iThink Academy 2024

Attending this event?

iThink Academy 2024

7:30am CDT

Registration/Check In

Monday July 22, 2024 7:30am - 8:00am CDT

8:00am CDT

Basic Sign Language for EVERYONE

Sign Language is a useful skill for anyone to learn. This session covers basic signs and gestures for commonly used phrases and words. You will be able to incorporate sign language into your daily interactions to promote inclusivity and accessibility for all.

Speakers

Audrey Harris

Monday July 22, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
Rm 326

8:00am CDT

Canva for Educators

This session is specifically designed for using Canva in the classroom to enhance the learning experience for teachers and students. You will learn how to create visually engaging educational materials such as presentations, worksheets, lesson plans, and more. With its user-friendly interface and customizable features, Canva for Educators aims to make it easier for educators to create high-quality and interactive content for their classrooms.

Speakers

Pam Davis

Tech Instructor, Poplar Bluff School District

Monday July 22, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
Rm 324

8:00am CDT

iReady Tips & Tricks

This session will provide helpful strategies for maximizing the effectiveness of using the iReady educational program, offering insights on how to navigate the platform efficiently and utilize its features to support student learning and progress. You will also learn practical advice on how to personalize learning experiences, track student performance, and address common challenges that may arise while using the program.

Speakers

Kasi Aldridge

Monday July 22, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
Rm 318

8:00am CDT

Rocketbook: How to Make the Most of your Reusable Notebook

This session will offer tips and guidance on how to maximize Rocketbook use. You will learn how to make the most of its reusable features such as erasable pages and cloud connectivity. You will receive practical suggestions on organizing notes, managing content, and integrating the notebook into daily tasks for efficiency and productivity.

Speakers

Juliana Schalk

Interventionist, Poplar Bluff R-I

Monday July 22, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
Rm 300

8:00am CDT

Make & Take Classroom Door Sign - 2 hour session ($25 extra fee)

DO NOT SIGN UP FOR A 9:00 SESSION

Create your own classroom door hanger. You will have 3 designs to choose from and all materials will be provided for you. No experience necessary - assistance will be provided if needed. This session costs an extra fee of $25 paid to the instructor the day of the session.

Speakers

Bree Savat

Canvas & Grain

Monday July 22, 2024 8:00am - 9:50am CDT
Rm 400

9:00am CDT

AI Basics for Teachers

This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the key concepts and applications of artificial intelligence in the field of education. Hopefully you will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively integrate AI technology into your teaching practices. Additionally, we will discuss the potential benefits and challenges of AI in education, emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations and responsible implementation strategies.

Speakers

Brooke Hansen

6th Grade Math and Geography

Monday July 22, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Rm 326

9:00am CDT

Boom Cards: Interactive Educational Tools

Boom cards are digital task cards that allow teachers to create interactive and engaging activities for students to practice various skills. They can be used for a wide range of subjects and grade levels, and are accessible on various devices.

Speakers

Sheila Condray

Monday July 22, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Rm 318

9:00am CDT

ELL for Elementary Educators and Administrators

ELL for Elementary Educators and Administrators is a guide that provides strategies and resources for effectively educating English Language Learners in an elementary school setting. It covers topics such as language development, cultural awareness, differentiation, and collaborating with families and other stakeholders to support ELL students in achieving academic success.

Speakers

Julie Antill

MELL Instructional Specialist, SEMO RPDC

Monday July 22, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Rm 402

9:00am CDT

Outsmart Your Brain: Hacking Retention

To ensure that students retain information, it is essential to engage them in active learning strategies such as summarizing, discussing, and applying their knowledge to real-world situations. This session will offer tips for providing relevant context for the information, creating a supportive learning environment, and offering regular opportunities for review and reinforcement.

Speakers

Baily Stevenson

Monday July 22, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Rm 300

9:00am CDT

Using Quizziz for Interactive Classroom Learning

Quizziz is a popular tool that promotes interactive learning in the classroom. It offers various accommodations and modifications to cater to different learning needs, making it an essential resource for teachers looking to engage their students effectively.

Speakers

Pam Davis

Tech Instructor, Poplar Bluff School District

Monday July 22, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Rm 324

10:00am CDT

AI Hacks for Teachers

The session will provide helpful tips and strategies for teachers to effectively utilize artificial intelligence (AI) in their classrooms. We will discuss ways in which AI can assist teachers in tasks such as grading assignments, providing personalized feedback to students, and creating engaging learning experiences. You will learn to incorporate AI-powered tools and platforms, using data analytics to track student progress, and leveraging virtual assistants for administrative tasks.

Speakers

Cassie Nobles

Language Arts Teacher, Poplar Bluff High School

Cassie Nobles is a seasoned educator with a passion for leveraging technology to enhance teaching and learning experiences within school environments. With a Master's Degree in Educational Technology and over 15 years of teaching experience, Cassie brings a wealth of knowledge and... Read More →

Monday July 22, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Rm 300

10:00am CDT

AI in Math Education

Using AI in the math classroom helps create personalized learning paths for each student based on what they need. AI can provide instant support to students through interactive exercises, making learning math more fun and engaging. Learn how you can use AI to create an infinite number of word problems, how you can differentiate for various groups of students or for individuals, how you can foster collaborative problem-solving, and facilitate real-time feedback.

Speakers

Brooke Hansen

6th Grade Math and Geography

Monday July 22, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Rm 326

10:00am CDT

ALL THINGS GOOGLE - SLIDES

Google Slides popular choice for creating professional presentations for work, school, or personal use. This session will cover how to create, edit, and share slideshows easily. You will learn a variety of tools and features, such as templates, themes, animations, and collaboration options.

Speakers

Lybby Mannon

Poplar Bluff Junior High

Monday July 22, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Rm 324

10:00am CDT

ELL for Secondary Educators and Administrators

ELL for Secondary Educators and Administrators is a guide that provides strategies and resources for effectively educating English Language Learners in an secondary school setting. It covers topics such as language development, cultural awareness, differentiation, and collaborating with families and other stakeholders to support ELL students in achieving academic success.

Speakers

Julie Antill

MELL Instructional Specialist, SEMO RPDC

Monday July 22, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Rm 402

10:00am CDT

Self Care for Teachers

Self-care for teachers is essential for their well-being and ability to effectively teach. This session will include prioritizing your physical, mental, and emotional health by practicing relaxation techniques, setting boundaries, seeking support from colleagues and mental health professionals, taking breaks, staying organized, and engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment. By taking care of yourself, educators can prevent burnout, reduce stress, and ultimately be better equipped to support their students and excel in their roles.

Speakers

Chris East

8th Grade ELA, Poplar Bluff R1 School District

Monday July 22, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Rm 318

10:50am CDT

Lunch - On Your Own

Monday July 22, 2024 10:50am - 12:00pm CDT

12:00pm CDT

Create Magic with the AI Design Tools in Canva!

Canva is not just for designing posters & invitations; there are a variety of educational templates available that will up the engagement level for your students! In this session, we will focus on Canva's newest additions that everyone with an education account has access to for FREE - there are more than 10 AI tools built into Canva to help you create presentations and images - all designed to save you time! Canva will quickly become your go-to tool!

Speakers

Dana Bruns

Instructional Technology Specialist, Jackson R2 Schools

Monday July 22, 2024 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Rm 402

12:00pm CDT

Go with the (Work)Flow: Making Google Docs and Drive Work for You

This session is aimed at helping educators effectively utilize Google Docs and Drive to streamline their work processes. You will receive tips, tricks, and strategies for maximizing the functionality and features of these tools for increased productivity and organization.

Speakers

Gretchen Pendley

Biology Teacher, Poplar Bluff R-1 School District

Monday July 22, 2024 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Rm 318

12:00pm CDT

Make Spelling More Than Just Lists

Incorporating spelling activities beyond simply memorizing lists can enhance learning and retention. This session will cover how to engage students in hands-on activities, games, and exercises that involve word manipulation, application in writing, and recognition in different contexts. Educators can make spelling practice more enjoyable, meaningful, and effective. This approach encourages students to develop a deeper understanding of spelling rules and patterns, ultimately improving their spelling skills.

Speakers

Carey Wilkerson

Reading and Math Interventionist, Oak Grove

Olivia Love

Monday July 22, 2024 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Rm 324

12:00pm CDT

Quick Reading Activities for Small Group Instruction

Have you ever seen low iReady scores in phonological awareness? Do you wonder what to do with them to increase their scores? This is an opportunity to learn what is included in phonological awareness, how this is the foundation of becoming a good reader, and what strategies you can use in your classroom the next day. This will be hands-on and very applicable to what you do in the classroom with your students.

Speakers

Kristin Brooks

Monday July 22, 2024 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Rm 300

12:00pm CDT

Student Leadership in the Classroom and Community

Encouraging student leadership in the classroom and community involves providing opportunities for students to take on responsibilities, make decisions, and collaborate with their peers. Learn how to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel empowered to voice their opinions, ideas, and concerns is essential.

Speakers

Jennie Randolph

English Teacher, Poplar Bluff High School

Monday July 22, 2024 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Rm 326

12:00pm CDT

Make & Take Classroom Door Sign - 2 hour session ($25 extra fee)

DO NOT SIGN UP FOR A 1:00 SESSION

Create your own classroom door hanger. You will have 3 designs to choose from and all materials will be provided for you. No experience necessary - assistance will be provided if needed. This session costs an extra fee of $25 paid to the instructor the day of the session.

Speakers

Bree Savat

Canvas & Grain

Monday July 22, 2024 12:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Rm 400

1:00pm CDT

Boom Cards: Interactive Educational Tools

Boom cards are digital task cards that allow teachers to create interactive and engaging activities for students to practice various skills. They can be used for a wide range of subjects and grade levels, and are accessible on various devices.

Speakers

Sheila Condray

Monday July 22, 2024 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Rm 318

1:00pm CDT

Building Thinking Classrooms with Wipebooks

This session will use the "Building Thinking Classrooms" approach incorporating wipebooks in the classroom to encourage students to engage in critical thinking and problem-solving activities. This model emphasizes collaborative learning, student exploration, and a growth mindset to foster a deeper understanding of concepts and promote student success.

Speakers

Tara Lance

Brandi Compass

Math Teacher, Poplar Bluff R-I

Monday July 22, 2024 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Rm 326

1:00pm CDT

Embracing Artificial Intelligence

Are you curious about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its potential to transform your teaching? This dynamic PD session will equip you with the knowledge and practical tools to confidently integrate AI into your classroom. We will:

Learn what AI can and cannot do to support students' learning.
Explore a range of AI-powered tools and resources that can personalize learning, automate tasks, and enhance student engagement.
Discover how AI can be used to:
- Differentiate instruction
- Provide personalized feedback and support.
- Create engaging learning experiences

(Grades K-12)

Speakers

Dana Bruns

Instructional Technology Specialist, Jackson R2 Schools

Monday July 22, 2024 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Rm 402

1:00pm CDT

Schoolytics: Leveraging Data for Improved Education Outcomes

Use Schoolytics to gather and analyze data on student performance, teacher effectiveness, and overall school operations. By utilizing data-driven insights, educators can make more informed decisions to improve student outcomes, identify areas for growth, and enhance overall performance in the classroom.

Speakers

Cassie Nobles

Language Arts Teacher, Poplar Bluff High School

Cassie Nobles is a seasoned educator with a passion for leveraging technology to enhance teaching and learning experiences within school environments. With a Master's Degree in Educational Technology and over 15 years of teaching experience, Cassie brings a wealth of knowledge and... Read More →

Monday July 22, 2024 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Rm 300

1:00pm CDT

Science of Writing - What does that Even Mean?

The Science of Writing in the classroom involves using evidence-based strategies and research to improve students' writing skills. This approach focuses on understanding the cognitive processes underlying writing, providing explicit instruction, and giving students opportunities to practice and receive feedback. This session will emphasis the incorporation the Science of Writing into the classroom where teachers can help students become more effective and confident writers.

Speakers

Carey Wilkerson

Reading and Math Interventionist, Oak Grove

Olivia Love

Monday July 22, 2024 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Rm 324

1:50pm CDT

SNACK BREAK!!!

Come to the Commons Area for a Snack Break. Grab a snack and head to your last session!

Monday July 22, 2024 1:50pm - 2:05pm CDT

2:05pm CDT

7-12 iThink Share Session

Were you not able to attend something, but still want to learn about it? Did you attend something cool today and would like to share with others? This session is all about our "take-a-ways" and how we plan to use these ideas in our classrooms.

Speakers

Chris East

8th Grade ELA, Poplar Bluff R1 School District

Lybby Mannon

Poplar Bluff Junior High

Monday July 22, 2024 2:05pm - 2:55pm CDT
Rm 300

2:05pm CDT

Google Workspace: Unleash the Power of the Latest Updates!

This presentation will focus on the updates to Google Workspace products from the past school year. From new features to enhanced collaboration tools, this session is a must for anyone wanting to stay at the forefront of digital productivity. Learn about changes to Docs, Slides, Calendar, Meet, Chrome, Classroom, Sites, Sheets, and Google Arts & Culture, as well as new accessibility features, advances in Artificial Intelligence, and new security updates. Whether you're a seasoned Google pro or just getting started, this session is packed with practical tips to help you leverage the full potential of these powerful updates.

Speakers

Dana Bruns

Instructional Technology Specialist, Jackson R2 Schools

Monday July 22, 2024 2:05pm - 2:55pm CDT
Rm 402

2:05pm CDT

PK-6 iThink Share Session

Were you not able to attend something, but still want to learn about it? Did you attend something cool today and would like to share with others? This session is all about our "take-a-ways" and how we plan to use these ideas in our classrooms.

Speakers

Carey Wilkerson

Reading and Math Interventionist, Oak Grove

Olivia Love

Monday July 22, 2024 2:05pm - 2:55pm CDT
Rm 326

2:05pm CDT

What TCC Can Offer Students, Staff, the Community, and Other Schools + Possible Tour

This session will be a brief overview of what TCC has to offer students, PB staff, the community, and surrounding schools. Depending on the construction status, this may be a walking tour presentation of the facilities.

Speakers

Abby Crites

Monday July 22, 2024 2:05pm - 2:55pm CDT
Rm 318

2:55pm CDT

Prizes - Must be Present to WIN!!!

Monday July 22, 2024 2:55pm - 3:00pm CDT
Commons Area