Allison Rodman will take the ENGAGE Mainstage to kick-off day two of the conference. She is an author, the Founder and Chief Learning Officer of The Learning Loop, a certified Framework Specialist with The Danielson Group, and a ASCD faculty member. Allison will share the importance of building collective efficacy in schools as a powerful driver of student achievement. Through stories of shared vulnerability, demonstrated strength, and continuous growth, we will discover how true learning organizations emerge not from flawless execution but from the courage to fail forward together. She will explore why "unreasonable hospitality" - those unexpected acts of care and attention - creates the psychological safety necessary to for teams to take risks, innovate, and ultimately transform their practice. Allison will reveal how learning communities focused on continuous growth create environments where both students and adults flourish. Together, we will leave with a framework for building fierce commitment to both excellence and belonging, understanding that transformation requires both breaking through barriers and breaking bread together.
Join this session to explore new Kahoot! tools that make lesson preparation more efficient, with AI-assisted creator tools, slide sync, and lecture mode.
Brandy Smith is a 6th grade U.S. History teacher at Holtville Middle School in Elmore County, where she has taught for 12 years. She is committed to helping students engage with history and develop skills that support their learning beyond the classroom.
She and her husband, Kevin, have 13-year-old twin boys who will be entering high school this August... Read More →
Autumn Robinson is the Events Project Manager for U.S. Events at Kahoot!, where she designs and leads impactful experiences that connect educators with tools that make learning more engaging and accessible. She began her career in education at a national nonprofit after earning her... Read More →
Ammon Smith is a Senior Account Executive for Kahoot!, specifically working with K-12 partnerships. He has worked in Edtech for 10 years and loves being able to support student growth by providing educational resources. He grew up in a household with parents who are both educators... Read More →
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
This session introduces educators to practical, classroom-ready ways to use MagicSchool AI to save planning time, boost student engagement, and support differentiated instruction. Participants will leave with concrete strategies, editable resources, and teacher-friendly prompts they can apply immediately.
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
As AI-generated content, deepfakes, and misinformation become increasingly sophisticated, how can we equip students with the skills to discern fact from fiction? This roundtable will be an open discussion on the evolving challenges of digital literacy and the role of Digital Citizenship training in preparing students to think critically, evaluate sources, and make informed decisions about the world around them. We don’t have all the answers—but together, we’ll explore how educators can foster resilience against digital deception, build students' awareness of AI-generated content, and ensure they are prepared to navigate an information landscape where truth is often blurred.
Retired Director Of Information Technology at Township of Union Public Schools
Prior to becoming a school district administrator, Sandra Paul, was a technology teacher at St. Peter and Paul High School in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands from 1993 to 1996 as well as teaching introductory technology courses for the business department at University of the Virgin... Read More →
Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am CDT Room 218
Don't miss this hands‑on session showcasing the upgraded Kahoot and its AI-powered features that let you create high-quality classroom activities in minutes. Learn how to turn gameplay into purposeful instruction that boosts engagement, delivers instant formative feedback, and primes students for success on upcoming formative and summative assessments.
In a world where AI is everywhere, the real skill isn't using it — it's using it well. This session equips educators with concrete strategies, conversation frameworks, and classroom norms for guiding students to engage with AI tools critically, ethically, and with academic integrity intact.
Amie Cumming, a lifelong educator, has left an enduring mark on education throughout her
illustrious career. With over two decades as a classroom teacher, she shaped countless young
minds before transitioning to school and district leadership. In her role as Director of Student... Read More →
Elise Seymour is a Senior Solutions Architect at MagicSchool AI, where they focus on driving innovation in the SaaS education space. Previously, Elise served as the Regional Director of Educational Partnerships at RethinkEd and held various roles within the organization, including... Read More →
In today’s schools, cybersecurity is not just about tools, it’s about leadership. As AI reshapes the threat landscape, district leaders – ALL leaders must navigate a new era of risk that includes intelligent phishing, automated attacks, deepfakes, and growing data privacy concerns. This session explores the most significant cybersecurity threats facing K-12 education and examines how artificial intelligence is changing both the nature of attacks and the strategies needed to defend against them. Grounded in real district experiences and aligned to national frameworks, this conversation equips leaders with practical approaches to governance, risk management, and building a culture of shared responsibility. Participants will leave with actionable strategies, free cybersecurity tools, and curated resources that can be implemented immediately to strengthen district defenses, support compliance, and enhance resilience, regardless of budget. Walk away ready to move cybersecurity from a technical function to a strategic priority.
Sheryl is the recently retired Chief Technology Officer for the Calcasieu Parish Public Schools in Lake Charles, Louisiana where she built and led the district’s innovative technology department for over 20 years. She has served as a catalyst for technology integration throughout... Read More →
Donna Williamson has made a significant impact in the field of educational technology with her extensive experience and numerous leadership roles. Beginning her career as a technology leader and teacher, she later served as the Technology Director (CTO) for Mountain Brook Schools... Read More →
Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am CDT Room 104
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming education, but what does it truly mean to be “AI literate” as an educator or student? In this interactive workshop, K–12 educators will move beyond basic awareness to develop a practical understanding of AI concepts, ethical considerations, and classroom applications. Participants will explore how AI works, where it shows up in everyday tools, and how to guide students in using AI responsibly and effectively. Through hands-on activities and real-world examples, you’ll leave with strategies to embed AI literacy into your instruction, regardless of grade level or subject area. No prior AI experience required, just curiosity and a commitment to future-ready learning.
Partnership Growth and Development Manager, ISTE+ASCD
Dr. Sandy Arteaga is a seasoned educator and education leader with more than three decades of impact across K–12 schools, higher education, and education-focused organizations. Holding a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from East Carolina University, she has built a career centered... Read More →
Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am CDT Dance Room
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
What’s on the horizon for AI in the classroom—and what does it mean for the way we teach and support learning? Designed for classroom teachers and the instructional and technology coaches who support them, this session explores the evolving role of AI in K–12 education. Discover practical ways AI can enhance instruction, streamline workflows, and support student-centered learning, while also navigating challenges like ethics, accuracy, and student agency. Expect clear examples, actionable strategies, and real-world insights you can use right away to confidently integrate AI into your classroom practice.
Prior to joining ERDI, Jeff was the Associate Superintendent for Academics at Greenville County Schools, the largest district in South Carolina. In this role, he spearheaded transformative initiatives in curriculum development, digital learning, and instructional leadership, impacting... Read More →
Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am CDT Band Room
Stop constantly chasing student screens and start creating a more intentional, relationship-driven digital learning environment. In this session, you’ll learn how to use Hāpara to support student focus while fostering trust and engagement in your classroom. Explore strategies that move beyond reactive monitoring to proactive teaching practices that keep students on track. We’ll also connect these approaches to the FOCUS Act, helping you align your instructional methods with expectations while maximizing learning time and student success.
I was a Mathematics teacher for 8 years at Mountain Brook Junior High. After that, I was honored to accept a position as Assistant Principal at Shades Valley High School for 2 years. Now, for the last three years, I have been the technology coordinator for Mountain Brook High... Read More →
Amy Anderson is a professional educator and current Technology Coordinator at Crestline Elementary School, where she provides leadership for technology integration and manages instructional operations. With an Educational Specialist degree in Instructional Technology and certifications... Read More →
Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am CDT Library
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
Innovative classrooms can look engaging while producing little real learning. This session helps educators identify why instruction stalls and how to reset classroom culture, procedures, and lesson design without abandoning student-centered practices. Participants will explore practical strategies for restoring clarity, making student thinking visible, and rebuilding classrooms where learning and confidence can thrive.
I’m in a new role as an Instructional Partner for Calhoun County Schools, supporting teachers and students. I spent 13 years in the classroom teaching ELA and CTE, including six years at Oxford High School, five at Jacksonville High School, and two at MBJH.Most of my work centers... Read More →
Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am CDT Room 118
The purpose of the session will be to share ways that classroom teachers have structured their reading blocks and designed experiences to engage reluctant upper elementary readers. Intended to increase a love of reading in students who may typically be hard to reach, this session will showcase proven methods that promote student choice. Participants will learn about how to entice readers to try new genres, encourage peer conversation about texts, develop morphological vocabulary skills, and think deeply about texts and their authors. A variety of culminating projects and their rubrics will be shared with participants.
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
Master the core strategies for teaching writers at the start of the year to establish a daily writing block that balances instruction, practice, and feedback. Explore ways to increase student engagement, overcome common challenges, and cultivate independent writers through routines that sustain momentum.
This presentation provides Alabama World Language teachers with practical strategies to support World Language Learners on their pathways toward biliteracy and the Alabama Seal of Biliteracy. Participants will explore three key pathways for students in alignment with state guidelines, examine case studies, and engage in reflection and collaborative planning. By the end of the session, teachers will have actionable strategies to integrate into their classrooms and guidance on partnering with EL programs and counselors to ensure equitable access to biliteracy opportunities.
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
Teaching is both a science and an art. While the Science of Reading, Literacy act and Numeracy act currently rule the day, let's not forget the art of a truly engaging "hook" to ignite curiosity and a passion for learning! In this session we will explore integrating content in big and small ways to motivate our youngest learners. Using our science and social studies standards/curriculum is a great jumping off point to plan integrated experiences for our students. Book clubs, book bundles, curiosity projects, purposeful play, room transformations, and even choice of writing tools will be some of the ideas we will cover. All of these are easily modified for any K-2 classroom.
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
The purpose of this session is to share a sustainable, research-based approach to supporting teachers who are new to the profession or new to a school or district. Led by instructional partners, the session highlights mentoring as essential to new teachers’ success, focused on building strong relationships and meaningful support.
Using the Question Formulation Technique (QFT) protocol, participants will explore effective systems that help retain high-impact teachers, reduce teacher turnover, and meet the unique needs of both individual educators and school communities.
Participants will consider mentorship in their own settings while connecting effective mentoring practices to teacher wellness, professional growth, and long-term sustainability in a culture where educators feel valued and empowered to thrive.
After a work session, participants will leave with a plan for adapting their own mentoring practices or structures.
Step into a one-of-a-kind professional learning experience with The Idea Workshop, led by the team from TED-Ed. Designed for educators, this highly interactive session guides participants through the powerful process behind crafting, refining, and sharing ideas that matter.
Rooted in the storytelling framework used in TED Talks, The Idea Workshop helps you uncover your core message, clarify your thinking, and shape ideas into compelling, meaningful narratives that resonate with others. Along the way, you’ll engage in reflection, collaboration, and practical exercises that build confidence in communicating ideas with purpose and impact.
Participants will also experience student talks and explore how to support students in developing stronger ideas and communicating them effectively. This exclusive ENGAGE experience offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from the TED-Ed team—and to walk away with not just inspiration, but practical strategies to elevate student voice and storytelling in your classroom.
Athena Lao is a Senior Program Manager at TED-Ed, where she co-leads the development of a global professional learning program supporting educators in sharing their best ideas with the world. Her career spans teaching, college counseling, consulting for school districts and nonprofits... Read More →
Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:45am - 11:45am CDT Black Box
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
Are you a ParentSquare user? Join us for a powerful discussion going beyond your ParentSquare posts to analyze your ParentSquare Data. This session is great for administrators and teachers alike to take a deep dive into their school's data dashboard to reflect on communication strategies. Explore important questions about the volume, timing, and focus of communication and their impact on workflows and valuable instructional minutes. What story does your data tell about your partnership with parents? Communicating with parents can feel like shouting through a bullhorn—loud, one-sided, and often lost in the noise. Today, we have the opportunity to trade that bullhorn for a smartphone, utilizing ParentSquare to foster meaningful, two-way communication. This professional development session will equip educators with the skills to leverage ParentSquare, transforming how we connect with families and engage them in their children’s education.
Whitney brings 14 years of comprehensive experience in education, combining seven years as a high school English teacher with seven years in educational technology leadership. Her classroom experience cultivated a deep passion for instructional technology and its potential to transform... Read More →
Kiesha LeRoux began her career in education teaching secondary English and Literature at Sherwood Middle Academic Magnet School, a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. It was there she designed and managed a groundbreaking STEM program consisting of Computer Science, Robotics... Read More →
I was a Mathematics teacher for 8 years at Mountain Brook Junior High. After that, I was honored to accept a position as Assistant Principal at Shades Valley High School for 2 years. Now, for the last three years, I have been the technology coordinator for Mountain Brook High... Read More →
Amy Anderson is a professional educator and current Technology Coordinator at Crestline Elementary School, where she provides leadership for technology integration and manages instructional operations. With an Educational Specialist degree in Instructional Technology and certifications... Read More →
Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:50am - 11:50am CDT Room 104
Responsible AI use isn't a one-time lesson — it's a classroom culture. This session helps educators design policies, routines, and ongoing student conversations that normalize thoughtful AI use, so that when students reach for an AI tool, they do so with purpose and integrity.
Amie Cumming, a lifelong educator, has left an enduring mark on education throughout her
illustrious career. With over two decades as a classroom teacher, she shaped countless young
minds before transitioning to school and district leadership. In her role as Director of Student... Read More →
Elise Seymour is a Senior Solutions Architect at MagicSchool AI, where they focus on driving innovation in the SaaS education space. Previously, Elise served as the Regional Director of Educational Partnerships at RethinkEd and held various roles within the organization, including... Read More →
Imagine offering a cutting-edge data science course at your school — one that energizes students, impresses colleges, and builds the exact skills today's employers are demanding — without starting from scratch or leaving your teachers to figure it out alone. In this session, QuantHub's Director of K12 Outreach Dr. Veronique Brown will pull back the curtain on two complete, ready-to-launch high school courses — Applied Data Science and Data Analytics — and show you exactly what full support looks like: paid teacher training, instructional slide decks, pacing guides, and ongoing coaching that doesn't disappear after day one. You'll get a live look at the QuantHub platform from both the teacher and student perspective, see how students progress toward mastery, and learn how they earn industry-recognized micro-credentials that carry real weight in college applications and the job market. Alabama public school educators access all of this at no cost — and out-of-state and private school attendees are encouraged to connect with the QuantHub team about pricing options designed to make these same extraordinary resources work for their schools. Whether you're just beginning to explore data education or ready to make it official, this session will give you the vision, the roadmap, and the confidence to bring something extraordinary back to your school.
Dr. Veronique Brown is QuantHub's Director of K12 Outreach, bringing extensive
experience in building bridges between educational institutions and the tools and
resources that help students thrive. Dr. Brown works closely with schools and districts to
support the successful... Read More →
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
Led by Certified AI Consultant Timothy Terry, this session will feature real-world examples—such as how a hands-on AI demo helped a vocational educator in a CDL training program immediately envision new ways to engage his learners. These practical, accessible tools translate just as effectively into K–12 settings, where educators face similar needs: saving time, boosting student engagement, and differentiating instruction.
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
Through the power of Canva Code you are able to gamify your instruction, organize your data, or even create your own applications! This training is to introduce you to the world of Canva Code. Don't let the word "Code" scare you, Canva's AI tools do all the hard work for you! This PD is intended to show you how and where to begin with Canva Code. Come with your co-teachers and share in the fun together. You will leave this session with a completed activity to utilize during your next school year, as well as other activities your peers have created!
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
This session equips teachers with research‑backed strategies to help students store, retrieve, and apply essential concepts across multiple subjects while fostering student ownership of learning. Learn how to transform traditionally "boring" subjects into lessons with clear, life‑long applications. Walk away with ready‑to‑use classroom routines, quick formative checks, and a short sample lesson using our Market Day unit—an integrated example that pulls together math, reading, writing, and social studies and puts students in the driver’s seat of their learning.
Navigate the complexities of today’s edtech ecosystem with confidence. This session introduces how 1EdTech standards support secure data sharing, streamline rostering, and improve access to digital tools. Designed for educators and leaders alike, participants will gain practical insights to strengthen data governance and build more connected, efficient systems across their schools and districts.
As the Vice President of K12 Programs at 1EdTech, Dr. Tim Clark assists schools and districts in the adoption of 1EdTech standards and practices to enable interoperable digital learning ecosystems. He also provides strategic leadership for K12 in 1EdTech in collaboration with K-12... Read More →
Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:50am - 11:50am CDT Room 101
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
K–12 educators are expected to lead transformation, and yet too often, their own learning feels outdated, irrelevant, and disconnected from daily practice. In this dynamic panel, experienced education leaders explore how adult learning must evolve to truly support today’s teachers, instructional coaches, and school leaders. Discover practical, meaningful approaches grounded in coaching, collaboration, and real-world problem solving that make learning personalized, relevant, and immediately actionable. Whether you design professional learning or participate in it, this session will challenge assumptions and offer fresh strategies to ensure learning actually sticks, and leads to lasting impact.
Sheryl is the recently retired Chief Technology Officer for the Calcasieu Parish Public Schools in Lake Charles, Louisiana where she built and led the district’s innovative technology department for over 20 years. She has served as a catalyst for technology integration throughout... Read More →
Donna Williamson has made a significant impact in the field of educational technology with her extensive experience and numerous leadership roles. Beginning her career as a technology leader and teacher, she later served as the Technology Director (CTO) for Mountain Brook Schools... Read More →
Founder and Chief Learning Officer, The Learning Loop
Allison Rodman is the Founder and Chief Learning Officer of The Learning Loop, an educational consulting organization that provides professional learning services to districts, schools, nonprofit organizations, and businesses internationally. This includes work with public, charter, and independent schools, over 20 archdioceses, and over 60 sites across the... Read More →
Director of Professional Learning and Leadership, All4Ed
Dr. Adam Phyall is a former high school science teacher who recently served as the Director of Technology and Media Services for Newton County School System in Covington, GA. Since Adam got his first laptop in college, he has been hooked on the fantastic things that technology can add. Early in... Read More →
Staff Development Specialist, Mountain Brook Schools
Holly Martin is the Staff Development Specialist for Mountain Brook Schools, an ISTE+ASCD Certified Instructional Leader, and a former TED Education Fellow. She leads nationwide learning experiences for educators as a speaker, as the director of the ENGAGE Conference, and serves as... Read More →
Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:50am - 11:50am CDT Band Room
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
Move beyond scattered initiatives and build an instructional system that actually lasts. In this dynamic session, school and district leaders will learn how to align vision, professional learning, PLCs, data practices, and accountability into one coherent model that strengthens teaching and accelerates student growth. Through guided reflection, scenario analysis, and hands-on planning, participants will map their current systems, identify gaps, and design clear next steps toward greater consistency and collective ownership. Walk away with a practical framework and leadership moves that reduce initiative fatigue and turn improvement into a sustainable way of work.
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
This presentation seeks to give teachers the tools to directly instruct their students on how both in-class and study behaviors impact learning, and to provide evidence based strategies that all students can use to maximize their academic success. Teachers will walk away from the session recognizing the importance of directly instructing students on strategies and behaviors that have traditionally been left up to students to master on their own. Topics include a brief overview of the neuroscience of learning, note taking specifics designed for your class, a stepwise approach to deep processing (supporting working memory and semantic encoding), how brief retrieval practice activities can improve student performance, and practices to reduce distraction and increase engagement. We plan to give teachers examples of how these strategies can be applied in the classroom immediately.
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
How do teachers engage students and build ownership? It begins with building relationships. Find out how through brain-based research that aligns with current best practice in conscious discipline. This session empowers educators to set the tone for their time with students beginning with mindfulness. Walk through the steps of a simple morning routine to identify basic strategies for well-being. Take a look at current brain research to dig deeper into how deep breaths, body movements, and positive affirmations help students move from the feeling state to the thinking state of the brain. Learn to offer choices that encourage rather than threaten, giving students opportunities to be successful. Leave with actionable strategies, go-to routines, and straightforward language that offers behavior-specific feedback and puts students on the path to taking ownership of their behavior and their learning.
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
This is a story of how one school, Mountain Brook Junior High, took practical steps to involve students, staff, parents, and community members to make MBJH "The Most Welcoming School in America." From macro-level work in identifying beliefs to aggressively teaching those beliefs, all the way to very specific steps taken to turn the hallways into vibrant spaces full of community, come hear the story and strategy behind one school's journey.
Founder and Chief Learning Officer, The Learning Loop
Allison Rodman is the Founder and Chief Learning Officer of The Learning Loop, an educational consulting organization that provides professional learning services to districts, schools, nonprofit organizations, and businesses internationally. This includes work with public, charter, and independent schools, over 20 archdioceses, and over 60 sites across the... Read More →
A candid, panel-style conversation bringing together educators, administrators, and thought leaders to wrestle with the real questions around AI in education — the opportunities, the fears, the equity concerns, and what it all means for the future of teaching and learning. No scripts, just honest dialogue
Amie Cumming, a lifelong educator, has left an enduring mark on education throughout her
illustrious career. With over two decades as a classroom teacher, she shaped countless young
minds before transitioning to school and district leadership. In her role as Director of Student... Read More →
Elise Seymour is a Senior Solutions Architect at MagicSchool AI, where they focus on driving innovation in the SaaS education space. Previously, Elise served as the Regional Director of Educational Partnerships at RethinkEd and held various roles within the organization, including... Read More →
This session focuses on elevating the student experience by integrating Depth of Knowledge (DOK) frameworks with high-hospitality instructional practices. The session guides educators through a refresh of Depth of Knowledge (DOK) to help them distinguish between rote recall and extended, strategic thinking and to analyze how their current use of apps and programs supports (or undermines) deeper learning. A portion of the presentation is dedicated to leveraging MagicSchool AI, specialized chatbots, and tools for effective prompt writing to "level up" instruction that increases student engagement and fosters lasting educational memories.
Amy Anderson is a professional educator and current Technology Coordinator at Crestline Elementary School, where she provides leadership for technology integration and manages instructional operations. With an Educational Specialist degree in Instructional Technology and certifications... Read More →
Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT Room 219
What if the key to unlocking student engagement was already hiding inside the subjects you teach every day? In this energizing session, QuantHub's AI Literacy Coordinator Lucas Hershberger will show math, science, and career tech educators how standards-aligned AI and data literacy content can transform routine lessons into experiences students actually want to show up for — no new course, no extra prep required. You'll explore real modules built for grades 7–12, see how they snap into the curriculum you're already teaching, and discover the Data Scholars Program, a paid internship initiative that places students with real companies across multiple industries to tackle real data and AI challenges. Students don't just learn about the future of work — they participate in it. Add in industry-recognized micro-credentials that students can earn right through the QuantHub platform, and you'll leave this session with fresh ideas and a clear path to making your classroom more relevant, more rigorous, and more engaging than ever before. Alabama public school educators access the platform at no cost; out-of-state and private school attendees are warmly welcomed and can connect with the QuantHub team about pricing options that fit their school's needs.
Lucas Hershberger is QuantHub's AI Literacy Coordinator and the newest member of the
QuantHub K12 team. A former CTE teacher, Lucas brings firsthand classroom experience
and a wealth of ideas for connecting learning to real-world applications that resonate with
students. His... Read More →
Stop by and learn practical Canva skills that boost student engagement. This hands-on workshop focuses on designing attention-grabbing slides, student-ready handouts, and persuasive flyers. You’ll learn to build cohesive slide decks with interactive elements, craft clear printable handouts that support learning, and design classroom flyers. Key skills include layout and typography choices, image and icon use, accessible color and contrast, template customization, simple animation/interaction for slides, and export/print settings. By the end of the session you’ll have ready-to-use templates to produce polished, student-centered materials that increase participation and support instruction
Come join a rich discussion on the differences in schools teachers grew up in and the schools students are growing up in. This is not a contrast of what is wrong with schools, but instead a chance to understand one another's worlds. There were a lot of things right with schools from years ago and there are a lot of things right today ... let's join together to bridge the gap.
Technology in the upper elementary classroom should enhance learning, improve classroom management, and strengthen communication, not create additional complexity. This session explores practical strategies for integrating Classroom Screen, Lightspeed Classroom, ClassDojo, Google Classroom, and emerging AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot, Gemini, and ChatGPT to support instruction, monitor student activity, and streamline communication with families.
Participants will learn how Classroom Screen and Lightspeed Classroom can be used to monitor student device activity, manage transitions, and maintain focus during instruction. The session will also demonstrate how ClassDojo and Google Classroom support classroom culture, organization, and family engagement.
Additionally, educators will explore how AI tools like Microsoft Copilot, Gemini, and ChatGPT can help teachers craft clear, concise, and professional messages to parents—saving time while improving clarity and consistency in communication. Attendees will leave with practical strategies and real-world examples that can be implemented immediately in upper elementary classrooms.
Are your assessments truly measuring what students know — or just what they can memorize? In this hands-on session, K-12 educators will explore how AI tools can help them design smarter, more purposeful assessments aligned to learning goals. Through guided practice and real classroom examples, you'll walk away with practical strategies for using AI to generate varied question types, identify gaps in assessment design, and create more equitable ways to measure student understanding. No prior AI experience required — just a willingness to rethink how we assess.
Joshua Sousa is the Managing Director for Educational Partnerships, supporting districts and schools around the world in transforming teaching and learning. As part of a distinguished startup team that included two national superintendents of the year, he has provided strategic services across... Read More →
Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT Room 116
Ever feel like data around usage of edtech tools in your district/school feels like a ""speed camera"" that tells you when something went wrong or how fast a student was moving but doesn't truly capture the quality of the drive? To truly impact student growth, we must shift our perspective and treat analytics as a real-time Instructional GPS. This session moves beyond simple ""login counts"" to show how data can provide real-time turn-by-turn directions for better teaching and learning and what's on the horizon for this through the rise of generative A.I..
We will explore how to navigate research-based metrics that measure whether an edtech tool is actually helping students learn, not just keeping them busy. We will also look at ""Compass Tools""—qualitative ways for administrators, coaches, and teachers to observe classroom tech use and see if it’s headed in the right direction. Finally, we will look toward the horizon to discuss how the next decade of data will help us predict roadblocks before students hit them, ensuring every learner not only reaches their destination, but continues new journeys.
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
This session will equip teachers to assess students' fluency and build in routines that promote reading with expression, automaticity, rhythm, and smoothness in order to support comprehension. The routines and strategies can be used in the whole group setting, in small groups, with pairs of students, and also with individual students.
Based on the text, Training Design, Delivery, and Diplomacy by Keith Young and Tamarra Osborne, instructional leaders, coaches, and administrators will learn a framework for building professional development for teachers. Participants will explore how to best design professional learning, deliver engaging experiences for adult learners, and navigate the interpersonal dynamics that determine impact. The session will also highlight insights and practical lessons learned from Madison City Schools’ implementation of this framework with their instructional partners.
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
Leadership isn’t found in a framework; it’s forged in real moments. Join this dynamic conversation with two seasoned K-12 edtech leaders as they unpack what leading with authenticity, humor, and heart looks like in practice. From navigating crises to building strong teams, this session blends storytelling with actionable strategies. Expect candid insights, a few laughs, and leadership lessons you won’t find in a textbook.
Sheryl is the recently retired Chief Technology Officer for the Calcasieu Parish Public Schools in Lake Charles, Louisiana where she built and led the district’s innovative technology department for over 20 years. She has served as a catalyst for technology integration throughout... Read More →
Donna Williamson has made a significant impact in the field of educational technology with her extensive experience and numerous leadership roles. Beginning her career as a technology leader and teacher, she later served as the Technology Director (CTO) for Mountain Brook Schools... Read More →
Director of Professional Learning and Leadership, All4Ed
Dr. Adam Phyall is a former high school science teacher who recently served as the Director of Technology and Media Services for Newton County School System in Covington, GA. Since Adam got his first laptop in college, he has been hooked on the fantastic things that technology can add. Early in... Read More →
Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT Band Room
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
Authentic leadership begins with alignment, when who you are privately reflects how you lead publicly. What if your greatest leadership strength isn’t a new skill, but becoming the same leader everywhere you go? In this engaging session, you’ll explore what it means to lead consistently and with integrity across every environment, at work, at home with your family, and in your community. Through story‑driven teaching, guided reflection, and interactive application, you’ll discover how personal alignment fuels trust, influence, and lasting impact. The goal of this session is to help leaders bridge the gap between intention and action by developing self‑awareness, authenticity, and alignment that strengthen both professional performance and personal relationships. You’ll leave renewed, grounded, and ready to live and lead full circle in all areas of life.
Principal and Founder of Lead Full Circle, Elkmont High School and Lead Full Circle
My name is Graham Aderholt, and I serve as the Principal at Elkmont High School in North Alabama. A few months ago, I launched a leadership initiative called Lead Full Circle, where the mission is simple but deeply needed: helping people lead well at work and even better at home... Read More →
Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT Room 118
Would you like to make meetings more intentional, more organized, more meaningful for participants, and dare we say… magical? Take meetings to a whole new level by integrating some simple strategies and a little flair. Your future meeting participants will leave with a clear understanding of your meeting purpose as well as a sense of belonging as a valued member of a team. While most of our experience comes from the realm of special education, almost all of the strategies we will demonstrate and suggest can be utilized in other settings. This will not be merely a presentation, but an experience that will allow you to leave armed with resources and eager and excited for your next meeting.
The purpose of this session is to share best practices to help students be successful. We will identify barriers to student success, effective engagement strategies, and support strategies.
Students don’t engage deeply when they don’t feel seen, and they can’t develop meaningful interests without purposeful design. In this dynamic, interactive breakout session, we’ll explore two powerful frameworks: Jan Tønnesvang’s Four Quadrant Model, which helps us understand the whole learner, and the Four-Phase Model of Interest Development, which maps how curiosity evolves into sustained, self-driven interest. We’ll translate these frameworks into practical classroom strategies — from designing tasks that activate situational interest to creating conditions where long-term engagement and personal purpose can thrive.
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
This session equips educators with trauma-informed strategies to recognize, prevent, and respond to student behavioral crises. Participants will learn how trauma and adverse childhood experiences impact brain function, emotional regulation, and behavior. The session will explore the crisis cycle, early warning signs, and evidence-based de-escalation techniques, including the importance of educator self-regulation, tone, and relationships. Practical tools such as the Zones of Regulation, mindfulness strategies, and proactive interventions will be shared. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to create safer classrooms, reduce escalation, and support students in returning to a regulated state that promotes learning and emotional well-being.
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
This session highlights the importance of mentoring and peer relationships in fostering teacher development. Participants will discover key strategies for inspiring and supporting one another, promoting excellence through collaborative growth and creating a culture where teachers root for one another.
By empowering educators at every stage of their journey, we can create a nurturing environment where exceptional teachers thrive and their students are benefitted. Explore partnerships that are essential for equipping educators with the skills, knowledge, and support needed for success in the classroom and beyond. Participants will leave with a variety of options for building teacher capacity from the presenters and ideas share by other participants. Together through mentorship and peer collaboration, we can cultivate a community of supportive, encouraging, collaborative teachers who enjoy coming to work and effectively pour into students from full cups.
To close the ENGAGE Conference, best-selling author Allen Levi, and Mountain Brook Schools' Superintendent, Dicky Barlow invite us into a powerful, deeply human moment of reflection. Through the story of Theo of Golden, we are reminded that long after the strategies, standards, and tools fade, what endures is how we made our students feel, and whether they were truly seen.
In a world moving faster and becoming more driven by technology, this closing session calls us back to what matters most: slowing down, listening closely, and choosing connection. It is a heartfelt reminder that every student carries a story, and the simple act of noticing, valuing, and believing in them can be transformative.
Expect to leave moved, grounded, and reconnected to your purpose, because the most powerful impact we make in education does not come from what we teach, but from how deeply we care.
