Participants will learn a variety of no to low-prep strategies to engage students. Strategies can be used across content areas and are easliy applied to all grade levels. Participants will leave with a "tool-kit" to get students thinking and talking, (less teacher talk!). Featured strategies include "Prepping the Speaker" to encourage students to speak more (from Nancy Motley) and "Find Your Match" supports partner work (from Ellevation).
This session would benefit educators who teach grades K-12.
While we often focus on how to finish the year well, this session flips the script to ensure you start your year with unwavering momentum. New teachers will dive into the essential components of classroom procedures and expectations, shifting from "winging it" to a concrete, actionable management plan. We will leverage MagicSchool AI to rapidly generate customized classroom routines, greeting scripts, and behavioral rubrics tailored to your specific grade level. By the end of the hour, educators will walk away with a comprehensive "Start Strong" roadmap and the AI skills to refine it throughout the year.
This session would benefit educators who teach any grade level or subject area, with a specific focus on new teachers with less than 3 years of experience, early-career educators, or veteran teachers looking to modernize their classroom management systems using AI tools.
Participants will examine how intentionally planned interest areas can increases engagement, strengthen executive functioning skills, and build social-emotional skills through meaningful, play-based learning. This session will highlight how interest areas can promote deeper thinking, problem-solving, and the natural integration of academic skills while fostering independence, motivation, and excitement in preschool learners. Participants will also explore how to intentionally connect previously taught skills and activities within interest areas to reinforce learning while building children’s independence and confidence.
This session would benefit educators who teach preschool.
Bring your lessons to life with Lumio. In this session, you will learn how to turn everyday content into interactive experiences that foster creativity, critical thinking, and student voice. Whether you are just getting started or looking to grow your practice, you will explore time-saving tools, ready-made activities, and strategies that support engaged, reflective, and resilient learners. Please bring a device to fully participate in the hands-on portions of this session. Leave with fresh ideas, increased confidence, and something ready for your classroom tomorrow.
This session would benefit educators who teach PK–12 (all content areas and experience levels), instructional coaches, and instructional technology coaches.
Tracy Dick is an Education Solutions Consultant with SMART Technologies who helps schools elevate instruction through purposeful use of technology. With 23 years of experience as a classroom teacher, she brings a deep understanding of what educators need to make learning meaningful... Read More →
Wednesday August 12, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT B130
