 12:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 268

1:00pm CDT

EmpowerED: Student-Driven Learning with BrainPOP
Put students in the driver’s seat of learning with BrainPOP! You already love our movies. Now explore the many learning activities – including brand new grade-leveled options – available to expand students’ understanding as they use technology to build knowledge and produce digital content.
Presenters
avatar for Michele Robinson

Wednesday July 17, 2024 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 252

1:00pm CDT

Get Them Talking: QCQ Inquiry Seminars
Do your group text-based discussions quickly derail? Are the reticent overpowered by the garrulous? This session will present an easily adapted, inquiry-based practice to engage all learners and give teachers insight into their students' understanding of a text.
Presenters
avatar for Dianne Casolaro

Dianne Casolaro

English Teacher, Daphne High School

Wednesday July 17, 2024 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 4

1:00pm CDT

I Get a 504, You Get a 504, We ALL Get 504 Accommodations!!

This session will cover the fundamentals of Section 504 accommodations. Participants will learn how to utilize data, student, teacher, and parent input, mitigating measures, and MTSS to guide team decisions on choosing appropriate accommodations when developing a Section 504 plan.
Presenters
avatar for Dionne Dunton

Dionne Dunton

Instructional Support Supervisor, Central Office Staff
CB

Crystal Baugh

Central Office Staff, Counselor 9 month Itinerant

Wednesday July 17, 2024 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 253

1:00pm CDT

Networking for Success: Building Your Professional Learning Network (PLN) Blueprint
Join us for an engaging session focused on creating and enhancing your professional learning network (PLN)! Discover the power of connecting with peers, mentors, and leaders in education, and learn how to cultivate collaborative relationships for professional growth. Don't miss out on this opportunity to expand your network and unlock new opportunities in your educational journey!
Presenters
avatar for Jacquelyn Wilson

Jacquelyn Wilson

Library Media Specialist, Stonebridge Elementary
I am the Library Media Specialist at Stonebridge Elementary. I have been an educator for 11 years. I spent 5 of those years as an elementary school teacher and the other 6 as a Library Media Specialist. In our school library, I like to promote a culture of reading while also including... Read More →

Wednesday July 17, 2024 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 95

1:00pm CDT

Strong Relationships = Powerful Learning
In our technology-rich classrooms, strong relationships are the key to unlocking student potential. This session is designed for educators who want to foster respectful, supportive connections with their students. Strong relationships lead to increased student engagement because students who feel connected to their teachers are more likely to be motivated and participate actively in class. These positive relationships lead to an improved classroom climate as strong relationships create a safe and positive learning environment where students feel comfortable taking risks and asking questions. Positive relationships can help students develop self-confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging therefore enhancing student well-being. Additionally, when students have strong connections to their teachers they tend to achieve higher grades and test scores and greater academic achievement. Join us in discovering practical strategies for building trust, fostering open communication, and creating a classroom culture where every student can thrive!
Presenters
avatar for Jen Foster

Jen Foster

Sr. Program Coordinator, eMINTS National Center
Jen Foster has been harnessing the power of technology to support instruction for more than 20 years. Over the last 12 years, Jen has provided professional development to a wide variety of educators, school administrators, instructional coaches, etc. to enhance and grow their tech... Read More →

Wednesday July 17, 2024 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 96

1:00pm CDT

The Loss of Truth: AI had entered the chat. How do we know what is real and what isn't?
In an era where misinformation, deepfakes, and algorithmic biases are everywhere, educators face the critical challenge of guiding students in distinguishing between what is real and what is not. This thought-provoking presentation explores the profound impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the concept of truth and equips educators with practical strategies to help students navigate the complex digital landscape with discernment and critical thinking.

The presentation begins by examining the pervasive influence of AI technologies on the dissemination and consumption of information. It delves into the phenomenon of deepfakes, AI-generated content that convincingly mimics real people or events, blurring the line between reality and fabrication. Through engaging examples educators will gain a deeper understanding of the potential consequences and ethical implications of AI-generated misinformation.

The presentation also explores the concept of algorithmic bias, shedding light on how AI algorithms can perpetuate and amplify existing prejudices and biases. Educators will learn how to recognize and challenge these biases, equipping them with the tools to empower students in critically evaluating information and questioning its sources.

Lastly this session delves into the psychological and cognitive factors that contribute to the spread of misinformation and the challenges associated with combating it. Educators will explore the cognitive biases that make individuals susceptible to believing and sharing false information, as well as effective strategies to foster media literacy and critical thinking skills among students.

Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, attendees will discover innovative teaching approaches and resources that can be integrated into their curricula to help students develop a discerning eye and a healthy skepticism towards information encountered online. The presentation emphasizes the importance of fostering a classroom environment that encourages open dialogue, fact-checking, and collaborative exploration of truth.

By the end of the presentation, educators will be equipped with the knowledge, tips 7 tools, necessary to guide their students in distinguishing between fact and fiction in the digital age. Together, we can empower the next generation to become critical thinkers, responsible digital citizens, and guardians of truth in an increasingly complex and AI-driven world.
Presenters
avatar for Kristi Bush

Kristi Bush

KNB Communications, Keynote Speaker/Owner KNB Communications
Kristi Bush serves as a national education consultant and social media safety advocate. She is a licensed social worker with greater than 20 years of clinical practice and health care experience. She attended Troy and Auburn University where she studied social work and counseling... Read More →

Wednesday July 17, 2024 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 28
 
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