MACE: Full Schedule

1:45pm CST

Building Media Literacy in the Age of AI

Thursday March 6, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm CST

In a world where AI rapidly generates content, students need media literacy skills to critically evaluate information, spot disinformation, and recognize bias. This session equips educators to help students develop essential dispositions and strategies to foster curiosity and skepticism. Educators will gain practical approaches and resources to build students' capacity for thoughtful media consumption, including understanding the influence of algorithms.

Speakers

Adam Vinter

Education Outreach Manager, Common Sense Education

Adam is an Education Outreach Manager at Omaha Public Schools in Omaha, Nebraska. He collaborates with Common Sense Media to help regional educators, students, and families approach media and technology thoughtfully while building healthy habits at school and home. By providing trustworthy... Read More →

Thursday March 6, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm CST
Alumni Lecture Room

Professional Development

Company Common Sense Media
Audience All

1:45pm CST

The Magic of Marketing

Thursday March 6, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm CST

KSU Union Room 207

Become empowered leaders through learning practical strategies to market professional learning and instructional initiatives. Motivate staff to voluntarily participate and implement learning outcomes. Recruit and sustain professional learning relationships through the use of marketing tools.

Speakers

Dr. Virginia Duncan

Associate Principal, Garden City High School

Dr. Virginia Duncan is an Associate Principal for the Arts & Communications Academy at Garden City High School in Garden City, KS. Prior to that, she was an Instructional Coach for 10 years. Before coaching teachers full time, Ginny taught English, History, and Drama in CA for 13... Read More →

Thursday March 6, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm CST
KSU Union Room 207

Professional Development

Audience All

3:00pm CST

Rethinking Smartphones in School: Discovering Device-Free Strategies

Thursday March 6, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm CST

Alumni Lecture Room

This session explores the potential benefits of limiting personal devices in schools, including enhanced social interaction, improved academic focus, and a stronger sense of belonging. Participants will review current research on the impact of smartphones on schools and youth well-being, examine various implementation plans, and discover resources to engage all stakeholders in decision-making. Gain practical strategies and insights to assess whether a smartphone-free environment aligns with your school or district's needs.

Speakers

Adam Vinter

Education Outreach Manager, Common Sense Education

Thursday March 6, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm CST
Alumni Lecture Room

Professional Development, Digital Citizenship

Company Common Sense Media
Audience Administration

3:00pm CST

Things That Just Make Sense in My Middle School Library

Thursday March 6, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm CST

KSU Union Room 207

This session will focus on items (low- and high-tech) and programs that make my middle school library more student-focused. These have increased student readership and use of the library across grade levels.

Speakers

Melanie Borror

Librarian Grades 6-8, Anthony Middle School

I am a school librarian and lead tech for USD 383. I am a certified Apple Learning Coach and World Book Insider. I enjoy helping students and staff read and explore the world around them.

Thursday March 6, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm CST
KSU Union Room 207

Professional Development, library

4:00pm CST

Adaptive Professional Learning Model and Online Platform: Free PD Support for Evidence-Based Practice

Thursday March 6, 2025 4:00pm - 4:45pm CST

KSU Union Room 227

“Professional learning” occurs during the structures and activities of professional development, coaching, and implementation. The success of professional learning depends greatly on the contexts in which the teaching will be applied. In this session, we will share the APLM Model and the APLM Online Dashboard which are designed to support PDers and coaches as they facilitate teacher professional learning and the implementation of evidence-based writing and reading instruction. Creators of the model and dashboard will share how our Infrastructure Survey, Systematic Goal Setting, and Coaching Log tools support PDers and educators as they implement data-driven decision-making using evidence-based writing and reading strategies. We would love to have you use our free tools!

Speakers

Amber Rowland

Associate Research Professor, University of Kansas

My work at KU involves extended reality and artificial intelligence to support middle school students who struggle with social skills and their teachers. I also published a book on virtual coaching and specifically, the VECTOR model of virtual coaching, with my friends Suzy Myers... Read More →

Thursday March 6, 2025 4:00pm - 4:45pm CST
KSU Union Room 227

Professional Development, APLM Online Dashboard

Audience All

4:00pm CST

AI Coaching Cohorts: Building Confidence in Classroom AI

Thursday March 6, 2025 4:00pm - 4:45pm CST

KSU Union Room 206

In this session, I’ll share a hands-on approach to bringing AI into the classroom through a supportive, cohort-based model for teacher professional development. Each week, teachers in my cohorts meet to learn, discuss, and explore practical ways to integrate AI tools. I also meet with each teacher individually to reinforce what we cover and help them apply it to their unique classrooms.

This method is all about building confidence with AI and creating a community where teachers feel supported and inspired. Join me to learn how this model can help educators feel ready to bring AI into their teaching in meaningful ways.

Speakers

Lindsay Fritz

Technology Integration, Mid-Buchanan RV

I have been an educator for 17 years! For the last 5 years I have been serving as an educational technology integration specialist after spending 12 years as a secondary science teacher. I love trying to find meaningful ways to develop teachers' confidence and ability in effective... Read More →

Thursday March 6, 2025 4:00pm - 4:45pm CST
KSU Union Room 206

Professional Development

Audience All

11:00am CST

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

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

KSU Union Room 226

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