IETA 2025

IETA 2025

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

Founder | Educator | Author | Speaker | Consultant | Coach, Think Do Thrive

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8:00am MST

The Think Do Thrive Variety Session: A Showcase of Curated Gems

Thursday February 6, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am MST

410A

Escape the ordinary at IETA with this one-of-a-kind variety session! This unique interactive session, curated by a seasoned educator, combines a variety show format with a curiosity-driven algorithm your students are attracted to on social media platforms. You will discover prompts, multi-modal tools, and strategies to enhance your teaching and ignite your student's interest. If you want a session palette cleanser, don't miss this opportunity to refresh your teaching toolkit, leave with artifacts to ponder post-IETA, and have fun!

Speakers

Darren Hudgins

Founder | Educator | Author | Speaker | Consultant | Coach, Think Do Thrive

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 →

Thursday February 6, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am MST
410A Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

10:15am MST

25 Innovative Assessment Resources in 45 Minutes

Thursday February 6, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MST

120C

Part of the barrier to innovative assessment practices is often just having the resources in place to facilitate new methods of grading and assessing students. In this blazingly-fast session, participants will be given 25 resources to support innovative assessment practices with an explanation of the purpose and function of each one.

Speakers

Tyler Rablin

Innovative Learning Coach, Sunnyside School District

Tyler Rablin is an award-winning instructional coach and former ELA teacher for Sunnyside School District in Sunnyside, WA. He is also the owner of Tyler Rablin Consulting, is the author of Hacking Student Motivation from Times 10 Publications, and has been a featured speaker and... Read More →

Thursday February 6, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MST
120C Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

10:15am MST

AI Tools and How to Use Them in the K-12 Classroom

Thursday February 6, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MST

410A

The purpose of this session is to provide an overview of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and platforms for K-12 education. We will discuss the definitions and types of AI for education, identify and review currently available and popular AI tools, and provide a quick reference for teachers. Additionally, we will address ethical concerns such as data privacy and algorithmic biases. The goal of this session is to provide information for teachers to choose specific AI tools for different purposes. The use of AI tools and their associated concerns in the K-12 classroom will also be discussed, encouraging teachers to create more dynamic, inclusive, and effective learning environments while preparing students for the future. This session is connected with a submitted article under review in the AI, Computer Science, and Robotics Technology Journal.

Speakers

Nicole Sarty

Teachers, West Ada School District

Nicole Sarty Bio Link:https://msd2-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/r/personal/sarty_nicole_westada_org/Documents/Professional/Goals/Sarty%20Resume%202022.pdf?csf=1&web=1&e=maWf9V

Gina Kwid

Teacher, West Ada School District

Gina Kwid is an educator in the West Ada School District. She has taught 2nd grade and elementary engineering at Galileo STEM Academy for the past 17 years. In addition to ISTA, she is an active member of the Idaho STEM Ecosystem, ARISS Education Committee, ITEEA, and 100Kin10. She... Read More →

Dazhi Yang

Professor, Boise State University

Dr. Dazhi Yang is professor in educational technology with joint/adjunct appointment in the College of Engineering at Boise State University. Her current research interests include technology- supported STEM education, engineering and computing education, online and distance learning... Read More →

Thursday February 6, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MST
410A Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

10:15am MST

Project STEM Coding for MS / HS

Thursday February 6, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MST

110D

Teaching Computer Science: How I use Project STEM in my classroom and what it can offer. How to use a program that offers coding lessons that are easy to follow and easy to understand. This program is very scaffolded and can be taught / used in a variety of ways. Includes : Scratch, Micro:bit, and Earsketch, python and block coding.

Speakers

Michelle DiPaula-Craig

Technology Teacher, Nampa School District / Lone Star Middle School

Thursday February 6, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MST
110D Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

1:45pm MST

Learning to Search: A Critical Digital Literacy Skill

Thursday February 6, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST

110B

Children are increasingly interacting with resources online, often outside of controlled environments in which teachers can curate, guide, and scaffold how they access information. Developing search literacy skills and effective strategies for locating and utilizing information on the internet has become essential. Each step of the search process (choice of search tool, task definition, query formulation, search result evaluation, etc.) presents specific challenges for children that adults do not often face, so additional scaffolding and support is needed to provide children with the tools they need to become better searchers. In this workshop, we will explore the obstacles encountered by children at each of these steps in the search process and discuss strategies for addressing these aspects across different search tools. We highlight the importance of learning to search and the necessity of providing tools that empower children to determine what is appropriate for them and their unique and individual information needs.

Speakers

Jerry Alan Fails

Department Chair and Professor, Boise State University

Jerry Alan Fails is a Professor and the Chair of the Department of Computer Science at Boise State University in Boise, Idaho. He has been researching and designing technologies with and for children using participatory design methods for more than twenty years.

Christine Pinney

Boise State University

Thursday February 6, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST
110B Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

1:45pm MST

Microsoft AI: Saving teacher and administrator time, while optimizing student learning outcomes.

Thursday February 6, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST

430B

Please join us as we discuss the new AI innovations from Microsoft. We elaborate on how districts are using AI to save teachers and administrators significant time on a weekly and monthly basis. We will also dive into how AI is improving student outcomes.

Speakers

Dale Perrigo

Director--Windows in Education, Microsoft

I lead the Microsoft Windows business for K12 in the US, Canada, and Latin America.

Thursday February 6, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm MST
430B Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

3:15pm MST

Morning Meetings In Elementary Classrooms

Thursday February 6, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MST

440

This presentation explores the critical role of morning meetings in fostering a positive classroom environment. Morning meetings are a foundational practice that sets the tone for respectful and engaged learning, creating a sense of community among students and teachers. We will discuss how these gatherings facilitate the modeling and practice of essential social and emotional skills, enabling students to develop empathy, communication, and collaboration abilities. By merging social, emotional, and academic learning, morning meetings enhance individual growth and promote a cohesive classroom culture. Join us to discover the effective use of technology to create strategies for implementing morning meetings and their profound impact on student relationships and overall classroom dynamics.

Speakers

Erika Willsey

Elementary Counselor, Twin Falls School District

I create content for elementary educators to facilitate teaching social and emotional skills with a focus on morning meetings.

Thursday February 6, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MST
440 Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

8:30am MST

Cybersecurity CTE Teaching Endorsement and Risk Assessment

Friday February 7, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am MST

440

This is a presentation for teachers and administrators. In this presentation, we will share how to earn the Career Technical Education (CTE) Cybersecurity Teaching Endorsement. We will also share what free and open source resources you can use to build your CTE Cybersecurity high school program. Supported by the Cyber Operations and Resilience degree program at Boise State University, we conduct risk assessments for school districts to improve cybersecurity posture. Learn how we can help you with your cybersecurity risk assessment.

Speakers

Sin Ming Loo

Professor/Director, Boise State University

Friday February 7, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am MST
440 Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

8:30am MST

Hands-on learning to implement drone curriculum into secondary STEM disciplines

Friday February 7, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am MST

110B

The hands-on workshop will run 3 hours for K-12 educators interested in implementing similar STEM activities into their teaching curriculum. Each will pick up a drone kit to build their small educational drone from scratch. The workshop organizer will provide the essential parts and components for coding exercises. The K-12 STEM educators will develop their own drone from scratch and a step-by-step building instruction will be provided by the instructor. The electronic version of the manual will also be provided, and technical issues/problems will be solved by interacting with the instructor at the IETA venue. The basic coding exercise using Arduino IDE and MIT Scratch will take place to control motors, adjust power to lift a drone from the ground, and discuss the fine-tuning methods for a safe flight. Understanding the instructor's federal regulations and safety guidelines is another avenue for all participants to fly their own drones safely and legally in the public domain. Each participant must bring their own laptop computer (preferably, Windows OS) equipped with a USB port. The workshop tuition is FREE for on-site registered personnel (Max 20 people) while an additional cost will be charged if the attendees want to keep their drones after workshop.

Speakers

Jae Ryu

Professor, University of Idaho

Dr. Jae Ryu is a Professor at the University of Idaho. His research interest is to advance environmental monitoring using Unmanned Aerial System (UAS, a.k.a drone). Dr. Ryu is currently hosting Idaho/Interstate Drone League (iDrone) to engage students through an immerse experimental... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am MST
110B Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

8:30am MST

Robot Simulator...NO Robots needed.

Friday February 7, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am MST

420A

Botball Virtual Simulator: Bringing Robotics to Life in the Classroom
Session Description:
The Botball Virtual Simulator, developed by the KISS Institute for Practical Robotics (KIPR), is a powerful educational tool that empowers educators to bring the exciting world of robotics into their classrooms. In this comprehensive session, attendees will explore the capabilities of the Botball Virtual Simulator and discover how to leverage this engaging platform to inspire students and foster their passion for STEM learning.
Key Topics Covered:

Navigating the user-friendly Botball Virtual Simulator interface and understanding its core functionalities
Designing and programming virtual robots to navigate complex environments, complete challenges, and showcase their autonomous capabilities
Integrating the Botball Virtual Simulator into lesson plans to reinforce key concepts in computer science, engineering, and problem-solving
Leveraging the simulator's extensive library of pre-built robot models and customization options to encourage creativity and critical thinking
Exploring the Botball Virtual Simulator's assessment and reporting features to track student progress and measure learning outcomes

Anticipated Outcomes:
By the end of this session, attendees will be able to:

Confidently utilize the Botball Virtual Simulator to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences for their students
Develop effective strategies for incorporating the simulator into their curriculum to support STEM education and foster 21st-century skills
Understand how to leverage the Botball Virtual Simulator's assessment tools to monitor student learning and optimize their instructional approaches
Feel empowered to introduce the Botball Virtual Simulator to their schools and classrooms, leading to increased student engagement, improved problem-solving abilities, and a deeper appreciation for the field of robotics

This session is designed for educators of all levels, from classroom teachers to STEM coordinators and school administrators, who are passionate about integrating cutting-edge technology into their teaching practices to inspire the next generation of innovators.

Speakers

Penni Aufderheide Keck

Jerome School District

Penni Aufderheide Keck is a highly experienced educator with 28 years of teaching under her belt. She is currently teaching at Jerome High School. She specializes in teaching robotics and technology, as well as CTE and Music. Her passion for education and her dedication to her students... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am MST
420A Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

10:15am MST

Enhancing 6-12 Education with Cybersecurity

Friday February 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am MST

110A

Join a CYBER.ORG curriculum specialist for an overview of our Intro to Cybersecurity course. The goal of this course is to introduce middle and high school students to basic cybersecurity concepts and inspire interest in cybersecurity careers. This course does not require any prerequisite knowledge in computing or cybersecurity for either the student or teacher.
In this session, our content experts will walk you through a variety of lessons that include unplugged activities, and cybersecurity labs using the CYBER.ORG Range. You will experience it through the eyes of a student, and we will also share tips for success! We encourage teachers to sign up for our no-cost curricula access(https://cyber.org/form/curricula-sign-up) and Range access (https://apps.cyber.org/apply) prior to the professional development session.

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

Friday February 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am MST
110A Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

10:15am MST

Magic School Ai

Friday February 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am MST

410C

The MagicSchool AI chatbot is a powerful tool designed to support educators in their day-to-day work. In this session, we will explore how this AI-powered assistant can streamline lesson planning, content creation, and classroom management tasks. Attendees will learn how to leverage the chatbot's natural language processing capabilities to generate engaging lesson plans, customize educational resources, and access a wealth of teaching strategies and best practices.
Key Topics Covered:

Harnessing the MagicSchool AI chatbot to enhance lesson planning and content creation
Utilizing the chatbot's knowledge base to access teaching techniques, classroom management tips, and subject-specific resources
Integrating the chatbot seamlessly into your existing workflow to save time and boost productivity
Exploring the chatbot's multilingual capabilities and customization options to meet the diverse needs of your students
Anticipated Outcomes:
By the end of this session, attendees will be able to:

Confidently use the MagicSchool AI chatbot to streamline their daily teaching tasks
Discover innovative ways to leverage the chatbot's capabilities to create engaging, personalized learning experiences for students
Understand how the MagicSchool AI can be tailored to their specific educational context and teaching style
Feel empowered to incorporate the chatbot into their classrooms and schools, leading to increased efficiency and improved student outcomes
This session is designed for educators of all levels, from classroom teachers to instructional coaches and school administrators, who are interested in exploring the transformative potential of AI-powered educational tools.

Speakers

Penni Aufderheide Keck

Jerome School District

Penni Aufderheide Keck is a highly experienced educator with 28 years of teaching under her belt. She is currently teaching at Jerome High School. She specializes in teaching robotics and technology, as well as CTE and Music. Her passion for education and her dedication to her students... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am MST
410C Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

10:15am MST

Scratching the Surface of Coding With Kids

Friday February 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am MST

120A

PBS KIDS ScratchJr. is a free coding app specifically designed for children in grades K-5. During this hands-on session, teachers will WATCH, PLAY, EXPLORE, CREATE & SHARE! They will take on the roles of Programmer, Background Designer, Character Designer, Sound Designer and Editor creating projects using their favorite PBS characters. Come learn to code with your favorite PBS characters, and develop curricular connections you can use in your classroom tomorrow.

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 →

Friday February 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am MST
120A Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

10:15am MST

Stress Less: From Frazzled to Focused

Friday February 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am MST

110D

What is stress? How can we not only survive stress but actually use it to make our lives better?

We will analyze sources of stress, discuss approaches to defuse stressful situations, and develop stress management techniques for both teachers and students such as mindfulness, active meditation, tapping and even color theory.

I will share and demonstrate a series of eight short (3-5 minute) mindfulness lessons you can take and use with students.

Then we will learn about the role of stress in job burnout and how we can make not every day a good day, but find good in every day.

Speakers

Christine Lake

High School Science Teacher, Idaho Virtual Academy

HS science teacher for over 10 years with a current teaching assignment of Honors Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Environmental Science and Computer Science Discoveries. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, a Master’s in Health Education degree both from Idaho State... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am MST
110D Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

1:00pm MST

CS 100: Not Intro to Programming

Friday February 7, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MST

110A

What, exactly, do students need to know about Computer Science (CS)? What skills can be presented that will transfer for those who continue in CS, but more importantly, for those who continue to different careers? This talk will focus on the approach taken in BSU's CS 100 - Introduction to CS Professions, including what is being taught and why. You'll get an overview of computer science, the career paths in computer science, careers that seem like they're computer science but aren't, and what your student can expect in a computer science degree. Participants will leave with answers for students' and parents' questions about computer science, resources to help guide students as they explore their career options (no matter what field they choose), an explanation of the skills students can learn in a CS class that aren't restricted to CS, and resources for incorporating these types of activities and lessons in their own classes (whether they're CS or not!).

Speakers

Kathryn Rodgers

Boise State University

Friday February 7, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MST
110A Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

1:00pm MST

FREE technology programs offered by the Idaho Department of Education

Friday February 7, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MST

110D

Learn about programs offered by the Idaho Department of Education and how to get involved. Programs offered: Adobe Express, Certification in Adobe and Microsoft, Coding in Minecraft

Speakers

Andrea Baerwald

Science and Technology Coordinator, Idaho Department of Education

Tell me about all the wonderful science and technology things you are doing in your classroom! Running into roadblocks? I want to hear about those as well.

Sydney Hansen

Idaho Department of Education

Friday February 7, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MST
110D Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

1:00pm MST

Innovating and inventing with students!

Friday February 7, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MST

110C

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, fostering innovation and invention among students is more crucial than ever. This session is designed to equip educators, mentors, and technology enthusiasts with practical strategies to inspire and guide students from beginner to intermediate levels in their journey towards becoming inventors and innovators.
Participants will explore a variety of tools and methodologies that can be seamlessly integrated into educational settings. The session will cover key topics such as cultivating a creative mindset, leveraging technology to solve real-world problems, and encouraging collaborative projects that stimulate inventive thinking.
Attendees will leave with a toolkit of actionable ideas to help students navigate the innovation process, from ideation to prototyping and beyond. Join us to unlock the potential of the next generation and empower them to shape the future through technology and creativity.

Speakers

Benjamin Davis

Cassia Joint School District

Lisa Hitt

Math and Science Teacher, Cassia Joint School District

Chrystelle Murdock

English Teacher, Cassia County School District/Oakley High School

Friday February 7, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MST
110C Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

1:00pm MST

Panel: Leveraging Idaho STEM Action Center Resources

Friday February 7, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MST

430A

Idaho educators discuss how they have leveraged the resources offered by Idaho STEM Action Center to improve their instruction and student outcomes.

Speakers

Dee Mooney

Idaho STEM Action Center

Friday February 7, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MST
430A Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

1:00pm MST

Tech Tools to Make Teaching Easier

Friday February 7, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MST

110B

This session will go over a variety of easy to use websites and tech tools to help new teachers or just any teachers wanting some new tools.

Speakers

Jamie Clark

8th Grade Science/ISTA Region 5 Representative, American Falls School District #381

Jamie has been teaching science in southeast Idaho for the past 10 years. She has taught 6th and 8th grades at William Thomas Middle School in American Falls. She is currently a region representative of the Idaho Science Teaching Association. When she is not in the classroom, Jamie... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MST
110B Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

2:00pm MST

Bridging AI and Education: Applying 1EdTech Standards to AI Goals

Friday February 7, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MST

110B

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the educational landscape, but its integration requires careful consideration to ensure ethical and effective use. In this session, participants will explore how the 1EdTech AI Data Rubric can help schools implement AI-driven tools in a way that promotes privacy, equity, and educational value. Drawing from experiences at Idaho Digital Learning Academy, we will discuss how to align AI initiatives with educational goals while safeguarding student data. This session is ideal for educators and technologists interested in the responsible use of AI in schools.
Outcomes: Attendees will:
Understand the 1EdTech AI Data Rubric and its application in K-12 settings.
Learn practical strategies for incorporating AI into teaching while ensuring privacy and equity.
Gain insights into aligning AI initiatives with school and district goals.

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 →

Friday February 7, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MST
110B Boise Centre West - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

2:00pm MST

Empowering the Future: Unleashing STEM and Career Potential with Learning Blade and Career Blade

Friday February 7, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MST

410C

Discover how Learning Blade and Career Blade, in collaboration with the Idaho STEM Action Center, are transforming the educational landscape by bridging the gap between classroom learning and high-demand STEM and career pathways. These online learning resources, aligned with the First Step Standards, offer hands-on, interactive activities and industry-aligned curricula that inspire students to pursue STEM subjects and prepare them for real-world challenges.
Educators will learn how to leverage these tools to empower themselves and their students. Learning Blade, designed for grades 5-9, introduces students to STEM careers through contextualized, integrated learning experiences. The platform’s newest AI module enables students to uncover the science behind artificial intelligence and explore emerging AI-oriented careers. Career Blade, suitable for K-12 students, engages learners in career exploration and provides career-specific activities that equip them with essential skills and knowledge for the future workforce.
Participants will also explore how the Idaho STEM Action Center supports and enhances the use of these platforms, providing additional resources to strengthen STEM education across the state.
Join us to dive into the future of STEM and career education with your fully funded account at www.learningblade.com/ID.

Speakers

Idaho STEM Action Center

STEM Ed. Coordination Officer, Idaho STEM Action Center

Mission StatementProviding coordination for statewide STEM education and activities to enhance opportunities for educators, students, communities, and employers in their work to build a competitive Idaho workforce and economy through STEM and computer science education.Vision StatementA... Read More →

Lauren Duris

Learning Blade

Friday February 7, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MST
410C Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner

2:00pm MST

Unlocking the World of eBooks

Friday February 7, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MST

430A

Discover the power of digital libraries with LiLI.org’s Gale eBooks and the IDEA by ICfL OverDrive collection. In this presentation, we’ll explore two leading e-book platforms designed to enhance research, learning, and leisure reading. Learn how to access, navigate, and utilize these platforms to support education, professional development, and personal reading. Whether you’re an educator or librarian this session will provide valuable insights into the features, benefits, and best practices for using LiLI.org’s Gale eBooks and the IDEA by ICfL OverDrive collection.

Speakers

Marina Rose

E-Resources Consultant, Idaho Commission for Libraries

Marina has been with the Idaho Commission for Libraries since 2022. In her current role, she oversees the LiLI databases and the IDEA collection, as well as manages the ShareIdaho program. She has worked in Idaho libraries since 2009 and has been an avid Overdrive user for nearly... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MST
430A Boise Centre East - 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Teachers/Instructional, Beginner