Academic Innovation Conference 2026: Full Schedule

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9:00am EDT

Work Smarter, Not Harder: AI Systems That Support Teachers

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

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

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

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