Name: STEM Bridges: Building Academic Vocabulary Through Visual Learning and Family Engagement
Start: 2026-06-10T13:35:00-0400
End: 2026-06-10T14:35:00-0400

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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

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Academic Innovation Conference 2026

Kathy Evans

Tonya Denny

Attendees (3)

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Success you have shared X tickets.

Academic Innovation Conference 2026

Kathy Evans

Tonya Denny

Attendees (3)

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