Strong classrooms are built on connection, structure, and intentional teaching of social-emotional skills. This session explores how Conscious Discipline and trauma-informed practices can transform classroom culture by helping teachers create predictable routines, teach self-regulation, respond to challenging behavior with purpose, and build a sense of safety and belonging for every child.
Come learn how to incorporate meaningful leadership strategies at every level of the educator process to improve both staff and student outcomes. Attendees will also learn about the Eagle flight path and opportunities for educators in DISD to move to the next level of Leadership.
The session will be an open discussion about some of your favorite CTE lessons, labs and classroom management tips. Bring your favorite lesson and share with others what makes that lesson so successful or bring an idea and let your fellow CTE experts fill in the blanks.
Given the range of learning styles and abilities of students today, equity of access has never been more important. But to personalize learning for all students, educators need effective technology and resources. Join us to explore best practices for supporting all learners — and see how Apple’s built-in tools and features allow everyone to use technology in ways that work best for them.
The presentation begins by introducing the basic concept of energy flow: energy starts with the sun, is captured by plants, and then moves through living organisms. It then focuses on decomposers, the organisms that break down dead organic material and waste, turning it into nutrients for plants. Using worm farming with bins as a demonstration, the presentation shows how food scraps—originally containing stored energy from plants—are consumed by worms and transformed into usable nutrients for the plants. Students will become part of the process by harvesting the worm tea and castings to use in their gardens as the process continues. This is a hands-on/real-world experience! Warning: Live Worms!
Discover the vision behind Decatur ISD's new EAGLE Expectations framework and how it will shape the culture of our schools. Learn about the five core traits: Excellence, Accountability, Growth Mindset, Listening & Leadership, and Empathy, and how they will be embraced by both students and staff. The EAGLE Framework prepares students not only for future careers, but also for lives of meaningful success, leadership, and positive impact.
This is my 15th year in education but my first year not to be an English teacher! I’m an Entrepreneurship teacher brand new to CTE. I’ve got a lot to learn, but I’m excited!
Tuesday July 28, 2026 8:00am - 8:45am CDT Lecture Hall
This session introduces teachers to ClassWize, a classroom management tool that provides real-time visibility into student device activity. Participants will learn how to monitor student screens, guide online behavior, and use key features such as opening and closing tabs, sending messages, and locking screens to support instruction. The session focuses on practical strategies that help keep students engaged and on task while enhancing digital classroom management. **ClassWize is currently only accessible on Chromebooks and MacBooks and not on iPads.
This onboarding session walks new teachers through everything needed to launch their first Edpuzzle lesson from scratch:
Sign up — create a teacher account with school email, add school/grade/subject info, and verify
Find a video — search YouTube, other educators' videos, school/district channels, Edpuzzle Originals, or your own screen recordings; filter by grade level and subject
Make it interactive — embed text, images, audio, and links; add multiple-choice or open-ended questions; give instant feedback via text or audio
Create a class — set up a class and generate a code or invite link for students
Assign a video — configure attempt limits, skip prevention, playback speed, and closed captions before assigning
This training focuses on using MAP Growth data to set meaningful, student-centered goals. Participants will learn how to analyze key reports, including RIT scores and growth projections, and set goals for each reporting period. Teachers will learn how to keep the data in a simple, easy-to-read format. By the end of the session, educators will leave with better understanding of how to track yearly MAPS data for their students in a way that is easy to understand for both the student and their parents. Participants can walk away with ready to use resources.
I teach 2nd grade Bilingual (Math and Science) at Rann. I am going into my 17th year of teaching and all of my teaching career has been spent in Decatur ISD at Rann. I am exciting to share what has worked for me in the classroom. Learning from each other and...Working Smarter...Not... Read More →
This training equips staff to recognize and respond to student medical emergencies, including seizures, diabetes-related emergencies, anaphylaxis, cardiac events, and opioid overdoses. Participants will learn how to provide safe seizure care, recognize signs of low or high blood sugar, and respond appropriately during diabetic emergencies. Training also includes recognizing anaphylaxis and hands-on instruction for administering Epi-Pen®, Neffy®, and Narcan® (naloxone). Staff will also have the opportunity to sign up for campus AED teams and learn their roles and responsibilities during a cardiac emergency.
Join the Young PE, Music, and Art team as we share how we work together to support classroom teachers and reinforce TEKS through engaging lessons, activities, and games. This session will highlight practical ways rotation teachers create meaningful cross-curricular connections while building a unified and supportive learning environment for students. Classroom teachers are encouraged to collaborate with us by sharing ideas and strategies for integrating more classroom TEKS into specials areas to strengthen student learning across all subjects.
As we transition to the new English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS), staying ahead of the implementation timeline is critical for campus and district leaders. This session provides a comprehensive look at the three-phase roadmap for moving from the current standards to full implementation in 2028–2029. Participants will explore the major structural shifts, including the move from four to five proficiency levels and the reorganization of standards into new grade bands. The most significant change: the introduction of subject-specific Proficiency Level Descriptors (PLDs) designed to support language acquisition within ELAR, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
Honor the priority of reduced screentime without taxing your time with handwritten feedback. Ditch that red pen by utilizing Canvas. This session begins with an activity where you will step into the students' shoes to complete an analog task. Next, we will flip to the teacher’s perspective to demonstrate how to configure "On Paper" assignments in Canvas. You will see firsthand how to leverage SpeedGrader to quickly score, apply rubrics, and deliver meaningful digital feedback on physical assignments in your subject area. Learn how to bridge the gap between hands-on learning and efficient digital feedback.
Learners will be able to describe the essential components of effective transition planning, identify key state and federal requirements related to transition services, apply general strategies to support positive postsecondary outcomes for students, collaborate with school staff and community partners to enhance transition services, and access and utilize tools and resources to strengthen transition practices.
Lydia Evans is passionate about preparing students with disabilities for fulfilling adult lives and believes it’s never too early to start future planning. She has served as a Transition Counselor for Texas Workforce Vocational Rehabilitation, worked as a district-level Transition... Read More →
Join us for a practical and engaging session designed to empower educators with effective strategies to support students with autism in the classroom. Participants will gain valuable insights into understanding the unique characteristics and learning styles of students on the autism spectrum and learn how to create learning environments that promote both academic and social success.
This session will highlight evidence-based practices, including visual strategies for elementary and secondary settings, supports for autism and anxiety, and effective behavior strategies to better meet students' needs.
Team Lead - Autism Specialist, Education Service Center Region 11
Michael Tucker is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and has been working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) for over 25 years. He began working with children with autism in a private setting and then at the Autism Treatment Center. His teaching career has included... Read More →
Come learn how to incorporate meaningful leadership strategies at every level of the educator process to improve both staff and student outcomes. Attendees will also learn about the Eagle flight path and opportunities for educators in DISD to move to the next level of Leadership.
Given the range of learning styles and abilities of students today, equity of access has never been more important. But to personalize learning for all students, educators need effective technology and resources. Join us to explore best practices for supporting all learners — and see how Apple’s built-in tools and features allow everyone to use technology in ways that work best for them.
The presentation begins by introducing the basic concept of energy flow: energy starts with the sun, is captured by plants, and then moves through living organisms. It then focuses on decomposers, the organisms that break down dead organic material and waste, turning it into nutrients for plants. Using worm farming with bins as a demonstration, the presentation shows how food scraps—originally containing stored energy from plants—are consumed by worms and transformed into usable nutrients for the plants. Students will become part of the process by harvesting the worm tea and castings to use in their gardens as the process continues. This is a hands-on/real-world experience! Warning: Live Worms!
This session introduces teachers to ClassWize, a classroom management tool that provides real-time visibility into student device activity. Participants will learn how to monitor student screens, guide online behavior, and use key features such as opening and closing tabs, sending messages, and locking screens to support instruction. The session focuses on practical strategies that help keep students engaged and on task while enhancing digital classroom management. **ClassWize is currently only accessible on Chromebooks and MacBooks and not on iPads.
This onboarding session walks new teachers through everything needed to launch their first Edpuzzle lesson from scratch:
Sign up — create a teacher account with school email, add school/grade/subject info, and verify
Find a video — search YouTube, other educators' videos, school/district channels, Edpuzzle Originals, or your own screen recordings; filter by grade level and subject
Make it interactive — embed text, images, audio, and links; add multiple-choice or open-ended questions; give instant feedback via text or audio
Create a class — set up a class and generate a code or invite link for students
Assign a video — configure attempt limits, skip prevention, playback speed, and closed captions before assigning
This training equips staff to recognize and respond to student medical emergencies, including seizures, diabetes-related emergencies, anaphylaxis, cardiac events, and opioid overdoses. Participants will learn how to provide safe seizure care, recognize signs of low or high blood sugar, and respond appropriately during diabetic emergencies. Training also includes recognizing anaphylaxis and hands-on instruction for administering Epi-Pen®, Neffy®, and Narcan® (naloxone). Staff will also have the opportunity to sign up for campus AED teams and learn their roles and responsibilities during a cardiac emergency.
Resiliency Through Relationships focuses on the powerful impact educators have on students. The presentation takes an in-depth look at one student’s academic and behavioral challenges throughout their educational journey and highlights how meaningful relationships with teachers played a critical role in their growth and resilience.
Through this story, the presentation emphasizes that while students may not always express gratitude, the support, consistency, and care shown by teachers can have a lasting and life-changing impact. It serves as a reminder that building strong relationships is at the heart of helping all students succeed.
The Technology Applications TEKS are probably already happening in your classroom — even if nobody is walking around saying, “This computational thinking is impressive!” or "Nice data literacy there!" Students are already solving problems, creating, revising, and making sense of information every day. The first three Tech App TEKS aren't about adding one more thing to your plate or becoming a tech expert overnight — it’s about recognizing the great thinking that’s already happening and making it more intentional!
Honor the priority of reduced screentime without taxing your time with handwritten feedback. Ditch that red pen by utilizing Canvas. This session begins with an activity where you will step into the students' shoes to complete an analog task. Next, we will flip to the teacher’s perspective to demonstrate how to configure "On Paper" assignments in Canvas. You will see firsthand how to leverage SpeedGrader to quickly score, apply rubrics, and deliver meaningful digital feedback on physical assignments in your subject area. Learn how to bridge the gap between hands-on learning and efficient digital feedback.
Accessibility is about more than just checking boxes; it’s about ensuring our district’s message reaches every student and family. In this high-energy, hands-on workshop, we’re turning compliance and language inclusivity into a competition. Grab your laptop and bring your "messiest" flyers, syllabi, or slide decks for a live BINGO challenge focused on accessibility and inclusivity.
As we dive into the "Big Five" of inclusive design—contrast, typography, alt-text, reading order, and tagging—you’ll apply fixes in real-time to your own documents. We'll also delve into the basics of language translation. Every fix gets you closer to a BINGO and every participant walks away with a "winner’s" toolkit: documents that are professional, beautiful, and accessible to every learner. Let’s prove that inclusive design isn't just a requirement—it’s a game-changer!
Shift your perspective on Canvas from an overwhelming digital maze to a reliable, low-stress communication hub. This session focuses on using Canvas as a central "basecamp," a predictable place where students and observers go to check the calendar, view announcements, access class notes, and find missed work. You will learn how to streamline your course navigation, simplify resource delivery, and establish consistent routines that keep students informed without adding to your workload.
Discover the creative possibilities of Apple’s Freeform app in this hands-on session. You’ll explore key features and tools while gaining practical ideas for using Freeform to support collaboration, brainstorming, and organization in the classroom. Walk away with ready-to-use strategies that can enhance student engagement and learning.
Do your CTE courses use iCEV for curriculum or testing? Are you aware of the resources available in iCEV: ready-to-use lesson plans, interactive presentations and videos, teaching materials, and auto-graded assignments? Come learn some best practices for building enthusiastic engagement using iCEV!
Tried the games from last year and need something new? This energizing session provides a Part 2 collection of low-prep, high-engagement games that bring energy and variety to your classroom. Perfect for transitions, content review, or formative assessment, these activities are quick to implement and adaptable across grade levels and subjects. You'll leave with a toolbox of practical games that require minimal materials but deliver maximum student participation and learning-plus time and space to customize them for your own teaching needs.
Last year, I presented watercolor conversations. This year I am bringing neurographic drawing to the staff of DISD. Neurographic drawing promotes SEL, focusing on self-regulation and mindfulness.It can be utilized in the classroom, with a group or individually. Students will draw free form lines onto a paper, use a black marker to curve intersections and fill in the spaces with watercolor. Lines and color connect to the artists' emotions, feelings, or vibe. All are welcome. | Hands on, come ready to participate
Have you ever wondered WHY a special education referral takes SO LONG? And wondered WHAT could possibly be involved and why you have to be a part of the process? If you answered yes to either of these questions, come sit and chat with us. Bring your coffee, or other favorite school appropriate beverage, and we will share all that is involved and how important your participation is. Your favorite diagnosticians will be there to talk with you about the referral process all the way from your first comment of "Hmmm...I think this student needs more help" to "How is it possible they did/not qualify?"
In this grade-level session, 2nd grade teachers will collaboratively analyze Bluebonnet assessment items to determine which questions best align to priority standards and current instruction. Participants will evaluate rigor, student accessibility, and alignment to learning goals in order to select high-impact questions that will inform instruction and support student growth.
Take a look into what life skills for a student can look like. What is this student working on daily to be successful. Let's look at the social, behaviors, functional skills, independence for daily living, employment, critical thinking, problem solving, communication, & decision-making.. How can you help this student to be more successful in some of these areas. Info for special ed or general ed teachers.
Student success doesn’t start with content but with connection. In this engaging and practical session, educators will explore how strong teacher-student relationships drive motivation, improve behavior, and ultimately lead to better academic outcomes. "Relationships First, Results Follow" focuses on simple, intentional strategies that help every student feel seen, valued, and respected in the classroom.
Participants will learn how to build trust from day one, strengthen connections with hard to reach students, and create a classroom culture where students are more willing to engage, take risks, and succeed. Through real-world examples, reflection, and ready to use tools, this session will equip teachers with approaches they can implement immediately, without adding extra time to their already full plates.
Walk away with practical ideas, renewed purpose, and a reminder that when relationships come first, results naturally follow.
Behavioral staff will discuss the roles played by administration, general education teachers, and special education staff when students are having behaviors in a general education classroom setting.
You are not alone! We are here to help and we promise to turn anxiety into anticipation... We will explore what it means to be Visually Impaired, how it is tested for, the range of impairments. teaching methodologies, classroom needs, and much more. Heck, you may even have found a new calling! We'll cover that, too. | Session is open to all but, especially staff dealing with incoming 6th graders
Join us for a practical and engaging session designed to empower educators with effective strategies to support students with autism in the classroom. Participants will gain valuable insights into understanding the unique characteristics and learning styles of students on the autism spectrum and learn how to create learning environments that promote both academic and social success.
This session will highlight evidence-based practices, including visual strategies for elementary and secondary settings, supports for autism and anxiety, and effective behavior strategies to better meet students' needs.
Team Lead - Autism Specialist, Education Service Center Region 11
Michael Tucker is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and has been working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) for over 25 years. He began working with children with autism in a private setting and then at the Autism Treatment Center. His teaching career has included... Read More →
Accessibility is about more than just checking boxes; it’s about ensuring our district’s message reaches every student and family. In this high-energy, hands-on workshop, we’re turning compliance and language inclusivity into a competition. Grab your laptop and bring your "messiest" flyers, syllabi, or slide decks for a live BINGO challenge focused on accessibility and inclusivity.
As we dive into the "Big Five" of inclusive design—contrast, typography, alt-text, reading order, and tagging—you’ll apply fixes in real-time to your own documents. We'll also delve into the basics of language translation. Every fix gets you closer to a BINGO and every participant walks away with a "winner’s" toolkit: documents that are professional, beautiful, and accessible to every learner. Let’s prove that inclusive design isn't just a requirement—it’s a game-changer!
Learn how Apple Intelligence fits into your school and learning environments privately and securely. Explore how Apple Intelligence seamlessly integrates into system experiences and apps used every day, and how new tools such as Writing Tools, Image Playground, and Transcripts use personal context to deliver intelligence that’s useful and relevant, enhancing productivity and creativity.
Creative Consequences: Shaping Behavior Through Meaningful Accountability
In elementary classrooms, our goal isn’t just compliance—it’s changed behavior. Join us for an interactive session focused on rethinking how we respond to student behavior in ways that build responsibility and better decision-making.
Together, we will explore the why behind student behaviors and examine why traditional consequences don’t always lead to lasting change. Through collaboration and hands-on activities, you’ll brainstorm and design creative, meaningful consequences that hold students accountable while teaching them how to make better choices.
This is not a sit-and-get session—you’ll actively engage in real scenarios, problem-solving, and idea-building with fellow educators. You’ll walk away with practical strategies, ready-to-use resources, and fresh ideas you can implement in your classroom immediately.
Come ready to think differently, collaborate, and leave equipped to make a lasting impact on student behavior.
Take a deep dive into the TEKS and learn how to move from simply “covering” standards to truly understanding and teaching them with intention. In this session, participants will break down TEKS into manageable components, identify the cognitive rigor embedded within each standard, and clarify what students need to know and be able to do. Teachers will walk away with practical strategies for unpacking standards, aligning instruction and assessment, and ensuring clarity in lesson design to drive student success.
As a CTE teacher, do you need strategies to help you analyze IBC performance data, monitor student progress, and improve outcomes for your program’s certification tests? You will explore effective data analysis practices, identify trends and gaps in student performance, and develop targeted intervention strategies to increase certification achievement rates. This work can help develop an aligned program of study, so certification learning can become a collaborative effort through vertical teams.
Do your CTE courses use iCEV for curriculum or testing? Are you aware of the resources available in iCEV: ready-to-use lesson plans, interactive presentations and videos, teaching materials, and auto-graded assignments? Come learn some best practices for building enthusiastic engagement using iCEV!
Join fellow K–12 art educators to collaborate on curriculum planning and strengthen vertical alignment across grade levels. This session provides dedicated time to review current practices, align expectations, and ensure a cohesive artistic experience for all students.
Explore the top MAP Growth reports for teachers. Participants will learn how to access their reports, analyze their data, and develop an action plan to maximize student growth and inform instruction in the classroom.
Say goodbye to clunky external survey tools and their frustrating limitations. Instead of using third-party apps, you can now build and deploy powerful surveys directly within Canvas. This session highlights how to leverage this built-in feature to easily gather student feedback, check in on classroom climate, and automatically track participation. You’ll learn how to set up surveys and explore options such as anonymous surveys, dynamic questions, and instant feedback reports; all without outside software. Keep your students' focus where it belongs and streamline your workflow with a single, unified platform.
In this grade-level session, 5th grade teachers will collaboratively analyze Bluebonnet assessment items to determine which questions best align to priority standards and current instruction. Participants will evaluate rigor, student accessibility, and alignment to learning goals in order to select high-impact questions that will inform instruction and support student growth.
Taking life skills/special needs into the classroom for inclusion. Will there be someone with them? What does the gen ed teacher need to do. Collaboration with the gen ed teacher-sped teacher. How to include all students. Participation with gen ed peers. What para's are doing.
How do we prepare students for an AI-driven world while still protecting learning integrity, privacy, and critical thinking? Artificial Intelligence is rapidly changing teaching and learning, but many educators are still asking the same questions:
* What should students be allowed to use AI for? * What crosses the line into academic dishonesty? * How do district policies apply to tools like ChatGPT and generative AI? * How can teachers safely incorporate AI without compromising rigor, privacy, or student thinking?
The session will focus on balancing innovation with accountability.
Too often, our students are asked to recognize the correct answer rather than generate their own explanation. When students put their thinking into words, teachers gain a much clearer window into what students truly understand, misunderstand, and can apply independently. This professional learning session will explore practical, classroom-ready writing strategies—such as silent discussions, gist writing, summaries, brain dumps, and other low-stakes writing activities—that encourage students to process, organize, and communicate their learning. Participants will leave with engaging strategies that can be implemented across content areas to increase student thinking, participation, and depth of understanding. | Open to all content and grade levels that can write complete sentences.
Next year's freshmen are facing a new standard for College, Career, and Military Readiness. What criteria will they need to meet for the state of Texas to consider them college-, career-, or military-ready?
Given the range of learning styles and abilities of students today, equity of access has never been more important. But to personalize learning for all students, educators need effective technology and resources. Join us to explore best practices for supporting all learners — and see how Apple’s built-in tools and features allow everyone to use technology in ways that work best for them.
Discover the vision behind Decatur ISD's new EAGLE Expectations framework and how it will shape the culture of our schools. Learn about the five core traits: Excellence, Accountability, Growth Mindset, Listening & Leadership, and Empathy, and how they will be embraced by both students and staff. The EAGLE Framework prepares students not only for future careers, but also for lives of meaningful success, leadership, and positive impact.
This is my 15th year in education but my first year not to be an English teacher! I’m an Entrepreneurship teacher brand new to CTE. I’ve got a lot to learn, but I’m excited!
Join your district diagnosticians and talk about Child Find, legal rights, and building effective IEPs that empower learners and foster inclusion in the general education setting.
Looking to bring blended learning into your classroom? This session will provide practical, easy-to-implement strategies for combining digital tools with face-to-face instruction. While we will highlight examples from math through our LASO grant work, the structures and approaches shared can be applied across any content area. Participants will leave with ready-to-use ideas to support student engagement, differentiation, and instructional efficiency.
This onboarding session walks new teachers through everything needed to launch their first Edpuzzle lesson from scratch:
Sign up — create a teacher account with school email, add school/grade/subject info, and verify
Find a video — search YouTube, other educators' videos, school/district channels, Edpuzzle Originals, or your own screen recordings; filter by grade level and subject
Make it interactive — embed text, images, audio, and links; add multiple-choice or open-ended questions; give instant feedback via text or audio
Create a class — set up a class and generate a code or invite link for students
Assign a video — configure attempt limits, skip prevention, playback speed, and closed captions before assigning
Grief can deeply affect students, staff, and the overall climate of a school. In this session, Beverly Ross from Wise County Christian Counseling will offer insight into how grief presents in school settings and provide practical, compassionate strategies for supporting both colleagues and students through loss.
Our goal is to lessen the stress on teachers by giving tips to monitor progress during a grading period so they are prepared to provide input at a grading period as well as giving input on suggested goals for IEP preparation so the the goal design is a collaboration. How to understand and IEP goal and how to monitor progress in the general education classroom to give sufficient and adequate input.
Honor the priority of reduced screentime without taxing your time with handwritten feedback. Ditch that red pen by utilizing Canvas. This session begins with an activity where you will step into the students' shoes to complete an analog task. Next, we will flip to the teacher’s perspective to demonstrate how to configure "On Paper" assignments in Canvas. You will see firsthand how to leverage SpeedGrader to quickly score, apply rubrics, and deliver meaningful digital feedback on physical assignments in your subject area. Learn how to bridge the gap between hands-on learning and efficient digital feedback.
Strong Tier 1 instruction is the foundation of student success—but what does it actually look like in practice? This session will define the key components of high-quality Tier 1 instruction, including clear learning targets, engaging strategies, differentiation, and ongoing formative assessment.
Join us for a practical and engaging session designed to empower educators with effective strategies to support students with autism in the classroom. Participants will gain valuable insights into understanding the unique characteristics and learning styles of students on the autism spectrum and learn how to create learning environments that promote both academic and social success.
This session will highlight evidence-based practices, including visual strategies for elementary and secondary settings, supports for autism and anxiety, and effective behavior strategies to better meet students' needs.
Team Lead - Autism Specialist, Education Service Center Region 11
Michael Tucker is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and has been working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) for over 25 years. He began working with children with autism in a private setting and then at the Autism Treatment Center. His teaching career has included... Read More →
What is the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA), and what does it mean for you? This session provides a clear, practical overview of Decatur ISD's TIA system. Participants will learn how teacher observation data and student growth measures work together to determine designations and what to expect during the data capture year. We’ll also address common questions, clarify misconceptions, and explore how TIA supports both professional growth and compensation. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the system and confidence in what lies ahead.
This presentation will provide an overview of the MTSS process and how monthly meetings involving administrators, interventionists, and teachers work together to support student learning. Participants will explore data documents and tools used to guide decision-making, as well as the types of data discussed during these meetings. The session will also highlight how staff and paraprofessionals are utilized to deliver targeted interventions and how Tier 2 and Tier 3 groups are organized, supported, and monitored for student success.
Grief can deeply affect students, staff, and the overall climate of a school. In this session, Beverly Ross from Wise County Christian Counseling will offer insight into how grief presents in school settings and provide practical, compassionate strategies for supporting both colleagues and students through loss.
“Students stop loving to learn when teachers stop loving to teach.” – L. Watkins, Class of 2026
This session invites educators to reimagine secondary classrooms by bringing back the energy, creativity, and engagement often reserved for elementary schools. Inspired by a powerful student insight, “students stop loving to learn when teachers stop loving to teach,” this session challenges the idea that rigor and joy can’t be in the same room. Participants will experience practical, high-impact strategies that infuse “magic” into secondary instruction without sacrificing academic depth or standards. From interactive routines, to choice, and celebration, each idea is designed to increase engagement, deepen learning, and build a stronger classroom culture.
Teachers will walk away with ready-to-use ideas, adaptable across content areas, that make learning feel meaningful, memorable, and fun. Because when teachers love to teach, students love to learn.
This is my 15th year in education but my first year not to be an English teacher! I’m an Entrepreneurship teacher brand new to CTE. I’ve got a lot to learn, but I’m excited!
Ever wonder what goes on in the dyslexia lab? Join us to learn more about the tools and strategies dyslexia therapy incorporates for our students. You'll discover ways to help all students and support those with dyslexia at the same time. Drop by and learn what we can all do to help the non-traditional learner.
What makes a strong team even stronger? Knowing and using your strengths! In this dynamic, interactive session, participants will uncover their unique leadership strengths and learn how those strengths work together to increase cohesiveness and effectiveness on teams. Expect engaging activities, meaningful conversations, and plenty of “aha” moments as you discover how to better understand yourself and your teammates. This session is especially powerful for teams to attend together, offering a fun and energizing way to grow in self-awareness, deepen relationships, and help your team truly soar- all while having FUN! | This session could be for teaching teams, office teams, admin teams. sped teams, ALL teams. Everyone will leave with practical takeaways on how to lean into their strengths and understand the strengths of their team mates!
Shift your perspective on Canvas from an overwhelming digital maze to a reliable, low-stress communication hub. This session focuses on using Canvas as a central "basecamp," a predictable place where students and observers go to check the calendar, view announcements, access class notes, and find missed work. You will learn how to streamline your course navigation, simplify resource delivery, and establish consistent routines that keep students informed without adding to your workload.
A CTE lab, shop, kitchen, or on-site learning location is a challenging place to manage student learning and behaviors. Do you need some strategies for classroom management, so your students achieve all that they can? This session is specifically for CTE teachers.
Where are we now, and how do we know? Participants will engage in a structured analysis of current district and campus data to evaluate student performance and instructional effectiveness. Attendees will learn how to break down multiple data sources, identify trends, and uncover root causes that impact student outcomes. The session will also focus on moving from data to action developing targeted instructional responses and next steps aligned to campus and district goals
Take a deep dive into the TEKS and learn how to move from simply “covering” standards to truly understanding and teaching them with intention. In this session, participants will break down TEKS into manageable components, identify the cognitive rigor embedded within each standard, and clarify what students need to know and be able to do. Teachers will walk away with practical strategies for unpacking standards, aligning instruction and assessment, and ensuring clarity in lesson design to drive student success.
Discover the creative possibilities of Apple’s Freeform app in this hands-on session. You’ll explore key features and tools while gaining practical ideas for using Freeform to support collaboration, brainstorming, and organization in the classroom. Walk away with ready-to-use strategies that can enhance student engagement and learning.
In this grade-level session, 3rd grade teachers will collaboratively analyze Bluebonnet assessment items to determine which questions best align to priority standards and current instruction. Participants will evaluate rigor, student accessibility, and alignment to learning goals in order to select high-impact questions that will inform instruction and support student growth.
This presentation provides an overview of effective classroom accommodations that support students with autism in general education settings. It focuses on practical strategies that promote access to learning, improve communication, and reduce barriers related to sensory, social, and executive functioning differences. Emphasis is placed on creating structured, predictable environments, using visual supports, and implementing flexible instructional methods that meet diverse needs. By understanding and applying these accommodations, educators can foster inclusion, increase student engagement, and support academic and social success for students with autism.
This presentation will provide an overview of the MTSS process and how monthly meetings involving administrators, interventionists, and teachers work together to support student learning. Participants will explore data documents and tools used to guide decision-making, as well as the types of data discussed during these meetings. The session will also highlight how staff and paraprofessionals are utilized to deliver targeted interventions and how Tier 2 and Tier 3 groups are organized, supported, and monitored for student success.
As we transition to the new English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS), staying ahead of the implementation timeline is critical for campus and district leaders. This session provides a comprehensive look at the three-phase roadmap for moving from the current standards to full implementation in 2028–2029. Participants will explore the major structural shifts, including the move from four to five proficiency levels and the reorganization of standards into new grade bands. The most significant change: the introduction of subject-specific Proficiency Level Descriptors (PLDs) designed to support language acquisition within ELAR, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
Learn how Apple Intelligence fits into your school and learning environments privately and securely. Explore how Apple Intelligence seamlessly integrates into system experiences and apps used every day, and how new tools such as Writing Tools, Image Playground, and Transcripts use personal context to deliver intelligence that’s useful and relevant, enhancing productivity and creativity.
Explore the top MAP Growth reports for teachers. Participants will learn how to access their reports, analyze their data, and develop an action plan to maximize student growth and inform instruction in the classroom.
Say goodbye to clunky external survey tools and their frustrating limitations. Instead of using third-party apps, you can now build and deploy powerful surveys directly within Canvas. This session highlights how to leverage this built-in feature to easily gather student feedback, check in on classroom climate, and automatically track participation. You’ll learn how to set up surveys and explore options such as anonymous surveys, dynamic questions, and instant feedback reports; all without outside software. Keep your students' focus where it belongs and streamline your workflow with a single, unified platform.
How can you facilitate purposeful talk that deepens understanding, supports student ownership of learning, and enhances instructional effectiveness? This session focuses on the Fundamental 5 instructional practice of Purposeful Talk and its impact on student engagement, critical thinking, and academic achievement. You will leave with strategies for increasing structured student discourse, promoting true collaborative learning, and creating opportunities for meaningful academic conversations in the classroom.
In this grade-level session, 4th grade teachers will collaboratively analyze Bluebonnet assessment items to determine which questions best align to priority standards and current instruction. Participants will evaluate rigor, student accessibility, and alignment to learning goals in order to select high-impact questions that will inform instruction and support student growth.
This session is specifically designed for CTE teachers. Do you need some effective strategies for working with students in special populations in your CTE classes? Are the accommodations needed by students challenging to implement in your class? How can we meet the needs of all students so everyone benefits from career and technical learning?
