Academic Innovation Conference 2026: Full Schedule

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Mattering: Building the Foundation for Teacher Growth

LIMITED

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

Elm Room 134 B

Limited Capacity seats available

In this session, participants will explore the research and practical insights of Zach Mercurio and his book The Power of Mattering to examine how the experience of mattering shapes individual growth and overall retention. Grounded in the core practices of noticing, affirming, and needing, we will interrogate how these skills foster meaningful connections as foundations for resilient communities.

Through guided reflection, discussion, and application, participants will identify concrete strategies to intentionally recognize others’ contributions, communicate authentic value, and create environments where individuals feel relied upon and significant.

Speakers

Katie Matthews

New Teacher Support Coach, Appalachian State New Teacher Support

Katie Matthews is an Instructional Coach for the New Teacher Support Program (NC NTSP) who improves teachers’ instructional practices to enhance student learning and increase teacher efficacy. Katie believes cultivating authentic relationships focused on collaboration, unwavering... Read More →

Dr. Caroline Beam

Interim Regional Director and New Teacher Support Coach, Appalachian State University, New Teacher Support

Caroline Scott Armstrong Beam is a North Carolina New Teacher Support Coach with Appalachian State University who partners with teachers to explore their own professional goals by foregrounding assets and exploring goodness. Caroline believes that teachers who are new to this career... Read More →

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

Breakout Sessions, Mattering & Belonging

Company Appalachian State University
Audience Administrators / School Leaders, District Leadership, Specialists
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

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