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.
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
410ABoise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702
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.
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 →
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.
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 →
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
120CBoise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702
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.
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
120ABoise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702
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.
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.
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
430BBoise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702
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.
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.
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 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
110DBoise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702
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.
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 →
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
110CBoise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702
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.
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
430BBoise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702
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.
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
440Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702
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
410BBoise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702
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.
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 →
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
120CBoise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702
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.
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
110BBoise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702
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.
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
120ABoise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702
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.
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 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST
410ABoise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702
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.
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
110DBoise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702
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.
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
420ABoise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702
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.
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.
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 →
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
440Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702
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.
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
110DBoise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702
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.
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 3:15pm - 4:00pm MST
110BBoise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702
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
410BBoise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702
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.
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.
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 3:15pm - 4:00pm MST
410ABoise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702
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).
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
"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.
