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Tuesday, June 24
 

7:45am CDT

Registration
Tuesday June 24, 2025 7:45am - 8:30am CDT
Registration is for all conference attendees. Registration will be located in the main lobby of Dempster Hall. Please be sure to enter at the front/main entrance of Dempster Hall to check in and receive your materials.

Book Sales
Located in the hallway outside Glenn Auditorium. The following books are for sale onsite:
  • The Innovator's Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity (by George Couros)
  • Innovate Inside the Box: Empowering Learners Through UDL and The Innovator's Mindset (by George Couros with Katie Novak)
  • Create: Illuminate Student Voice Through Student Choice (by Bethany Petty)
  • Illuminate: Technology Enhanced Learning (by Bethany Petty)
 

Tuesday June 24, 2025 7:45am - 8:30am CDT
Dempster Hall - Atrium

8:30am CDT

Welcome and Opening Keynote with George Couros - "Embracing Innovation to Help Every Learner Find Success in Their Own Way"
Tuesday June 24, 2025 8:30am - 9:55am CDT
Carol Dweck’s work has honed in on the concepts of “fixed” and “growth” mindset, but as educators, we must venture further with these ideas to foster the learning opportunities our students and schools merit. It’s not only about what we know but also how we utilize that knowledge. Change is ever-present, and with the advent of new avenues for learning and evolution through technology, such as AI and emerging technologies, we must be proactive not just in response to changes but also in creating change.

In this talk, George will explore the principles and characteristics of “The Innovator’s Mindset”—a concept detailed in his book of the same name—and present compelling reasons why this mindset is essential for educators to cultivate outstanding learning opportunities, not only for their students but also for themselves.

Known for their emotional depth and humor, George’s presentations engage audiences on a level that resonates both intellectually and emotionally. This message is not just for the moment; it’s crafted to stay with you, affecting genuine change that extends far beyond the talk itself.

Speakers
avatar for George Couros

George Couros

Keynote Speaker
George Couros is a worldwide leader in the area of innovative teaching, learning, and leading, and he has a focus on innovation as a human endeavor. Most importantly, he is a proud father and husband. His belief that meaningful change happens when you first connect to people’s hearts... Read More →

Tuesday June 24, 2025 8:30am - 9:55am CDT
Dempster Hall - Glenn Auditorium (105)

9:55am CDT

Break
Tuesday June 24, 2025 9:55am - 10:10am CDT
There will be a short break between the Opening Keynote and Interactive Session with George Couros.

There are restrooms on both sides of the main level and lower level.

Snacks are available in the hallway between Glenn Auditorium and the Atrium.
Tuesday June 24, 2025 9:55am - 10:10am CDT

10:10am CDT

An Interactive Session with George Couros
Tuesday June 24, 2025 10:10am - 11:00am CDT
Building on the insights from his keynote, this session will allow participants to dive deeper into the practical application of the Innovator’s Mindset. Attendees will explore actionable strategies to empower both learners and educators immediately. This session is designed not only to present ideas but also to model a dynamic, personalized learning experience—one that will feel engaging and relevant to everyone in the room. By the end, participants will have the tools to implement a new mindset and approach to learning in their classrooms, schools, and districts.
Speakers
avatar for George Couros

George Couros

Keynote Speaker
George Couros is a worldwide leader in the area of innovative teaching, learning, and leading, and he has a focus on innovation as a human endeavor. Most importantly, he is a proud father and husband. His belief that meaningful change happens when you first connect to people’s hearts... Read More →
Tuesday June 24, 2025 10:10am - 11:00am CDT
Dempster Hall - Glenn Auditorium (105)

11:10am CDT

Digital Literacy in the Age of AI
Tuesday June 24, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CDT
AI brings many benefits, but it also comes with some concerns. How do we stay digitally literate when digital technology is changing so fast? How do we help our students be responsible digital citizens in this rapidly changing technology minefield? This session will address these concerns and offer some resources and practical ideas for keeping yourself and your students safe and ethical in the fast-paced world of educational technology.
Speakers
avatar for Jana Gerard

Jana Gerard

Director, EDvolution, Southeast Missouri State University
Dr. Jana Gerard is the coordinator of the EDvolution Center and an adjunct faculty member at Southeast Missouri State University, where she provides professional development to students, faculty, staff, and community educators on various educational technologies. Jana is an ISTE Certified... Read More →
Tuesday June 24, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CDT
Dempster 124

11:10am CDT

How to Start FIRST Robotics
Tuesday June 24, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CDT
See how you can start the FIRST robotics experience with your students - in class or after school. This suite of programs is available for ages 4-18. Free resources and a hands-on trial in this session.
Speakers
avatar for Laura Roth

Laura Roth

Executive Director, FIRST in Missouri
avatar for Leigh Ann Carpenter

Leigh Ann Carpenter

FIRST Senior Mentor, FIRST in Missouri
Tuesday June 24, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CDT
Dempster 127

11:10am CDT

Intro to AI for Teachers
Tuesday June 24, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CDT
This hands-on session is a deep exploration of artificial intelligence tools for teachers. We will start by working with general tools like ChatGPT and learning how to craft quality instructions for them (called prompts). We will then expand our prompts to include specific tools for creating images and videos. Finally, we will explore tools specific to the classroom for lesson creation, summary, quizzing, and more!
Speakers
avatar for Joey Bryan

Joey Bryan

Technical Integration Specialist, University of Missouri (MOREnet)
Tuesday June 24, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CDT
Dempster 125

11:10am CDT

Perfectionism: Tips and Coping Skills for All Students
Tuesday June 24, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CDT
Do you notice your students, children, or even yourself struggling with perfectionism? This presentation is for you. Tips and coping skills to better understand what perfectionism is in the academic setting, signs of how to identify it, as well as steps to take to overcome perfectionism. This presentation will offer strategies for individuals and students to become more self-aware and to practice embracing the here and now of the messy, beautiful journey of learning.
Speakers
avatar for Lauren Skelton

Lauren Skelton

Gifted Education Teacher, JacksonR2/East Elementary School
Sharing the current state/updates of Gifted Education in Missouri. The overview of the goals of gifted programs here in Southeast Missouri.
Tuesday June 24, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CDT
Dempster 022

11:10am CDT

Student Engagement Comes Alive!
Tuesday June 24, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CDT
Engaging students in STEAM activities not only builds content knowledge and academic skills but also helps build confidence and community in the classroom. Roll up your sleeves as we experience how chemistry expands our world to understand the chemistry behind self-inflating balloons and other amazing activities that make learning come alive!
Speakers
avatar for Julie Antill

Julie Antill

MELL Instructional Specialist, Southeast RPDC
Tuesday June 24, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CDT
Dempster 024

12:00pm CDT

Lunch
Tuesday June 24, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
Lunch is provided for all attendees in the Dempster Atrium. There will be two double-sided buffets, one on each side of the Atrium. Seating will be available in the lower and upper levels (balcony) of the Atrium.

Book Sales
Located in the hallway outside Glenn Auditorium. The following books are for sale onsite:
  • The Innovator's Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity (by George Couros)
  • Innovate Inside the Box: Empowering Learners Through UDL and The Innovator's Mindset (by George Couros with Katie Novak)
  • Create: Illuminate Student Voice Through Student Choice (by Bethany Petty)
  • Illuminate: Technology Enhanced Learning (by Bethany Petty) 
Tuesday June 24, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
Dempster Hall - Atrium

1:00pm CDT

Digital Safety for "Littles"
Tuesday June 24, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
By the age of eight, ninety percent of children have used a device to connect to the internet. Though the internet offers a fresh, fun, and fascinating way to connect with the world, it also exposes new risks. Internet safety training must begin at a very young age. Mrs. Grady’s session will explore these topics, including user account and password protection, digital footprints and oversharing, social media, internet etiquette, and cyberbullying. Using videos, music, children’s books, games, and more, Mrs. Grady will share K-4 classroom lessons and resources to keep your “Littles” safe online.
Speakers
avatar for Lesley Grady

Lesley Grady

K-3 Technology Teacher, Dawn Elser Elementary/Central SD #104
Lesley Grady, (BSED '92, SIU-E) has been teaching in the field of technology for 24 years. Whether teaching pre-computers skills to preschoolers, advanced skills to elementary and gifted students or writing computer curriculum for Belleville AmeriCorps, she has grown from Apple 2E's... Read More →
Tuesday June 24, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Dempster 022

1:00pm CDT

From Idea to the Airwaves: Starting Your Own Podcast to Engage Students & Families
Tuesday June 24, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Podcasts are a powerful way for educators to extend learning beyond the classroom, connect with families, and build a stronger school community. Whether you want to share classroom updates, provide learning support, or amplify student voices, this session will guide you through the process of creating your own podcast—from idea to launch.
In this interactive session, educators will explore the basics of podcasting, including content planning, recording, and distribution. No prior experience is required—just a passion for communication and engagement! Participants will leave with practical tools, strategies, and a clear roadmap to bring their podcasting ideas to life.
Speakers
avatar for Jonathon Lee

Jonathon Lee

Educational Consultant, EducationPlus
Jonathon is a Google Certified Trainer currently working with EducationPlus as a member of both METC & the RPDC. Jonathon provides training all over the state on how to integrate technology tools into instruction. Jonathon has presented at METC, Innovation Institute of Springdale... Read More →
Tuesday June 24, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Dempster 024

1:00pm CDT

Full Steam Ahead: Literacy based STEAM Kits
Tuesday June 24, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Explore learning kits available for FREE checkout from the EDvolution Center on SEMO’s campus. There are kits for PK as well as K-5, and are self-contained; they have everything you need, including all supplies (even markers and scissors), lesson plans, books, and more. The kits are aligned with state and national standards and include lessons on water pollution, testing different materials, solving an engineering problem, habitats and organisms, and more!
Speakers
avatar for Jana Gerard

Jana Gerard

Director, EDvolution, Southeast Missouri State University
Dr. Jana Gerard is the coordinator of the EDvolution Center and an adjunct faculty member at Southeast Missouri State University, where she provides professional development to students, faculty, staff, and community educators on various educational technologies. Jana is an ISTE Certified... Read More →
Tuesday June 24, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Dempster 124

1:00pm CDT

Supporting Every Student: Classroom Behavior Strategies That Work
Tuesday June 24, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
In this interactive breakout session, educators will explore and develop key strategies for managing student behavior in the classroom through the lens of high-leverage practices. These practices focus on evidence-based, proactive approaches that promote positive behaviors, improve classroom climate, and support student learning. Participants will examine techniques for creating clear expectations, using reinforcement and motivation strategies, fostering social-emotional learning, and effectively addressing challenging behaviors. Through collaborative discussions and hands-on activities, educators will leave with practical tools and a deeper understanding of how to apply these practices to create a more positive and productive learning environment for all students.
Speakers
avatar for Jessica Jordan

Jessica Jordan

Behavior Consultant, SEMO RPDC
Tuesday June 24, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Dempster 128

1:00pm CDT

Understanding Digital and Media Literacy in Education
Tuesday June 24, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
In this professional development session, educators and library professionals will dive into the critical intersection of media literacy, digital literacy, and artificial intelligence in today’s educational landscape. As technology continues to evolve, so does the necessity for students to understand and critically evaluate the information they encounter. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of resources and strategies for integrating these essential literacies into K-12 curricula. Attendees will explore innovative lesson plans and hands-on activities designed to help students grasp the importance of media and digital literacy, while also understanding how AI plays a role in shaping the information they consume. Through practical examples and collaborative discussions, participants will be equipped to empower students with the skills needed to navigate and critically assess the digital world.
Speakers
avatar for Joey Bryan

Joey Bryan

Technical Integration Specialist, University of Missouri (MOREnet)
Tuesday June 24, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Dempster 125

1:00pm CDT

Your AI Teaching Toolkit: Google’s New Notebook LM & Illuminate Hands-On Exploration
Tuesday June 24, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Unlock the potential of Google's cutting-edge AI tools, Notebook LM and Illuminate, in this interactive workshop! We'll move beyond theory and get straight to practical applications. Learn how Notebook LM acts as your personal AI research assistant, synthesizing your uploaded documents into powerful knowledge bases for research and lesson planning. Plus, experience Illuminate's unique ability to transform any text into a personalized listening experience, simplifying complex information. This session provides ample time for hands-on exploration, ensuring you leave with concrete strategies and a clear understanding of how these tools can streamline your workflow, save time, and enhance student learning.
Speakers
avatar for Rachel Armstrong

Rachel Armstrong

Educational Technology Facilitator and Secondary Instructional Coach, Farmington R-7
Unlock the potential of Google's cutting-edge AI tools, Notebook LM and Illuminate, in this interactive workshop! We'll move beyond theory and get straight to practical applications. Learn how Notebook LM acts as your personal AI research assistant, synthesizing your uploaded documents... Read More →
Tuesday June 24, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Dempster 127

2:00pm CDT

Decoding Digital in Missouri: Empowering Parents to Navigate the AI & Media Landscape
Tuesday June 24, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
This session empowers Missouri educators and librarians to equip parents with crucial skills to guide their children in the digital world, focusing on AI literacy and media literacy. Attendees will learn how to explain the basics of generative AI and its potential for inaccuracies, and provide actionable strategies for parents to help children develop critical thinking to evaluate online content and AI-generated material. The session will also address fostering a balanced digital life by discussing concepts like digital pull and the importance of managing screen time for better focus and well-being, ultimately enabling parents to nurture informed and responsible digital citizens in an AI-driven future.
Speakers
avatar for Joey Bryan

Joey Bryan

Technical Integration Specialist, University of Missouri (MOREnet)
Tuesday June 24, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Dempster 125

2:00pm CDT

Dive into Feedback with Snorkl AI
Tuesday June 24, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
In this session, we’ll introduce you to Snorkl, a free AI tool that captures students’ spoken thoughts and work, evaluates their responses, and provides personalized feedback. Teachers can guide the AI’s focus, aligning it with specific instructional goals to create a dynamic, adaptive learning experience. This makes Snorkl a powerful partner in promoting effective teaching and deeper student engagement. Join us to discover how this innovative tool can be used in your classroom!
Speakers
avatar for Lynn Poe

Lynn Poe

Content Instructional Consultant, Southeast RPDC
Tuesday June 24, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Dempster 124

2:00pm CDT

Identifying MTSS, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support for Behavioral and Interpersonal Learning
Tuesday June 24, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Elementary level- multi-theory approach and organizational framework.

The MTSS Journey of A Southeast MO Public School, including crowdsourcing activity for building and expanding your existing MTSS.

The conclusion of the 50-minute presentation will include a hands-on activity for building resilience in participants.

Presentation given at MSCA-Missouri School Counselor Association Conference, Southeast MO School Counselors Association workshop, MO-CASE, MO Sped Admin conference, and for Best Practices for Missouri school counselors as Laura was the 2024 MO Elementary School Counselor of the Year, and she is the 2025 Past President of the Southeast MO School Counselors Assoc.

Speakers
avatar for Laura Buchheit

Laura Buchheit

School Counselor, Perry County School District 32
Tuesday June 24, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Dempster 024

2:00pm CDT

Wired For Digital Responsibility: Get rolling with Sphero and Cybersecurity
Tuesday June 24, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Ready to power up your digital citizenship lessons? This engaging, hands-on session explores how Sphero can move beyond programming to actively reinforce digital citizenship concepts. Discover flexible, adaptable structures for integrating these robots into your curriculum across various subject areas. Participants will gain practical strategies for organizing and managing robot use in the classroom, and experience firsthand how Sphero integration can bring cybersecurity concepts to life. Join to explore demo lessons, collaborate on creative implementation ideas, and discuss the vital importance of making digital citizenship tangible and engaging for all learners through the exciting world of robotics.
Speakers
avatar for Bethany Nill

Bethany Nill

Elementary Technology Teacher, Mid Rivers Elementary - Fort Zumwalt R-II
Tuesday June 24, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Dempster 127

2:50pm CDT

Grab a snack and enter door prize drawing!
Tuesday June 24, 2025 2:50pm - 3:00pm CDT
On your way to Glenn Auditorium, grab a quick snack and enter the drawing for door prizes! Your door prize entry ticket is in your nametag holder.

We will draw for door prizes immediately following the closing message from Jennifer Jones, 2025 Missouri Teacher of the Year.

Must be present to win!
Tuesday June 24, 2025 2:50pm - 3:00pm CDT
Dempster Hall - Hallway Outside Glenn Auditorium

3:00pm CDT

Closing and DOOR PRIZES!
Tuesday June 24, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Closing Remarks by Jennifer Jones, 2025 Missouri Teacher of the Year.

The drawing for door prizes will take place immediately following the closing message. Prizes include:
  • TCL 43" QLED Smart Google TV
  • Hatch Restore Smart Sleep Clock
  • Cornhole Set with LED Lights
  • Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1
  • JBL Charge Essential 2 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
  • Classroom EdTech
  • St. Louis Cardinals Outdoor Chairs
  • Gift Cards
  • T-Shirts
& MORE!

Must be present to win!
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Jones

Jennifer Jones

High School English Teacher/2025 Missouri Teacher of the Year, Lee's Summit West High School

Tuesday June 24, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Dempster Hall - Hallway Outside Glenn Auditorium
 
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