innovate25: Full Schedule

8:40am CST

Digital Heroes: Cisco's GPS for Genius Hour

Monday February 24, 2025 8:40am - 9:05am CST

Learn: Discover Cisco’s Global Problem Solvers (GPS) program as a powerful framework for Genius Hour, guiding students to tackle real-world issues. Learn how GPS cultivates critical thinking and digital storytelling to address local, national and global challenges.

Engage: Through live polls, collaborative brainstorming and Q&A, actively explore digital storytelling techniques and educational tools to enrich student-led projects. Small group discussions will foster idea-sharing and practical insights.

Apply: Gain ready to implement Genius Hour projects with Cisco's GPS resources, using digital storytelling to empower students to address contemporary challenges with creativity and precision.

Speakers

Arthur Vambaketes

Educator, Ferguson Florissant School District

Arthur Vambaketes has taught American History and Computer Science in the St. Louis region for over 15 years.. He has lived in the St. Louis area for all of his life. Arthur attended St. Mary’s elementary school in Alton and completed his secondary education at Alton High School... Read More →

DECK Digital Heroes pdf

Monday February 24, 2025 8:40am - 9:05am CST
Salon 3 Marriott St. Louis Airport

Technology Culture

Audience Building Principals, Classroom Teachers, Curriculum Coordinators, Instructional Coaches
Session Type Spark
School / Company Ferguson Florissant School District / Cisco Corp.

11:10am CST

Get Excited about Overexcitabilities: Harnessing the Energy of the Exceptional Learner

Monday February 24, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CST

Salon 3

Learn: Gain a comprehensive understanding of Dabrowski's Overexcitabilities Theory and its relevance to the characteristics of exceptional learners. Delve into each overexcitability, connecting theoretical concepts to real-life experiences.

Engage: Actively discuss overexcitabilities and identify your own, experiencing "OE Breaks" to understand the energy release associated with each type. This session emphasizes experiential learning over passive listening.

Apply: Move beyond theory to practical insights on creating conducive learning environments that support emotional well-being and concentration. Gain strategies for fostering self-awareness and emotional regulation in gifted students, including routines, activities and tools to manage overstimulation and enhance learning experiences for those with overexcitabilities.

Speakers

Cindy Voller

Carly Mansfield

Gifted Specialist, Kirkwood Schools

Carly Mansfield is a dedicated Gifted Specialist at the Kirkwood School District, bringing over 20 years of teaching experience to her role. She has taught elementary education, middle school social studies, served as a building STEM coordinator, and now focuses on gifted education... Read More →

Jennifer Moore

Monday February 24, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CST
Salon 3 Marriott St. Louis Airport

Belonging Wellness

Audience All K-12 Educators, Building Princiapsl, Classroom Teachers, Curriculum Coordinators, Instructional Coaches, Specialist / Encore
Session Type Ignite
School / Company Kirkwood School District

12:10pm CST

Breaking Down the Myths and Misconceptions of Restorative Practice in the School Setting

Monday February 24, 2025 12:10pm - 1:00pm CST

Salon 1

Learn: Gain a clear understanding of restorative practices in education by exploring their purpose, principles and potential impact. Panelists will share what inspired them to embrace this approach and debunk common myths and misconceptions that may create resistance in schools.

Engage: Participate in dynamic discussions by using the chat feature to share your thoughts, ask questions and exchange ideas with experts and attendees. During the dedicated Q&A portion, ask specific questions about implementation and overcoming challenges.

Apply: Gain actionable insights to practical steps for introducing restorative practices in your school, strategies for supporting teachers resistant to this approach and evidence-based methods for tracking the impact of restorative practices. Discover real-life success stories to inspire your journey toward a restorative school environment.

Speakers

John Converse

Director of Restorative Practices, EducationPlus

John Converse is a restorative practitioner who brings 19 years of educational experience to life in his interactions with others. He has a set of skills that foster belonging and connection through the art of restorative practices. He is a certified trainer with the International... Read More →

Monday February 24, 2025 12:10pm - 1:00pm CST
Salon 1 Marriott St. Louis Airport

Leadership

Audience All K-12 Educators, Classroom Teachers, Curriculum Coordinators, Instructional Coaches, Technology Directors
Session Type Panel
School / Company EducationPlus

12:10pm CST

Rounding Revelations: Navigating Instructional Rounds

Monday February 24, 2025 12:10pm - 1:00pm CST

Salon 2

Learn: Delve into the practice of Instructional Rounding as implemented in the Mehlville and Affton school districts, and discover its positive impacts in special education. Discover how Instructional Rounding can foster a culture of continuous learning, strengthen educator capacity and promote a community of personalized professional growth.

Engage: Participate in hands-on activities, partner and group discussions, and interactive Q&A session. Through these collaborative experiences, gain deeper insight into how Instructional Rounding supports educator and student development.

Apply: Reflect on the impacts of Instructional Rounding and begin planning how to incorporate this practice in your own setting. Gain actionable ideas for implementing Instructional Rounding to cultivate a supportive and growth-oriented culture within your educational community.

Speakers

Jennifer Ferguson

Missy Roux

Lindsay McCracken

innovate 25 Instructional Rounding.pptx pdf

Monday February 24, 2025 12:10pm - 1:00pm CST
Salon 2 Marriott St. Louis Airport

Leadership Culture

Audience Building Principals, Classroom Teachers, Curriculum Coordinators, Instructional Coaches
Session Type Ignite
School / Company Special School District, Special School District

12:10pm CST

Perceptions and Influences: A Study on U.S. High School English Teachers' Attitude Towards ChatGPT Integration in Instructional Practices

Monday February 24, 2025 12:10pm - 1:00pm CST

Salon 3

Learn: Explore the findings of our nationwide survey involving 119 high school English teachers regarding their attitudes toward ChatGPT integration in instructional practices. Gain insights into ethical concerns, common usage patterns and current perceptions of ChatGPT in the classroom.

Engage: Learn how English teachers are utilizing ChatGPT for personal planning and classroom instruction as you are guided through the process of creating a ChatGPT account. Learn how to differentiate lesson plans for various learning levels, develop new lesson plans and streamline administrative tasks. Depending on compurter availability, work independently or interact with demonstrations.

Apply: Get hands-on experience with ChatGPT as you explore its capabilities using your own classroom materials. Gain practical strategies for integrating ChatGPT into your teaching, along with take-home materials such as printouts and access to our presentation to support future application.

Speakers

Brandy Simmons

English Teacher, Dupo High School District 196

Dr. Simmons is a dedicated high school English teacher in Southern Illinois and an adjunct instructor at a community college. She received a Bachelor of Science in Social Work (2012) and a Master of Arts in Education (2018). Holding a Doctor of Arts in English Pedagogy with a focus... Read More →

Cara Bertelmann

Secondary English Teacher

Dr. Cara Bertelmann holds a Bachelor's in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2015), a Master's in Secondary Education from Grand Canyon University (2018), and a Doctor of Arts in English Pedagogy with a specialization in English Language from... Read More →

Bertelmann Simmons innovate template 25 pptx

Monday February 24, 2025 12:10pm - 1:00pm CST
Salon 3 Marriott St. Louis Airport

Technology

Audience All K-12 Educators, Classroom Teachers, Instructional Coaches, Technology Directors
Session Type Ignite
School / Company Nevada Virtual Charter School, Dupo School District 196

8:40am CST

Passports, Playlists and Passions... Personalized Learning Projects

Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:40am - 9:05am CST

Salon 2

Learn: Explore three innovative personalized learning projects designed to foster connection and belonging within your classroom community. Discover the importance of these projects in promoting empathy and engagement among students.

Engage: Review templates developed from real classroom experiences, including creation tools and grading rubrics. "Stop and jot" your ideas and then collaborate with peers from similar grade levels or subject areas (e.g., high school social studies, high school ELA, or third grade) to brainstorm how to adapt these projects for your own classrooms.

Apply: Customize the provided templates to suit your specific content area and identify how these projects can integrate into your curriculum, ultimately creating a classroom environment that nurtures belonging and empathy while actively engaging students in meaningful learning experiences.

Speakers

Lori Rejent

Unified Arts Curriculum Coordinator, Music Specialist, Brentwood School District

Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:40am - 9:05am CST
Salon 2 Marriott St. Louis Airport

Design Belonging

Audience All K-12 Educators, Classroom Teachers, Library Media Specialists
Session Type Spark
School / Company Brentwood Schools
Resource Page https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1GBmj1ahrhp5u3_PvQqsGr_Rwv3G5XFIkhQ8VDC7ZsNo/edit?gid=0#gid=0

8:40am CST

Science Education is Evolving

Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:40am - 9:30am CST

Salon C

Learn: Examine how recent shifts in science education practices are changing teachers' approach to their instruction. Learn from science teaching experts on how new initiatives are building on what we already know about best practice and the impact of these initiatives.

Engage: Connect with the conversation through questions and sharing personal comments using the chat feature. Dig deeper into the topics by using the Q&A segment to ask about topics such as 3-Dimensional teaching, Sense-Making and using science phenomena.

Apply: Discover an updated view on modern science teaching practices. Gain an informed understanding of how science education will continue to evolve in the next several years and build new perspectives on how to think about science ed and where to find resources that support the work.

Speakers

Adam Scimone

Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:40am - 9:30am CST
Salon C Marriott St. Louis Airport

Design

Audience All K-12 Educators, Classroom Teachers, Curriculum Coordinators, Instructional Coaches, Technology Directors
Session Type Panel
School / Company EducationPlus

9:10am CST

Embracing the Mess: Transforming Classroom Chaos into Student Engagement

Tuesday February 25, 2025 9:10am - 9:35am CST

Salon 2

Learn: Discover how creative play can boost student engagement and recall by embracing messy, hands-on learning experiences. Explore effective classroom management strategies to maintain order while fostering a productive and stimulating environment.

Engage: Participate in discussions and activities that demonstrate how messy projects encourage deeper student reflection. Discover how these approaches inspire students to talk, write and think critically about their learning experiences.

Apply: Gain practical methods to integrate messy, creative projects across core subjects like science, history and language arts. Gain tools to connect art and creativity to academic goals, reinforcing the educational value of hands-on, interdisciplinary learning.

Speakers

Bryson Reid

Premier Charter School

Tuesday February 25, 2025 9:10am - 9:35am CST
Salon 2 Marriott St. Louis Airport

Culture

Audience All K-12 Educators, Building Principals, Classroom Teachers, Curriculum Coordinators, Specialist / Encore
Session Type Spark
School / Company Premier Charter School

10:10am CST

Responding to Inappropriate Behavior: Proactive Strategies and Effective Responses

Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:10am - 11:00am CST

Salon 1

Learn: Explore proactive approaches to prevent inappropriate behaviors before they start by understanding the root causes and triggers. Panelists will share insights into the function of behavior and how applying function-based thinking can lead to more effective and compassionate responses.

Engage: Engage in live discussions through the chat feature, sharing ideas and questions with the experts and fellow participants. Take part in a dynamic Q&A session where you can ask specific questions about strategies for addressing unexpected behaviors and building systems that support positive outcomes.

Apply: Gain practical strategies and tools for responding to unexpected student behaviors with empathy and structure. Discover actionable ideas for creating supportive systems in your classroom or school that mitigate challenging behaviors and promote a positive learning environment.

Speakers

Lindsay Schmidt

EducationPlus

Lindsay serves districts by helping to develop behavioral systems of support, facilitate professional development for beginning teachers and is an ISTE Certified Educator and Trainer. Lindsay has worked in education for over 17 years as a Classroom Teacher, Consultant and Professional... Read More →

Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:10am - 11:00am CST
Salon 1 Marriott St. Louis Airport

Belonging

Audience All K-12 Educators, Classroom Teachers, Curriculum Coordinators, Instructional Coaches, Technology Directors
Session Type Panel
School / Company EducationPlus

11:10am CST

Connecting Your Content with Design Thinking

Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:10am - 11:35am CST

Salon 3

Learn: Explore the five stages of design thinking—Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype and Test—to understand how they can be applied to encourage creativity, collaboration and problem-solving in K-12 education. Gain insights into how design thinking connects with your content to create deeper, more engaging learning experiences.

Engage: Participate in interactive discussions and activities that model the design thinking process. Collaborate with peers to brainstorm ways to incorporate design thinking into your classroom, while sharing ideas and challenges with fellow educators.

Apply: Develop a plan to integrate design thinking into your curriculum. Gain actionable strategies, resources, and a clear vision to make this innovative process a cornerstone of your teaching practice.

Speakers

Kara Sanders

My name is Kara Sanders and I am the makerspace teacher at Gotsch Intermediate School in the Affton School District. I started with a simple classroom makerspace in my 5th grade classroom. Fast forward a few years and I am the makerspace teacher for the building. I have been in this... Read More →

Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:10am - 11:35am CST
Salon 3 Marriott St. Louis Airport

Design

Audience Classroom Teachers, Specialist / Encore
Session Type Spark

11:10am CST

Meeting All Students Where They Are

Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CST

Salon 1

Learn: Explore the evolving role of differentiation in today’s classrooms and the essential practices that allow educators to meet the unique needs of every student. Panelists will discuss how to identify where students are in their learning journey, common roadblocks teachers face with differentiation, and practical remedies to overcome these challenges.

Engage: Use the chat feature to share your ideas and experiences with differentiation. During the Q&A portion, ask the panelists specific questions about strategies, resources, and data tools to support personalized learning in your district or classroom.

Apply: Gain actionable strategies to overcome common differentiation challenges; methods to effectively collect and utilize data to understand student needs; resources and tools to help craft differentiated lessons; and insights on how to create a classroom culture that values and supports individualized learning paths. Leave inspired and equipped to better meet your students where they are, ensuring every learner can grow and succeed.

Speakers

Renee Trotier

Tanya Garcia

St. Louis RPDC Educational Consultant, EducationPlus

Tanya Garcia serves our member districts by developing tailored learning opportunities and professional development programs and working with area districts to provide supports for effective teaching and learning. Throughout her 15 years in education, Tanya has served in various roles... Read More →

Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CST
Salon 1 Marriott St. Louis Airport

Belonging

Audience Classroom Teachers, Curriculum Coordinators, Technology Directors, K-12 Educators, Building Princiapsl
Session Type Panel
School / Company EducationPlus

11:10am CST

A Healthy Balance: Tech vs. Tradition

Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CST

Salon B

Learn: Explore how to achieve a healthier balance between technology and traditional skills in your classroom. This session addresses concerns about excessive screen time and the impact on essential soft skills, drawing from discussions held within my school district.

Engage: We will cover diverse topics, including virtual reality, traditional geography skills, handwriting versus speech-to-text, library resources, and the importance of face-to-face communication. Attendees will have opportunities for Q&A throughout the presentation to foster engagement.

Apply: Participants will receive a T-chart to assess their current balance between technology and traditional skills, along with actionable strategies for reinforcing soft skills in their classrooms. Leave with practical ideas to enhance your curriculum and promote student success in both realms.

Speakers

Sophie Chambers

Gifted Instructor, Chillicothe R-II School District

STEAM Club Facilitator; Innovation & Learning Coach for PK-5th Grades; Gifted Instructor for K-8th Grades; METC 2018 Spotlight Educator; Presenter at METC (2 yrs), ISTE (2 yrs), MOREnet (1 yr), MSBA (1 yr), District PD (5 yrs); Chillicothe EdCamp Co-Founder; Grant Recipient from MPER... Read More →

Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CST
Salon B Marriott St. Louis Airport

Integration Wellness Culture

Audience All K-12 Educators, Building Principals, Classroom Teachers, Curriculum Coordinators, Instructional Coaches, Library Media Specialists, Technology Directors, Specialist / Encore
Session Type Ignite
School / Company Rhilicothe R-II School District

11:10am CST

Let's Talk about Building an Effective School Culture

Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CST

Salon C

Learn: Explore the key elements that define a positive school culture and climate, as shared by experienced panelists from diverse educational backgrounds. Gain a deeper understanding of how school culture influences student success, teacher satisfaction and community engagement.

Engage: Participate by using the chat feature to share ideas, ask questions and engage in live discussions with experts and fellow attendees. During the Q&A portion, take the opportunity to ask specific questions about challenges or strategies related to fostering a thriving school culture.

Apply: Gain actionable insights and strategies to overcome common misconceptions about building a strong school culture, address resistance to change when implementing improvements, effectively use data points to assess and measure school culture, and learn how to foster collaboration among leaders, teachers and parents to create a unified, supportive environment.

Speakers

John Converse

Director of Restorative Practices, EducationPlus

Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CST
Salon C Marriott St. Louis Airport

Leadership

Audience All K-12 Educators, Classroom Teachers, Curriculum Coordinators, Instructional Coaches, Technology Directors
Session Type Panel
School / Company EducationPlus

11:10am CST

Grow stamina and creativity using the design process/makerspace

Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:10am - 12:35pm CST

Salon 3

Learn: Discover the five stages of the design thinking process and their relevance to fostering creativity, problem-solving and collaboration in K-12 education. Explore real-world examples of how design thinking can transform learning experiences and inspire student engagement across various subjects and grade levels.

Engage: Participate in hands-on activities that will guide you through the design thinking process, from identifying problems to brainstorming solutions and creating prototypes. Work collaboratively with peers to experience how the design process builds student stamina, critical thinking and innovation.

Apply: Create a personalized plan to integrate design thinking into your existing curriculum. Gain practical tools, strategies and resources to turn your classroom into a dynamic makerspace where students can explore, create and solve problems in meaningful ways.

Speakers

Kara Sanders

Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:10am - 12:35pm CST
Salon 3 Marriott St. Louis Airport

Design

Audience Classroom Teachers, Specialist / Encore
Session Type Launch

11:40am CST

Integrating Design Thinking is Possible

Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:40am - 12:05pm CST

Salon 3

Learn: Discover how the five stages of design thinking—Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype and Test—can transform learning experiences in the classroom. Gain insights into how this process fosters creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.

Engage: Participate in an interactive classroom example, where you'll work with fellow educators to develop innovative solutions to a real-world problem using the design thinking framework. Collaborate, share ideas and explore strategies to make this approach meaningful for your students.

Apply: Discover actionable strategies and inspiration to integrate design thinking into your teaching practice. Gain the confidence and tools to design engaging, student-centered learning experiences that empower and excite your learners.

Speakers

Kara Sanders

Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:40am - 12:05pm CST
Salon 3 Marriott St. Louis Airport

Design

Audience Specialist / Encore, Classroom Teachers
Session Type Spark

12:10pm CST

Launching Your Design Thinking or Makerspace

Tuesday February 25, 2025 12:10pm - 12:35pm CST

Salon 3

Learn: Explore the fundamentals of design thinking, including the five stages—Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype and Test. Understand how this process promotes creativity, collaboration and problem-solving to address real-world challenges in the classroom.

Engage: Participate in interactive discussions and activities designed to generate practical ideas for integrating design thinking into your classroom. Share experiences and brainstorm solutions with fellow educators as you explore ways to guide students through innovative problem-solving.

Apply: Discover actionable strategies and resources to launch or enhance your design thinking or makerspace journey. Gain confidence to create dynamic, engaging learning experiences that inspire students to think like innovators.

Speakers

Kara Sanders

Tuesday February 25, 2025 12:10pm - 12:35pm CST
Salon 3 Marriott St. Louis Airport

Design

Audience Specialist / Encore, Classroom Teachers
Session Type Spark

2:30pm CST

Is AI Transformational?

Tuesday February 25, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm CST

Salon 2

Learn: Discover the latest AI tools and their potential applications in the classroom. Discover cutting-edge technology and showcase how AI can create new learning opportunities, sparking innovation for both educators and students.

Engage: Actively experiment with AI tools while engaging in thought-provoking discussions on the broader impact of AI on education. Collaborate with peers to explore AI's role in transforming the learning experience.

Apply: Gain practical ideas and strategies for leveraging AI in your classroom. Be prepared to create transformative learning experiences that harness AI's potential to engage and inspire students.

Speakers

Bob Deneau

Chief Information Officer, Rockwood School District

Tuesday February 25, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm CST
Salon 2 Marriott St. Louis Airport

Leadership Technology

Audience All K-12 Educators, Classroom Teachers, Curriculum Coordinators, Technology Directors
Session Type Ignite
School / Company Rockwood School District