MACE

This session highlights the power of AI-driven tools and resources available in Spanish to support multilingual learners in ESL, dual language, and newcomer programs. With a focus on culturally responsive teaching, the presentation will demonstrate how AI can enhance instruction, provide personalized scaffolds, and build confidence for Spanish-speaking students transitioning to English. Participants will learn to incorporate AI tools into their classrooms to address language barriers, foster academic growth, and celebrate students’ linguistic and cultural identities.

Speakers

Charlotte Munoz

4th Grade Bilingual Teacher, Topeka Public Schools

Friday March 7, 2025 8:00am - 8:45am CST
KSU Union Big 12 Room

Audience ALL
Subject ESL, NEWCOMERS, Multilingual Learners, Dual Language

8:00am CST

Giving Your Staff a Room Full of Teacher Assistants

Friday March 7, 2025 8:00am - 8:45am CST

We know that Ai is here to stay in the Education Community and you just came home from a great conference talking about the many tools out there to use. This session is created to explore ideas and answer questions about how teachers can use this intimidating new technology in the classroom. We will look at variety of lessons geared to get the most out of your new teachers Ai assistants. I will also share examples of how I have used Ai chat bots to help field questions before students and teachers come to me for Tech support. If your are interested or excited about Ai and it's applications for eduction, but still looking for a way to explain it to others who are skeptical, this session is for you.

Speakers

Jeff First

Technology Integration / educator, Goodland Jr/Sr High School

Friday March 7, 2025 8:00am - 8:45am CST
KSU Union Room 227

AI, AI

Audience ALL

8:00am CST

Leveraging AI for Chemistry Review

Friday March 7, 2025 8:00am - 8:45am CST

Discover how AI-powered chatbots are transforming student review in the chemistry classroom. In this session, Aaron Vajnar shares strategies for leveraging conversational AI to reinforce key concepts, provide personalized feedback, and boost student confidence before assessments. Learn how chatbots can address diverse learning needs, encourage critical thinking, and create an interactive, self-paced review experience. Whether you're curious about AI's potential or ready to integrate it into your teaching, this session offers practical insights and inspiration to elevate student learning outcomes.

Speakers

Aaron Vajnar

Chemistry, Geometry Instructor, Holton High School

Friday March 7, 2025 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Alumni Banquet Room D

AI, Chatbots

Audience Middle School, High School
Subject Science

8:00am CST

Using Canva AI to Enhance Instruction

Friday March 7, 2025 8:00am - 8:45am CST

Join us for an exciting session where we’ll explore the powerful AI features of Canva that can transform your teaching experience! Discover how to effortlessly create engaging instructional materials, streamline implementation, and enhance communication with families. Bring your curiosity and an open mind as we delve into the benefits of integrating AI into your classroom. Let’s unlock the full potential of your teaching toolkit together! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your classroom and connect with fellow educators.

Speakers

Zach Burns

6th Grade Teacher, West Indianola Elementary

Kristi Satter

4th Grade Teacher, West Indianola Elementary

Friday March 7, 2025 8:00am - 8:45am CST
KSU Union Cottonwood

AI, Canva

Audience All
Subject All

8:00am CST

Tips to Differentiate Reading Instruction (REPEAT)

Friday March 7, 2025 8:00am - 8:45am CST

In this session you'll walk away with tips and tricks to differentiate reading instruction for all learners. You'll learn how to harness the power of technology to support readers at all levels.

Speakers

Josh Stock

6th Grade Literacy Teacher, Santa Fe Trail Middle School

https://mrstockrocks.com. Josh loves getting great books into the hands of kids who want to read them. Over the past five years he has given away over 4000 used books and 2000 new books to kids across the district.Josh was selected as one of the National School Board Association’s... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Alumni Banquet Room C

Instructional Strategies

Audience All

8:00am CST

Increase Student Engagement by Using Technology

Friday March 7, 2025 8:00am - 8:45am CST

Let's explore how the power of technology can help you to get and keep your Grade 2-6 students' attention. Fostering greater student engagement and autonomy supports best teaching practices, and technology can be one more tool in your toolkit to do that. Bring ideas to share - and be prepared to walk away with a plethora of new ideas for projects using a variety of technologies. Although specific programs and technologies will be discussed, brainstorming of alternate means will be part of this session.
Increase Student Engagement by Using Technology - Presentation Link on Canva

Speakers

Kristina Castillo

Ed Tech Coach, USD 475

Kris Castillo is an Ed Tech Coach at Geary County Schools. This position gives her a chance to get out into school buildings to work with teachers and students on integrating technology to increase student engagement and learning opportunities. Kris is a veteran in education with... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 8:00am - 8:45am CST
KSU Union Bluemont

Instructional Tools

Audience ALL

8:00am CST

Supercharge Your Classroom and Revolutionize Your Feedback Loop

Friday March 7, 2025 8:00am - 8:45am CST

Instructional Tools, Class Companion

Get ready to embark on an adventure into the future of education! Come join this interactive session on Class Companion, the AI-powered teaching assistant that will revolutionize your feedback process and supercharge your students' writing skills by providing instant, personalized feedback on written assignments, freeing up teachers' time and empowering students to become independent learners.

ClassCompanion.com

Speakers

Cinnemon Buie

Coordinator, Gardner Edgerton School District

Cinnemon is currently the Secondary Technology Integration Coordinator and District Assessment Coordinator in the Gardner Edgerton School District. She holds Masters Degrees in both Educational Administration and Instructional Design and Technology from Emporia State University, as... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Alumni Lecture Room

Audience Middle School, High School
Subject Writing

8:00am CST

Digital Explorers: Introducing Students to Coding with Modern Tech

Friday March 7, 2025 8:00am - 8:45am CST

During this session, get some ideas of how you can incorporate coding into your classroom. Explore free, paid, hands-on, and tech free ideas to incorporate into your classroom tomorrow.

Speakers

Brittany Horning

Library Media Specalist, USD 259- Wichita Public Schools

Prek-5th grade Library Media Specialist

Friday March 7, 2025 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Alumni Tadtman Board Room

STEM

Audience All
Subject Coding, STEM

8:00am CST

Growing a Makerspace – Successes and Challenges

Friday March 7, 2025 8:00am - 8:45am CST

Ignite creativity in your school through the development of a makerspace. We'll explore sources of funding to kickstart and sustain your makerspace, technology and supplies to maximize student engagement and creativity, concepts for layout and space optimization, and ways to navigate potential challenges and hurdles. This session aims to equip you with practical tools and inspiration to transform your makerspace vision into reality.

Speakers

Jenny Karr

Instructional Technician, Manhattan-Ogden USD 383

Jennifer Karr has worked with the Manhattan-Ogden school district since 2017: five years as a 9th grade biology classroom teacher and currently as a Technology Integration Specialist. She works with secondary teachers and students to implement various educational technology tools... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Alumni Purple Pride Conference Room

STEM

Audience All
Subject STEM

8:00am CST

Python Programming Made Easy with CMU

Friday March 7, 2025 8:00am - 8:45am CST

CMU CS Academy is an online, graphics-based computer science curriculum taught in Python provided by Carnegie Mellon University. They create novel, world-class Computer Science education for your classroom —and it’s entirely free.

Speakers

Jason Maisog

Teacher, EJSHS

First year CS teacher.

Friday March 7, 2025 8:00am - 8:45am CST
KSU Union Room 226

STEM, CMU CS Academy

Audience All
Subject Computer Science

8:00am CST

Synergize! Maximizing Your Collaboration Opportunities

Friday March 7, 2025 8:00am - 8:45am CST

Alumni Banquet Room A

Want to improve student engagement? Want students to gain valuable real-world tech and problem solving skills but classroom teachers feel stretched just covering core content? Learn ways to leverage and maximize the collaboration between your certified Library Media Specialist and classroom teachers! Walk away with practical ideas for planning, scheduling, collaborating, and integrating library, technology, and core skills even if you have fixed, flexible, or hybrid schedule!

Speakers

Amy Allen

Library Media Specialist, USD 308

Friday March 7, 2025 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Alumni Banquet Room A

STEM, Student Engagement

9:00am CST

Spark Up Your Prompts! Tips For Better AI Prompt Engineering (REPEAT)

Friday March 7, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am CST

The Pandora's Box of AI is open, and learning to use it well and properly in the classroom will be a vital objective in helping make our students as "future ready" as possible! Much like we had to learn how to use search engines well, the same is needed with AI usage through something called prompt engineering. The goal of this session is to equip K-12 educators with foundational skills in prompt engineering for AI applications, with a focus on creating effective, educationally relevant AI interactions. We will cover the basics of prompt engineering, its relevance in the classroom, and practical tips to help educators integrate these skills into their teaching practice.

Canva Slide Deck

Speakers

Jeff Yearout

High School Computer Science Teacher, Derby High School

Friday March 7, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am CST
KSU Union Big 12 Room

Audience ALL

9:00am CST

Teaching Smarter, Not Harder: Using AI to Improve Teacher Efficiency

Friday March 7, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am CST

This presentation explores how AI empowers K-12 educators to teach smarter, not harder, by automating routine tasks and enhancing classroom efficiency. From grading and lesson planning to communicating with parents and managing administrative duties, AI has the potential to streamline workflows, giving teachers more time to focus on impactful instruction. Discover how AI can revolutionize teacher tasks and reduce workload, without cutting corners or compromising quality.

Speakers

Lotta Larson

Professor, Kansas State University, College of Education

Dr. Larson is a professor in the College of Education at Kansas State University where she teaches courses in literacy education and new literacies. A former elementary/middle-level teacher, she frequently provides professional development and offers support to teachers and students... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am CST
KSU Union Cottonwood

AI, Classroom Organization

Audience ALL

9:00am CST

The 45-Minute Shortcut AI Teaching Tools

Friday March 7, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am CST

Alumni Banquet Room B

The Power of AI in Education
Presentation Overview:
Join me for an crash course presentation where we explore 22 cutting-edge AI platforms designed to revolutionize education. Whether you're a seasoned tech-savvy educator or just beginning to incorporate technology into your teaching, this session offers valuable insights for everyone.

We will cover:
Comparing AI Tools for Teachers vs. Students
Teacher-Focused AI Tools
Student-Focused AI Tools
AI Tools for Special Education
Articles and Resources on AI in Education & Staying Informed

Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of AI's transformative potential in education. Whether you're looking to enhance your teaching toolkit, support diverse learners, or stay abreast of the latest trends, this presentation offers valuable insights and practical strategies.

Speakers

Lydia Huninghake

MTSS Coordinator & Special Education Teacher, Manhattan Virtual Academy

MHK raised, farmers wife, mom of 3, teacher to cool kids - continuously reflecting and learning about Kansas MTSS and how to align goals into the virtual world. I welcome collaboration with other schools and appreciate perspectives that help grow into better supports for students... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am CST
Alumni Banquet Room B

Audience All

9:00am CST

Google Looker Studio: Personalized Data Dashboards

Friday March 7, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am CST

Google Looker Studio: Your Data's New Best Friend! Tired of drowning in a sea of spreadsheets and endless data reports? Dive into the world of Google Looker Studio, where data visualization meets fun! Transform your complex data into stunning, interactive dashboards that will make your students and colleagues say "Wow!" Learn how to easily connect to various data sources, create eye-catching charts and graphs, and share your insights with a few clicks. Whether you're tracking student progress, analyzing classroom performance, or simply want to add a touch of pizzazz to your presentations, Looker Studio is the tool you need. Join us for a session filled with laughter, learning, and a whole lot of data! https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1-2OQMxsKy6Q_dRK3xXWl24PeOmQV--VHtvfJer4iVGQ/edit?usp=sharing

Speakers

Jason Crist

Assistant Technology Director, USD 264 Clearwater Schools

Friday March 7, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am CST
Alumni Banquet Room C

Google Tools, Google Looker Studio

Audience All
Subject Classroom Management, Classroom Organization

9:00am CST

Creating Personalized Game-Based Instruction Tools with SchoolAI.com

Friday March 7, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am CST

If you are a seasoned teacher you have more than likely used some form of gamification or gamified tool in your classroom. Tools like Gimkit, and Kahoot can be welcomed changes of pace for both students and teachers. These tools are wonderful motivators but often leave a gap for true evaluation of student comprehension.
Game based learning with the use of Ai chat bots can help to provide individualized conversations and knowledge validation for every student in the room. This in depth evidence can become invaluable to teachers while at the same time make Knowledge retrieval engaging for students. This process can be used at any level or difficulty and I will show you how to drop these activities into any lesson.

Speakers

Jeff First

Technology Integration / educator, Goodland Jr/Sr High School

Friday March 7, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am CST
KSU Union Room 227

Instructional Strategies, schoolai

Audience ALL
Subject All

9:00am CST

A Different Look - Engage and Excite Students

Friday March 7, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am CST

This session will look at technology from a connecting the dots and retention point of view. The goal will be to use technology in multiple ways that benefit various levels of students across multiple subject areas. Excite your students with new ideas!

Speakers

Natasha Roseberry

3rd Grade

Friday March 7, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am CST
KSU Union Bluemont

Instructional Tools

Audience Elementary

9:00am CST

Bubbles & Bots: Virtual Assistants for Career Readiness & SEL

Friday March 7, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am CST

Instructional Tools, Emotional Support

Join Hanna Kemble, the Kansas Counselor of the Year and finalist for the National Counselor of the Year, for an interactive workshop session. “Bubbles and Bots,” explores two cutting-edge tools that revolutionize mental well-being and educational support. "Breathing Bubbles" are interactive, personalized online bubbles that guide you through a calming, customized breathing technique. Whether you're a student, educator, or anyone seeking tranquility, these bubbles create a soothing resource tailored to your preferences.

Next, learn to create "Bots" from start to finish, harnessing AI's potential in education. Discover how bots support students during transitions, provide emotional support at recess, and enhance classroom learning. Engage with bots that allow students to converse with book authors, historical figures, or even a virtual therapy dog.

Attendees will gain practical skills and insights into leveraging technology and AI for transformative experiences. In this hands-on workshop, participants will have the opportunity to create their breathing bubbles and develop a personalized bot that they can implement in their professional setting. Whether you're an educator, student, or curious individual, "Bubbles and Bots" offers a captivating exploration of the future of education and personal growth. Join us to breathe life into bubbles and bring bots to life, creating unique, impactful experiences for students and beyond.

Speakers

Hanna Kemble Mick

USD 437 Dean of Elementary Counseling/ KSDE Counselor Leader Coordinator/School Counselor, Auburn Washburn USD 437

Hanna Kemble-Mick was the 2024 Kansas Counselor of the Year and is a 2025 National School Counselor of the Year finalist. She is a passionate and innovative school counselor who blends creativity, technology, and equity to engage students and empower educators. As the Dean of Elementary... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am CST
Alumni Banquet Room D

Audience ALL

9:00am CST

Mastering Efficiency: Automate Communication with Autocrat

Friday March 7, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am CST

Alumni Banquet Room A

Discover the power of Autocrat and Google to revolutionize your workflow by automating personalized communication. In this session, you'll learn to seamlessly generate and send customized documents like certificates, letters, and reports directly from Google Sheets. Perfect for educators, administrators, and professionals seeking to save time, reduce errors, and improve communication. Join us for a step-by-step walkthrough and real-world tips to unleash the power of automation!

Speakers

Ariel Jankord

Principal, Lincoln Elementary, USD 290

Ariel Jankord is a Principal in Ottawa, KS. Her entire career has been in the elementary world at a variety of grade levels and as a STEM teacher. She has a passion for creating a fun and innovative culture for teachers and students. Ariel is the founder of the Johnson County Edcamp... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am CST
Alumni Banquet Room A

Instructional Tools

9:00am CST

Energy is Electrifying Through STEM!

Friday March 7, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am CST

Come learn about how to integrate energy into your classroom through STEM projects like building solar cars and building wind turbines and if you attend you get to take FREE classroom materials home with you! Also learn how USD 273 has created a business/school partnership to make their school more energy efficient by turning their school into a Living Learning Lab through installing sensors and letting students look at their own building data analytics in the classroom! Come hear how motivation to learn spikes when students are using their own building data!

Speakers

Christie Fouts

Junior High Technology/STEM Teacher, USD 273

I am a 7th & 8th grade Technology/STEM teacher at Beloit Jr. Sr. High School. In 2014 USD 273 decided it was vital to implement a STEM program into our schools. We have continued to strengthen and grow our program into a K-12 STEM program. I would love to share with you my STEM... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am CST
Alumni Tadtman Board Room

STEM

Audience ALL
Subject STEM

9:00am CST

Reading, Math, and Robots! Oh My!

Friday March 7, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am CST

Explore hands-on strategies that enhance literacy through storytelling with robots, make math come alive with interactive problem-solving, and dive into the basics of coding in a fun, accessible way. Collaborate with fellow educators to learn and share creative lesson ideas, all while fostering a tech-savvy mindset in your students.

Speakers

Melissa Love

K-4 STEAM Teacher, Vermillion Elementary School-USD 266

Friday March 7, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am CST
Alumni Lecture Room

STEM

Audience All
Subject STEM

9:00am CST

Tinkering with Tinkercad- Using 3D Modeling in the Classroom

Friday March 7, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am CST

Join us for a workshop aimed at equipping educators with the skills and knowledge to effectively integrate Tinkercad into their classrooms. In this session, you will create a free account and get hands-on experience in using Tinkercad, an intuitive online platform for 3D modeling that can spark creativity and innovation in students.

Participants will explore the features of Tinkercad, learn how to create engaging 3D projects, and have some time to brainstorm how you can use it in your own classroom.

While being able to 3D print student designs is a great bonus to Tinkercad, you can still use it effectively in your classroom without having access to a 3D printer, so don't let that stop you from coming!

By the end of this session, educators will feel confident in using Tinkercad to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. Join us to unlock the potential of 3D design and inspire your students to think critically and creatively!

Speakers

Jessica Buchanan

Engineering Teacher, Maize Middle School

Hi! I’m a middle school engineering teacher and absolutely love my job! I get to teach Automation & Robotics, Design & Modeling, and Flight & Space at Maize Middle School. They are PLTW courses, but I love to incorporate additional creative opportunities for my students. We are... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am CST
Alumni Purple Pride Conference Room

STEM, Tinkercad

Audience ALL
Subject STEM

9:00am CST

Deep Fakes, Data Theft, Plagiarism, & the End of Humanity as We Know It: Ed Law in the Age of AI

Friday March 7, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am CST

KSU Union Flint Hills

AI legal concerns are not for the faint of heart. How can districts protect themselves from liability and craft policies that effectively address AI’s role in the district and classroom? Up-to-date legal developments and models will be shared, helping to provide a path forward.

Presentation Live Link

Speakers

Dr. Scott Gregory

Assistant Professor, Fort Hays State University

Friday March 7, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am CST
KSU Union Flint Hills

Audience ALL
Subject Ed Law

9:00am CST

Engage, Explore, Enhance: The Power of HyperDocs in Blended Learning (REPEAT)

Friday March 7, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am CST

Instructional Strategies, Hyperdocs

Join returning presenter, fresh off last year’s popular “Shifting Your Workload with AI” session, for an engaging dive into the world of HyperDocs! In this interactive session, you’ll learn what HyperDocs are by experiencing one firsthand, all within a blended learning setup. Discover how these dynamic, digital lessons can boost engagement, and enhance blended learning. Walk away with inspiration and resources transform your own teaching! This presentation is suited for anyone who teaches any topic and those who deliver PD themselves.

Speakers

Katelyn Hobby

Social Studies, Shawnee Heights High School

Hi! I'm a teacher in my 11th year of education who's just about done it all from elementary, to middle, and now high school! I'm extremely passionate about teaching, learning, and teacher advocacy; always looking for ways to improve my craft and help others do the same.

Friday March 7, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am CST
KSU Union Room 226

Audience ALL

10:00am CST

AI in ELA? Never Heard of Her!

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am CST

This workshop will guide you through the process of training your own AI chatbot tailored to KS writing standards. Discover how this powerful technology can enhance the quality of feedback, streamline the grading process, and increase the rigor of writing assessments.

Participants will learn how to create and implement a customized chatbot capable of providing consistent, standard-aligned feedback that supports student growth. This session is perfect for educators looking to save time while maintaining a high standard of instruction. Empower your teaching practice and transform how you approach grading with AI as your new teaching assistant!

Speakers

Meghan Mace

English Language Arts Grade 8, Ottawa Middle School

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am CST
KSU Union Cottonwood

Audience Middle School, High School, Admin
Subject ELA

10:00am CST

AI Spark Hacks: Igniting Classroom Innovation (REPEAT)

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am CST

Unlock simple AI hacks to transform your teaching. This audience interactive session will have audience members showing off their best ready-to-use AI hacks for streamlining your professional life, inspiring lessons, and personalizing learning. Learn from other session attendees how to automate tasks, engage students with innovative projects, and save time while enhancing classroom excitement.

Speakers

Elizabeth Burke

9-12 Library Media Specialist, Salina South High School

I have been a library media specialist at Salina South High School for the last eight years. Prior to becoming a LMS, I was a social studies teacher at South High for ten years. I love trying new tech tools and strive to be a life-long learner. I also believe in working smarter not... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am CST
KSU Union Big 12 Room

AI, SPARK

Audience ALL

10:00am CST

Google’s Best-Kept Secrets: Tools You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am CST

Alumni Banquet Room B

I will share recent updates on Google's current tools, shortcuts, hacks, and experimental tools.

Speakers

Travis True

Curriculum Technology Specialist, Topeka Public Schools

Travis True is an accomplished professional with a strong foundation in instructional design and development, e-learning, and curriculum development. With a career that spans over 20 years and various roles, including Technology Integration Specialist/Instructional Designer at Topeka... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am CST
Alumni Banquet Room B

Google Tools

Audience ALL

10:00am CST

Mastering Google Sites: Empowering Teachers to Create Engaging Classroom Websites (REPEAT)

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am CST

KSU Union Flint Hills

In this session, educators will explore the power of Google Sites to create dynamic, user-friendly websites. Whether you're a novice or have some experience with website creation, this session will guide you through the process of designing an organized, visually appealing site that enhances communication with students, parents, and colleagues. You'll learn how to integrate multimedia, embed Google Workspace tools, and use customization options to showcase resources and announcements. By the end of the session, educators will have the confidence and skills to launch a fully functional Google Site that supports student engagement and streamlines classroom management.

Speakers

Erin Lewis

Instructional Coach, Elmont Elementary

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am CST
KSU Union Flint Hills

Google Tools

Audience ALL

10:00am CST

Unleash and Explore with Google Arts and Culture

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am CST

This engaging session will equip elementary educators with the knowledge and strategies to seamlessly integrate this incredible resource into your teaching across various subjects. Discover how to bring content to life through virtual field trips and primary source analysis, explore the diverse cultures of the world through art and literature, and enhance reading and science instruction with stunning visuals and interactive experiences and games.

Learn how to inspire creativity, critical thinking, and a love of learning in your students by unlocking the potential of Google Arts & Culture. Join me and discover a world of learning beyond the textbook!

Speakers

Lori Rice

@MSLRice

I began teaching in 1996 in the very elementary school I attended as a student. I have taught reading, K, 1st, 4th and looped K/1 (an excellent experience). I am currently teaching K-2 elementary and K-12 gifted for Manhattan Virtual Academy online.My passion is helping students think... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am CST
Alumni Banquet Room C

Google Tools, Google Arts and Culture

10:00am CST

Establishing a Student Led Helpdesk

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am CST

Instructional Strategies, Instructional Technology

Learn how to set up a student led helpdesk that gives students hands-on IT experience while delivering top-notch tech support to your school. This session will break down the steps to design, launch, and keep a successful student-led helpdesk running.

Speakers

Kelli Francis

Ed Tech Coach, JCHS

I have been in education for 10 years. I have taught ELA, World History, and now CS.

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am CST
KSU Union Room 227

Audience Middle School, High School
Subject Technology

10:00am CST

Book Taco! A New Way to Read!

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am CST

If you are looking for something different to use with students and more cost effective for schools besides Accelerated Reader or Reading Counts, this session is for you! You will be introduced to Book Taco, a web-based reading program that will have students interacting with books in new, engaging and rigorous formats.
Book Taco is a reading management platform that helps teachers assess, motivate, and manage student reading. Give Book Taco a try...you just might like it!

Speakers

Pamela Curtis

K-5 Librarian, Manhattan-Ogden USD 383

Hey! I'm so excited to make a connection with you. I'm the wife of a HS counselor and the mom to a wild third grader and we all LOVE our KSU Cats! I'm one of those people who thought life REALLY begins at 50! I was chugging along as a JH & HS English teacher and thought... what's... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am CST
Alumni Lecture Room

Instructional Tools, Book Taco

Audience Elementary, Library Media
Subject Reading

10:00am CST

Connecting Classroom Management Tools (REPEAT)

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am CST

Join this session to learn about connecting popular classroom management tools such as timers, name or group pickers, agendas, countdowns, lesson slides, videos, etc., all in one place - ClassroomScreen! We will take a deep dive into ClassroomScreen features and how they can be used to enhance four areas; student engagement, classroom management, routines, and transitions. While ClassroomScreen will be our main focus there are sure to be a few other tools and tips sprinkled throughout this session.

PRESENTATION SLIDES

PDF version of slides

Speakers

Megan Klozenbucher

Technology Integration Specialist, USD 383

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am CST
Alumni Banquet Room D

Instructional Tools

Audience All

10:00am CST

Integrating Seesaw Into Your Daily Classroom

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am CST

This session will walk through the basics of how seesaw can be integrated seamlessly into your daily routine. Showing that it can be used for review, formative and informative assessment, as well as Parent Communication With documentation.

Speakers

Leah Yancey

Riley Elementary School Library Media Specialists, USD 428

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am CST
KSU Union Room 226

Instructional Tools

10:00am CST

Moving Mathematics Courses to a Free Homework Software

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am CST

This talk will walk through the process of moving a fundamental mathematics program from a traditional, and often expensive, online homework system to a free alternative, MyOpenMath. I will discuss the process, issues, and lessons learned from the implementation process and tips for others looking into open source programs.

Speakers

Jillian Kimzey

Math Lab Manager, Washburn University

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am CST
KSU Union Bluemont

Instructional Tools, MyOpenMath

Audience All
Subject Math

10:00am CST

Blown Away by Data: How 4th Graders and High Schoolers Use Technology to Capture the Power of Wind

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am CST

Get ready to be inspired by a hands-on journey into renewable energy and data science through the eyes of two teachers - a fourth grade teacher and a high school science teacher. In this session, you will discover how learners were challenged to think critically while building skills in data literacy and environmental stewardship. Fourth graders and high schoolers experimented with wind turbines, used energy sensors to capture data, and analyzed the data to uncover surprising insights about energy efficiency - each at their own level. Curiosity and lots of questions inspired students to design and then make adjustments to wind turbine blades in an attempt to get maximum energy output. These scientists observed real-time results that revealed fascinating patterns about energy in motion -- all while building an excitement for STEM.
Join us to see how technology can spark curiosity and equip the next generation of problem-solvers, all while bringing the power of wind and data into the classroom.

Speakers

Jennifer Tillberg

Fourth Grade Teacher, Smoky Valley

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am CST
Alumni Purple Pride Conference Room

STEM

Audience Elementary
Subject Science, STEM

10:00am CST

How I Snuck Teaching Coding to My Students

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am CST

Some students believe only smart students can code. In my lab, all the students code.
Using Block Coding in different forms, students can move robots, an Agent in Minecraft, make basic apps for their iPad, run a microprocessor, or fly a drone. Depending on your comfort level and accommodations, there are multiple ways to bring Coding into your lessons. I will demonstrate Block Coding for the group and give participants time to code a Shero Bolt (you will need to download Sphero Edu on your device to participate in the demonstration). Even if you only use "Hour of Code" in your room, you can still expose students to an exploding career field in STEM.

Speakers

David Maneth

Technology Educator, USD259 Wichita Public School

I have been teaching for twenty years but I keep refreshing how I teach so I keep my students engaged in my content. Currently I am working on supplementing my teaching with LEGO Bricks and Minecraft Education Edition.

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am CST
Alumni Tadtman Board Room

STEM, Block Coding

Audience All
Subject STEM

10:00am CST

STEM Adventure: Build, Code, and Conquer the Challenges!

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:45am CST

Alumni Banquet Room A

In this 90-minute session, you'll collaborate in teams to tackle two exciting challenges. First, you'll design and build a device capable of carrying a payload while navigating a course powered by a Sphero. In the second challenge, your team will create a device to drive and retrieve rings from a custom-built gateway. This hands-on activity encourages critical thinking, engineering design, physics, coding, and more. While this session lasts 90 minutes, this project would typically take multiple class periods to fully complete.

Speakers

Jess Blouvan

Tech Specialist in Coding and Robotics, Bishop Development Center, Topeka Kansas TPS 501

Gail Ramirez

Curriculum Technology Integration Specialist, Topeka Public Schools

I am a district-level Curriculum Technology Integration Specialist. I am certified as a Google Trainer, Seesaw Certified Teacher, Wakelet Coach, Apple Learning Specialist, Microsoft Trainer, and Adobe Certified Expert/Trainer. I work with our computer science curriculum and coding... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:45am CST
Alumni Banquet Room A

STEM, Sphero

Audience Middle School, High School
Subject STEM

11:00am CST

AI in the Upper Elementary Classroom: Simple Strategies for Seamless Integration

Friday March 7, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am CST

As an upper elementary teacher, you’ve been hearing a lot about AI, and know it is something your students will encounter in their lives outside of school, if they haven’t already. You’d love to start teaching your students some foundational skills of AI, but it feels really overwhelming — and you still have ALL the curricular standards to teach! Does this sound like a thought that has crossed your mind? If so, consider this session: the presenter will discuss simple ways to start integrating AI throughout your lessons, and discuss how doing so can help your students learn about AI at the same time!

Speakers

Megan Mallon

5th grade teacher, Bluemont Elementary, USD 383

I am a life-long learner who is passionate about educational technology!

Friday March 7, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am CST
KSU Union Cottonwood

Audience Elementary, Middle School, Library Media
Subject Foundational Skills

11:00am CST

Teacher Tech Tips (REPEAT)

Friday March 7, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am CST

In this session you'll walk away with tips to help you utilize Microsoft and Google Tools to create lessons. Plus a wide range of tools to engage students.

Speakers

Jenica Stock

5th grade teacher, Washington Elementary School

Friday March 7, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am CST
Alumni Lecture Room

Google Tools

Audience ALL

11:00am CST

Growing your Classroom on Social Media

Friday March 7, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am CST

Instructional Strategies, Social Media

Discover how to transform social media into a powerful tool for extending learning beyond the classroom walls, fostering meaningful connections, and elevating the teaching profession. In this engaging session, you’ll learn how to create a positive and professional online presence that amplifies student success stories, builds a collaborative community with fellow educators, and provides opportunities for personal growth.

Explore strategies to share classroom innovations, engage with global perspectives, and access a wealth of resources that enrich your teaching practice. Gain actionable insights into managing platforms responsibly, navigating challenges, and ensuring your social media presence reflects the integrity of our profession. Whether you’re a seasoned user or just starting, this session will equip you with the tools and inspiration to use social media to its fullest potential in education.

Speakers

Kraig Westhoff

Teacher

Born in southeast Kansas and raised in St. Paul, Kraig Westhoff has dedicated his career to education and innovating the way history is taught. A graduate of Pittsburg State University, Kraig has been an educator since 2013, inspiring countless students with his passion for learning... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am CST
Alumni Banquet Room D

Audience All

11:00am CST

Teachers as Private Investigators: Eliciting Evidence of Learning (REPEAT)

Friday March 7, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am CST

Instructional Strategies, Discussion

In this engaging and interactive session, you’ll step into the shoes of a private investigator to uncover the hidden clues of student learning. As educators, we often face the challenge of determining whether our students have truly grasped the lessons we teach. This session will equip you with a toolkit of strategies to gather meaningful evidence of student learning, ensuring you can identify who has mastered the content, who needs additional support, and how to guide all students forward in their educational journey.

Join us to explore a variety of methods for eliciting evidence, ranging from high-tech solutions to low or no-tech options. You’ll leave with practical techniques that can be immediately implemented in your classroom to enhance your assessment practices and support student success. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or prefer traditional approaches, this session has something for everyone.

Speakers

Marie Henderson

Instructional Technology Specialist, PK-12, Hays USD 489

Marie Henderson is the Instructional Technology Specialist for Hays Unified School District in Hays, KS where she serves local teachers as a technology trainer and instructional coach. She designed and continues to facilitate a flexible professional learning model for district staff... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am CST
KSU Union Room 227

Instructional Strategies

Audience ALL

11:00am CST

Technology Instructional Practices Discussion

Friday March 7, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am CST

KSU Union Flint Hills

You are bombarded with technology items and issues such as apps, websites, devices, screen time and device management. Digging through all of the clutter, are we able to decipher how to best use the technology available to us for instructional purposes. As a former technology director, I have my own perspectives and questions. Come have a discussion how we can maximize the usage of instructional technology. I will present some materials and models that will help us measure technology usage. I hope to see you there.

Speakers

Christopher Fletcher

Information Systems Manager, Kansas State Department of Education

Friday March 7, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am CST
KSU Union Flint Hills

Audience ALL

11:00am CST

Tips to Differentiate Reading Instruction (REPEAT)

Friday March 7, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am CST

In this session you'll walk away with tips and tricks to differentiate reading instruction for all learners. You'll learn how to harness the power of technology to support readers at all levels.

Speakers

Josh Stock

6th Grade Literacy Teacher, Santa Fe Trail Middle School

Friday March 7, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am CST
Alumni Banquet Room C

Instructional Strategies

Audience All

11:00am CST

A Few of My Favorite Things (REPEAT)

Friday March 7, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am CST

Join me as I share some of my top tech tools and websites that have stood the test of time and proven to be some of my top recommended resources for K-12 classrooms. Whether you're looking for tools to enhance student engagement, build positive classrooms, or support student achievement, this session will have something for you. Come see my Favorite Things as I showcase a collection of versatile, user-friendly tools that can be easily integrated into your teaching and planning.

Speakers

Megan Nussbaum

Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Seaman USD 345

Friday March 7, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am CST
KSU Union Bluemont

Instructional Tools

11:00am CST

Get SWANKy: Using SWANK Streaming Media to Add Film to the Learning Environment

Friday March 7, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am CST

Film has always been a crucial part of education. But what about if you could bring CURRENT major motion pictures to the classroom? What if I told you it could be done LEGALLY, and not a Netflix or other subscription service in sight! Come learn about SWANK streaming media and how our librarians and teachers use it in our schools!

Speakers

Lucas Loughmiller

Director of Library & Instr. Media Services, Manhattan-Ogden USD 383

Friday March 7, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am CST
KSU Union Big 12 Room

Instructional Tools, SWANK

Audience ALL

11:00am CST

Growths and Challenges: A First-Year Principal's Leadership Reflection

Friday March 7, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am CST

This session offers a candid reflection on the first year as a school principal, focusing on the growth, challenges, and leadership lessons learned. We will explore strategies for fostering a positive school culture, building strong relationships, and navigating the complex issues surrounding school leadership. There will be a focus on integrating technology to enhance communication, streamline operations, and support both staff and student success.

Speakers

Mary Mellen

Principal, Anthony Elementary School

Friday March 7, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am CST
KSU Union Room 226

Professional Development

Audience Administration

11:00am CST

Bridging STEM and Literacy: Makerspaces as Hubs for Cross-Disciplinary Learning

Friday March 7, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am CST

This session will explore how makerspaces and library media programs can blend STEM with literacy skills such as reading, writing, and storytelling. Participants will discover practical strategies and projects that foster creative thinking by encouraging students to apply STEM tools and thinking strategies to narrative-driven learning experiences. The goal is to demonstrate how hands-on activities can enhance comprehension, engagement, and innovation across subject areas.

Speakers

Erica Minton

Technology Teacher, Prairie Ridge Elementary

Friday March 7, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am CST
Alumni Tadtman Board Room

STEM

Audience All
Subject STEM

11:00am CST

Custom AI Chatbots

Friday March 7, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am CST

Alumni Banquet Room B

Learn how you can easily create custom chatbots for students, staff, and parents. Create custom personal learning chatbots as well as chatbots staff and parents can use to get school/distirct information quickly and at any time.

Speakers

Travis True

Curriculum Technology Specialist, Topeka Public Schools

Friday March 7, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am CST
Alumni Banquet Room B

STEM

Audience ALL

11:00am CST

Empowering Students Through Real-World Energy Efficiency: The K-12 Energy Benchmarking Project

Friday March 7, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am CST