Academic Innovation Conference 2026: Full Schedule

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

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9:00am EDT

Code the High Seas: Sphero Pirates Set Sail

Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Set sail with River Bend Middle School’s first-ever robotics team and discover how to launch an engaging, equitable after-school STEM program from the ground up. In this session, participants will learn how Code the High Seas: Sphero Pirates Set Sail uses Sphero BOLT robots to foster hands-on coding, collaboration, and competitive robotics experiences for middle school students.
Attendees will explore practical strategies for building a sustainable robotics club, securing funding, structuring weekly practices, preparing for district competitions, and creating student-designed challenges that promote creativity and innovation. Walk away with actionable ideas, planning tools, and inspiration to launch or strengthen a robotics program that empowers students to become confident problem-solvers and future-ready learners.

Speakers

Jessica Esposito

Media Coordinator, Catawba County Schools

I am the Library Media Specialist at River Bend Middle School and former Digital Learning and Innovation Specialist for Alexander County Schools. I hold degrees from Onondaga Community College (A.A. Humanities), Buffalo State College (B.S. Exceptional Education), Saint Joseph College... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Sycamore Room 109

Breakout Sessions, AIM Grant Winner

Company Catawba County Schools
Audience Educators, Administrators / School Leaders, District Leadership
Subject AIM Grant Recipient, Coding, Robotics, STEM
global Y

9:00am EDT

Designing for Continuity: Remote Instructional Strategies

LIMITED

Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Elm Room 211 B

Limited Capacity seats available

This session highlights a pilot Remote Learning Project designated to strengthen instructional continuity by embedding self-directed learning (SDL) practices into the professional learning of twenty-two teachers through a stack of competency-based microcredentials.Teachers engaged in measurable, job-embedded professional development to design instruction that supports both in-person and remote learning environments.

Attendees will explore key instructional strategies developed through the project, such as intentional lesson design for remote contexts, effective communication and feedback plans, and strategies that promote student engagement. This session will feature examples to demonstrate how implementing these instructional strategies can improve clarity, responsiveness, and student engagement across learning settings.

In response to previous experience with unplanned remote learning such as the Global pandemic and regional hurricanes, this work reframes remote readiness as a proactive priority rather than a reactive measure. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to improve instructional design, strengthen communication and feedback, and enhance student engagement in any learning environment.

Speakers

Tyrel Winebarger

Assistant Director - Research and Evaluation, Appalachian St University

Jessie Peterson

Navigator for Learning in the Professions, Appalachian State University

Dr. Jessie Peterson is a Navigator for Learning in the Professions in the Office of Rural Promise Appalachian State University. She is also an Adjunct Instructor of Music at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. She holds a Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning from Clemson University, an M.M... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Elm Room 211 B

Breakout Sessions, Student-Centered Teaching

Company Appalachian State University, Office of Rural Promise
Audience Educators, Administrators / School Leaders, Researchers, District Leadership
Subject Student-Centered Teaching & Learning, Teacher Support Systems, Remote Learning
global Y

9:00am EDT

Don't Lose the Plot: Centering Human Skills in the Age of AI

LIMITED

Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Elm Room 202 B

Limited Capacity seats available

Middle schoolers are asking big questions: Who am I? Where do I belong? And does what I’m learning really matter? As they shape their own stories, students benefit from learning experiences that connect to their identities and the world around them. In this interactive session, educators from Hayesville and Heritage Middle share how global learning can foster critical thinking, empathy, and flexibility while helping students make meaning of what they learn and how they see themselves. Through real classroom examples, reflection, and practical strategies, you will explore ways to position learning as part of a larger narrative that deepens students’ connections to their peers, their communities, and the wider world.

Speakers

Amanda Bikowski

Global Leaders Strategy Coach, Participate Learning

Amanda Bikowski is a Global Leaders Strategy coach and Program Manager at Participate Learning. She supports schools across school districts in North Carolina to strategically plan and implement a global academic and career-readiness framework. Amanda partners closely with administrators... Read More →

Caroline Baker

Global Leaders Strategy Coach, Participate Learning

Caroline Baker serves as a Global Leaders Strategy Coach at Participate Learning, where she partners with schools to implement the Global Leaders framework, fostering globally-minded students and strengthening leadership across the school community. With a background as a special education teacher and a passion for action-driven learning, Caroline specializes... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Elm Room 202 B

Breakout Sessions, Affiliate Partner Session

Company Participate Learning
Audience Administrators / School Leaders, Counselors / Student Support, District Leadership, Educators, Specialists
Subject School Climate & Culture, Student-Centered Teaching & Learning, Global Education
global Y

9:00am EDT

Incorporating Exercise in Computer Science: A Cross-Curricular Collaboration

LIMITED

Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Elm Room 202 A

Limited Capacity seats available

In order to create a culture of activity, Advanced Game Art & Design students developed a video game that can be used by teachers to encourage their students to get up and move. The student-created game encourages students to do calisthenics in a way that is gamified. The class has a profile that they can customize and by doing simple calisthenics exercises can defeat enemies on screen. Designed for easy teacher adoption, the game can be quickly utilized in short play sessions. The game was piloted in computer science classrooms, and updates are planned to make it more friendly for use in Health Science, with plans for custom workouts and lesson plans in the works.

Speakers

Joe Gragg

Teacher, Watauga High School, Appalachian State University

Joe Gragg is a Computer Science teacher at Watauga High School and an adjunct educator for Appalachian State University, where he teaches high schoolers and future teachers ways to make Computer Science fun. His chief focus is in video game design and developing ways to incorporate... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Elm Room 202 A

Breakout Sessions, Student-Centered Teaching

Company Watauga County Schools
Audience Educators
Subject Student-Centered Teaching & Learning, Collaborative Learning Opportunities
global Y

9:00am EDT

Next Gen Educators

LIMITED

Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Sycamore Room 108

Limited Capacity seats available

Our grant provided additional support to beginning teachers in our district with the goal of increasing retention within our communities. Each semester, two teachers worked with a specialist who observed in their classrooms, provided feedback, helped with materials and resources, and accompanied them on observations at other district schools. During each term, five other teachers in the district also engaged in observations and reflection related to their content areas.

In this session, participants will engage in scenarios and role playing to remind themselves of what it is like to be a beginning teacher. With struggles ranging from classroom management and lesson planning to data analysis and types of assessments, new educators, especially those who are residency licensed, struggle with juggling all of the pieces. The discussion and scenarios will provide you with ideas on how to support beginning teachers in your building as they navigate all of their responsibilities.

Speakers

Christy Arrowood

Instructional Coach, Burke County Public Schools

I am the secondary instructional coach for Burke County Public Schools. I serve alI all secondary science and band teachers. I am also the school instructional coach for Draughn High School and Heritage Middle School. I facilitate learning in the classroom and work closely with... Read More →

Donna Duncan

Instructional Coach, Burke County Public Schools

Hello! I am an Instructional Coach with Burke County Public Schools. My content area is 9-12 English and 9-12 Chorus and Visual Arts; however, I serve all subjects at East Burke High School. One of my most fulfilling roles as a Coach is working with beginning teachers at various... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Sycamore Room 108

Breakout Sessions, AIM Grant Winner

Company Burke County Schools
Audience Educators, District Leadership, Administrators / School Leaders
Subject Teacher Support Systems, AIM Grant Recipient
global Y

9:00am EDT

Nontraditional Nonfiction

LIMITED

Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Sycamore Room 107

Limited Capacity seats available

One of the keys to success in postsecondary learning is the ability to read, comprehend, and internalize meaning from non-fiction texts. As students move up through grade levels and into postsecondary learning, they move from "learning to read" into "reading to learn". College readiness assessments, such as ACT, ATI-TEAS, the GRE, other pre-licensure exams, have a focus on nonfiction reading skills in the majority of their passages. We will identify some non-traditional, but yet practical materials for nonfiction reading for middle school and high school, as well as how to engage in evaluative writing and values clarification exercises through the text. The speaker will model one mini lesson from his teaching experience; participants will collaboratively workshop activities that could spring from the text, as well as additional lessons from other career-related, non-traditional texts.

Speakers

Wes Calbreath

Asst Director, App State GEAR UP

Wes is the Assistant Director of College Access Services for App State GEAR UP. Prior to joining App State, Wes taught English/Language Arts in Title 1 schools for 7 years before becoming a school counselor. He won Teacher of the Year at the school level for his work with students... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Sycamore Room 107

Breakout Sessions, College & Career Ready

Company Appalachian State GEAR UP
Audience Educators, Administrators / School Leaders, Counselors / Student Support, Specialists
Subject College & Career Readiness
global Y

9:00am EDT

Tough Love- How to Manage Behavior While Building Relationships

LIMITED

Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Elm Room 134 B

Limited Capacity seats available

We all want to create a classroom that is engaging while also maintaining behaviors that allow for learning. Love and Logic is the perfect method to get this done. In this session, participants will be introduced to tried-and-true methods that can be implemented in the classroom tomorrow. They will have an opportunity to practice these methods as well as work to update/change their classroom rules and procedures to better align with this methodology.

Speakers

Erin Leatherman

Teacher/Lead Teacher, McDowell County Schools

Erin is currently in her 19th year of teaching English Language Arts. This is her 16th year in middle school, and she has taught every grade level from 7th to 12th grade. She also serves as a Lead Teacher in her school and district. She is a current participant in the Rural Teacher... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Elm Room 134 B

Breakout Sessions, Mattering & Belonging

Company McDowell County Schools
Audience Administrators / School Leaders, Counselors / Student Support, District Leadership, Educators
Subject School Climate & Culture, Mattering & Belonging
global Y

9:00am EDT

Work Smarter, Not Harder: AI Systems That Support Teachers

LIMITED

Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Sycamore Room 106

Limited Capacity seats available

Teachers are expected to manage curriculum, policies, communication, differentiation, and data—often across disconnected systems. The result is not a lack of effort, but a lack of time and clarity.
This session shares how our rural school redesigned its approach by using technology to do the heavy lifting for teachers. By combining a centralized school website hub with AI-powered “Brains” (NotebookLM), custom GPTs, and Gemini Gems, we created a system where teachers can instantly access answers, resources, and support—without searching, guessing, or feeling overwhelmed.
Participants will see how this ecosystem works together:

A schoolwide digital hub as the single source of truth
AI tools that answer questions, summarize documents, and guide decisions
Custom-built tools that support real teacher workflows

Speakers

Heather Payne Herron

Instructional Technology Facilitator, Swain Middle School (Swain County Schools)

My name is Heather Payne Herron, and I am an Instructional Technology Facilitator at Swain Middle School in Bryson City, North Carolina. A proud graduate of Swain County Schools, I have spent all 33 years of my teaching career serving the students of Western North Carolina. I began my journey teaching 5th grade... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Sycamore Room 106

Breakout Sessions, AI in Education

Audience Educators, All Levels, Administrators/School Leaders, Counselors/Student Support, Specialists, District Leadership
Subject AI
global Y

9:00am EDT

STEM on the Go

LIMITED

Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Elm Room 234

Limited Capacity seats available

STEM on the GO is a dynamic, mobile learning experience designed to bring science, technology, engineering, and mathematics directly to students wherever they are. This hands-on program encourages curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving through engaging, real-world STEM challenges.
What makes STEM on the GO truly special is that middle school students lead the learning. Empowered as mentors and station facilitators, they guide local elementary students through interactive activities, model leadership skills, and help younger learners explore STEM concepts in fun and meaningful ways.
Elementary students rotate through a variety of student-led stations, working collaboratively to design and test solutions while discovering how STEM connects to their everyday lives. The experience supports critical thinking, teamwork, and a growth mindset—igniting excitement for STEM across grade levels.

Speakers

Jennifer Blake

Teacher, McDowell County Schools, Foothills Community School

I am a passionate educator with 21 years of experience. As a National Board Certified educator, I am committed to providing students with a strong foundation in math while fostering a love for learning. Believing that every student has the potential to succeed, I tailor lessons to... Read More →

Sandra Gunter

Teacher, McDowell County Schools, Foothills Community School

I feel so blessed to be serving the families at FCS! Excellent teachers along the way fostered my learning and encouraged me to follow my dreams. I aim to pay it forward and encourage everyone to discover and follow their passions! I hold Bachelor's degrees in both Aerospace... Read More →

Tosha Ramsey

Teacher, Foothills Community School

This is my fifth year at Foothills Community School. Before becoming a teacher, I worked as an accountant and HR Manager for over 20 years. I earned my associate's degree from Isothermal Community College and my bachelor's degree from Gardner-Webb University. My husband is also... Read More →

Katie McFarland

School Counselor, Foothills Community School

I was grateful to start as the Counselor at FCS in February of 2021! Before I was at FCS, I worked as a teacher assistant/bus driver in Rutherford County for 4 years. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Appalachian State University and my Master’s in School Counseling... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Elm Room 234

Learning Lab, Student-Centered Teaching

Company McDowell County Schools
Audience Educators, Administrators / School Leaders, Counselors / Student Support, District Leadership
Subject STEM, Student-Centered Teaching & Learning
global Y

9:00am EDT

In Our Own Words: The High School Students' Perspective on Education

LIMITED

Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Ferguson Auditorium

Limited Capacity seats available

As educators, we talk A LOT about data-informed practice and we use tools like test scores, grades, attendance statistics, graduation rates etc. to tell the story of our success, of what works, and what doesn't. But, when is the last time that you meaningfully asked an actual student what's working for them, what they like or don't like, or what motivates them? Often absent in our storytelling are our students' actual stories and apathy is rooted in exclusion! In this session a group of 8 high school students will tackle big questions like these, giving you candid insight into how they're experiencing education: what strategies work, what strategies don't, what matters to them, what do they wish educators knew?

Speakers

Taylor Rae Dodge

Gear Up Coordinator, Swain County Schools

See other proposals' entry

Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Ferguson Auditorium Fernihurst Dr, Asheville, NC 28801, USA

Panel, Real Stories for Educators

Company Swain County Schools
Audience Educators, Administrators / School Leaders, Counselors / Student Support, Specialists, District Leadership, Higher Education, Researchers, Community / Industry Partners, Other
Subject Stories of Resilience, Mattering & Belonging, Student Presentation
global Y

10:10am EDT

Beyond Inclusion: Practicing Cultural Responsibility in the Classroom

LIMITED

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am EDT

Elm Room 202 B

Limited Capacity seats available

This interactive panel will share firsthand perspectives and resources for how schools can meaningfully engage and support Indigenous students. Through guided discussion, panelists will explore how educators can build trust with Native students and families, create culturally safe classrooms, and integrate Indigenous perspectives into daily lessons year-round. Conversations will center around thoughtful approaches to incorporating Indigenous lessons and knowledge to our westernized education system. Attendees will gain practical tools, educational resources, and a deeper cultural understanding to foster a more inclusive, engaging, and respectful learning environment for Indigenous students and their peers. First-voice accounts of her K-12 years will be shared by Nola Pina (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) and resources provided by the Museum of Cherokee People for educators will be shared by Chapman Herlihy. Attendees will be able to ask questions throughout the session and may also be invited to break out into small conversational groups.

Speakers

No-La Pina (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians)

Lead Atsila Anotasgi Cultural Specialist, Museum of the Cherokee People

Nola Pina (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) grew up in the Big Cove community on the Qualla Boundary. Her passion for cultural preservation is what drives her to continue to take in as much knowledge as she can every day. As the Lead Atsila Anotasgi Cultural Specialist at the Museum, Nola enjoys demonstrating and teaching finger-weaving (she is a first-generation finger weaver herself), as well as storytelling and leading tours. Nola can often be found reading and adding to her personal library about Cherokee history, life, culture, and other Indigenous... Read More →

Chapman Herlihy

Curriculum Coordinator, Museum of the Cherokee People

Chapman Herlihy is the Curriculum Coordinator at the Museum of the Cherokee People. Her role includes working on educational projects and resources that impact both the museum and Great Smokey Mountains National Park. These K-12 resources support Cherokee-centric curriculum and educator development. Prior to this, Chapman worked as a Partner of the National Park Service... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am EDT
Elm Room 202 B

Breakout Sessions, Affiliate Partner Session

Company Museum of the Cherokee People
Audience Administrators / School Leaders, Educators, Higher Education
Subject School Climate & Culture, Student-Centered Teaching & Learning, Family Engagement, Mattering & Belonging
global Y

10:10am EDT

Building Leaders, Teams, and Organizations Amplified by Humanity in the Age of AI

LIMITED

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am EDT

Elm Room 202 A

Limited Capacity seats available

AI is transforming every sector but the organizations winning the future are the ones keeping humans at the center. This session shows leaders how to shift from seeing AI as a set of tools to mastering it as a true teammate, one that expands the intelligence, creativity, and strategic capacity of every person and team. Grounded in human-centered design, we’ll explore how to build systems where AI enhances empathy, sharpens judgment, and strengthens relationships rather than replacing them. Participants will see live demonstrations of how AI can elevate the “superpowers” already inside their organizations via pattern recognition, rapid communication, decision-making, coaching, prototyping, scenario planning, and problem-solving. Through real-world use cases and hands-on modeling, leaders will learn how AI can help teams work smarter: clarifying priorities, reducing noise, simplifying workflows, and turning raw data into insight within seconds. Just as importantly, they’ll explore the cultural side of how to create environments where AI increases trust, belonging, and equity while giving employees more time for meaningful, human work. Attendees will walk away with practical prompts, AI frameworks, and a teammate-ready tools that empowers their organization to become more adaptive, innovative, and human than ever.

Speakers

Bryan Setser

CEO, Setser Group

Results-driven executive edupreneur transforming K-12, higher ed, non-profits and businesses through innovation, AI strategy and change leadership. A former teacher, principal and Chief Quality Officer of the Baldrige-winning Iredell-Statesville district, Bryan pioneered digital learning... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am EDT
Elm Room 202 A

Breakout Sessions, AI in Education

Company Setser Group
Audience Administrators / School Leaders, Counselors / Student Support, District Leadership, Educators, Specialists, Researchers, Higher Education, Community / Industry Partners, Other
Subject AI
global Y

10:10am EDT

Finding Strength Despite Challanges: A High School Story of Resillance

LIMITED

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am EDT

Elm Room 134 A

Limited Capacity seats available

This is a personal story about the challanges of a teenager faced with having a physical disability, struggling of finding her place and purpose, struggling with anxiety and wanting to quit school.

This is a personal story of determination and resillance with having a special high school teacher and a single parent, mother, believing in her so much that they taught her how to advocate for herself and overcome the struggles she faced. This is my story! My high school journey may have been a difficult one and I value all I learned including the awesome mentorship that was created from that time. The experiences and challanges, good or bad, shaped me into the person I am today and without them I may not hold the same values I do today. As a person working with the GEAR UP Grants, I believe in the value of this program. At the time I was in high school, the program, GEAR UP was not a part of the school. I see how it would have been a great benefit for me to have that guidance during my high school journey.

You are invited to attend this session and listen to a story of a shy high school student without any confidence blossom into a self-determined creative individual that guides, teaches and advocates for others' needs for success for high school and beyond.

Speakers

Susie Bryson

College and Career Access Coodinator, Student Services: GEAR UP/On Ramp Program

As the College & Career Access Coordinator for Southwestern Community College, I work very closely with the GEAR UP and On Ramp Grants within three school districts. For over 15 years, I’ve taught independent living skills and pre-transitional employment strategies to students... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am EDT
Elm Room 134 A

Breakout Sessions, Real Stories for Educators

Company Southwestern Community College
Audience Educators, Counselors / Student Support, Specialists, Higher Education, Community / Industry Partners, Other
Subject Stories of Resilience
global Y

10:10am EDT

From Moo to You: Exploring Agriculture, Technology, and Careers through STEAM

LIMITED

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am EDT

Sycamore Room 109

Limited Capacity seats available

Discover how a middle school CTE teacher and Media Coordinator transformed agricultural education through an innovative partnership with the Discover Dairy Adopt-a-Cow program. “From Moo to You” blends virtual farm tours, career exploration, nonfiction literacy integration, and hands-on learning to connect students with real-world agriculture and STEAM pathways.
Participants will explore how virtual farmer interviews, dairy-based inquiry activities, and curated nonfiction texts increased student engagement, strengthened cross-curricular connections, and expanded awareness of agricultural careers. This session highlights practical strategies for collaboration between CTE and library programs while building meaningful community partnerships.
Attendees will leave with ready-to-implement ideas for integrating agriculture, literacy, and workforce readiness into their own classrooms.

Speakers

Jessica Esposito

Media Coordinator, Catawba County Schools

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am EDT
Sycamore Room 109

Breakout Sessions, Student-Centered Teaching

Company Catawba County Schools
Audience Educators, Administrators / School Leaders, Specialists
Subject Student-Centered Teaching & Learning, Collaborative Learning Opportunities
global Y

10:10am EDT

Learning Without Limits: Building Self-Directed Learners

LIMITED

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am EDT

Elm Room 211 B

Limited Capacity seats available

This session highlights a pilot Innovation Cohort project designated to develop educators’ capacity to implement the five-step process for supporting students in Self-Directed Learning (SDL), cultivate teacher leadership, and foster a networked learning community that extends beyond traditional district boundaries. Self-Directed Learning (SDL) is a dynamic instructional strategy that fosters student autonomy by encouraging learners to take charge of their learning process. Malcolm Knowles's five-step model includes: Diagnosing learning needs, Establishing learning goals, Identifying resources, Choosing strategies, and Assessing outcomes.

In this session, participants will explore practical applications of SDL through classroom examples that can be utilized within a single class period and/or embedded across a unit of study. By intentionally teaching students how to use each component of Knowles’s model, teachers can cultivate independence, strengthen problem-solving skills, and encourage meaningful ownership of learning. Integrating SDL into instruction empowers students to become adaptable, resourceful learners who are better prepared to navigate both academic and real-world challenges.

Speakers

Tyrel Winebarger

Assistant Director - Research and Evaluation, Appalachian St University

Jessie Peterson

Navigator for Learning in the Professions, Appalachian State University

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am EDT
Elm Room 211 B

Breakout Sessions, Student-Centered Teaching

Company Appalachian State University, Office of Rural Promise
Audience Educators, Administrators / School Leaders, Researchers, District Leadership, Counselors / Student Support
Subject Student-Centered Teaching & Learning, Self-Directed Learning
global Y

10:10am EDT

Outdoor Learning Classroom

LIMITED

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am EDT

Sycamore Room 108

Limited Capacity seats available

Creating an Outdoor Learning Classroom: From Grant Vision to Student Impact
This breakout session showcases the development of an outdoor learning classroom funded through the AIM Grant at a rural high school in Ashe County, North Carolina. The project transformed a courtyard into a flexible instructional space that supports hands-on learning, student engagement, and college and career readiness. Participants will learn practical strategies for planning, implementing, and sustaining outdoor learning environments, as well as lessons learned throughout the process. Attendees will leave with ideas they can adapt to their own schools to expand experiential learning opportunities beyond the traditional classroom.

Speakers

Nikki Eason

High School Agriculture Teacher, Ashe County High School

Nikki Eason is a high school agriculture teacher in Ashe County, North Carolina, teaching Animal Science and Horticulture. She holds a degree in agricultural education and focuses on creating hands-on, student-centered learning environments. Through the AIM Grant, she led the development... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am EDT
Sycamore Room 108

Breakout Sessions, AIM Grant Winner

Company Ashe County Schools
Audience Educators, Counselors / Student Support, Administrators / School Leaders
Subject Collaborative Learning Projects, AIM Grant Recipient
global Y

10:10am EDT

Tapestry of Belonging 2.0

LIMITED

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am EDT

Sycamore Room 107

Limited Capacity seats available

“A Tapestry of Belonging: Where All Students Feel Welcome, Empowered, and Valued” invites educators to reimagine their classrooms and schools as dynamic, interconnected spaces where every student’s identity and voice matter. Using the powerful metaphor of a tapestry—where each thread contributes to a stronger whole—this session explores how fostering belonging can transform school culture, student engagement, and academic success.
Participants will engage in interactive strategies that promote social awareness, empathy, and collaboration, including activities such as Synectics, Hexagonal Thinking, and structured peer dialogue. Grounded in access-focused education, this session highlights practical approaches for creating welcoming environments through differentiated instruction, culturally responsive practices, and relationship-centered teaching.
Attendees will leave with actionable tools to build welcoming classroom spaces, strengthen student voice, and support all learners. Ultimately, this session empowers educators to intentionally weave compassion, understanding, and accessibility into their daily practice—creating learning environments where every student feels seen, heard, and a true sense of belonging.

Speakers

Brittany Brady

Academic Innovation Specialist, Appalachian State GEAR UP

Yolanda Adams

Assistant Director for Student Leadership & Family Outreach, GEAR Up Appalachian State University

Yolanda Adams, originally from Bogotá, Colombia, has proudly called Boone, North Carolina home for over two decades. Her life’s work is rooted in service, advocacy, and a deep commitment to expanding opportunity for all students, families, and communities.
For more than ten years, Yolanda served Watauga County Schools, where she worked directly with students and families to bridge language, cultural, and access gaps. In December 2023, she began a new chapter as Assistant Director for Student Leadership & Family Outreach with GEAR UP... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am EDT
Sycamore Room 107

Breakout Sessions, Student-Centered Teaching

Company Appalachian State GEAR UP
Audience Educators, Administrators / School Leaders, Counselors / Student Support, Specialists, District Leadership, All Levels
Subject School Climate & Culture, Student-Centered Teaching & Learning
global Y

10:10am EDT

The Power of Our Stories: Building Staff Morale and Community Through Identity, Recognition, and Storytelling

LIMITED

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am EDT

Sycamore Room 106

Limited Capacity seats available

Teacher morale and burnout are critical challenges in today’s schools—especially in rural communities where educators often carry multiple roles and responsibilities. This session shares how one school intentionally rebuilt staff culture through storytelling, identity, and structured recognition.
Using a creative, schoolwide approach, staff members were highlighted and celebrated for their unique strengths and contributions. Colleagues participated in anonymous appreciation and recognition, capturing authentic moments of impact that are often overlooked in daily practice. These stories were shared with staff and are being compiled into a collective narrative that reflects the heart of the school community.
What began as a simple idea evolved into a sustainable system for recognition—one that strengthened relationships, elevated morale, and reinforced a shared sense of purpose.
Aligned with The Power of Our Stories, this session demonstrates how schools can intentionally design structures that celebrate educators, amplify positive narratives, and build a culture where every staff member feels seen, valued, and connected.

Speakers

Heather Payne Herron

Instructional Technology Facilitator, Swain Middle School (Swain County Schools)

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am EDT
Sycamore Room 106

Breakout Sessions, School Culture

Audience Educators, Administrators/School Leaders, Counselors/Student Support, Specialists, District Leaders
Subject School Climate & Culture
global Y

10:10am EDT

Becoming a Creative Engineer: Data-Driven STEM Lessons Powered by AI

LIMITED

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am EDT

Elm Room 234

Limited Capacity seats available

In this hands-on Learning Lab, educators will explore the intersection of STEM, Creativity, and Artificial Intelligence. We shift the focus from AI as a shortcut to AI as a "Creative Partner" that assists in designing cross-curricular projects. Participants will engage in a tiered design challenge: first, using AI to brainstorm unique, standard-aligned STEM scenarios; second, engaging in a physical prototyping activity (using "low-floor, high-ceiling" materials); and third, using a "Data-to-Design" framework to determine which instructional style—direct, collaborative, or exploratory—best fits their students' current needs.
By the end of the lab, teachers will have a toolkit for creating "Expanded Learning Opportunities" that foster student autonomy. We will specifically address how to use predictive analytics and formative data to pivot between activities, ensuring that every lesson is tuned to the classroom's "vibe" and academic readiness. This session is a blueprint for reducing Teacher Burnout by automating the heavy lifting of lesson planning while reclaiming the joy of creative, applied practice.

Speakers

Vickie Bryan

Teacher, Wilkes County Schools

I am currently a middle school math teacher in Wilkes County. I have taught in both private and public schools and have experience teaching all the core subjects, cooking, and music. I am currently working on my graduate certificate in school leadership.

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am EDT
Elm Room 234

common, AI in Education

Company Wilkes County Schools
Audience Educators, Administrators / School Leaders, Specialists, Other
Subject AI, STEM, Teacher Support Systems
global Y

10:10am EDT

In Our Own Words: Middle School Students' Perspective on Education

LIMITED

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am EDT

Ferguson Auditorium

Limited Capacity seats available

As educators, we talk A LOT about data-informed practice and we use tools like test scores, grades, attendance statistics, graduation rates etc. to tell the story of our success, of what works, and what doesn't. But, when is the last time that you meaningfully asked an actual student what's working for them, what they like or don't like, or what motivates them? Often, absent in our storytelling are our students' stories! In this session a group of 6 middle school students will tackle big questions like these, giving you candid insight into how they're experiencing education: what strategies work, what strategies don't, what matters to them, what do they wish educators knew?

Speakers

Taylor Rae Dodge

Gear Up Coordinator, Swain County Schools

See other proposals' entry

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am EDT
Ferguson Auditorium Fernihurst Dr, Asheville, NC 28801, USA

Panel, Real Stories for Educators

Company Swain County Schools
Audience Educators, Administrators / School Leaders, Counselors / Student Support, District Leadership, Higher Education, Researchers, Specialists, Community / Industry Partners, Other
Subject Stories of Resilience, Mattering & Belonging, Student Presentation
global Y

1:35pm EDT

Creating Innovators: How Principals and Teachers Build a Shared Vision for Engaged, High-Impact Learning

LIMITED

Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:35pm - 2:35pm EDT

Elm Room 134 B

Limited Capacity seats available

Many principals and teacher leaders feel trapped in the day-to-day demands of schooling, leaving little time to build a clear vision for the future. This session explores how leaders at any level can move from managing challenges to creating meaningful change by translating deep listening and empathy into a shared school vision.
Using real stories from the transformation of rural North Carolina school districts, participants will see how listening to students, teachers, families, and community partners helped create innovative learning opportunities in entrepreneurship, STEAM, workforce development, and global learning. More importantly, the session will focus on how school leaders can replicate this process within their own buildings.
Participants will learn practical strategies for uncovering their school community’s aspirations, crafting a clear and inspiring vision, empowering early adopters, and building the conditions that allow innovation to grow. Through reflection activities and implementation tools, attendees will leave with a practical roadmap to help their own schools move from reacting to problems to intentionally creating the future their students deserve.

Speakers

Dr. Barbara Zwadyk

High Point University

Dr. Kim Morrison

CEO, K & E Innovative Leadership, LLC

Dr. Kim Morrison is a Superintendent in Residence for The Innovation Project. She is the former Superintendent ofMount Airy City Schools (MACS). Dr. Morrison recently led a 21-million-dollar project in 55 schools in eight school districts. The overarching goal of this federal project... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:35pm - 2:35pm EDT
Elm Room 134 B

Breakout Sessions, School Culture

Company K & E Innovative Leadership
Audience Educators, Administrators / School Leaders, Counselors / Student Support, Specialists, District Leadership
Subject School Climate & Culture, Teacher Support
global Y

1:35pm EDT

Empowering Changemakers: The Global Leaders Teacher Fellowship

LIMITED

Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:35pm - 2:35pm EDT

Elm Room 202 B

Limited Capacity seats available

Learn how the Global Leaders Teacher Fellowship empowers educators to design meaningful, standards-aligned learning experiences that build globally competent, career-ready students, especially by helping rural learners connect their local communities to a wider global context. In this session, participants will explore the Fellowship structure, engage with the “pay attention, feel connected, take action” framework, and examine real examples of action-driven projects that connect learning to real-world impact. Attendees will leave with an understanding of how the Fellowship supports teacher growth through coaching, collaboration, and microcredentials, while expanding their ability to create globally relevant learning experiences.

Speakers

Caroline Baker

Global Leaders Strategy Coach, Participate Learning

Amanda Bikowski

Global Leaders Strategy Coach, Participate Learning

Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:35pm - 2:35pm EDT
Elm Room 202 B

Breakout Sessions, Affiliate Partner Session

Company Participate Learning
Audience Educators, Counselors / Student Support, Administrators / School Leaders, District Leadership
Subject Global Education, Collaborative Learning Projects, Student-Centered Teaching & Learning
global Y

1:35pm EDT

From Confusion to Clarity: Making Learning Visible for Every Student

LIMITED

Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:35pm - 2:35pm EDT

Sycamore Room 106

Limited Capacity seats available

Students cannot succeed in systems they do not understand. Too often, standards remain abstract, expectations are unclear, and students are left guessing what success looks like.
This session explores how our school is transforming instruction by making learning visible through proficiency scales, Marzano’s mastery approaches, and competency-based practices. Supported by initiatives such as NASoT and the Golden LEAF Grant, this work focuses on one essential goal: clarity for every student.
Participants will see how standards are unpacked into clear learning progressions, how expectations are communicated in student-friendly language, and how classrooms are shifting toward ownership and growth.
Aligned with The Power of Our Stories, this session highlights how clarity changes the student experience—building confidence, increasing engagement, and creating more equitable learning environments.

Speakers

Heather Payne Herron

Instructional Technology Facilitator, Swain Middle School (Swain County Schools)

Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:35pm - 2:35pm EDT
Sycamore Room 106

Breakout Sessions, Student-Centered Teaching

Company Swain County Schools
Audience Educators, District Leadership, Administrators / School Leaders, Counselors / Student Support, Specialists
Subject Student-Centered Teaching & Learning
global Y

1:35pm EDT

From Holler to Higher Education: A Personal Testimony about the Impact of TRiO Programs

LIMITED

Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:35pm - 2:35pm EDT

Elm Room 222

Limited Capacity seats available

TRiO programs rode a federal roller coaster throughout 2025 and it may not be over yet. At times, our communities and representatives have come dangerously close to losing sight of what these programs are, what they do, and the life-changing impact they can have. In this auto-biographical session, the speaker will guide you through her own life's journey as a first-generation, low-income student from rural Madison County, vulnerably sharing the obstacles she faced and the ways that TRiO programs helped her build a better future, both for herself and for the future students she would eventually be called to serve as a college access advisor. Along the way, she'll support her personal narrative with data and statistics about TRiO programs (GEAR UP, Upward Bound, McNair Scholars, Talent Search, Student Support Services, etc.), painting a full picture of TRiO's value and openly discussing what the future might hold.

Speakers

Taylor Rae Dodge

Gear Up Coordinator, Swain County Schools

See other proposals' entry

Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:35pm - 2:35pm EDT
Elm Room 222

Breakout Sessions, Real Stories for Educators

Company Swain County Schools
Audience Educators, Administrators / School Leaders, Counselors / Student Support, District Leadership, Specialists, Higher Education, Researchers, Community / Industry Partners, Other
Subject Stories of Resilience, Mattering & Belonging, Student-Centered Teaching & Learning
global Y

1:35pm EDT

Immersion Days: A Transition from Test Prep to Active Learning

LIMITED

Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:35pm - 2:35pm EDT

Sycamore Room 107

Limited Capacity seats available

Speakers

Tiffany Clapsaddle

Brittany Brady

Academic Innovation Specialist, Appalachian State GEAR UP

Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:35pm - 2:35pm EDT
Sycamore Room 107

Breakout Sessions, Student-Centered Teaching

Company Appalachian State GEAR UP
Audience All Levels, Administrators / School Leaders, Counselors / Student Support, Educators, Specialists
Subject Student-Centered Teaching & Learning

1:35pm EDT

Leaders in Bloom: Cultivating Change by Nourishing the Roots

LIMITED

Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:35pm - 2:35pm EDT

Sycamore Room 109

Limited Capacity seats available

This engaging breakout session equips educators with innovative, hands-on strategies to strengthen students’ social-emotional skills through both nature-based learning and immersive technology. Participants will explore the design and implementation of a gardening-focused SEL group, where students build self-regulation, responsibility, patience, and teamwork while nurturing living plants. Practical tips, lesson ideas, and structures for integrating gardening into the school day will be shared, making it accessible for a variety of school settings.
In addition, this session introduces a powerful professional development approach using Virtual Reality to build empathy and deepen staff understanding of student experiences. Attendees will learn how VR scenarios can simulate real-life challenges—such as trauma, stress, and unmet basic needs—helping educators reflect on their responses and strengthen relationships with students.
By combining experiential learning with cutting-edge technology, this session provides tools to foster connection, compassion, and emotional growth in both students and staff. Participants will leave with ready-to-use ideas, increased awareness, and a renewed sense of purpose in supporting the whole child.

Speakers

Brittany Perry

School Social Worker, Ashe County Schools

Brittany Perry is a school social worker with 13 years of experience, including 8 years serving students in middle school, high school, and early college settings. She is passionate about helping young people reconnect with who they are, build resilience, and learn life skills that... Read More →

Autumn Chamberlain

School Social Worker, Ashe County Schools

Autumn Chamberlain brings over 12 years of experience in social work, serving children, families, and vulnerable individuals through roles as a school social worker, with Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services, and in an Assisted Living environment. Guided by her Christian... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:35pm - 2:35pm EDT
Sycamore Room 109

Breakout Sessions, AIM Grant Winner

Company Ashe County Schools
Audience Educators, Administrators / School Leaders, Counselors / Student Support, Community / Industry Partners
Subject Student-Centered Teaching & Learning, Experimental Learning, School Climate & Culture, AIM Grant Recipient
global Y

1:35pm EDT

Promoting Student Research with the Western North Carolina Research Fellows Program

LIMITED

Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:35pm - 2:35pm EDT

Elm Room 134 A

Limited Capacity seats available

This session will provide details of how the Society of Science partnered Appalachian GEAR UP to build a STEM educator community among the GEAR UP Middle Schools in Western NC. The lead team, ambassador and lead fellows, attended the Middle School Research Teacher Conference in Washington, D.C sponsored by the Society of Science. The leadership team gained valuable insight, research resources, and collaborated with teachers all over the US about student research. The next step was a one day in person Kick Off with the entire cohort, a lead ambassador, two lead fellows, 16 research fellows, and Society of Science representatives. During this professional development training, the research fellows experienced research firsthand using Science News, Science News Explorer, and science equipment. They worked in a team acting like students going through the entire research process. After the in person workshop, the research fellows and lead fellows met in monthly virtual coaching sessions discussing the progress and activities completed in their classrooms. The collaboration promoted teacher knowledge and activities to conduct student research in their classrooms. The session will provide tips and tricks for starting science research in any classroom as well as sample projects that were conducted.

Speakers

Christy Arrowood

Instructional Coach, Burke County Public Schools

Allyson McFalls

Allyson McFalls is a 21 year veteran NBCT educator, with experience across grades 6-8 in both science and ELA. She has successfully coached students through local, regional, and state competitions each year for over 20 years, and enjoys collaborating with other educators to expand... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:35pm - 2:35pm EDT
Elm Room 134 A

Breakout Sessions, Affiliate Partner Session

Company Society for Science
Audience Educators, Counselors / Student Support, Administrators / School Leaders, District Leadership, Specialists, Higher Education, Researchers, Community / Industry Partners, Other
Subject Student-Centered Teaching & Learning, Action Research in the Classroom
global Y

1:35pm EDT

READY, SET, LIFE! How to prepare your students for life beyond high school.

LIMITED

Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:35pm - 2:35pm EDT

Elm Room 202 A

Limited Capacity seats available

BREAKOUT SESSION: READY, SET, LIFE! How to prepare your students for life beyond high school.
This session will act as a transition service for those students transitioning from high school to college or from college to adulthood. We want to provide some of the tools we believe are necessary for those work base experiences and transitional steps. These are tools that students may need in order to be successful with non-academic goals as well as skills necessary to becoming more independent and resilient within their lives.

By providing guidelines and tools for students they will learn how to become successful young adults transitioning from others solving their problems to being able to solve their own. Whether it be learning how to do laundry for the first time to learning how to prepare meals to setting their own alarm to get to class on time. We want to equip students with tools for the journey and how to take steps necessary for success. This session will give some practical information and time for discussion on how to best give students and opportunity to thrive as independent young adults and how you as an educator, counselor or natural support are able to share your expertise through your own story or support their efforts of learning how to ready, set, LIFE!

Speakers

Hope Gambill

GEAR UP Coordinator, Ashe County Schools

Hi everyone! My name is Hope Gambill. I am from Sparta, NC.I earned my bachelor’s degree at UNC Chapel Hill and double majored in Political Science and Philosophy. I am currently working on completing my master’s in Higher Education focusing on University and Community College... Read More →

Susie Bryson

College and Career Access Coodinator, Student Services: GEAR UP/On Ramp Program

Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:35pm - 2:35pm EDT
Elm Room 202 A

Breakout Sessions, Student-Centered Teaching

Company Southwestern Community College
Audience Educators, Counselors / Student Support, Specialists, Higher Education, Community / Industry Partners
Subject Student-Centered Teaching & Learning
global Y

1:35pm EDT

STEM Bridges: Building Academic Vocabulary Through Visual Learning and Family Engagement

LIMITED

Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:35pm - 2:35pm EDT

Sycamore Room 108

Limited Capacity seats available

STEM Bridges addresses the critical intersection of language acquisition and content mastery through a district-wide initiative serving multilingual learners in rural Ashe County, North Carolina. This session presents a model for creating portable STEM learning kits that circulate among educators, students, and families—transforming how schools support vocabulary development in all curricular areas. Participants will explore strategies for making abstract terminology concrete through visual learning tools, hands-on manipulatives, and family engagement workshops. The program builds sustainable systems for collaboration between ESL educators, content teachers, and media specialists. Attendees will leave with ideas for designing visual vocabulary resources, practical frameworks for facilitating family STEM nights, and creating cross-departmental professional learning communities. This session demonstrates how strategic resource sharing and culturally responsive teaching practices can dismantle language barriers that prevent students from accessing rigorous STEM coursework and future career opportunities.

Speakers

Kathy Evans

Ashe County Schools

Tonya Denny

Media Coordinator/SparkLab Leader, Ashe County High School

Tonya Denny, a native of Ashe County, North Carolina, serves in dual roles as Media Coordinator and SparkLab Leader at Ashe County High School. After earning her Bachelor's degree in K-6 Education and Master's degree in Library Science from Appalachian State University, Tonya has... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:35pm - 2:35pm EDT
Sycamore Room 108

Breakout Sessions, AIM Grant Winner

Company Ashe County Schools
Audience Educators, Specialists, Counselors / Student Support, Higher Education
Subject Student-Centered Teaching & Learning, Collaborative Learning Opportunities, Family Engagement, School Climate & Culture, AIM Grant Recipient
global Y

1:35pm EDT

Transforming Math in the Middle

LIMITED

Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:35pm - 2:35pm EDT

Elm Room 234

Limited Capacity seats available

Transforming Math in the Middle: Designing Classrooms Where Students Think, Talk, and Thrive
Middle school is a critical time for shaping students’ mathematical identity. Too often, students disengage; not due to lack of ability, but because classroom structures limit opportunities to think, collaborate, and persevere.
In this interactive session, participants will experience what a thinking-centered math classroom looks and feels like. Designed for middle grades educators, this session explores practical strategies that promote student discourse, productive struggle, and collaborative problem solving—while aligning with the 8 Mathematical Practices and the North Carolina Standard Course of Study.
Participants will engage in meaningful math tasks, examine instructional moves that shift cognitive responsibility to students, and reflect on how intentional classroom structures foster confidence, engagement, and ownership of learning.
This session emphasizes creating inclusive environments where all students see themselves as capable mathematicians who can reason, communicate, and grow.
Educators will leave with ready-to-implement strategies and a renewed vision for what is possible in middle school math classrooms.

Speakers