Academic Innovation Conference 2024: Full Schedule

Welcome to the ACADEMIC INNOVATION CONFERENCE 2024! The DASHBOARD is the place to create your schedule and explore what our conference has to offer.

8:30am EDT

Innovation Expo

This is a private event, and requires an invitation to the Innovation Expo for admission.

Tuesday June 18, 2024 8:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Reich College of Education Room 124

Main Event

12:30pm EDT

Innovation Expo Lunch

This is a private event, and requires an invitation from the Innovation Expo.

Tuesday June 18, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
Reich College of Education Room 124

Meal

2:00pm EDT

ExP=O Pitch Competition

Educational Expansion Projects = Opportunities Pitch Competition is the new opening session for the Academic Innovation Conference and an extension to the Public School Partnership's Innovation Expo. In this session, registered participants of the event will have the open floor to pitch an idea to either serve their classroom, school, or district through innovative project ideas, or they can compel the panel to offer them scholarships for professional development to increase overall scholar performances.

Tuesday June 18, 2024 2:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Reich College of Education Room 124

Main Event

4:15pm EDT

Interviews for Innovator of the Year Award

This is a closed interview session with our nominees for Innovator of the Year and guest interview panel.

Speakers

Rachel Nave-Lewis

Assistant Director of Curriculum and Instructional Design GEAR UP, Appalachian State University

Tuesday June 18, 2024 4:15pm - 5:30pm EDT
Reich College of Education Room 124

Main Event

6:00pm EDT

NetWorking Event

Please join us at 6:00pm to enjoy networking with conference attendees and presenters. The event will host the announcement of the ExP=O Pitch Competition Winners, as well as offer attendees complimentary concessions and beverages with a private showing of "Back to the Future". Come in your best 80's attire for all the fun!

Tuesday June 18, 2024 6:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Appalachian Theatre of the High Country

Social

8:00am EDT

Breakfast & Keynote Activity Connection

Wednesday June 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Reich College of Education Room 124

Main Event

9:00am EDT

Authenticity in Mathematics Education

This presentation is designed to think about authenticity in mathematics education. Authenticity consists of constructing knowledge, engaging in disciplined inquiry, and making connections to one's learning. The goal is to engage participants in a research-based presentation, discussion, and activity designed to model and showcase authenticity.

Speakers

Cacey L. Wells, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor | Mathematics Education, Appalachian State University

Cacey Wells is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Appalachian State University. He earned both his Ph.D. and M.Ed. in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum - Mathematics Education from the University of Oklahoma... Read More →

Wednesday June 19, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
RCOE Room 329

Session, Breakout Session One

9:00am EDT

Empowering Educators through Innovative Professional Development

The Empowering Teacher Learning team at Appalachian State University has implemented a research project designed to measure the effectiveness of Teacher-Directed Professional Learning (TDPL) as a form of professional development in contrast to the more traditional “one-size fits all” model. Teacher-Directed Professional Learning is a form of Self-Directed Learning where the teacher is the active participant in assessing their own needs, setting individual goals, seeking out opportunities for professional growth, and measuring their own progress (Artman et al., 2020; Bakhshi, 2019). In this project, teachers earn stipends and licensure renewal credits (or CEUs) by completing teacher-selected competency-based micro-credentials online. In this way, the teachers gain knowledge, skills and resources applicable to their individual areas of instruction and professional goals; thereby meeting the specific needs of the students in their classrooms.

Speakers

Heather Custer

ETL Navigator, Appalachian State Empowering Teacher Learning

Heather Childress-Custer supports the self-directed professional learning of middle school teachers in northwestern North Carolina through the Empowering Teacher Learning Project at Appalachian State University.She holds North Carolina Department of Public Instruction licensure in... Read More →

Dr. Erin West

ETL Navigator, Appalachian State Empowering Teacher Learning

Janet Johnson

Finance and Compliance Manager, Appalachian State Empowering Teacher Learning

Sherry Paddie

ETL Navigator, Appalachian State Empowering Teacher Learning

Dr. Jason Snyder

Research Support Specialist, Appalachian State Empowering Teacher Learning

Dr. Jason Snyder has an educational background in Geography and Applied Economics focused primarily on food systems both domestically and abroad, and has spent the past four years as an instructor in the Department of Sustainable Development at Appalachian State. While new to the... Read More →

Wednesday June 19, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
RCOE Room 134

Session, Breakout Session One

9:00am EDT

Local Roots, Global Impact- The Power of Global Learning

Join us for an inspiring session with Freebird McKinney as he shares about the transformative power of Global Learning. Drawing from his rich experience in education, McKinney will discuss how global teaching can be a gateway to the world, preparing students to thrive in a globally interconnected environment. He will delve into the innovative strategies employed at Participate Learning, a Global Education B-Corp, highlighting their commitment to providing inclusive Global Learning and Dual Language Immersion opportunities for all students. McKinney goes beyond the traditional education narrative, emphasizing the need for educational approaches that equip young minds with the skills and perspectives necessary to tackle local and global challenges. His journey as a "Global Village Teacher" and the impactful role of Participate Learning in partnering with schools and districts are a testament to how education can positively shape society, preparing students not just for workforce readiness, but for becoming active, socially responsible citizens. Reflecting on this, McKinney asserts, 'We must learn to teach our kids to thrive in a big world, even if they live in a small town.'

Speakers

Freebird McKinney

Director of Partnership Development, Participate Learning

Freebird McKinney is a Village Teacher and a Global Educator. It is his calling and his purpose. As the 2018 North Carolina State Teacher of the Year, he had the honor of inspiring countless young men and women inside and outside of the classroom, both in public high schools (for... Read More →

Wednesday June 19, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
RCOE Rm 230

Session, Breakout Session One

9:00am EDT

Physics for the Body, Brain, and Beyond

In this session, we explore the benefits of creating integrated science lessons for middle school students. As part of our awarded AIM Grant, our seventh graders explored Newton’s Three Laws of Motion, the human body, and potential careers in an action rich STEM environment. Students applied their understanding of physics to the study of the human body to understand force and motion and the importance of body maintenance for a positive health mindset. They created simulated LinkedIn profiles and hosted a Family Night to showcase their learning. The power of community partnerships enabled us to reach our Gear-Up goals and encourage our students to continue their education after high school. Please join us in bringing these activities to life for you as a participant. Experience what our students experienced, and walk away with ideas to create memories of learning!

Speakers

Leigh Davis

Middle Grades Teacher, Yancey County Schools

Beryl Carroll

Middle Grades Media Teacher, Yancey County Schools

Wednesday June 19, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Session, Breakout Session One

9:00am EDT

Breakout Connections: Maker Lab Belk Library

Wednesday June 19, 2024 9:00am - 11:30am EDT
Belk Library

Breakout Connections

10:10am EDT

A Tapestry of Belonging: Weaving Welcoming Spaces for Newcomers in Schools and Classrooms

This presentation advocates for the creation of inclusive and welcoming environments in schools and classrooms to ensure every child, regardless of background, feels a profound sense of belonging. It explores the power of celebrating cultural diversity and embracing healthy positive differences, offering practical strategies and examples to inspire educators. Through storytelling and practical insights, participants will be motivated to transform their educational spaces into nurturing communities where newcomers are valued, respected, and empowered to flourish. Join us in crafting a tapestry of belonging, where every thread represents an individual cherished and supported on their educational journey.

Speakers

Yolanda Adams

Assistant Director for Student Leadership & Family Outreach, Appalachain State GEAR UP

Yolanda Adams, originally from Bogota, Colombia, has called Boone, NC, home for over two decades. With a deep-seated dedication to advocating for the Latino(a/x)/Hispanic community, she spent the last decade serving at Watauga County Schools before embarking on a new journey in December... Read More →

Wednesday June 19, 2024 10:10am - 11:10am EDT
RCOE Room 329

Session, Breakout Session Two

10:10am EDT

Big Robots = Big Learning

High-school robotics teams provide students with unique opportunities to work side by side with engineering mentors, classroom teachers and business leaders as they tackle yearly game challenges. Robots are the 'hook' to help engage students in a way that makes their classroom learning relevant to their future education and career choices. Come play with a big FIRST Robotics Competition robot and learn how you can create an after-school opportunity that can fuel a new level of excitement into STEM learning. By providing a meaningful project that spans engineering, coding, research, marketing, entrepreneurship, finances, teamwork and more, students gain in self-confidence and discover new avenues for growth and exploration. This session will provide you with the information needed to start a team in your school or community. You will also learn how to create a win-win and meaningful partnership with community colleges and businesses in your area.

Speakers

Marie Hopper

President, First North Carolina

Marie Hopper is President of FIRST North Carolina, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to providing life-changing high-school robotics programs that give young people the skills, confidence, and resilience to build a better world. She became the Regional Director for the FIRST Robotics... Read More →

Julie Wagner

Director of Education and Programs, First North Carolina

Julia Wagner is Director of Education and Programs for FIRST North Carolina. She became involved with FIRST in 2012 when she started a FIRST Robotics Competition team at Enloe High school in Wake County where she was teaching Physics. Julia also taught physics at the North Carolina... Read More →

Wednesday June 19, 2024 10:10am - 11:10am EDT
RCOE Rm 127

Session, Breakout Session Two

10:10am EDT

Empowering Changemaker: The Global Leaders Teacher Fellowship

Join us for a session highlighting the transformative projects of our inaugural and second cohorts of the Global Leaders Teacher Fellowship, and discover the pathways for your participation!

Speakers

Jamie Fernandez-Schendt

Strategy Coach, Participate Learning

Maggie Murphy

Strategy Coach, Participate Learning

Maggie Murphy is an elementary and middle school teacher. She is the 2020 Burroughs Wellcome Fund Northwest Region Teacher of the Year. After 15 years in the classroom, she transitioned to a role supporting beginning teachers at Appalachian State University through the North Carolina... Read More →

Caroline Baker

Strategy Coach, Participate Learning

Caroline Baker serves as a strategy coach on the Global Leaders team at Participate Learning. Before transitioning to this role, she spent over 8 years teaching high school special education in Wake County. It was during her time in the classroom that she developed a passion for global... Read More →

Wednesday June 19, 2024 10:10am - 11:10am EDT
RCOE Rm 230

Session, Breakout Session Two

10:10am EDT

Go Clone Yourself

Have you ever felt overwhelmed, like you need at least two of you? Here's the solution. Clone yourself through the use of video! Pre-record your lessons for maximum student engagement, and free yourself up to monitor the classroom while YOU teach through video. It really is easy. You don't have to be a movie star. Anyone can do it!

Speakers

Jill Gambill

Art Teacher, Ashe County Schools

Jill Gambill has been teaching for 26 years. Jill attended UNC-Greensboro with a Teaching Fellow scholarship and has her degree in Art Education. She received her Master’s in Media in 2006 from Appalachian State University. Over a decade ago, she started filming her lessons... Read More →

Wednesday June 19, 2024 10:10am - 11:10am EDT
RCOE Room 134

Session, Breakout Session Two

10:10am EDT

Instilling Entrepreneurial Skills for All

Imagine a setting where students can explore and build on their true potential. An environment where students can cultivate the skills they would need to enter into their desired careers.
This year, it was our goal to transform a traditional classroom into a workspace to provide diverse opportunities to instill entrepreneurial mindsets and values in our students. Students came into the workspace and complete tasks that would aid their transition into post-secondary life. In this session, we will explore our AIM Grant targeted for our OCS students to explore and experience college and career-based opportunities that students within their demographic typically wouldn’t have the opportunity to visit.
Join us to learn the impact the grant had on our students, be hands-on in activities they did in our classrooms, and gain knowledge from what we learned along the way!

Speakers

Heather Phillips

High School EC Teacher, Ashe County Schools

Jennifer Treva

High School EC Teacher, Ashe County Schools

Wednesday June 19, 2024 10:10am - 11:10am EDT
RCOE Room 229

Session, Breakout Session Two

10:10am EDT

We're All In This Together: Leveraging Your Comm"unity" to Help Kids Grow

Education sometimes feels like Tolkien’s Battle of Five Armies. Educators must 1. Get students to come to school, 2: Help them with content mastery and skill development, 3. Prepare them for the world after graduation, 4. Adhere to ever-evolving expectations and standards, and 5. Engage communities that feel increasingly less supportive. This session uses Swain Middle School’s recent STEAM Expo as a case-study for how teachers and administrators can unite the five armies, strengthening partnerships and leveraging our local communities to increase hands-on learning opportunities that have been shown to improve retention, increase motivation for learning, strengthen self-efficacy, and promote soft-skill development.

Speakers

Taylor Rae Brown

Swain County GEAR UP Coordinator, Swain County Schools

Taylor Rae Brown has served as the Gear Up Coordinator for Swain County Schools since 2020. She has a Bachelors in English and Creative Writing from UNC-Chapel Hill and a Masters degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Ohio State University. Taylor is passionate about... Read More →

Wednesday June 19, 2024 10:10am - 11:10am EDT
RCOE Room 232

Session, Breakout Session Two

11:20am EDT

Networking Reconvening & Lunch Giveaway

Reconvene with us in the main conference room for a hands-on networking challenge! Participants will be eligible for the lunch giveaway of a VISA Gift Card to use during your FLEX Time! Can't wait to see you there!!

Speakers

Rachel Nave-Lewis

Assistant Director of Curriculum and Instructional Design GEAR UP, Appalachian State University

Wednesday June 19, 2024 11:20am - 11:45am EDT
Reich College of Education Room 124

Main Event

11:45am EDT

Flex Lunch

Wednesday June 19, 2024 11:45am - 1:45pm EDT
Reich College of Education Room 124

Meal

1:30pm EDT

Breakout Connection: Design Sprint Participate Learning

Ready to get to the world-changing work? This design sprint will allow teachers to walk away with action-driven steps to implement the Sustainable Development Goals in their classroom. By tying SDGs to standards, we will design a plan/unit that teachers can use to impact their classrooms and communities.

Speakers

Maggie Murphy

Strategy Coach, Participate Learning

Caroline Baker

Strategy Coach, Participate Learning

Wednesday June 19, 2024 1:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
RCOE Room 431

Breakout Connections

2:00pm EDT

Building a School Culture Beyond Test Scores

Explore ways to create a learning community at your school where students are empowered to reach their full potential beyond standardized assessments. Gain insights not only from a building-level administrator but also from a student perspective regarding the advantages and disadvantages of project-based learning, flexible scheduling, intervention, enrichment, and more!

Speakers

Lindsey Williams

Principal, Ashe Early College, Ashe County Schools

Lindsey Williams has been an educator for 18 years. She attended App State as a Teaching Fellow where she earned her B.S. in Mathematics, Secondary Education. She taught math for 2 years at West Wilkes High School and then 7 years at Ashe County High School, while coaching volleyball... Read More →

Addison "Addi" Williams

Student

Addi Williams just completed her sophomore year at Ashe County Early College High School. She chose to apply to the early college because of the smaller class sizes, challenging classes, and additional opportunities like community service and college visits. Addi has already completed... Read More →

Wednesday June 19, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
RCOE Rm 230

Session, Breakout Session Three

2:00pm EDT

I Can See Clearly Now: Innovative Lenses on Differentiation

Eye doctors aim to balance the expectations of a patient's vision health while maintaining best practices in the clinic. Similarly, in education, we strive to balance curriculum expectations while embedding and engaging in best classroom practices. Differentiation allows us to tailor our approach to connect, empower, and engage students with the curriculum, much like prescribing the right lenses for optimal vision. In this interactive presentation, participants will delve into discussions, breakout groups, and simulations focused on the components of differentiation. They will leave with a clearer vision of how differentiation can seamlessly integrate into their curriculum and classroom, much like how the right prescription fits a patient's unique needs.

Speakers

Julie Little

NC New Teacher Support Program Instructional Specialist, Appalachian State New Teacher Support Program

With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education, I have taught for 24 years in elementary schools in western NC. K-12 Gifted Certification and Reading Specialist Certification are also components of my license.

Karen Walker

NC New Teacher Support Program Instructional Specialist, Appalachian State New Teacher Support Program

Wednesday June 19, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
RCOE Room 232

Session, Breakout Session Three

2:00pm EDT

Integrating Student Success Standards from School Counseling into Academic Objectives

To deliver a comprehensive and proactive school counseling program, counselors must find a way to teach students the skills they need to be successful. However, counselors find themselves struggling to deliver proactive and preventative lessons, especially in state-tested areas, as well as in content areas where teachers are protective of their academic instruction time. This activity will model how to identify opportunities for collaboration between teachers and counselors. The facilitator will model how to examine academic objectives for tie-ins to the new Student Success Standard for which school counselors are responsible for delivering. Participants will have the opportunity to create lessons that teach both the academic content and the Student Success Standards.

Speakers

Wes Calbreath

Assistant Director of College Access Services, Appalchian State GEAR UP

Wes is the Assistant Director of College Access Services for App State GEAR UP. Prior to joining App State, Wes worked as the senior counselor in a GEAR UP high school in western North Carolina. Wes has 22 years of experience in public education, both in the classroom and as a... Read More →

Wednesday June 19, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
RCOE Room 134

Session, Breakout Session Three

2:00pm EDT

Transforming Education One Challenge At A Time

The Destination Imagination global community is united by a core belief that when students have the freedom to grow and collaborate without boundaries, their confidence explodes and the world opens up to them in new ways. We enable this transformation by providing challenges rooted in STEAM subjects that inspire unique solutions through the use of the creative process. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to tell their story, share their unique creations and be celebrated for what they’ve accomplished. Through witnessing this process of creative self-expression and validation, students blossom into more confident and knowledgeable individuals.
In this session, we would like to entice you to join the DI community and to learn the tips and tricks of how to create a successful DI team in your school, community, and district. Still not sold, come and experience a DI challenge and see what the creative magic is all about. There will be an opportunity to win a free NCDI membership for the 2024-2025 season!

Speakers

Michael McQuaid

Middle Grades Teacher, Burke County Schools

I have been a social studies and science teacher at Heritage Middle School, in Burke County, for the past 24 years. Also, I have been involved with Destination Imagination (DI) since 1989. DI is an international student centered competitive S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering... Read More →

Beth Fox

Middle Grades Teacher, Burke County Schools

Wednesday June 19, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
RCOE Room 229

Session, Breakout Session Three

3:10pm EDT

Best Coaching Practices

Fill your toolbox with best practices in coaching. In this session, New Teacher Support Coaches will provide a variety of protocols and strategies to build relationships, recruit and retain educators, and promote reflective practice.

Speakers

Dr. Betsy Rosenbalm

Director, Public School Partnership Regional Director, NC New Teacher Support Program Co-Director, NC Principal Fellows Program, Appalachian State Reich College of Education

Rosenbalm is a North Carolina Teaching Fellow and a National Board Certified Teacher. She is currently the Director of the Public School Partnership, Regional Director of the NC New Teacher Support Program, and Co-Director of the Principal Fellows Program at Appalachian State University... Read More →

Katie Matthews

NC New Teacher Support Program Instructional Specialist, Appalachian State New Teacher Support Program

Wednesday June 19, 2024 3:10pm - 4:10pm EDT
RCOE Room 232

Session, Breakout Session Four

3:10pm EDT

Intentional Innovation: Listening for Sustainable Solutions

In this session, GEAR UP Coordinator Debra Rodriguez will share the story of how deep listening and relationship building led to the innovation of a sustainable tool that is making a positive impact among dual-enrolled students in Madison County. Participants will make connections between this story and their own contexts. They will be guided to identify opportunities for innovation, inventory resources for collaboration, and prepare to share their plan for progress. Combining elements of storytelling and interactive workshop, this session will leave participants empowered and equipped with a personalized, actionable strategy for innovation.

Speakers

Debra Rodriguez

GEAR UP Coordinator, AB Tech

Debra L. Rodriguez is an artist in practice and a teacher by trade. She was born, raised, and educated in rural Appalachia. Leaving her hometown of Hiawassee, GA and earning B.A. and M.A.T. degrees from Lee University, Debra set out on the lifelong journey of finding the ways and... Read More →

Wednesday June 19, 2024 3:10pm - 4:10pm EDT
RCOE Rm 230

Session, Breakout Session Four

3:10pm EDT

Micro:Bits Coding & STEM Connections

In this session we will explore some of the fundamental elements of the Micro:Bit circuit board as well as the coding platform MakeCode.org. We will code Micro:Bits, explore extension opportunities to the platform such as breadboarding, LED's, speakers and share a multitude of STEM activities that will engage students and create scientific data gathering opportunities. Any participants in this session should bring either a laptop or chromebook so that we can fully engage with the devices and maximize our opportunities for fun.

Speakers

Doug Thompson

Associate Director GEAR UP Services, Appalchian State GEAR UP

Wednesday June 19, 2024 3:10pm - 4:10pm EDT
RCOE Room 134

Session, Breakout Session Four

3:10pm EDT

Setting the Course: First Year On Track Strategies

The First Year On Track program is a transition initiative crafted using key data points like 7th grade EOC scores, attendance, and discipline reports. It integrates insights from counselors and administrators to provide comprehensive support for ninth-grade students, helping them stay on track academically and socially during the critical first year of high school, with the ultimate goal of providing wrap-around services to prevent the possibility of dropout. In this session, you will learn how we have developed our system, the results, and our thoughts for the future. Come join us in exploring our model, and have time to learn from us, adapting our model to create the beginning of yours.

Speakers

Shannon Burroughs

Watauga High School Graduation Coach, Watauga County Schools

Laura Turner

Watauga High School Senior Counselor, Watauga County Schools

Wednesday June 19, 2024 3:10pm - 4:10pm EDT
RCOE Room 229

Session, Breakout Session Four

3:10pm EDT

Words and Phrases

WORDS and PHRASES? How challenging to use engaging and memorable vocabulary strategies! In this session, explore the beginning of implementing VISUAL and meaningful approaches to multi-exposure encounters with content area words and phrases! Learn how to immerse your students by Thinking about and through the world of vocabulary, using Thinking Maps to promote interaction and retention!!

Speakers

Melba Johnson

Thinking Maps Trainer & Owner of Thinking, Learning, & Coaching, Thinking, Learning, & Coaching

Wednesday June 19, 2024 3:10pm - 4:10pm EDT
RCOE Room 329

Session, Breakout Session Four

4:20pm EDT

A Case Study in Promoting Student Agency: Change Where You Are to Change the World

Join Participate Learning and Burke County Schools as we explore the transformative power of student leadership in education. We will answer the important question: How can schools leverage global education to increase academic rigor, cultivate durable skills, and empower student leaders to change the world from within their local communities?

Speakers

Ginger Stinson

Principal Heritage Middle School, Burke County Schools

Maggie Murphy

Strategy Coach, Participate Learning

Tim Gallagher

Teacher, Heritage Middle School, Burke County Schools

Tim Gallagher is a dedicated 8th-grade English Language Arts (ELA) teacher with 16 years of experience at Heritage Middle School in Burke County, North Carolina. With a passion for global education and a commitment to fostering a global perspective among his students, Tim serves... Read More →

Caroline Baker

Strategy Coach, Participate Learning

Wednesday June 19, 2024 4:20pm - 5:20pm EDT
RCOE Room 329

Session, Breakout Session Five

4:20pm EDT

AeroEducate: A Free Teacher Tool Kit

AeroEducate provides teachers, parents, EAA chapters, and other youth leaders with a toolbox to help inspire future generations of aviators, engineers, mechanics, astronauts, and more by igniting their passion for aviation. In this session, learn and explore the resources that include complete hands-on STEM lesson plans for k-12 learners, online activities, career information, scholarship information, and more for FREE!

Speakers

Dr. Kevin Sutton

Assistant Professor CTE, AeroEducate & Appalachian State

Wednesday June 19, 2024 4:20pm - 5:20pm EDT
RCOE Room 134

Session, Breakout Session Five

4:20pm EDT

Charting Success: MasteryPrep Ready & Sustainable Accountability in North Carolina High Schools

Discover your capacity for success with MasteryPrep Ready! This program, tailored for North Carolina high schools, offers sustainable accountability solutions. Aligned with state standards, it empowers educators to boost student outcomes on ACT and end-of-course assessments. With rigorous curriculum, targeted test prep, and data analytics, MasteryPrep Ready ensures College and Career Readiness levels are achieved. Focused on fostering mastery, it cultivates sustainable academic growth for student success in college and beyond.

Speakers

Daniella Hernandez

Professional Development Provider, Mastery Prep

Daniella Hernandez is a dedicated educator and Instructional Services Specialist at MasteryPrep. Her journey in education started with a Master's degree in Rhetoric, Composition, and Literacy Studies from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg, TX. Transitioning into... Read More →

Wednesday June 19, 2024 4:20pm - 5:20pm EDT
RCOE Rm 127

Session, Breakout Session Five

4:20pm EDT

Club Alternative for Non-Athletes

Does your school have after school options for non-athlete students to participate in? I want to share some of my past club offerings and other options for teachers and schools to offer for these students. In this session, we will discuss drones, robotics, ham radio, fishing club, garden club, and more. Additionally, I will share funding options as well! Come join me in exploring options for your school, while being hands-on in your own learning!

Speakers

Danny Jones

CTE Teacher, Alleghany County Schools

Danny Jones graduated from Appalachian State University in 2014. He has been a teacher in Alleghany County for 10 years in Science, Math, and CTE classrooms. Before earning his degree, he spent time as a mason, carpenter, Christmas tree farm operations manager, store assistant manager... Read More →

Wednesday June 19, 2024 4:20pm - 5:20pm EDT
RCOE Room 229

Session, Breakout Session Five

4:20pm EDT

Drop it Like It's Hot: Spice Up Classroom Engagement

Are you tired of fighting the daily battle of apathy, bored looks, and sleepiness in your classroom? It’s time to spice it up! Learn how to keep students’ brains and bodies active in a way that turns up the heat. This interactive session will provide teachers with a taste of high engagement strategies, brain breaks, and tips and tricks to keep students on the edge of their seats.

Speakers

Rachael Ray

Spanish Teacher, Madison County Schools

Rachael Ray is the 2023 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year. She has been a High School Spanish Teacher in Madison County since 2019. In 2017, she graduated from Gardner-Webb University with a Bachelor's Degree in History and a minor in Spanish in addition... Read More →

Wednesday June 19, 2024 4:20pm - 5:20pm EDT
RCOE Rm 230

Session, Breakout Session Five

4:20pm EDT

Structured Conversation Protocols: Learning by Doing

As teachers, learners, and leaders, our work often involves collaboration and layers of communication, all of which can be challenging. Conversations structured through protocols can support collaborative learning and dialogical conversations that make space for all to speak and, most importantly, all to listen. Whether we need to analyze data, reflect on an experience, or brainstorm a plan, there is a structured conversation protocol to support the work.

Speakers

Ike Smith

NC New Teacher Support Program Instructional Specialist, Appalachian State New Teacher Support Program

Mr. Smith has worked for ten years as an educator in various roles throughout North Carolina. Mr. Smith taught English at Pamlico County High School (2009-2010), New Bern High School (2010-2011), and Craven Early College (2011-2014) before serving as the Director of Instructional... Read More →

Caroline Beam

NC New Teacher Support Program Specialist, Appalachian State New Teacher Support Program

Wednesday June 19, 2024 4:20pm - 5:20pm EDT
RCOE Room 232

Session, Breakout Session Five

5:30pm EDT

Dinner & Covening

Wednesday June 19, 2024 5:30pm - 6:45pm EDT
Reich College of Education Room 124

Meal

7:30pm EDT

Appalachian State Alumni After Party Connection

Finish this amazing experience with an after party for all Appalachian State University Alums. Following the closing dinner, enjoy beverages and desserts and fun swag at the McKinney Alumni Center. We cannot wait to see you there!

Wednesday June 19, 2024 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT
McKinney Alumni Center

Social