IETA 2025: Full Schedule

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8:00am MST

My Power Hub Communications and Engagement

Wednesday February 5, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am MST

MyPowerHub is a powerful tool for engagement among schools, families, and students. With a single login, it provides a simple experience for viewing student data on progress and growth. Enhancing family-school engagement in a consolidated and clean platform, MyPowerHub users have centralized access to school systems and reports while saving time due to streamlined access with clear information on student progress. Simplify family involvement today with MyPowerHub—your all-in-one solution for staying connected and informed

Speakers

Cindi Jensen

PowerSchool

Wednesday February 5, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am MST
120B Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Administrator/Leadership

8:00am MST

Unlock the Power of Spreadsheets with 3 Basic Formulas

Wednesday February 5, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am MST

430A

Everyone knows that all kinds of good information can be pulled from spreadsheets, but how do you unlock that information? Data comes alive when you can manipulate data to understand it. In this hands-on workshop, we’ll begin with a generic term final grade spreadsheet with thousands of enrollments and grades and we will use the Unique, If, and Vlookup functions in Google Sheets to sort out how individual students did. Gaining an understanding of how to use these 3 simple functions allows users to pull all kinds of information from their spreadsheets and become spreadsheet magicians. Participants will need their laptops, at least a basic knowledge of spreadsheets, and access to Google Sheets. If you are familiar with spreadsheets but would like to have more knowledge of how to manipulate them, this workshop is for you.

Speakers

Clayton Trehal

Principal, iSucceed Virtual Schools

Clayton Trehal has been the Principal of iSucceed Virtual High School since 2016. This year is his 11th year as an administrator and his 22nd year as an educator. He is a Level II GoogleCertified teacher and is currently working on his Powerschool Admin Certification. Over the last... Read More →

Wednesday February 5, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am MST
430A Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Administrator/Leadership, Intermediate

8:00am MST

Empowering Learning through Technology

Wednesday February 5, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am MST

440

Innovations that create more effective schools through improving technology and the learning environment. Solutions to help schools manage the challenges seen commonly in education, as well as obstacles brought by the pandemic.

Speakers

Marco Vranish

CompuNet, Inc.

Wednesday February 5, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am MST
440 Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

IT/Technical, Intermediate

8:00am MST

Game of Phones

Wednesday February 5, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am MST

110D

Lab around setup up and using a cloud phone system. Convert hard phones to cloud registered devices, set up users, configure hunt groups, basic queues, E911. Experience how easy cloud can be.

Speakers

Carla Shields

Solution Engineer, CompuNet, Inc.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-shields-2bb2a95/

Patrick Carlton

CompuNet, Inc.

Scott McComb

Solutions Engineer, CompuNet, Inc.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mccombscottid/

Wednesday February 5, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am MST
110D Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

IT/Technical, Intermediate

8:00am MST

eSports Arena

Wednesday February 5, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am MST

130

Check out the eSports arena and tournaments.

Speakers

Cody Kreps

Board Member, Idaho Education Technology Association

Wednesday February 5, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am MST
130 Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Special Event

8:00am MST

Actively Engaging with AI in Education

Wednesday February 5, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am MST

410A

Embark on an interactive journey to discover the foundations of AI algorithms and their potential in education. Participants will engage in hands-on activities, create a text adventure game using generative AI, and share insights on the impact of this innovative technology in teaching and learning. Join us for a thought-provoking session that combines active learning strategies with basic and cutting-edge AI applications. This session offers participants a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of AI while exploring practical ways to engage students and peers in active learning experiences that are both fun and educational.

Speakers

Darren Hudgins

Darren Hudgins is the founder and the heart and soul behind Think Do Thrive, an education consulting venture dedicated to nurturing educators and fostering vibrant learning communities. With over 20 years of experience in education, Darren's passion for empowering others shines through... Read More →

Wednesday February 5, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am MST
410A Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

8:00am MST

Become Cyber Smart! Hands-On Cybersecurity Lessons for K-8 Educators

Wednesday February 5, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am MST

410B

Learn about the importance of protecting personally identifiable information, password security, and avoiding phishing scams! This workshop is ideal for elementary and middle school educators looking to build cybersecurity awareness into lessons and activities. Participants receive hands-on experience with unplugged lessons aimed at increasing cybersecurity awareness for K-8 students. During the workshop, educators explore a variety of interactive activities designed to make cybersecurity concepts accessible and engaging for students. Lessons focus on teaching cybersecurity principles without the need for electronic devices.

Speakers

Charlene Cooper

Director of Curriculum, CYBER.ORG

Charlene Cooper is a National Board Certified Teacher in the area of Early Adolescent Science with over 20 years of experience as a public school educator. She has a masters degree in Educational Leadership and a Cyber Education Graduate Certificate from Louisiana Tech. Charlene taught... Read More →

Jeff Ramsey

Wednesday February 5, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am MST
410B Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional

8:00am MST

Empowering Educators: Grants, Resources, Partner Power Pitches, AI Lesson Planning, & Exciting Prizes for Educator Success!

Wednesday February 5, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am MST

120C

Transform your school’s programs with this interactive workshop designed for administrators and educators. Discover how to secure grant funding, leverage our collaborative Community Platform, and integrate AI into your classrooms for free!. Plus, you’ll hear quick 5-minute pitches from key partners who can provide direct support for your initiatives. With prize drawings throughout the session, there’s even more incentive to join and leave with valuable resources! Walk away with practical strategies, new connections, and the tools you need to drive innovation, empower your staff, and elevate student achievement.

Speakers

Idaho STEM Ecosystem

Director, Idaho STEM Ecosystem

Trisha Mick

Statewide Program Coordinator, Idaho STEM Ecosystem

Trisha Mick is a passionate educator with over 15 years of dedicated service in the field of public libraries. Her passion for STEM education is palpable and her commitment to breaking down barriers and ensuring equitable access to high-quality, affordable education is unwavering... Read More →

ReBekha Lulu

Southwest Idaho STEM Hub Coordinator, Idaho STEM Ecosystem

Come visit the Ecosystem and our exciting partners at the Innovation Playground on the 2nd floor of Boise Centre East! ReBekha Lulu brings over a decade of educational experience, including eight years of teaching in Idaho, a master's degree in educational leadership from Boise State... Read More →

Wednesday February 5, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am MST
120C Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

8:00am MST

From Script to Screen: AI's Role in School Film Production

Wednesday February 5, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am MST

120A

Explore ways that artificial intelligence (AI) can be used in student film production. We’ll look at some free tools that can assist in the process by creating a short movie together. Come have some fun and learn from each other as we see what AI can do.

Speakers

Dean Lake

Special Education Teacher, Bear Lake School District

Making short movies with students is a fantastic way to practice writing, communication, and social skills in a fun project-based learning format. Throughout my thirty plus years working with students as a school librarian, elementary teacher, and high school special education teacher... Read More →

Wednesday February 5, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am MST
120A Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

8:00am MST

Navigating the Shift to Standards-Based Grading: Insights from Borah High School’s Pilot Program

Wednesday February 5, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am MST

110B

Join educators Megan Bell and Meagan Lyons as they share their journey transitioning from traditional grading to standards-based grading (SBG) at Borah High School. Through a voluntary pilot program, 50% of the school is now participating in SBG, focusing on shifting the conversation between students and teachers from task completion to mastery of concepts. In this session, the two educators will explore the challenges they faced and their strategies to build trust with teachers, students, and families to ensure a smooth transition.

Key Takeaways:
- Understand the necessary steps to prepare for and implement a standards-based grading pilot program.
- Learn how teachers and students shifted from task completion to mastery-focused conversations using student work as evidence.
- Explore the role that technology plays in supporting this transition and how it can be used to enhance grading and assessment practices.

Speakers

Megan Bell

Learning Coach 10-12 All Subjects, Boise School District

Meagan Lyons

High School Math

Carrie Gruber

Regional Sales Manager, Otus

Wednesday February 5, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am MST
110B Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional

8:00am MST

Taking Your Coaching to the Next Level

Wednesday February 5, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am MST

430B

Research has shown that instructional coaching is instrumental in the success of any change initiative. The coach provides support and professional learning for teachers, advocates for best instructional practices, and supports their principals as they lead change initiatives. In other words - instructional coaches are superheroes, skilled at various tasks and often asked to move mountains. In this session, we invite you to explore how to take your coaching to the next level as you reflect on your coaching practice and cultivate your leadership skills. Whether you're a seasoned coach or just starting your journey, you'll leave with strategies to empower the teachers you serve and gain deeper insights into your unique strengths.

Speakers

Nancy Mangum

Co-Founder, Leading EDge Learn

Nancy Mangum is an experienced educator, author, and co-founder of Leading EDge Learning. Passionate about enhancing educational experiences for all students, she specializes in designing professional learning for teachers, coaches and administrators and collaborating closely with... Read More →

Wednesday February 5, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am MST
430B Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Intermediate

8:00am MST

Using AI to Save Time

Wednesday February 5, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am MST

110C

Using AI to Save Time

In this engaging and informative session, we will explore how cutting-edge (and free) AI tools like Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini can revolutionize time management for educators. As middle school educators, we have firsthand experience with the challenges educators face in balancing administrative tasks, lesson planning, rubrics, parent contacts, student engagement, and so much more. This session will demonstrate practical applications of AI to streamline these processes, allowing educators to focus more on teaching and less on busywork.

Key Topics Covered:

Introduction to AI in Education: Understanding the basics of AI and its potential impact on the education sector.

Microsoft Copilot: A deep dive into how Copilot can assist with writing emails, creating presentations, and managing schedules.

Google Gemini: Exploring the capabilities of Google Gemini in automating routine tasks and enhancing productivity.

Real-World Examples: Case studies and success stories from schools that have successfully integrated AI tools.

Interactive Demonstrations: Live demonstrations of AI tools in action, showcasing their ease of use and effectiveness.

Q&A Session: An opportunity for attendees to ask questions and discuss their specific needs and challenges.

Anticipated Outcomes:

Enhanced Understanding: Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how AI can be leveraged to save time and improve efficiency in educational settings.

Practical Skills: Participants will leave with practical knowledge and skills to implement free and accessible AI tools in their own schools.

Inspiration and Motivation: Educators will be inspired to embrace AI technology, seeing it as a valuable ally in their daily tasks.

Speakers

Mark Fisk

Principal, Boundary County School District

Jacob Garrison

Boundary County School District

Wednesday February 5, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am MST
110C Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

9:30am MST

Exhibit Hall

Wednesday February 5, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am MST

100ABCD

Come check out this year's exciting exhibitors. They make this conference possible.

Speakers

Keven Denton

Deputy Chief Technology officer, West Ada School District

Keven Denton is the Deputy Chief Technology Officer with a over 19 years at the West Ada School District. Member of the IETA board for 14 years, helping to contribute to educational technology advancements and funding in technology for K-12 students in Idaho. I hold a Master of Science... Read More →

Keven Denton

Board Member, Idaho Education Technology Association

Wednesday February 5, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am MST
100ABCD Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Exhibit Hall

9:30am MST

Innovation Playground

Wednesday February 5, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am MST

Level 2 Lobby

The SWISH Innovation Playground is an interactive space designed to inspire and engage educators and administrators. More than just a vendor hall, this hands-on area showcases programs, tools, and ideas through activities and demonstrations that encourage exploration and connection to enhance STEM opportunities in your school! The Innovation Playground features exciting, hands-on activities from our partners. The Innovation Playground features exciting, hands-on activities from our partners. Databots brings Dancing with the Data, while the Children’s Museum of Idaho offers wind tunnels or ramps. Idaho Out of School Network hosts Build a Band, and OnRamp showcases Sphero robots and Makey Makeys. Explore special effects with the Discovery Center, student-led robots with FIRST Idaho Robotics, and VR demos with the Institute of Microelectronics Education and Research, and more! Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with cutting-edge tools and ideas!

Speakers

ReBekha Lulu

Southwest Idaho STEM Hub Coordinator, Idaho STEM Ecosystem

Wednesday February 5, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am MST
Level 2 Lobby Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

STEM Ecosystem Innovation Playground

10:15am MST

How to Use Mail Merge to Send Customized Mass Emails

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MST

430A

Would you like the ability to send thousands of customized emails to recipients in minutes using a spreadsheet? Or to use a spreadsheet to create thousands of custom documents easily? If you have access to email addresses, data, and Google Sheets this process is actually really easy. If you’ve never used a mail merge program for mass emailing or mass document creation, this presentation will give you a nice overview of how this works. iSucceed uses YAMM (Yet Another Mail Merge) and Autocrat for our mass emailing needs and you’ll see how we use these programs to promote student engagement and improve academic performance. Anyone attending this session will walk away with knowledge of how mail merges work plus ideas of how to use them in your school.

Speakers

Clayton Trehal

Principal, iSucceed Virtual Schools

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MST
430A Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Administrator/Leadership, Beginner

10:15am MST

Navigating Students’ Pathways: Embracing AI/AR/VR's Role in Career Exploration

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MST

110B

Discover how districts, technical schools and community colleges are using creative approaches including AI, AR, and VR to engage and inspire students. This session will demonstrate how students research, learn, and experience a variety of concepts and the associated career pathways in STEM, Health Science, Advanced Manufacturing, Agri-Science, Transportation and more. Based on this exploration, students are able to develop plans for post-secondary study and/or earn valuable certifications. Leaders from Mountain Home School District will share their implementation story.

Speakers

David Elliot

Director, zSpace

zSpace is the leading evidence-based augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR) platform providing innovative hands-on, experiential learning to improve achievement in science, math, and career and technical education credentialing.A comprehensive solution consisting of Windows-based AR/VR... Read More →

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MST
110B Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Administrator/Leadership, Beginner

10:15am MST

Bost Attendance and Improve Communication Between Schools and Home with AIS

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MST

120B

Attendance Data Analytics and Visualization To Track attendance analytics to inform data-driven interventions that improve attendance and reduce chronic absenteeism. Come explore using: Attendance data sync and visualization, Tiered data analysis and intervention, Attendance reporting and analysis, Power interventions and attendance notifications , Keep families informed, customize interventions for students based on their attendance tiers, and increase the amount of information you can send, including attendance certificates, policies, and other documents.
Automated, two-way attendance notifications with language translation, Multimedia messaging, Digital attendance letters, Direct-to-student messaging, Recorded audio, Research-Based, Data-Driven Interventions

Speakers

Cindi Jensen

PowerSchool

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MST
120B Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

IT/Technical

10:15am MST

Chrome Command Center: Effective Management in the Google Admin Console

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MST

120C

Explore the essentials of managing chromebooks and the chrome browser environment via the Google Admin Console. This session covers deployment strategies, user settings, device settings, and app management to maximize the effectiveness of chrome in education. If you are managing chrome or chromebooks at your district, you will not want to miss this session. Key takeaways from this session include:
-Deployment: Learn how to efficiently deploy and manage chromebooks in your environment.
-Key Configuration: Understand user settings and device settings for safety and security.
-Implementation: Discuss strategies to integrate chromebooks effectively into the classroom.

Speakers

Kendal Shomura

Sr. Consultant Edu, CDW Amplified for Education

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MST
120C Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

IT/Technical, Intermediate

10:15am MST

Physical Security Standards, Operations: A K-12 School Security Guide

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MST

120A

Schools face a range of threats, including acts of violence, natural disasters, and emergency situations. Schools must balance safety, teaching and learning, school operations and culture, and the surrounding community, creating a complex environment and set of priorities.

Speakers

Lynn Langdon

CompuNet, Inc.

Matt Adams

CompuNet, Inc.

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MST
120A Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

IT/Technical, Intermediate

10:15am MST

Running a Student Led Help Desk

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MST

420A

Middleton High School Tech Ninjas run a student-led IT help desk at Middleton High School. Ninjas assist fellow students with IT issues and assist in training students and staff in technology needs. They troubleshoot various computer issues, as well as assist with maintenance and repairs of all Chromebooks in our school district. In this session we will share how our Help Desk works and how you can implement a Help Desk at your school.

Speakers

Sarah Thompson

Instructional Specialist, Middleton High School, Middleton School District

Sarah Thompson is an Instructional Specialist. Her career in education began in 1993 teaching English in Middleton, Idaho. She works with technology integration and supports instructional practices throughout the district.

Heather Balaam

IT Help Desk Coordinator, Middleton High School

Heather Balaam is the Middleton High School Help Desk Coordinator. She has been in education, supporting student learning in technology since 2018.

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MST
420A Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

IT/Technical, Beginner

10:15am MST

Securing Our Futures: Physical Security in K12

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MST

410A

Covering best practices for physical security in the K12 space along with new technologies and ways to stretch your budget.

Speakers

Josh Bores

System Tech Inc.

Austin Howell

General Sales Manager, System Tech Inc.

Austin started in the telecommunications industry in 2010 installing large retrofit structured cabling E-rate projects. His ambition, leadership, dedication and customer service has bolstered System Tech’s offerings. Austin is very keen on cutting edge technologies and his perception... Read More →

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MST
410A Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

IT/Technical, Intermediate

10:15am MST

Sophos Protected Classroom: Building Protected K-12 Schools

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MST

410C

As cyber threats surge, K-12 schools find themselves in the crosshairs of increasingly sophisticated attacks. With limited resources and a growing reliance on connected classrooms and 1:1 device initiative, defending your school’s data and devices has never been more complex—or more critical.

Join Paul Zindell, Director of Sales Engineering at Sophos, to explore the latest strategies and solutions specifically designed for the modern, multi-device classroom.

 
Here’s what’s in store:

- Understand the 2024 Ransomware Landscape for K-12: Get a detailed look at emerging threats and the impact of ransomware attacks on schools nationwide.

- Optimize Your IT Resources: Discover how to protect your network with solutions like Managed Detection and Response (MDR), freeing up your IT team to focus on critical educational goals.

- Strengthen Multi-Device Defenses: Learn how to secure the complex web of devices, applications, and remote access points that make up modern classrooms.

 

Speakers

Paul Zindell

SE director, Sophos

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MST
410C Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

IT/Technical

10:15am MST

eSports Arena

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MST

130

Check out the eSports arena and tournaments.

Speakers

Cody Kreps

Board Member, Idaho Education Technology Association

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MST
130 Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Special Event

10:15am MST

Ninja Physics: Stealthy Science with Your Smartphone at the Innovation Playground

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MST

Level 2 Lobby

Transform any classroom into a high-tech physics lab with Ninja Physics with Databot! This free lesson unit uses the sensors already built into your smart device (iOS or Android) to explore acceleration and acceleration due to gravity in a hands-on, engaging way. No special equipment is required—just download the lessons, activate your device, and watch your students master stealthy science moves. Join this session to experience Ninja Physics in action and learn everything you need to empower your classroom with cutting-edge STEM learning.

Speakers

ReBekha Lulu

Southwest Idaho STEM Hub Coordinator, Idaho STEM Ecosystem

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MST
Level 2 Lobby Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

STEM Ecosystem Innovation Playground

10:15am MST

Chaos (Theory) in the Classroom

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MST

110D

Introduce a little chaos (theory) in your computer science or gen-ed classroom! In this session you will walk away with a ready to use activity for your students 6-12. This activity blends plugged and unplugged elements that will engage every learner. Students will be exposed to concepts such as measurement, critical thinking, computer science (CS), and a little bit of chaos theory. The goal of this session is to get educators in any capacity excited about CS concepts and give them the confidence to know that they can teach fundamentals of CS without having to be an expert. More information will be provided about professional development opportunities related to CS and specific curriculum and courses available.

Speakers

Lindsay Davis

AP Computer Science teacher & Code.org facilitator, Boise School District and Code.org

Lindsay teaches AP Computer Science Principles, and AP Computer Science A (Java) at Boise High School. She has also taught AP Physics and several various Mathematics classes in her 19 years as an Educator in the Boise School District.Lindsay has been a Code.org facilitator since 2016... Read More →

Samuel Stafford

Computer Science Teacher, Boise School District

Samuel Stafford is currently teaching Exploring Computer Science, A.P. Computer Science Principles, and A.P. Computer Science A. He is very proud to be a Borah Lion and was born and raised in Boise, Idaho. He graduated from Capital High School, received a bachelors in Secondary Math... Read More →

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MST
110D Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

10:15am MST

Empowering Every Learner: Tech Tools for Inclusive Education

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MST

110C

In the diversity of classrooms, educators face the challenge of meeting the needs of students with varying learning styles, abilities, and backgrounds. This session will explore a range of tech tools designed to foster an inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive. Attendees will learn about digital resources that support differentiated instruction, assistive technologies that aid students with disabilities, and strategies for leveraging these tools to enhance engagement and accessibility.

Participants will leave with practical knowledge of how to implement these technologies in their own classrooms, ensuring that all learners—regardless of their individual needs—have the opportunity to succeed. Join us to discover how technology can be a powerful ally in creating equitable learning experiences for all students.

Speakers

Cassie Luna

Learning Coach, Boise School District

Cassie Luna is a dedicated educator who has been striving to make meaningful impact for over 10 years.Mrs. Luna’s journey in education began in 2011 with earning her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, Cum Laude, from Boise State University. After graduation, she began her... Read More →

Christine Kruse

Regional Transition Coordinator, SW Idaho, University of Idaho, Center on Disability and Human Development

Christine Kruse is a graduate of Walden University and the University of Washington. She holds a Transition Leadership Certificate from University of Massachusetts, Boston. Mrs. Kruse is currently working towards the Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from the University... Read More →

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MST
110C Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

10:15am MST

LEGO EDUCATION - IDAHO CS INITATIVE with iSTEM

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MST

410B

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MST
410B Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional

10:15am MST

Preparing Students for an AI-Influenced Future: Insights from the 'Rise of AI' Course

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MST

430B

This session will explore how we have intentional conversations with Middle School students around AI tools and usage. It will center on an 8th grade elective entitled "Rise of AI," where students learn about how AI works, how it is currently being applied, and grapple with ethical questions around where it is going. This session will focus on the activities and conversations that the teaching team sets up, and discuss how to apply those same principles within a core classroom. Attendees will walk away with example activities, discussion prompts, and a framework for setting up conversations and tool explorations.

Speakers

Claudia Mihm

Director of Educational Technology and Innovation, Sun Valley Community School

Claudia is the Director of Educational Technology at Sun Valley Community School, where they also serve as the Middle School Technology Teacher. They are particularly interested in building experiential and creative learning environments, and helping students see themselves as programmers... Read More →

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MST
430B Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

10:15am MST

Tools for Planning and Grading

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MST

440

This class would cover different online and AI tools, as well as old-school strategies, that help make grading and planning more manageable for teachers. By easing the load on the planning and grading side of things, teachers can then focus on building relationships and personal health and wellness.

Speakers

Kayla Baker

Teacher, E-sports Coach, Tech Team, Ririe School District

Teaching has been my dream since I was three. Now in my eighth year of teaching there is nothing I would rather do. I teach high school ELA, coach the e-sports team, and am the advisor of the Table Top Gaming Club. As a teacher my goal is to generate great relationships with my students... Read More →

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MST
440 Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

11:15am MST

Keynote: Getting (AI)borne: Navigating the Turbulence Between IT and Instruction in the Age of AI

Wednesday February 5, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm MST

400

The rise of AI in schools has created both incredible opportunities and complex challenges, particularly between teachers and technology managers. Looking at the relationship between educators and IT professionals reveals how their different roles are equally vital to student success. Like pilots guiding planes through the sky while air traffic controllers ensure safety from the ground, educators guide students through their learning journeys while IT professionals maintain secure and stable operations. Through real-world examples, we explore the tensions that arise when bringing AI into classrooms and share practical strategies to align goals, foster collaboration, and balance innovation with security.

Speakers

Eric Cross

Science Teacher, Albert Einstein Academy Middle School

Eric Cross is a full-time middle school science and technology teacher for Albert Einstein Academies, International Baccalaureate schools. He is an Adjunct Professor of Technology and Learning, and Science Methods at the University of San Diego in the School of Leadership and Education... Read More →

Wednesday February 5, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm MST
400 Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Keynote, All levels

12:30pm MST

Exhibit Hall

Wednesday February 5, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST

100ABCD

Come check out this year's exciting exhibitors. They make this conference possible.

Speakers

Keven Denton

Board Member, Idaho Education Technology Association

Wednesday February 5, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
100ABCD Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Exhibit Hall

12:30pm MST

Lunch Break

Wednesday February 5, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST

Downtown Boise

Lunch on your own.

Wednesday February 5, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
Downtown Boise

Lunch

12:30pm MST

Innovation Playground

Wednesday February 5, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST

Level 2 Lobby

Speakers

ReBekha Lulu

Southwest Idaho STEM Hub Coordinator, Idaho STEM Ecosystem

Wednesday February 5, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
Level 2 Lobby Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

STEM Ecosystem Innovation Playground

1:45pm MST

A Cost-Effective Platform to Meet Idaho K12's Cybersecurity and Teaching Needs

Wednesday February 5, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST

110A

In today’s fast-paced digital age, Idaho schools need more than just content filtering—they need a comprehensive, budget-friendly solution that addresses cybersecurity, classroom management, and student learning.

iboss and partner Bytespeed deliver a unified platform tailored to the unique needs of K12 districts, combining essential tools like content filtering, classroom management, AI-driven security, and parent portals. This E-Rate eligible solution under Category 2 (FWaaS) simplifies IT management while protecting against a wide range of cyber threats.

Join Mitchell Brackett, Idaho Territory Manager at Bytespeed, and Jeff Edwards, iboss Senior Account Executive, for a practical and interactive session focused on affordable, all-in-one security and learning solutions that empower Idaho schools to prioritize education while staying secure.

Speakers

Jeff Edwards

iboss

Mitchell Brackett

Territory Manager, Bytespeed

Mitchell Brackett is a dedicated technology professional known for his exceptional ability to connect individuals and organizations with valuable opportunities. With a strong focus on fostering collaborative partnerships and facilitating knowledge sharing, Mitchell excels in leveraging... Read More →

Wednesday February 5, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST
110A Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

IT/Technical, Beginner

1:45pm MST

Bolstering Your Defense in Depth Strategies with the MS-ISAC and Center for Internet Security

Wednesday February 5, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST

430B

Our world is under attack! Cyber attacks adn threats come from everywhere. Government entities have to be prespared to not only detect and prevent these threats, but be ready to respond and recover from them. A solid defense in depth is a strategy leverages mulitple secuirty measures to protect an organization's assets. The idea is if one line of defense is compromised, additional layers exsit as a backup to ensure that threats are stopped along the way. By partnering with the Center for Internet Security and the MS-ISAC, members are able to surround their infrastructure in layers of control and mitigation, creating hurdles for organizations can continue to firght against the cyber threat actors and continue to protect their enviroments.

Speakers

Michelle Nolan

Regional Engagement Manager, Center for Internet Security and the MS-ISAC

Michelle Nolan is a Regional Engagement Manager for the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center™ (MS-ISAC®), a division of the Center for Internet Security, Inc.®. She is a member of the Stakeholder Engagement team, which works with our nation’s State, Local, Territorial... Read More →

Semona Houghlan

Center for Internet Security and the MS-ISAC

Wednesday February 5, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST
430B Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

IT/Technical, Intermediate

1:45pm MST

District Cybersecurity Forum: Collaborative Roundtable

Wednesday February 5, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST

410C

Join us for a discussion on ways to optimize district Cybersecurity Operations: Topics such as Reviewing Alerts, Utilizing Runbooks, and Leveraging Tools. What are your Aspirations and Innovations in handling cyber security threats

Speakers

Keven Denton

Deputy Chief Technology officer, West Ada School District

Devan Delashmutt

Chief Technology Officer, West Ada School District

Devan DeLashmutt started his career in Idaho K-12 educational technology in 1993 with the Pocatello School District. In 2003 opportunities with the Idaho State Department of Education brought Devan to the Treasure Valley. While at the Department of Education, he helped pilot a student... Read More →

Loren Cornell

System Engineer, West Ada School District

Ryan Murdoch

Systems Administrator - Identity Automation, Security/Safety, West Ada School District

Josh White

IT Supervisor, West Ada School District

Wednesday February 5, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST
410C Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

IT/Technical, Beginner

1:45pm MST

Lessons Learned - Migrating on Prem phone systems to the cloud

Wednesday February 5, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST

110C

Round Table Discussion focusing on lessons learned, considerations, and recommendations when deciding to migrate On Prem phone system to the cloud.

Speakers

Carla Shields

Solution Engineer, CompuNet, Inc.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-shields-2bb2a95/

Patrick Carlton

CompuNet, Inc.

Scott McComb

Solutions Engineer, CompuNet, Inc.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mccombscottid/

Wednesday February 5, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST
110C Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

IT/Technical, Intermediate

1:45pm MST

eSports Arena

Wednesday February 5, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST

130

Check out the eSports arena and tournaments.

Speakers

Cody Kreps

Board Member, Idaho Education Technology Association

Wednesday February 5, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST
130 Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Special Event

1:45pm MST

Student Voice in Action! Hear from the Idaho EcosySTEM Student Ambassadors at the Innovation Playground

Wednesday February 5, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST

Level 2 Lobby

Discover how the Idaho EcosySTEM Student Ambassadors are shaping the future of STEM in their communities through innovative, student-led projects. This program empowers students in grades 6-12 to lead meaningful initiatives that address real-world challenges in their communities. Ambassadors collaborate with industry mentors who provide guidance and expertise throughout the school year, and they participate in exclusive industry tours that connect classroom learning with hands-on experiences. Learn from the students themselves how this program fosters curiosity, creativity, and career readiness, equipping the next generation to lead in STEM fields.

Speakers

ReBekha Lulu

Southwest Idaho STEM Hub Coordinator, Idaho STEM Ecosystem

Wednesday February 5, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST
Level 2 Lobby Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

STEM Ecosystem Innovation Playground

1:45pm MST

AI Literacy with Minecraft

Wednesday February 5, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST

410B

Speakers

Randy Hawkins

NCCE

Randy Hawkins is a 3rd grade Gifted, and Talented teacher committed to teaching students to be lifelong learners and take ownership for their own learning. He holds a master’s degree from Boise State University (2009) and a bachelor’s degree from Idaho State University (1997... Read More →

Wednesday February 5, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST
410B Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional

1:45pm MST

Beginning spreadsheets for teachers

Wednesday February 5, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST

430A

This class is intended for beginners. We will cover basic uses for spreadsheet, tips and tricks to make spreadsheets easier, and ideas on how to use spreadsheets in your classroom.

Speakers

Emily Goodwin

Snake River School District

Wednesday February 5, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST
430A Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

1:45pm MST

Chalk- Lesson Planning App

Wednesday February 5, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST

120C

This session will explore using the Chalk app to create lesson plans and units.

Speakers

Tate L. Swensen

3rd Grade Teacher, Fremont County School District 215

I am a third grade teacher at Henry's Fork Elementary, and I also help maintain google accounts at the elementary level. Before teaching 3rd grade I taught 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Science in Ririe. It was at my time in Ririe I was introduced to the IETA conference and instantly knew... Read More →

Robert Kincheloe

5th Grade Teacher, Fremont County School District 215

Robert Kincheloe has taught elementary students for nine years, and enjoys learning new educational strategies. He says that his students and colleagues are an inspiration for improving himself as a teacher. Robert believes in a growth mindset, and is confident that your best talents... Read More →

Wednesday February 5, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST
120C Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

1:45pm MST

Constructive Uses of AI: Helping Teachers Teach Better

Wednesday February 5, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST

110B

Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Gemini, etc. can save teachers mountains of time. But how do you use them well? It's not just about generating lessons, but also the follow-up prompts that allow those lessons to be better. It's not just about quickly creating materials for class, but also how to do so in order to build your students' ability to view such materials with a skeptical eye. It's not just about possible accommodations for your students with challenges, but also how you can help students build their confidence. In this hands-on session, we'll look at these and other deeper approaches to making these tools work for us.

Speakers

Rushton Hurley

Executive Director, NextVista.org

Rushton Hurley is a former high school teacher, former principal of an online high school, author of three books on learning and schools, and founder and executive director of an educational nonprofit. Rushton has spoken to and trained over 100,000 teachers and school leaders around... Read More →

Wednesday February 5, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST
110B Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional

1:45pm MST

Data Science in High School: Preparing the next generation of AI Scientists and Engineers

Wednesday February 5, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST

120A

You want your students to be prepared for the AI world, but where do you start? For students who want to not just use, but build the AI tools of the future, they need to have the technical skills and scientific knowledge necessary to understand AI at all levels. Many high schools already offer computer science courses, but data science courses are also critical as a starting point for students to learn important skills that prepare them for jobs in data analysis, data science, machine learning engineering, and AI science. In this talk, we will look at an introductory course that has been adopted at Boise State University that could be offered at the high school level for concurrent enrollment credit, as well as fulfilling many of the Idaho Computer Science Standards for Data and Analysis, Impacts of Computing, and Algorithms and Programming.

Speakers

Casey Kennington

Associate Professor, Boise State University

Dr. Casey Kennington is an associate professor in the Department of Computer Science at Boise State University where he principally does research on spoken dialogue systems on embodied platforms. His long-term research goal is to understand what it means for humans to understand... Read More →

Wednesday February 5, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST
120A Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Intermediate

1:45pm MST

Elevate Your Classroom: AI Tips Every Teacher Should Know

Wednesday February 5, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST

410A

Get equipped with strategies to use AI in the classroom effectively. We'll address pressing concerns, highlight useful applications, and provide time-saving hacks while keeping privacy and ethical considerations in mind. You'll learn how to integrate AI tools to enhance teaching, streamline tasks, and increase student engagement. Suitable for all tech-comfort levels, this session will empower you to confidently implement AI in your classroom. Leave with practical knowledge to transform your teaching practice in the age of artificial intelligence.

Speakers

Eric Cross

Science Teacher, Albert Einstein Academy Middle School

Wednesday February 5, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST
410A Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional

1:45pm MST

Idaho Digital Navigator badges: A collaborative microcredentialing project.

Wednesday February 5, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST

110D

The recently developed Digital Navigator badges are a collaborative microcredentialing project aimed at bolstering Adult Education and Digital Literacy across Idaho. Key stakeholders involved in this initiative include the Idaho Division of Career Technical Education, Idaho Commission for Libraries, University of Idaho Extension, and numerous postsecondary institutions. During this presentation, attendees will gain insights into the new Digital Navigator badge content, curriculum, and the SkillStack® microcredential platform. The content will delve into the various aspects of Digital Navigation, encompassing topics such as:
• Understanding the fundamentals of digital literacy.
• Navigating online resources effectively.
• Evaluating digital information critically.
• Protecting personal data and cybersecurity.
Attendees will learn how Digital Navigator educators can utilize the SkillStack® microcredential platform to track their progress, earn badges, and showcase their accomplishments.
Attendees will leave the presentation with a deeper understanding of the Digital Navigator badges, their potential impact on Adult Education and Digital Literacy in Idaho, and the role YOU might play in driving this initiative forward.

Speakers

Rick Stoddart

Microcredentials Coordinator, Idaho Division of Career Technical Education

Trevi Hardy

Idaho Division of Career Technical Education

Heather Luchte

Chief Performance and Accountability Officer, Idaho Division of Career Technical Education

Heather Luchte is the Director of Performance Management at the Idaho Division of Career Technical Education. Heather has worked at the division since 2013. She is responsible for collecting performance data, monitoring student outcomes, and performance improvement. Heather also oversees... Read More →

Wednesday February 5, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST
110D Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

1:45pm MST

Making Accessibility a Priority: Practical Approaches for Meeting WCAG 2.1 Standards

Wednesday February 5, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST

420A

Ensuring digital content is accessible to all learners is critical for equitable education. This session will provide attendees with practical approaches for meeting WCAG 2.1 Standards in their schools or districts. Using real examples from Idaho Digital Learning Academy’s accessibility initiatives, the session will cover key areas such as creating accessible digital content, leveraging tools for language and disability accessibility, and conducting thorough accessibility audits. Participants will leave with a framework for implementing accessibility improvements that support all learners, regardless of ability.
Outcomes: Attendees will:
Learn actionable steps for implementing WCAG 2.1 Standards in digital content.
Understand how to conduct accessibility audits and use feedback for continuous improvement.
Gain practical tools and strategies for enhancing accessibility for diverse learners.

Speakers

Ashlee Kolar

EdTech Engineer, Idaho Digital Learning Alliance

I’m Ashlee Kolar, the EdTech Engineer at IDLA. I like to think of myself as the teacher on the tech team—I know a little bit about a lot and enjoy helping anyone who needs support in implementing and troubleshooting technology so it works for them. My days are never dull as I... Read More →

Wednesday February 5, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST
420A Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

1:45pm MST

Personalized Learning Schoology with AI

Wednesday February 5, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST

120B

PowerBuddy for Learning
Student Assistant PowerBuddy is a conversational AI guide designed to support and motivate students as they learn. Teachers can choose Socratic Mode to prompt deeper learning without giving away answers, or Research Mode for open-ended work. All student conversations are logged and screened for sensitive topics, giving both educators and families transparency into how students use the tool. Multi-language support, text-to-speech, and speech-to-text ensure every student can benefit.
Generative AI for Content Creation Educators can save time by using PowerBuddy to generate ideas and educational content for a wide variety of use cases. Educators can prompt the system in natural language and can control the output parameters such as length, reading level, and language. PowerSchool’s AI framework facilitates human-centered, bias-resistant, and equitable content generation to benefit all students.
Discover the pivotal role that Schoology Learning and PowerBuddy can play in your school district.

Speakers

Cindi Jensen

PowerSchool

Wednesday February 5, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST
120B Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional

1:45pm MST

Teams and Classwork, Assignments, Grades and Insights

Wednesday February 5, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST

440

We will jump into learning how to use classwork, assignments, grades and insights. What are the recent updates and streamline learning for you and your students.

Speakers

Lora Evanouski

Information Services Technology Coordinator, Nampa School District

Lora Evanouski is an Information Services Technology Coordinator for the Nampa School District. She has 13 years teaching experience F2F and online. In her job with NSD, she teaches and trains staff and students how to use technology. Lora is an MIE Expert for 8 consecutive years... Read More →

Rachael Lowe

Informations Services Technology Coordinator, Nampa School District

Rachael holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education. Rachael began her career in the Nampa School District as the Curriculum Materials Coordinator. Rachael’s current role is Information Services Technology Coordinator. In addition to her many other roles, Rachael taught Art... Read More →

Wednesday February 5, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST
440 Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

2:30pm MST

Exhibit Hall

Wednesday February 5, 2025 2:30pm - 3:15pm MST

100ABCD

Come check out this year's exciting exhibitors. They make this conference possible.

Speakers

Keven Denton

Board Member, Idaho Education Technology Association

Wednesday February 5, 2025 2:30pm - 3:15pm MST
100ABCD Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Exhibit Hall

2:30pm MST

Innovation Playground

Wednesday February 5, 2025 2:30pm - 3:15pm MST

Level 2 Lobby

Speakers

ReBekha Lulu

Southwest Idaho STEM Hub Coordinator, Idaho STEM Ecosystem

Wednesday February 5, 2025 2:30pm - 3:15pm MST
Level 2 Lobby Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

STEM Ecosystem Innovation Playground

3:15pm MST

Death by Meeting

Wednesday February 5, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MST

120A

Are you looking forward to the next meeting you have on your calendar? Do you get out of bed each day excited to spend time in a room with your colleagues? No?

In this session we will unpack an effective meeting structure provided by Patrick Lencioni in his book, Death by Meeting. I will share how IDLA implements this meeting structure to support productive meetings that engage each participant. I will also demonstrate how IDLA is able to implement this meeting structure in a virtual environment, supported by Google tools.

Speakers

Jeff Simmons

Idaho Digital Learning Alliance

Wednesday February 5, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MST
120A Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Administrator/Leadership, Beginner

3:15pm MST

New Hire Process from Start to Finish

Wednesday February 5, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MST

110C

In this presentation you will learn how the Nampa School District set up their new hire process. It starts in HR and ends with tech training.

Speakers

Lora Evanouski

Information Services Technology Coordinator, Nampa School District

Rachael Lowe

Informations Services Technology Coordinator, Nampa School District

Amber Bernard

Human Resources, Nampa School District

Amber Bernard has been with the Nampa School District for 20 years. Amber began her career as an intern and worked various roles. Later Amber became a Human Resources Specialist then generalist and Amber’s current role is Human Resources Supervisor.

Wednesday February 5, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MST
110C Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Administrator/Leadership, Beginner

3:15pm MST

Spreadsheet Magic Using the Power Tools GSheets Extension

Wednesday February 5, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MST

120C

What if there was a cheap extension for Excel or GSheets that could allow you to manipulate spreadsheets at a high level? Imagine being able to compare sheets for uniques or duplicates in seconds, to be able to merge and transfer information from one spreadsheet to another without using complex formulas or repeating VLookup scores of times? That add on is called Power Tools by Able Bits. I’m not trying to sell a product here but this extension changed my life and allows me to easily do complex things and unlock information from spreadsheets that I wouldn’t be able to in any other way. This presentation will show you some of ways iSucceed Virtual Schools use Power Tools and how this software can allow you to take your spreadsheets to a new level. The ideal audience for this presentation are people who regularly use and manipulate spreadsheets and who would like to use an affordable tool that makes this easier.

Speakers

Clayton Trehal

Principal, iSucceed Virtual Schools

Wednesday February 5, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MST
120C Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Administrator/Leadership, Intermediate

3:15pm MST

Navigate the Mini Bid Process with OETC

Wednesday February 5, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MST

430A

OETC's Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Richards, will walk participants through the mini bid process.

Speakers

Thomas Richards

CEO, OETC

Wednesday February 5, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MST
430A Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

IT/Technical, Advanced

3:15pm MST

Strengthening Data Governance through Effective Stewardship

Wednesday February 5, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MST

420A

Effective governance adds value, not red tape. Strong data stewardship practices enable wide adoption of data-driven methods and decisions. In this session, we explore the Data Stewardship role and how time-tested principles like Product-Design thinking and Domain Differentiation will lead to better organizational outcomes.

Speakers

Michael Magalsky

infoVia

Wednesday February 5, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MST
420A Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

IT/Technical, Intermediate

3:15pm MST

The Role of the National Guard in Defensive Cyber Operations and Community Partnerships

Wednesday February 5, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MST

410C

A discussion of the mission and capabilities of the National Guard as a community partner to exchange knowledge, collaborate on cyber security best practices, and provide community outreach opportunities for future and present IT professionals. The Idaho National Guard utilizes the Department of Defense Innovated Readiness Training (IRT) program for cyber defense training. The Idaho Army National Guard’s Defensive Cyber Operations Element (DCOE) specializes in vulnerability assessment, cyber reconnaissance, and limited demonstration of exploit for state, local, tribal, and territorial partners throughout the state of Idaho.

Speakers

Danial Lister

Idaho Army National Guard

Micah Strasser

Idaho Army National Guard

Seth Gaskins

Idaho Army National Guard

Wednesday February 5, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MST
410C Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

IT/Technical, Intermediate

3:15pm MST

eSports Arena

Wednesday February 5, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MST

130

Check out the eSports arena and tournaments.

Speakers

Cody Kreps

Board Member, Idaho Education Technology Association

Wednesday February 5, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MST
130 Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Special Event

3:15pm MST

Robotics in Action: Build, Compete, Inspire! at the Innovation Playground

Wednesday February 5, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MST

Level 2 Lobby

Get ready to amp up your STEM game with FIRST Robotics! Join local FLL, FTC, and FRC teams for rockstar-worthy demonstrations showcasing how students design, build, and compete with robots in electrifying seasonal challenges. Learn how to hit the right notes to start and sustain a robotics team, incorporate robotics into your classroom, and even take the stage by driving a robot yourself. Whether you're new to robotics or a seasoned STEM enthusiast, this session will have you jamming with ideas to bring the excitement of robotics to your students!

Speakers

ReBekha Lulu

Southwest Idaho STEM Hub Coordinator, Idaho STEM Ecosystem

Wednesday February 5, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MST
Level 2 Lobby Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

STEM Ecosystem Innovation Playground

3:15pm MST

Arthur Interactive Media: A Social Emotional Learning Experience

Wednesday February 5, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MST

110D

Encourage social, emotional, and character development in elementary children with the Arthur Interactive Media (AIM) Buddy Project. This hands-on, interactive workshop will guide you through how to implement this FREE curriculum in your classroom.

Speakers

Kari Wardle

Director of Education, Idaho Public Television

Kari Wardle currently works as the Director of Education for Idaho Public Television where she leads the education department and provides training and support to teachers throughout the state. Before joining the IdahoPTV staff in 2017, she worked as an elementary school teacher for... Read More →

Wednesday February 5, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MST
110D Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, All

3:15pm MST

Constructive Uses of AI: Helping Students Learn Better

Wednesday February 5, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MST

110B

You know students might use it to cheat. You are probably aware that it can save you thunderous amounts of time. But do you know how generative AI can turn a mid-range student into an academically confident and much more mature teen? Or how it can help a student who has trouble paying attention? In this session, we'll do a hands-on exploration using ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Gemini, or whichever generative AI tool you prefer so that you can bring these academic hacks to students who can use them to significantly ramp up their learning game.

Speakers

Rushton Hurley

Executive Director, NextVista.org

Wednesday February 5, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MST
110B Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional

3:15pm MST

Crafting Cybersecurity: Empowering Education with Cyber in Minecraft

Wednesday February 5, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MST

410B

Speakers

Melanie Drown

Melanie Drown is a Product Specialist for ‘Coding in Minecraft’ and has 11 years of experience as both an educator and a trainer. She is a Minecraft Certified trainer and has trained hundreds of teachers on game-based learning through Minecraft Education. As a former STEM and... Read More →

Wednesday February 5, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MST
410B Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional

3:15pm MST

Exploring BSU's New CS Teaching Endorsement Certificate

Wednesday February 5, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MST

430B

Computer Science or CS-adjacent classes are becoming more prevalent and needed at the secondary level. Boise State University has a new online graduate certificate designed to teach teachers the skills required to teach a CS course, from how to write code to how to teach students to think critically and write code. This new certificate is an Idaho-approved teacher certificate program. This session will provide all the details about the new certificate. Participants will leave with an understanding of the content of the certificate, why this certificate is invaluable to a secondary STEM teacher, and how to apply for admission and full-coverage scholarships.

Speakers

Kathryn Rodgers

Boise State University

Wednesday February 5, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MST
430B Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

3:15pm MST

Fueling the STEM Mind: Engaging Methods to Motivate Young Thinkers

Wednesday February 5, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MST

410A

Energize your STEM classroom and foster deep scientific thinking! Through exemplar activities and teacher moves, discover actionable strategies for fostering a classroom culture that celebrates student thinking, promotes risk taking, and cultivates student growth.

Speakers

Eric Cross

Science Teacher, Albert Einstein Academy Middle School

Wednesday February 5, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MST
410A Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional

3:15pm MST

Looking Ahead: Resources for Digital Literacy in Idaho

Wednesday February 5, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MST

110A

The session will cover resources teachers can look to utilize and teach about AI in a variety of classroom spaces, especially if digital literacy requirements become a new Idaho requirement. The session will focus on code.org and lessons put out by Stanford (CRAFT).

Speakers

Mark Goodell

teacher, Nampa High School

Wednesday February 5, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MST
110A Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

3:15pm MST

Personalized Learning Performance Matters with AI

Wednesday February 5, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MST

120B

Performance Matters PowerBuddy for Assessment augments educators’ work of developing personalized and effective assessments for students. Questions, passages, and other assessment content are tailored to the appropriate grade level, standard, and topic and can be conveniently generated directly within Performance Matters in a single workflow. PowerSchool brings schools the power of AI developed using responsible AI principles and fine-tuned specifically for K-12 education. Discover the pivotal role that Performance Matters can play in your school district

Speakers

Cindi Jensen

PowerSchool

Wednesday February 5, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MST
120B Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional

3:15pm MST

Phish and Tips: Reeling In AI Deception and Phishing Scams

Wednesday February 5, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MST

440

"Phish and Tips" is a 45-minute interactive session designed to equip school IT professionals, teachers, and administrators with the skills to recognize and respond to digital threats. Through engaging scenarios, participants will test their instincts and decision-making abilities to identify and combat deceptive emails, scams, manipulated media, and other AI-generated content. Attendees will walk away with a virtual "Tackle-box" of resources to share with staff, students, families, and the broader community, empowering their institutions to stay ahead of emerging digital risks.

Speakers

Heather Anderson

Technical Support Specialist, IDLA

Ryan Gravette

IDLA

Wednesday February 5, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MST
440 Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

4:00pm MST

Prize Drawing

Wednesday February 5, 2025 4:00pm - 4:15pm MST

400

Vendor Hall cards prize drawing. Must be present to win!

Speakers

Will Goodman

Board Member, Idaho Education Technology Association

Will Goodman is the Chief Technology Officer for the Boise School District, a board member of the Idaho Education Technology Association, and a chairperson on the U.S. Department of Education’s National Forum on Education Statistics. He received the CoSN Impact 30 and IETA President’s awards. He formerly held the positions of Chief Technology Officer for the Idaho State Department of Education, Director of District Programs for the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance, teacher, principal, athletic director, coach, teacher mentor, director of technology, d... Read More →

Wednesday February 5, 2025 4:00pm - 4:15pm MST
400 Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Special Event

5:30pm MST

Women in Tech Social

Wednesday February 5, 2025 5:30pm - 6:30pm MST

NW Lobby

Are you a woman working in tech or edtech, or just interested? Enjoy some food and socializing.

Speakers

Kristine Cathey

IETA Women in Tech Planning Committee, IETA Women in Tech

Our mission is to raise awareness and to support women in technology in Idaho education. We support women and girls in IT, as we work to overcome the challenges they face, both entering the field and advancing in it. We focus on supporting and growing a diverse educational technology... Read More →

Wednesday February 5, 2025 5:30pm - 6:30pm MST
NW Lobby Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Special Event

6:30pm MST

Rock Show!!!

Wednesday February 5, 2025 6:30pm - 8:00pm MST

400

Come party at the rock show! Live music and a rocking good time. See you there!

Speakers

Will Goodman

Board Member, Idaho Education Technology Association

Wednesday February 5, 2025 6:30pm - 8:00pm MST
400 Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Special Event