WY TeacherCon 2026: Full Schedule

7:30am MDT

Registration

Monday August 3, 2026 7:30am - 8:00am MDT

Main Hallway

Monday August 3, 2026 7:30am - 8:00am MDT
Main Hallway

7:30am MDT

Breakfast

Monday August 3, 2026 7:30am - 8:30am MDT

Grand Ballroom

Monday August 3, 2026 7:30am - 8:30am MDT
Grand Ballroom

8:30am MDT

Opening/Announcements

Monday August 3, 2026 8:30am - 8:45am MDT

Grand Ballroom

Monday August 3, 2026 8:30am - 8:45am MDT
Grand Ballroom

8:45am MDT

Is That Really True? Common Special Education Misconceptions and Pitfalls

Monday August 3, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am MDT

Grand Ballroom

"Is That Really True? Common Special Education Misconceptions and Pitfalls" Over time, special education has acquired some curious misconceptions that can actually cause poor student outcomes and legal compliance issues. This session will dispel some of the most common sp ed myths and point out common pitfalls that can trap the unwary educator, including assistive tech consideration, who can and...
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Speakers

Jose Martin, J.D.

Law Partner, Richards Lindsay & Martín, L.L.P.

Jose Martín, J.D., Attorney at Law, is a partner with the school law firm of Richards Lindsay & Martín, L.L.P. in Austin, Texas. His practice focuses exclusively on disabilities issues and litigation affecting public schools, including special education consulting and litigation... Read More →

Sp Ed Myths & Misconceptions pdf

Monday August 3, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am MDT
Grand Ballroom

9:45am MDT

Break

Monday August 3, 2026 9:45am - 10:00am MDT

Main Hallway

Monday August 3, 2026 9:45am - 10:00am MDT
Main Hallway

10:00am MDT

AI by Design: Matching AI Use to Learning Goals

Monday August 3, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT

Sheridan

When does AI support learning, and when does it get in the way? Educators need to make evidence-informed decisions about when AI supports student thinking, when it may shortcut the learning, and how classroom use should connect to clear instructional goals. In this session, participants will examine examples of AI use and consider what makes each use meaningful, questionable, or worth redesigning....
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Speakers

Emma Braaten

Director of Digital Learning, North Carolina State University, Friday Institute for Educational Innovation

Mastery and Beyond with the NC Digital Learning Competencies for Teachers: Discover the NC Digital Learning Competencies and how teachers will be able to grow in their knowledge of digital teaching and learning.

Steven Priest

Education Program Consultant, Wyoming Department of Education

Steven Priest is an Educational Program Consultant with the Wyoming Department of Education with the Innovation Team. Steven works with digital learning, serving our statewide Learning Management System (Canvas), micro-credentials, the Innovations in Learning Conference and the Digital... Read More →

Monday August 3, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Sheridan

10:00am MDT

Building Confidence and Comprehension: Oral Reading Fluency

Monday August 3, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT

Shoshoni

As a secondary literacy specialist, and middle & high school English teacher I understand the demands of curriculum maps and pacing guides as well as the challenges of inheriting struggling adolescent readers in a tier 1 classroom. I've done the work and can model and explain how it can be done. This session stands out because it tackles a critical—but often neglected—component of adolescent...
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Speakers

Faith Howard

6-12 Literacy Specialist, Sublette County School District #1

I am a 6-12 Literacy Specialist for Sublette County School District #1 in Pinedale, Wyoming. I have created a Literacy Lab class that is a tier 2 & 3 intervention to shore up gaps for struggling adolescent readers in foundational reading skills. Using the Science of Reading and a... Read More →

Monday August 3, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Shoshoni

General Education

10:00am MDT

Intro to Educational Neuroscience

Monday August 3, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT

Teton

Why choose this session? While other sessions offer new tips, we offer the biological blueprint for learning. We uncomplicate concepts like neuroplasticity and neurons and provide evidence-based, brain-friendly strategies that are scientifically proven to enhance memory, engagement, and long-term retention. This is not just theory; it’s the science of learning translated directly into powerful...
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Speakers

Joseph Schroer

Monday August 3, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Teton

General Education

10:00am MDT

Start Strong, Stay Strong

Monday August 3, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT

Cheyenne

This session blends two of the most influential and practical frameworks in education—Harry Wong’s work on procedures and classroom structure and Todd Whitaker’s insights on teacher professionalism and behavior—into a single, highly actionable workshop. Rather than offering abstract theory, the session provides teachers with concrete tools, ready-to-use checklists, and real classroom...
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Speakers

Jacob Gogan

Principal & President of Wyoming Association of Secondary School Principals, Park County School District 6 - Cody Middle School

Jacob Gogan is a dedicated middle school principal who is passionate about building strong school communities where students and staff feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. His leadership focuses on instructional improvement, collaborative professional learning, student-centered... Read More →

Monday August 3, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Cheyenne

General Education

10:00am MDT

Visioning Extensions That Deepen Student Learning

Monday August 3, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT

Grand Ballroom D

In the 2025-2026 school year, Albany County School District 1 launched an Elementary Extensions Team. The team offered enriching extensions, including project-based and place-based learning opportunities, to all elementary students in the district. This session will help classroom teachers and other instructional leaders learn about the potential of extension activities and vision extensions for...
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Speakers

Andrea Hayden

Teacher (Special Populations), Albany County School District #1

Kate Kniss

Albany County School District #1

Monday August 3, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Grand Ballroom D

General Education

10:00am MDT

Early Childhood Special Education Practices for Supporting Early Literacy and Language Development

Monday August 3, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT

Jackson C

According to the Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children Recommended Practices, practitioners should provide evidence-based practices within naturalistic routines to promote the best outcomes for young children. In order to facilitate the use of evidence-based naturalistic interventions that occur within the daily routine, we must implement strategies best suited for...
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Speakers

Marisa Macy

Professor, University of Wyoming

Marisa Macy is full professor and holds the John P. Ellbogen Foundation Professorship of Early Childhood Education at the University of Wyoming. Macy has more than 25 years of experience as an educator. Macy, a Seattle native, earned a bachelor’s degree in English at the University of Washington and a post baccalaureate in K–12 special education from St. Martin’s College in Olympia, Washington. She received master... Read More →

Tracy Spies

Fisher Family Professor in Literacy Education, University of Wyoming

Monday August 3, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Jackson C

Literacy

10:00am MDT

Beyond the Building Budget: Understanding Wyoming’s School Finance Model for Principals; Data Rich & Results Driven- Streamlining Results with TACA and AI

Monday August 3, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT

Jackson B

"Beyond the Building Budget: Understanding Wyoming’s School Finance Model for Principals" Wyoming’s school finance model drives staffing, class sizes, program offerings, and building-level budgets—yet many principals have never been taught how the model actually works. "Data Rich & Results Driven- Streamlining Results with TACA and AI" This presentation outline is designed for...
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Speakers

Chase Christensen

President, Tapferkeit, LLC

Jacinda Waldrip

Consultant & Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Carbon#1, Tri-Point Partners

Jacinda Waldrip- Director of Curriculum & Instruction | Award-Winning Educational Leader

As a dedicated and goal-driven educational leader, Jacinda Waldrip serves as the Director of Curriculum & Instruction for Carbon County School District #1 in Rawlins, WY. With over two decades of experience in the Wyoming educational system, Jacinda has built a career defined by a... Read More →

Monday August 3, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Jackson B

PLA

10:00am MDT

Impactful Special Education - Navigating WDE401 and IDEA Part B

Monday August 3, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT

Jackson A

Have you ever wondered why some classroom tools are easily approved while others are not? We will dive into the WDE401 guidance—Wyoming’s primary mechanism for special education reimbursement—and the federal IDEA Part B grant. We’ll move beyond the "it’s just a rule" explanation to explore the core principles of Excess Cost and Direct Relation to the IEP, empowering you to advocate for...
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Speakers

Kim Sanford

Monday August 3, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Jackson A

SPED

11:00am MDT

Break

Monday August 3, 2026 11:00am - 11:15am MDT

Main Hallway

Monday August 3, 2026 11:00am - 11:15am MDT
Main Hallway

11:15am MDT

Beyond Artificial Intelligence: What Remains Uniquely Human?

Monday August 3, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT

Sheridan

As AI becomes more capable, educators are being asked to rethink what students should know, do, and become. While AI can generate ideas, summarize information, and solve problems, it cannot replace the human capacities that shape learning, relationships, judgment, and meaning-making. This session explores the interplay between artificial intelligence, hybrid intelligence, relational intelligence,...
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Speakers

Emma Braaten

Director of Digital Learning, North Carolina State University, Friday Institute for Educational Innovation

Steven Priest

Education Program Consultant, Wyoming Department of Education

Monday August 3, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Sheridan

11:15am MDT

Integrating computational modeling - Socio Scientific Issues

Monday August 3, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT

Shoshoni

My session is unique because it presents an innovative computational modeling tool that allows students to construct and represent complex systems. The tool, called SageModeler, is a systems dynamics modeling platform that has been shown to support students in making sense of complex scientific phenomena while applying systems thinking. I have been working with high school science teachers in...
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Speakers

Emanuel Edin

Bolaji Akorede

Monday August 3, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Shoshoni

General Education

11:15am MDT

Letting Go to Level Up

Monday August 3, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT

Gfand Ballroom D

If you’re ready to move beyond one-size-fits-all instruction but aren’t sure how to actually make personalized learning work in a real classroom, this session is for you. You’ll walk away with practical strategies to let students move at their own pace, take ownership of their learning, and stay accountable without losing structure or rigor. Instead of just theory, you’ll see what it looks...
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Speakers

Darian Samuelson

High School Science Teacher, WCSD#7

For the past nine years, I have been dedicated to transforming science education through personalized learning that empowers every student to succeed. As a high school science teacher, I believe that meaningful learning begins by meeting students where they are and providing pathways... Read More →

Monday August 3, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Gfand Ballroom D

General Education

11:15am MDT

Practical Strategies for Teaching Text Structure

Monday August 3, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT

Cheyenne

Compare or Contrast - Cause or Effect - Simple Description – Problem or Solution - A Sequence?… Oh MY! This session outlines practical strategies teachers can use in classrooms to help students identify the text structure to summarize its contents and enhance their understanding of the text and the subject matter. Outcomes: Explore four common text structures. Practice practical...
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Speakers

Dr. Kim St. Martin, Ph.D.

Director, MiMTSS Technical Assistance Center

Dr. Kim St. Martin, Ph.D. is the Director of Michigan's Multi-Tiered System of Support (MiMTSS) Technical Assistance Center, where she leads statewide efforts to build and sustain MTSS frameworks across educational settings. Her work focuses on helping regional and district teams... Read More →

Dr. Kim St. Martin

Session Teacher Con Practical Strategies to Teach Text Structure St. Martin 8.26 pdf

Monday August 3, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Cheyenne

Literacy

Video Link (URL) https://explicitinstruction.org/

11:15am MDT

The Power of Whole Books in Elementary

Monday August 3, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT

Teton

This session explains why whole-class reading of extended texts matters and demonstrates how to make it work in elementary classrooms through concrete examples, illustrating how shared texts build understanding, discussion, and classroom community.

Speakers

Laura Stam

Elementary Educator, Ralph Witters Elementary

Laura Stam is an elementary educator at Hot Springs County School District #1. She is a 2024-2025 Goyen Fellow and a founding board member of The Reading League Wyoming. She writes a Substack, The Knowledge Exchange: Knowledge-Building for Teachers. She is passionate about the sciences... Read More →

Monday August 3, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Teton

Literacy

11:15am MDT

Special Education for Principals; Implementing the Wyoming Language and Literacy Program: A Roadmap for K-12 Success

Monday August 3, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT

Jackson B

"Principal Self Care/ Special Education for Principals" I've been a principal in Wyoming for over 20 years- now admin. Mostly in schools serving high risk students. I've helped alot of principals in my years. The list of folks on that list that have stuck with the profession for more than a few years is short. For special education - coming into the sped dir role after 20 years of principal...
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Speakers

Shad Hamilton

Ryan Searle

Consultant, Tri-Point Partners

Curriculum Director for Carbon County School District #2 in Saratoga, Wyoming, Ryan Searle brings over 15 years of K–12 administrative leadership to the field. Most recently, as Principal of Rawlins Middle School, Ryan and his team achieved national recognition for their commitment... Read More →

Monday August 3, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Jackson B

PLA

11:15am MDT

The Next Conversation: Leading with Control, Confidence, and Connection

Monday August 3, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT

Jackson C

Most leadership challenges in schools are not rooted in policy, programs, or systems. They are rooted in conversations that escalate, stall, or end without clarity. The Next Conversation is designed for principals who want practical, research-informed strategies to navigate high-stakes conversations with students, staff, and families. This session is unique because it moves beyond generic...
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Speakers

Jacob Gogan

Principal & President of Wyoming Association of Secondary School Principals, Park County School District 6 - Cody Middle School

Monday August 3, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Jackson C

PLA

11:15am MDT

Selected Legal Issues in Discipline and Behavior under IDEA

Monday August 3, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT

Jackson A

In special education law, few topics generate as many questions as discipline and student behavior. This session will propose a “user-friendly” method for understanding the rules of disciplinary removals under IDEA, both short-term and long-term, as well as potential exceptions for in-school suspension and the treatment of special offenses, such as drugs and weapons. In addition, the session...
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Speakers

Jose Martin, J.D.

Law Partner, Richards Lindsay & Martín, L.L.P.

Discipline (Wyoming 2026) pdf

Monday August 3, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Jackson A

SPED

12:15pm MDT

Lunch

Monday August 3, 2026 12:15pm - 1:45pm MDT

Grand Ballroom

Monday August 3, 2026 12:15pm - 1:45pm MDT
Grand Ballroom

1:45pm MDT

Beyond the Buzz: Vetting AI Tools for Lasting Classroom Impact

Monday August 3, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT

Sheridan

As artificial intelligence increasingly integrates into educational environments, educational leaders face the challenge of moving beyond the initial ""shiny object"" phase of AI to focus on rigorous evaluation. This session addresses the critical need for a structured vetting process to ensure responsible and impactful adoption of AI. Our discussion will center on the Five EdTech Quality...
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Speakers

Steven Priest

Education Program Consultant, Wyoming Department of Education

Monday August 3, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
Sheridan

1:45pm MDT

Bots, Not Burnout: Using AI to Support Teaching

Monday August 3, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT

Teton

"AI is a “brave new world” for educators. What do terms like bots, AI smashing, hallucinations, and closed-garden AI really mean—and how do they impact teaching and learning? In this hands-on session, participants will demystify these concepts while actively creating practical AI tools for their own professional use. Attendees will build a custom AI bot designed to serve as a PLC thinking...
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Speakers

Becky Byer

Teacher, Kelly Walsh High School

Denise Miller

District Instructional Facilitator, Natrona County School District

Monday August 3, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
Teton

General Education

1:45pm MDT

Power Up with Wyoming PBS Learning Media

Monday August 3, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT

Shoshoni

The PBS Learning Media site is a powerful FREE tool for teachers who are interested in using video, online games, primary sources and self-paced digital lessons with their students. If you are a teacher in a K-12 classroom, a librarian, a technology specialist or an administrator there is something for you on PBS Learning Media. Teachers can learn how to harness the power of PBS media to create...
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Speakers

Carol Garber

Monday August 3, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
Shoshoni

General Education

1:45pm MDT

Raise the Bar: Building a Classroom Culture That Drives Success

Monday August 3, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT

Grand Ballroom D

What if classroom management wasn’t about controlling behavior, but about creating a culture students want to be part of? In Raise the Bar: Building a Classroom Culture that Drives Success, educators will explore high-energy strategies that transform expectations, engagement, and accountability in the classroom. This session focuses on building a culture where students rise to challenges,...
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Speakers

Jonathan Broersma

Wyoming Educator

Monday August 3, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
Grand Ballroom D

General Education

1:45pm MDT

The Engagement Blueprint

Monday August 3, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT

Cheyenne

Our session is interactive, collaborative, and hands-on, giving educators practical, ready-to-use classroom learning experiences they can implement immediately. What makes it unique is our focus on designing experiences that engage every learner, make content meaningful, and elevate instruction. Attendees leave with actionable strategies to transform lessons into memorable, high-impact learning.

Speakers

Megan Diede

Megan Diede is an educational leader, instructional design expert, and speaker who helps educators transform learning through intentional design and meaningful connection. With more than 15 years of classroom experience, she understands firsthand the challenges teachers face... Read More →

Kara Rigsby

Monday August 3, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
Cheyenne

General Education

1:45pm MDT

Making Words Stick

Monday August 3, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT

Jackson C

Making Words Stick is a dynamic, evidence-based session focused on how multisensory instruction can strengthen letter-sound learning, improve automaticity, and support long-term reading success in the primary classroom. Grounded in the science of reading, this presentation explores how explicit, systematic teaching of letter names, letter sounds, and high-frequency words through visual, auditory,...
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Speakers

Jeanie Sanders

Kindergarten Teacher/Reading Tutor, Rise to Read

With more than 25 years in education, I am an elementary teacher, literacy advocate, and structured literacy leader from Powell. I hold a Master’s degree in Reading, National Board Certification in Literacy, and extensive training in the Science of Reading, including LETRS, Orton-Gillingham... Read More →

Monday August 3, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
Jackson C

Literacy

1:45pm MDT

From Bill Draft to School Impact: A Principal’s Guide to Navigating the Wyoming Legislature; Explicit Instruction- A Guide to Supporting Your Staff

Monday August 3, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT

Jackson B

"From Bill Draft to School Impact: A Principal’s Guide to Navigating the Wyoming Legislature" Wyoming’s legislative session directly impacts funding, accountability, staffing, and daily operations in our schools—yet many principals feel unprepared to navigate the state legislative website, read bills, or advocate effectively during and between sessions. "Explicit Instruction- A Guide to...
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Speakers

Chase Christensen

President, Tapferkeit, LLC

Jacinda Waldrip

Consultant & Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Carbon#1, Tri-Point Partners

Monday August 3, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
Jackson B

PLA

1:45pm MDT

Selected Issues in Discipline and Behavior Under the IDEA

Monday August 3, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT

Jackson A

Speakers

Jose Martin, J.D.

Law Partner, Richards Lindsay & Martín, L.L.P.

Discipline (Wyoming 2026) pdf

Monday August 3, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
Jackson A

SPED

2:45pm MDT

Snack & Break

Monday August 3, 2026 2:45pm - 3:15pm MDT

Main Hallway

Monday August 3, 2026 2:45pm - 3:15pm MDT
Main Hallway

3:15pm MDT

TBD

Monday August 3, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT

Grand Ballroom D

Monday August 3, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT
Grand Ballroom D

3:15pm MDT

Empowering Graduates with Replicable, AI-Resilient Durable Skills

Monday August 3, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT

Sheridan

As artificial intelligence increasingly automates technical and routine tasks, the "Durable Skills" of the human worker—Critical Thinking, Collaboration, and Adaptability—have become the primary currency of the modern economy. This session provides a deep-dive demonstration of a statewide, Canvas-based curriculum designed to equip high school students with verifiable micro-credentials in seven...
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Speakers

Catherine Jacques

American Institutes for Research (AIR)

Catherine Jacques is a researcher in the Education Quality group at American Institutes for Research. Ms. Jacques provides technical assistance to states and districts and develops resources for the Center on Great Teachers and Leaders and the College and Career Readiness and Success... Read More →

Sheila Lovato

Senior Technical Assistance Consultant, American Institutes for Research

Steven Priest

Education Program Consultant, Wyoming Department of Education

Monday August 3, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT
Sheridan

3:15pm MDT

Advanced Educational Neuroscience

Monday August 3, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT

Teton

Why choose this advanced session? This workshop moves Beyond Basics provided in the Introduction workshop. We provide the essential next step: understanding the brain as an integrated circuit. Participants will learn not just what the lobes do individually, but how their interconnections dictate the success or failure of learning, using the Information Processing Model as our guide. Participants...
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Speakers

Joseph Schroer

Monday August 3, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT
Teton

General Education

3:15pm MDT

Civic Engagement for All

Monday August 3, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT

Shoshoni

Civic education is no longer limited to a single course or a single grade level. This session offers a clear, practical definition of 21st-century civic education and shows how it can be meaningfully embedded in classrooms at every level, from elementary through high school. Unlike sessions that focus on theory alone, participants will engage in hands-on civic learning models, analyze real...
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Speakers

Bryce Mittelstadt

Social Studies Teacher and Wyoming History Day Coordinator, Kelly Walsh High School and American Heritage Center

I'm a social studies teacher with eleven years of experience in middle and high classrooms. I believe students learn best when they’re inspired to ask big questions, explore meaningful topics, and bring their ideas to life through creative, student-driven projects. I also coordinate... Read More →

Monday August 3, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT
Shoshoni

General Education

3:15pm MDT

Cracking the Behavior Code: 6 Step Instructional Approach

Monday August 3, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT

Cheyenne

High-impact instruction is one of the most powerful tools schools have to improve student achievement and strengthen school climate. This session introduces a practical 6-Step Instructional Framework that increases engagement, clarity, and student ownership of learning. Participants will explore how structured lesson design improves not only academic outcomes but also belonging, behavior, and...
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Speakers

Cheryl Fogg

Principal, LCSD1

Monday August 3, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT
Cheyenne

General Education

3:15pm MDT

When the Science of Reading Meets the Science of Learning: Designing Powerful Literacy Interventions for Adolescent Readers

Monday August 3, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT

Jackson C

This session moves beyond the now-familiar conversation about the Science of Reading and answers the next critical question: How do we design instruction so that struggling adolescent readers actually retain and transfer what we teach? While many conference sessions focus on what to teach (phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension), this session addresses the missing link—how students learn...
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Speakers

Faith Howard

6-12 Literacy Specialist, Sublette County School District #1

Monday August 3, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT
Jackson C

Literacy

3:15pm MDT

Two Sides of the Story: A Principal and Education Reporter on Working Effectively with Local Media

Monday August 3, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT

Jackson B

What really happens when a reporter calls your school? What does “off the record” actually mean? And how can principals build positive, professional relationships with local media? This unique session will be co-led by a practicing principal and a local education reporter, offering perspectives from both sides of the conversation. Together, they will provide practical guidance on...
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Speakers

Chase Christensen

President, Tapferkeit, LLC

Hector Martinez

Monday August 3, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT
Jackson B

PLA

3:15pm MDT

The Importance of Procedural Safeguards and Confidentiality

Monday August 3, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT

Jackson A

Ensuring equality in education goes beyond the classroom—it starts with protecting the fundamental rights and privacy of our most vulnerable learners. This presentation dives into the essential roles of special education procedural safeguards and confidentiality, framing them not just as "legal checkboxes," but as the backbone of professional integrity and family trust. We will demystify the...
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Speakers

Reithel Mercer

Dispute Resolution Coordinator, Wyoming Department of Education

Best Practices for Data Destruction (2019 3 26) 508 pdf

FERPA Exceptions HANDOUT portrait 0 pdf

IDEA FERPA Crosswalk 08242022 pdf

WDE Procedural Safeguards 2025 pdf

WDE Privacy Policy pdf

Monday August 3, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT
Jackson A

SPED

4:15pm MDT

Wrap up/Book Fair Shopping

Monday August 3, 2026 4:15pm - 5:00pm MDT

TBA

Monday August 3, 2026 4:15pm - 5:00pm MDT
TBA

8:00am MDT

Breakfast

Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:00am - 8:30am MDT

Grand Ballroom

Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:00am - 8:30am MDT
Grand Ballroom

8:30am MDT

Announcements

Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:30am - 8:45am MDT

Grand Ballroom

Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:30am - 8:45am MDT
Grand Ballroom

8:45am MDT

Teaching That Sticks: The Science of Reading Meets the Science of Learning

Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am MDT

Grand Ballroom

Teachers are engaged in extensive learning about district and state priorities, curriculum resources, assessments, and more. This session focuses on how to prioritize literacy practices aligned with the sciences of reading, learning, and instruction. Quality instruction not only promotes learning but also prevents social-emotional behavior challenges in the classroom. Strategies and resources for...
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Speakers

Dr. Kim St. Martin, Ph.D.

Director, MiMTSS Technical Assistance Center

Dr. Kim St. Martin

Instructional Hierarchy pdf

Elements of Explicit Instruction pdf

Teacher Con The Science of Reading Meets the Science of Learning St. Martin 8.26 pdf

Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am MDT
Grand Ballroom

9:45am MDT

Break

Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:45am - 10:00am MDT

Main Hallway

Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:45am - 10:00am MDT
Main Hallway

10:00am MDT

Leveling the Playing Field: FERPA-Compliant AI to Boost SPED Student Autonomy and Engagement

Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT

Sheridan

The ultimate goal of special education isn’t just compliance – it’s EMPOWERMENT. Heavy case loads and limited time can create an uphill battle in ensuring individualized and engaging pathways for students in the special education arena. Welcome to the future of the equitable classroom! This 1-hour interactive presentation delivers practical, classroom-ready, and fully FERPA compliant AI...
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Speakers

Sue Morrison

Steven Priest

Education Program Consultant, Wyoming Department of Education

Ted Hanson

Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Sheridan

10:00am MDT

Conservation Education in the Schools

Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT

Shoshoni

The WGFD offers a variety of exciting conservation education programs for schools under the Department's "Inspire a Kid" campaign, in conjunction with our supporting partners. We offer schools and educators a variety of conservation education programs and resources, including Trout in the Classroom, National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP), Hunter Education in the Schools, Conservation...
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Speakers

Katie Schlafke

Parker Everhart

Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Shoshoni

General Education

10:00am MDT

Have you heard about a Mixed Six?

Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT

Cheyenne

Mixed Six tasks help teachers break down complex concepts and examine student understanding across multiple levels, rather than treating learning as a single progression from “right” to “wrong.” What makes this session unique is its focus on the design of thinking rather than the delivery of content. Mixed Six is presented as a reusable instructional design framework, not a...
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Speakers

Becky Byer

Teacher, Kelly Walsh High School

Ali Roberson

Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Cheyenne

General Education

10:00am MDT

Practice What You Prompt: Teaching with AI in the Open

Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT

Grand Ballroom D

This session boasts engagement strategies, teaching strategies, and even a rap. Through the session, I will both model and provide structured work time to incorporate AI as a tool for learning, as well as hosting classroom discussions about ethical use to help students see technology holistically.

Speakers

Paul Weatherford

Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Grand Ballroom D

General Education

10:00am MDT

Visualizing WyTOPP Data

Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT

Teton

This session offers Wyoming principals, instructional coaches, and PLC leaders access to a complete, hands-on workflow for visualizing WyTOPP data—from raw score cleaning to uploading and generating customized visual dashboards. Participants won’t just learn “about” data analysis; they will engage directly with their own school or district datasets using the Vizit Suite (Vizit, Vizit Over...
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Speakers

Joseph Schroer

Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Teton

General Education

10:00am MDT

Tier 2 Reading Support in the Everyday Classroom: Research-based routines that help struggling readers access content in ELA, history, science, and math

Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT

Jackson C

This session will show teachers how to anchor the IES intervention routines in disciplinary texts and tasks, providing literacy support while doing the real thinking in subject area contexts. It will introduce regular ed teachers to the IES intervention routines and challenge interventionists to align their work with the content students experience in regular classrooms.

Speakers

Dr. Stephany Anderson

Secondary Literacy Coach; Humanities Methods Instructor; Curriculum & Instruction Instructor, Our Essential Story; UW; GCU

Reach out to talk about the following: Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms and Global Competencies. WSCB Deeper Learning Community. Disciplinary Literacy and Tier 1 literacy instruction at the middle and high school levels. Experiential and Content-Focused Tier 2 Literacy Lab... Read More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Jackson C

Literacy

10:00am MDT

Freshman Transition, Ensuring Every Student is ready for the change and challenge of high school; Cultivating Excellence: A Leadership Blueprint for Mentorship and Teacher Retention

Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT

Jackson B

"Freshman Transition, Ensuring Every Student is ready for the change and challenge of high school!" The freshmen transition can be one of the most difficult and is definitely one of the most critical transitions of their life. In this session participants will see a system, not just a single event, that starts early in the spring, builds through the summer and welcomes freshmen in the fall when...
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Speakers

Brad Neuendorf

Principal, Lander Valley High School

Brad Neuendorf is starting his 12th year as principal at Lander Valley High School where he also served as the assistant principal for four years. He took over at LVHS during a transition to a new block schedule that was created to build in intervention time for students. In an... Read More →

Ryan Puckett

Principal (Rawlins Middle School), Tri - Point Partners

Education and Specialized Expertise: My academic foundation is built upon a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education, complemented by two Master's degrees: one in Special Education and another in Educational Administration. This comprehensive educational background has equipped... Read More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Jackson B

PLA

10:00am MDT

Developing Educator Expertise through ECHO for Exception Authorization Teachers

Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT

Jackson A

"In Wyoming, many educators are teaching under exception authorization licenses to meet workforce needs and support students in special education. While these educators are dedicated and knowledgeable, they often begin their roles with a limited special education background and a need for ongoing support and community. This session introduces Project ECHO, a professional learning model designed...
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Speakers

Cari Glantz

Education and Families Program Lead, Wyoming Institute for Disabilities (WIND)

Aryn Downs

Special Education teacher, Park County School District 1

ECHO for Special Education Exception Authorization Teachers pdf

Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Jackson A

SPED

11:00am MDT

Break

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:15am MDT

Main Hallway

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:15am MDT
Main Hallway

11:15am MDT

TBD

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT

Shoshoni

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Shoshoni

11:15am MDT

From Notebook to Know-How: Integrated Classroom Activities with NotebookLM

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT

Sheridan

Bring a laptop or tablet to this session so you can explore how NotebookLM can support integrated classroom activities by helping students work with curated sources, generate questions, synthesize ideas, and create meaningful products across content areas. Participants will leave with practical activity ideas they can adapt for their own classrooms.

Speakers

Mia Williams

Steven Priest

Education Program Consultant, Wyoming Department of Education

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Sheridan

11:15am MDT

From High School to College Credit: Building Advising Partnerships that Prepare Students for Success

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT

Grand Ballroom D

Dual and concurrent enrollment can give students a head start on college, but without the right guidance, it can also feel a bit like sending them onto a college campus with a backpack full of good intentions and a very confusing course catalog. In this interactive session, we’ll explore how high school counselors, college advisors, and faculty can work together to create a supportive system...
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Speakers

Alex Schumacher

Jeana Lam-Pickett

Manager, Central Wyoming BOCES

Jeana Lam-Pickett is the Manager of Central Wyoming BOCES, where she has served for the past 13 years. In this role, she oversees a variety of educational programs, including one of the organization's largest initiatives—dual and concurrent enrollment. Throughout her career, Jeana... Read More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Grand Ballroom D

General Education

11:15am MDT

Stop! Collaborate… and Listen!

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT

Teton

Every teacher knows this moment… You’re talking. Half the class is listening. Three kids are still finishing a story. Someone drops a pencil. And the room slowly slides off the rails. Whole Brain Teaching gives us a reset button: ""Class!"" ""Yes!"" Think about the best things from the 90s. A Nintendo controller. A Tamagotchi. A pair of LEGO bricks. None of them were complicated. In fact,...
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Speakers

Weston Lamb-Constantino

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Teton

General Education

11:15am MDT

When the Science of Reading Meets the Science of Learning: Designing Powerful Literacy Interventions for Adolescent Readers

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT

Jackson C

Speakers

Faith Howard

6-12 Literacy Specialist, Sublette County School District #1

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Jackson C

Literacy

11:15am MDT

The Power of Positivity; Cultivating Excellence: A Leadership Blueprint for Mentorship and Teacher Retention

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT

Cheyenne

The Power of Positivity There is growing evidence through research regarding the benefits of positivity and the costs of negativity. The fact is that positivity impacts results. A positive, united team is a powerful team that can become unstoppable, but it doesn't happen by accident! Being positive doesn't just make you better; it makes everyone around you better! Participants will leave with...
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Speakers

Kimber Fessler

Ryan Puckett

Principal (Rawlins Middle School), Tri - Point Partners

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Cheyenne

PLA

11:15am MDT

The Principal's Secret Sauce: Effective Leadership Teams

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT

Jackson B

This session demonstrates the effectiveness of shared school leadership in action. This session demonstrates the effectiveness of shared school leadership in actionK-12 School leaders will understand the following: 1. Why use leadership teams in your school? 2. What areas of responsibilities can leadership teams take on? 3. Selection of your leadership team personnel. 4. Avoiding pitfalls. 5....
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Speakers

Jeff Makelky

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Jackson B

PLA

11:15am MDT

Turning Challenges into Opportunities: Managing Difficult Behaviors in the Classroom

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT

Jackson A

This interactive session provides teachers and administrators with practical strategies for understanding, preventing, and responding to challenging student behaviors. Participants will explore proactive classroom management techniques, evidence-based interventions, and collaborative approaches to maintain a positive learning environment while supporting all students’ growth in the school...
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Speakers

Lorie Gerkey

School Attorney, Law Office of Lorie A. Gerkey, PLLC. dba EX-SELS

Lorie Gerkey is a school attorney and the founder of the Law Office of Lorie A. Gerkey, PLLC. With thirty years’ experience as a special education teacher and administrator, she has firsthand knowledge of the challenges educators and school leaders face. Combining her passion for... Read More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Jackson A

SPED

12:15pm MDT

Lunch

Tuesday August 4, 2026 12:15pm - 1:45pm MDT

Grand Ballroom

Tuesday August 4, 2026 12:15pm - 1:45pm MDT
Grand Ballroom

1:45pm MDT

TBD

Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT

Grand Ballroom D

Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
Grand Ballroom D

1:45pm MDT

Supercharging Special Education with AI Driven Strategies

Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT

Sheridan

Special education educators are the ultimate educational superheroes; balancing diverse learning profiles, endless paperwork, and the constant need for highly individualized instruction - but even superheroes need a sidekick. Welcome to the ultimate, fast-paced hour designed to transform artificial intelligence into your personal co-teacher! This presentation isn’t about theoretical future tech....
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Speakers

Sue Morrison

Steven Priest

Education Program Consultant, Wyoming Department of Education

Ted Hanson

Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
Sheridan

1:45pm MDT

Achievement Unlocked: Turning Screen Time into Skill Time

Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT

Cheyenne

By 2030, the global gaming industry will be worth over $600 billion—larger than the film and music industries combined. Yet, we still treat 'screen time' as a hurdle to learning rather than the finish line. What if the hours your students spend in Minecraft or Roblox weren't a waste of time, but an unrefined apprenticeship in systems thinking, Boolean logic, and collaborative project management?

Speakers

Cristy Magagna

I have been in education for 24 years and have my PhD in Educational Technology. I am currently a teacher at Rawlins High School and just completed year 4 there. I am also the Yearbook advisor, the Key Club Advisor and one of the eSports coaches.

Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
Cheyenne

General Education

1:45pm MDT

Arapaho Knowledge Systems, Relationality and STEM

Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT

Teton

Indigenous Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics is practiced by my middle school students as they learn how develop a research project around camera trap data. This project is an on going project where students are introduced to what research is. Students use an Indigenous approach that utilizes their ancestral knowledge systems through three questions from Yunkaporta (2020): What can...
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Speakers

Iva Moss-Redman

Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
Teton

General Education

1:45pm MDT

Seasons Of Mental Health And Wellness

Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT

Shoshoni

As with the seasons of the calendar year, teachers also experience different seasons in his/her teaching career and/or school year that are both uplifting and challenging. With these highs and lows it is vital for educators in all areas to know about each of these seasons and how to use mental health and wellness self-care to "weather" the storms and when the sun is shining brightly upon our face....
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Speakers

Tyler Ruby

Southwest Region President, Wyoming Education Association

Wyoming Education Association Southwest Region PresidentWyoming Education Association Southwest Region Mental Health & Wellness ChampionWyoming's First Fully Certified Marzano High Reliability TeacherQPR GatekeeperTrue Colors Certified FacilitatorHigh Reliability School Leader

TeacherCon26 Updated Presenation (3) pdf

Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
Shoshoni

General Education

1:45pm MDT

What Would Mr. Rogers Do? Leadership Lessons Explored for Early Childhood Special Education

Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT

Jackson C

In this session entitled, “Leadership in Authentic Assessment,” Marisa Macy will share a working definition of authentic assessment. A rationale and purposes of authentic assessment will be described, as well as how to use leadership components to transform practices in Early Childhood Special Education. Standards for authentic assessment will be shared, along with hands-on learning activity.

Speakers

Dr. Marisa Macy

Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
Jackson C

Literacy

1:45pm MDT

Building Systems to ensure Every Student, Every Standard

Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT

Jackson B

This session will quickly highlight key considerations to build or refine a data and intervention system that ensures no students in your building can fail without a multi-tiered response. See how with no purchase necessary you can ensure that every student, meets every standard and have a response for how to intervene when they are not.

Speakers

Brad Neuendorf

Principal, Lander Valley High School

Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
Jackson B

PLA

1:45pm MDT

Empower Learning: AT in SPED

Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT

Jackson A

"Did you know that millions of students struggle to access the same learning opportunities as their peers—not because they can’t learn, but because they don’t have the right tools? Assistive technology changes that story every day. Imagine you’re in a classroom where the words on the board are blurry, the teacher is speaking too fast to process, and writing even a single sentence feels...
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Speakers

Terri Wofford

Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
Jackson A

SPED

2:45pm MDT

Snack & Break

Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:45pm - 3:15pm MDT

Main Hallway

Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:45pm - 3:15pm MDT
Main Hallway

3:15pm MDT

Defending District Data in the Age of AI

Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT

Sheridan

While procurement has always been a pillar of K-12 technology integration, Generative AI introduces unique cybersecurity and data privacy threats that traditional vetting processes miss. In this session, we will move beyond the allure of the free tools and pilots to reveal the hidden vulnerabilities of AI vendor negotiations—including data offshoring, liability for breaches, and unauthorized...
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Speakers

Andrea Claver

Project Manager - EDSAFE AI Alliance, InnovateEDU

Steven Priest

Education Program Consultant, Wyoming Department of Education

Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT
Sheridan

3:15pm MDT

Natural Science Dynamics

Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT

Teton

Understanding natural systems requires more than vocabulary, it requires helping students see patterns, interactions, and feedback within dynamic systems. This session provides Wyoming educators with practical, classroom-ready strategies for teaching ecosystem dynamics and shared resource systems through modeling and structured simulations. Attendees will engage in a condensed version of a...
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Speakers

Jessica Marcoli

Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT
Teton

General Education

3:15pm MDT

Shift Happens

Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT

Shoshoni

This high-energy, collaborative session focuses on using multiple learning pathways to engage every student. Attendees will explore practical ideas, share strategies with peers, and leave with ready-to-use classroom experiences that clarify content, differentiate naturally, and sustain student growth.

Speakers

Kara Rigsby

Megan Diede

Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT
Shoshoni

General Education

3:15pm MDT

STREAM in Action: Designing Meaningful, Cross-Curricular Learning in K–5 Classrooms

Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT

Grand Ballroom D

Don’t just learn about STREAM—experience it. In this fast-paced, hands-on session, participants jump into a literature-based design challenge within the first 10 minutes, modeling exactly how to spark creativity and problem-solving in K–5 classrooms.

Speakers

Jo-el Sauers

Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT
Grand Ballroom D

General Education

3:15pm MDT

The House that Math Built

Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT

Cheyenne

How does the literal structure of Arithmetic inform Teachers' methods of teaching? What is the literal structure of Arithmetic? How does that help students understand not just basic Mathematics, but some higher level Maths? How can we make the structure of Arithmetic understandable to the Teachers, show that they can make it understandable to the Students? Many people approach Mathematics as a set...
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Speakers

Fred Poutre

Number Wizard, The Number Wizard

Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT
Cheyenne

General Education

3:15pm MDT

Tuned in to Reading Research: How Podcasts can Expand the Modern Educator’s Knowledge Base and Literacy Knowledge

Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT

Jackson C

Imagine transforming your morning drive, or walk, into a personal masterclass where a single episode has the power to change everything. For me, the shift toward evidence-based literacy didn’t begin with a formal directive—it started with a simple, transformative phrase: 'I listened to a podcast.' Whether you are a dedicated listener or have yet to press 'play,' this session will dive into how...
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Speakers

Jessica Kavitz

Kindergarten Teacher, JCSD#1

Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT
Jackson C

Literacy

3:15pm MDT

Refuel the Leader Within: How to Stay Grounded When the Work Never Stops

Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT

Jackson B

Leadership never stops, and neither do the demands on your energy. This session helps educators and leaders identify what truly refuels them, recognize hidden drains, and build practical strategies to stay grounded, clear, and resilient, so you can lead effectively without burning out. Educators and school leaders are often told to “practice self-care,” yet many popular strategies like...
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Speakers