ITEC Fall Conference 2026: Full Schedule

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8:30am CDT

Do-It-Yourself Accessibility: Creating Digital Documents for All Students

Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT

Learn the basics of creating digital documents that are usable for students with and without disabilities. This session will introduce several fundamental practices for Word and Google Docs, including proper heading structure, meaningful links, and alt text. These practices improve access to teacher-created content for students who use assistive technology, such as text to speech, screen readers, and switch access. Leave with new skills for creating accessible documents, as well as free resources to go deeper and expand your skillset.

Speakers

Rob Carr

Accessibility Specialist, WebAIM and NCADEMI, Utah State University

Rob Carr is the Strategic Accessibility Coordinator at WebAIM and a Digital Accessibility Specialist at NCADEMI, the Office for Special Education Programs technical assistance center dedicated to assisting pre-K-12 state and local education agencies to provide more accessible educational... Read More →

Cynthia Curry

Previously submitted, Previously submitted

Previously submitted

Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
312

Featured

8:30am CDT

Your AI Treasure Chest: Creating & Sharing Gemini Gems

Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT

302/303

Gems are reusable, custom prompts that save your best AI workflows for instant access, and they are a game-changer for educators! In this deep-dive session you will learn how to create your own Gems, with tips for effective prompting and uploading reference files. We'll also cover how to share your Gems with colleagues and how schools can build a shared, high-quality Gem repository for staff and students. To see their full potential, we will tour my "EduGems" website and demonstrate powerful, ready-to-use prompts for lesson hooks, rubric generation, DOK analysis, and even creating AI-powered classroom games.

Speakers

Eric Curts

EdTech Trainer, Control Alt Achieve

Eric has been in education for 35 years, and currently serves as a Technology Integration Specialist for SPARCC in North Canton, Ohio. He also provides keynotes, professional development, and consulting for schools, organizations, and conferences around the world. Eric's areas of... Read More →

Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
302/303

Featured

8:30am CDT

Acing AI Literacy

Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT

304

Knowing how to write a prompt isn't AI literacy. Students also need to understand how AI works, question its responses, and make responsible decisions about when and how to use it. See how Council Bluffs Community School District uses the ACE framework (Awareness, Critique, and Exploration) to develop AI literacy across grades 2-12 through engaging, discussion-based lessons. Explore practical strategies, memorable analogies, and classroom-ready activities that help students build critical thinking, recognize AI's limitations, and become thoughtful, responsible users of AI.

Speakers

Tony Vincent

Learning and Technology Consultant, Tony Vincent, Inc.

I started teaching 5th grade in the 1900s. 💾 I’ve always been a geek for tech, so I maxed out my credit card to buy a laptop my first year of teaching. Laptops were very, very expensive back then, and schools did not supply them.

I loved what I could create for my fifth graders with that laptop. But I wanted my students to have that same joy of learning by creating. While we could march down to the computer lab (if there wasn’t already a class scheduled), in 2001 my district purchased Palm Pilots with keyboards... Read More →

Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
304

General Session

Strand Artificial Intelligence
Audience Instructional Coaches, Teacher Library, Classroom Implementation (Elementary), Classroom Implementation (Middle School), Classroom Implementation (High School)

8:30am CDT

CSTA Membership: Heads Up as to What You Get as a Member

Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT

308

Welcome to CSTA! We are so excited that you are a member (or are considering it). This session consists of making sure you have everything you need to access all of your member benefits. We'll provide you with resources to help you access (most of) everything available to you as a CSTA Member. Taking advantage of the plethora of member benefits is what we're striving to provide.

Speakers

Henry Ramirez

Central Region Chapter Support Coordinator, CSTA

I retired from teaching in 2021, with thirty years’ experience in education (9 yrs-bilingual/ESL teacher, 17 yrs-Instructional Technology Specialist, and 4 yrs-MS CS teacher). I served as the vice president of CSTA Greater Houston for four years (still a member/leader).Upon retiring... Read More →

Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
308

General Session

8:30am CDT

Gemini in Action: Streamlining Workflows & Elevating Productivity in Google Workspace

Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT

307

Discover how integrating Gemini across Gmail, Drive, Docs, and Slides can transform your daily educational workflow to save hours on manual tasks. This interactive session demonstrates practical strategies for leveraging AI to clear inbox clutter, rapidly locate and summarize drive resources, draft routine documentation, and auto-generate presentations. Educators will leave with actionable prompt frameworks and clear, real-world workflows they can implement immediately to reclaim valuable time.

Speakers

Hanna Hollamby

Digital Learning Consultant, Heartland AEA

Heartland AEA Digital Learning Consultant

Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
307

General Session

8:30am CDT

Leveling Up Leadership: 5 Engaging Protocols to Elevate Your Professional Practice

Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT

314

It is challenging to lead educators who are facing so many challenges in their classrooms or to lead other educational leaders who are putting everything they have into supporting and bringing out the best of each of our teachers and learners every day! Come and learn 5 easy and engaging protocols that will get your team meetings off to a great start as well as some messages that can set the tone and expectations for engagement and collaboration amongst your staff, leadership teams, or even in your classroom. This session will be highly interactive and you will be able to leave with ideas and tools you can use the very next day!

Speakers

Dr. Mona Yanacheak

Executive Director, Iowa ALTL

Serving in educational roles in K-12, postsecondary, and graduate-level coursework, I continue to be amazed at how much there is that we can learn and grow as professional educational leaders across our country! I am thrilled to lead an organization of innovators and educational administrators... Read More →

Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
314

General Session

8:30am CDT

The "Vibe Coding" Shift: Automating Google Tools with AI

Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT

316

Do you think Java Script is the writing on a Starbucks cup? Is HTML all IDK to you?
If you're a teacher, counselor, coach, or administrator who loves learning tech but has no coding experience, welcome to the era of vibe coding. Learn how AI can act as your personal programmer! Vibe coding can unlock new capabilities in your Google Workspace. Come to this session for an introduction to how a code can be bound to a Google App. See practical examples of how Google Apps Script can automate tasks, create custom features, and integrate Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, and Gmail.

Speakers

Kim Kult

Technology Integration Coordinator, North Polk CSD

Kim Kult is the Tech Integration Coordinator for the North Polk Community School District. She has been an educator for 20 years, with experience as a science teacher, instructional coach, and tech integrationist. She leads professional learning around how technology can be used to... Read More →

Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
316

Iowa Featured

9:30am CDT

A Sea of Choices: Considering data privacy, human in the loop, and research in AI use

Tuesday October 13, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT

302/303

The world of AI, particularly generative AI, has grown significantly over the last year to an almost overwhelming position. What does a classroom educator, IT team member, or administrator need to understand when examining AI tools for use in the classroom environment? We will explore the basics of data privacy, engagement in research backing, and how to keep a human in the loop with a technology that increasingly asking for decisions to be taken away from users. We will dive deep into emerging best practices for vetting tools and engaging with those tools safely and with an eye on what the developing research in telling us.

Speakers

Matthew Winters

Artificial Intelligence Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Matthew Winters is the AI Education Specialist at Utah State Board of Education (USBE). He was also the Utah Coalition for Educational Technology (UCET) President for 2022-2024, our Utah ISTE affiliate. He was one of the International Society for Technology in Education’s 20 to... Read More →

Tuesday October 13, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
302/303

Featured

9:30am CDT

Web Accessibility Takes a Village

Tuesday October 13, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT

312

Providing accessible instructional material and instruction isn't any one person's responsibility, it's shared across everyone who has an influence on our learning environments. Join me to learn how to broaden the conversation about accessibility in your agency and start to send the right message about how this should all work to a critical audience: leadership.

Speakers

Rob Carr

Accessibility Specialist, WebAIM and NCADEMI, Utah State University

Tuesday October 13, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
312

Featured

9:30am CDT

CS Elementary Integration & Application

Tuesday October 13, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT

308

During this session, there will be devices as well as plug-and-play to present to educators on how to integrate and not make it "one more thing" in the classroom for teachers. The new standards will be used to show how integration is happening in the K-6 classrooms in our small school district. Teachers will walk away with ideas and suggestions for integrating into their own classrooms.

Speakers

Shawna Harris

TK-12 Computer Science/Technology Coach, Woodbine Community School District

I have dedicated 31 years to K–12 education, primarily within a small, rural Iowa district (510 students). After 16 years as a fifth- and sixth-grade English language arts teacher, she moved into serving as a K–12 computer science teacher and technology coach for the past eight... Read More →

Tuesday October 13, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
308

General Session

Strand Computer Science, CSTA
Audience Classroom Implementation (Elementary), Classroom Implementation (PK-2), Instructional Coaches

9:30am CDT

Humanizing Education in the Age of Reactive Technology

Tuesday October 13, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT

315

More technology does not always lead to better results. Artificial intelligence has its place in education, but teachers are still the most valuable resource in schools. This session offers a high-impact framework for when to utilize AI effectively to improve learning without relying on it completely, minimizing the role of teachers. Complete with guidelines for teachers and students about when and how to use AI appropriately, this session also summarizes the big three laws regarding tech in education and how they apply to artificial intelligence so teachers can protect themselves and students while reducing busywork. Learn how teachers can balance AI and human interaction to focus their energy and limited time on what matters most in their classrooms.

Speakers

Keanon Lewis

Instructional/MTSS Coach, Pocahontas Area CSD

Keanon Lewis is an educational leader with experience as a 6–12 mathematics teacher, teacher mentor, Instructional/MTSS Coach, and TLC Coordinator. He is the owner of Shade Tree Custom School Solutions LLC, where he partners with schools to develop customized systems, processes... Read More →

Tuesday October 13, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
315

General Session

Strand Artificial Intelligence, Instructional Practices, Digital Teaching Tools and Game-Based Learning
Audience Classroom Implementation (High School), Classroom Implementation (Middle School), Instructional Coaches

9:30am CDT

SAMR Model: Let's Get Back to Meaningful Technology Uses in the Classroom

Tuesday October 13, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT

307

Technology is everywhere—but is it actually improving student learning? In this session, we'll revisit the SAMR Model as a practical framework for evaluating how technology is used in today's classrooms. Together, we'll examine whether our digital tools are simply substituting traditional tasks or truly transforming learning experiences.

Participants will explore best practices for meaningful technology integration, reflect on their own instructional choices, and leave with practical strategies to move beyond "technology for technology's sake." We'll discuss how students learn best, when technology enhances learning, when it becomes a distraction, and how to intentionally choose digital tools that promote creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and deeper understanding.

This session will provide actionable ideas and thoughtful reminders to ensure technology serves learning—not the other way around.

Speakers

Brittany Maassen

High School ELA Teacher, Sheldon Community School District

Hello! I'm Brittany Maassen, a high school English Language Arts teacher at Sheldon Community School District. Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to teach 4th grade reading, middle school reading, and now high school ELA, giving me experience working with students across... Read More →

Tuesday October 13, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
307

General Session

Strand Designing for Digital Learning, Instructional Practices
Audience Classroom Implementation (Elementary), Classroom Implementation (Middle School), Classroom Implementation (High School), Instructional Coaches

9:30am CDT

The Output Is Not the Learning

Tuesday October 13, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT

305

Bring one assignment you actually give. We'll hand it to AI and get back a complete response in about eight seconds — organized, on topic, free of errors. It would earn a B.

Then you'll take it apart in ninety seconds, because you can see what's missing and a chatbot cannot teach anyone to do that.

Most AI guidance prepared us for the wrong failure. We were told to watch for fabricated sources and bad math as things you catch by checking. This is different: there's nothing to catch. It's correct all the way down with no thinking in it anywhere.
The essay was never the learning. It was the best evidence of learning we had, and for a century it was excellent evidence. That link broke. Your teaching didn't.

You'll leave having added one line of sight to one assignment, in wording you'd really use, plus a card of ready-to-paste language for four more.

Speakers

Aaron Maurer

STEM Lead, MBAEA

STEM Lead Instructor on a mission to bring wonder and play back into the classroom. Known as “Coffeechug” to the education community, this lifelong learner with over 20 years of classroom experience thrives on sharing his craft with the world as teacher, website community creator... Read More →

Tuesday October 13, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
305

General Session

9:30am CDT

Coding Computational and Creative Thinkers: Reimagining Middle School Computer Science

Tuesday October 13, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT

306

What does modern middle school computer science look like when creativity, innovation, and hands-on learning take center stage? In this session, explore how an engaging 9-week eighth-grade computer science course was designed to develop computational and creative thinkers through real-world technology experiences. Participants will learn how students explored computational thinking, circuits with SnapCircuits, AI tools, 3D modeling and printing, block coding, Python programming, and drone certification in a dynamic and student-centered learning environment designed to keep all students engaged. Walk away with practical ideas, project examples, technology tools, and curriculum structures that make computer science meaningful, accessible, and exciting for middle school learners.

Speakers

Nicole DeGidio

Teacher/Technology Coach, Clayton Ridge Community School District

Nicole DeGidio is the 6-12 Technology Coach, MS Computer Science teacher and HS English and Digital Media teacher at Clayton Ridge Community Schools. Passionate about empowering students through technology, Nicole creates authentic, real-world learning experiences that blend innovation... Read More →

Tuesday October 13, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
306

Iowa Featured

Strand Computer Science, CSTA
Audience Administrators, Classroom Implementation (Middle School), Instructional Coaches

9:30am CDT

The Power of No: The Forgotten Leadership Superpower

Tuesday October 13, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT

316

Administrators and technology directors are constantly asked to do more with less, yet time and human capital are finite resources. In this session we will explore when the word "no" can be your best option as a district leader, how to deliver the message with respect and dignity, and why it has become essential to maintaining the effective operation of your organization.

Speakers

Steven Hopper

Director of Technology, Dallas Center-Grimes

Steven Hopper is shocked that 2026 marks the start of his 21st year as an educator. A former special education teacher, technology coach, curriculum leader, and school board member; Steven has supported multiple districts across central Iowa and currently serves as the Director... Read More →

Tuesday October 13, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
316

Iowa Featured

Strand Educational Policy and Leadership
Audience Administrators, IT Personnel, Instructional Coaches

9:30am CDT

The Coaching Huddle: Wins, Hurdles, and Open-Mic Solutions

Tuesday October 13, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT

314

As the school year gets underway, instructional coaches face a unique mix of high-stakes goals, calendar crunches, and relationship-building tasks. Join us for a collaborative round table dedicated entirely to participant-driven topics. We’ll kick off with a quick pulse check on how the launch of the school year is going, then open the floor to whatever is top of mind for you. From scaling impact and managing time to navigating pushback and amplifying classroom wins, this interactive session is built to give you peer feedback, fresh frameworks, and actionable strategies you can use tomorrow.

Speakers

Jamie Petersen

Technology Integrationist, Woodward-Granger CSD/ITEC Board of Directors

Hi! My name is Jamie Petersen and I am the K-12 Technology Integrationist for Woodward-Granger Community Schools in Central Iowa. I also sit on the ITEC (Iowa Technolgy Education Connection) Board of Directors. These roles allow me to serve educators in Iowa and around the country... Read More →

Tuesday October 13, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
314

Round Table Discussion

Strand Instructional Practices
Audience Instructional Coaches

11:00am CDT

As Good as It Gets: Navigating the Laws and Best Practices of Digital Accessibility

Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

312

Is your district's digital ecosystem Livin' la Vida Loca, or is it stuck in a maze of inaccessible PDFs, video platforms, and public portals? Digital accessibility in K–12 isn't just about your public website! It impacts every classroom app, student portal, and digital resource across your entire district. It’s time to stop sayin' I Want It That Way and start building an environment that works for Everybody (yeah!).
We’ll break down federal law, giving you the real deal on WCAG best practices for all staff members. Whether you're in IT, communications, the classroom, or leadership, join us to make your district's tech da bomb. U Can't Touch This level of inclusion!

Speakers

Jamie Petersen

Technology Integrationist, Woodward-Granger CSD/ITEC Board of Directors

Carrie Hillman

Vice President, ITEC

Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
312

General Session

11:00am CDT

Chuck Norris’ Secret Sauce to Sanity→ Productivity Smackdown

Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

302/303

Karate kick, round house and open a can of productivity awesomeness to supercharge your sanity. We all know that Chuck Norris is legendary for opening “a can” on any would-be challengers. When it comes to managing our work as educators, we can channel our inner Chuck Norris.

This high energy smackdown session will feature head-to-head productivity tips, tricks and strategies to open “a can” on time sucking tasks. From email and organization to curation and feedback, walk away with Chuck Norris approved skills that will revolutionize your productivity.

Speakers

Andrew Fenstermaker

Instructional Technology Coordinator, Iowa City Community School District

Andrew Fenstermaker is an influential leader in instructional technology, AI integration, and educational transformation. As an Instructional Technology Coordinator, he collaborates with administrators, curriculum coordinators, teachers, and students to operationalize best practices... Read More →

Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
302/303

General Session

11:00am CDT

Helping Schools Make Sense of AI

Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

305

AI conversations often begin with tools, policies, and concerns about misuse. While those conversations are important, they don't always help educators answer a more fundamental question: What do we want AI to support?

This session explores a practical, human-centered framework built around four questions that can help educators make thoughtful decisions about AI while keeping learning at the center of the conversation. Drawing from the ongoing work of Dallas Center-Grimes Schools, participants will explore how preserving what matters, building confidence, balancing consistency with professional judgment, and continuously learning from feedback can help schools navigate AI in ways that fit their own context.

Rather than offering one model to replicate, this session focuses on questions and ideas that teachers, instructional coaches, building leaders, and district teams can adapt to support meaningful learning, student thinking, and responsible AI use.

Speakers

Alex Glade

Curriculum Facilitator, Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District

Alex Glade is a Curriculum Facilitator with the Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District who is passionate about helping educators thoughtfully integrate technology to support meaningful learning. With more than 20 years of experience in education as a classroom teacher, digital... Read More →

Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
305

General Session

11:00am CDT

Linking literacy and computer science using hands-on robotics to improve student engagement

Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

308

Strawberry Hill Elementary has been working through the process of creating a computer science curriculum that is developmentally appropriate, hands-on, and incorporates different physical computing devices across grade levels.

Join us as we dive into our strategy for integrating KIBO (KinderLab Robotics) into the Kindergarten-2nd grade curriculum. We will cover the process of teaching coding & computer science using KIBO within a specialist rotation, and how we partnered with K-2 classroom teachers to integrate KIBO into literacy learning in the classroom to enhance student engagement.

Speakers

Laura Secrist Niklasen

Instructional Coach, Anamosa Community Schools

Laura Secrist Niklasen taught first grade for 18 years and is now in her 10th year as an instructional coach. She enjoys working collaboratively with the Literacy & Media teacher to help inspire teachers to use new technology in their classrooms and be able to interweave it into their... Read More →

Rachel Williams

Literacy & Media Teacher, Anamosa Community Schools

Rachel Williams is in her 6th year as the Literacy & Media Teacher at Strawberry Hill Elementary in Anamosa. She has a passion for hands on, engaging learning that supports every learner as they explore the worlds of reading and technology.

Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
308

General Session

Strand Computer Science, CSTA
Audience Classroom Implementation (Elementary), Instructional Coaches, Teacher Library

11:00am CDT

Stop Doing That Manually (There's a Script for That)

Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

315

You're copying and pasting the same data into three different spreadsheets. You're sending the same email to 47 parents. You're manually checking a gradebook that updates every night. What if Google just... did that for you?
Google Apps Script is a free, built-in tool that connects your Google Workspace apps and automates the repetitive tasks that eat up your time. No coding background required. In this session, you'll see real examples built for schools: automated parent communication, missing assignment trackers, mail merges, and more. Walk away with working templates and the confidence to start automating your own workflows.

You'll leave with:

A clear picture of what Google Apps Script can (and can't) do
Real-world examples you can take and use immediately
A starter template to customize for your own classroom or building

Speakers

Celeste Scott

K-12 Technology Integrationist, Indianola Community School District

Placeholder bio

Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
315

General Session

11:00am CDT

The intersectionality of Digital Accessibility and Universal Design for Learning

Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

311

Now more than ever we rely on digital learning environments that leverage online technology like Learning Management Systems, digital textbooks and materials, online discussion boards, and collaboration through online video interaction. This, coupled with the updated Americans with Disabilities Act Title II digital accessibility requirement has caused educators to re-think how the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can be applied to make online education accessible and engaging for students from different backgrounds, cultures, identities, and abilities. While conversation and training on UDL is now more welcomed at our institutions, conversations and training about digital accessibility still receives significant pushback.

Our institutions often miss the key intersectionality of digital accessibility and Universal Design for Learning and how, in many instances, the Principles of UDL go hand-in-hand with creating an accessible online learning environment.

This session provides key topics, techniques, and takeaways for designing and providing an online experience that is as accessible as possible for all students, prospective students, stakeholders, potential donors, and the community all while minimizing risk and becoming a leader in the world of digital learning. Participants will leave with actionable strategies they can immediately put in place to increase engagement in digital accessibility practices when creating and facilitating online courses using the lens of Universal Design for Learning.

Speakers

Dr. Ann Knettler

Vice President, Consulting, GrackleDocs

Ann currently serves as the Vice President of Consulting for GrackleDocs, a world leader in digital accessibility. An accessibility strategist with over 20 years of experience as an ADA and 504 Compliance Officer and Director of Disability Resources offices in the field of education... Read More →

Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
311

Vendor

Audience Classroom Implementation (Elementary), Classroom Implementation (High School), Classroom Implementation (Middle School), Classroom Implementation (PK-2), Classroom Implementation (Post-Secondary), Instructional Coaches

1:30pm CDT

Screen Time: A Practical Workshop

Tuesday October 13, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT

307

Screen time is a growing concern for families, educators, and policymakers, placing instructional coaches and administrators at the forefront of the conversation. This workshop is designed specifically for participants to examine instructional technology use, screen time philosophy, develop clear communication strategies, and build practical local guidance. Participants will explore responsible technology use and instructional quality. Through interactive participation, attendees will gain the tools needed to guide staff and families through today’s digital learning environment with confidence and clarity. The session will include exploring resources and resource development.

Speakers

Amy Wichman

Director of Media, Technology, and Digital Learning, Heartland AEA

Amy Wichman is an Iowa educational leader with extensive experience in instructional leadership, technology, digital learning, media services, cybersecurity, and organizational change. She currently serves as the Director of Media, Technology, and Digital Learning at an Iowa Area... Read More →

Tuesday October 13, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
307

Strand Educational Policy and Leadership, Instructional Practices
Audience Administrators, Classroom Implementation (Elementary), Classroom Implementation (PK-2), Instructional Coaches

1:30pm CDT

Tech Tools to Support all Learners

Tuesday October 13, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT

302/303

There are many tools, apps, extensions, and features available to assist all learners. In this session we take an in-depth hands-on look at a wide range of technology tools to assist any and all learners. These can include text-to-speech, speech-to-text, readability, reading comprehension, artificial intelligence tools, audio support, organization, focus, and more. Learn what tools are available and how to access and use these free tools with your students.

Speakers

Eric Curts

EdTech Trainer, Control Alt Achieve

Tuesday October 13, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
302/303

Featured

Strand Accessibility, Artificial Intelligence
Audience Classroom Implementation (PK-2), Classroom Implementation (Elementary), Classroom Implementation (High School), Classroom Implementation (Middle School), Instructional Coaches

1:30pm CDT

AI Adoption & Implementation: 2 District's Journeys

Tuesday October 13, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT

317

Every district is looking to adopt and utilize AI effectively within the classroom. There are many challenges that go along with that from planning, tech requirements, policies, community input, professional development, ongoing support, and AI capabilities that change monthly. Come to this session to hear about how the successes, challenges, and setbacks College Community CSD and Cedar Falls CSD have had on our journeys to effectively implement AI.

Speakers

Eric Townsley

Director of Technology, College Community CSD

ITEC Board Member

Brian Unruh

Director of Tech Integration, Cedar Falls Community School District

I am a current ITEC Board Member.

Tuesday October 13, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
317

General Session

Strand Technology Infrastructure, Educational Policy and Leadership, Artificial Intelligence
Audience Administrators, Instructional Coaches, IT Personnel, Teacher Library

1:30pm CDT

Knocking It Out of the Park: What Really Works When Implementing Canvas in K-5

Tuesday October 13, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT

315

Bringing Canvas to elementary classrooms takes more than a strong launch—it takes the right lineup, a clear game plan, and support that lasts well beyond opening day. After completing the first full year of district wide Canvas implementation in grades K–5, this session shares what helped move Canvas from a rollout initiative to an everyday instructional tool. Attendees will learn how a phased implementation plan, a teacher-leader coaching model, and targeted professional learning helped build confidence and consistency across elementary schools. Presenters will highlight real examples of Canvas in action, including district common assessments, curriculum collaboration, family communication, and student engagement beyond the classroom. The session will also showcase how blueprint courses, simplified templates, and AI-supported design tools can help teachers create age-appropriate, student-friendly experiences for younger learners. Participants will leave with practical strategies they can take back to their own districts and put into play right away.

Speakers

Jamie Bratvold

Assistant Principal (TOSA) / K-12 Ed Tech Curriculum Facilitator, Sioux City Community School District

She's a Big Deal

John Casotti

K-12 Ed Tech Curriculum Facilitator, Sioux City Community School District

class clown

Mike Crawford

LMS Admin, Sioux City Community School District

Carrie's big bro

Tuesday October 13, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
315

General Session

1:30pm CDT

So...What Are We Actually Doing About AI? A District’s Journey from Policy to Practice

Tuesday October 13, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT

306

In this session, Waukee CSD’s Technology and Innovation team will share our district’s journey from early AI guidelines to a districtwide approach connecting board policy, classroom practice, academic integrity, AI literacy, and professional learning.

We’ll share what we learned along the way, the conversations and decisions that shaped our approach, and the practical resources we created for staff and students, including Levels of Responsible AI Use, teacher decision guides, AI learning continuums, and a conversation-first approach to suspected AI misuse.

This isn’t a session about having AI all figured out. It’s about creating enough clarity and consistency to move forward. Attendees will leave with ideas, resources, and questions to help their own districts move from talking about AI to building an approach that works in practice.

Speakers

Erica Beals

TK-12 Technology & Innovation Coach, Waukee Community School District

K-12 Technology & Innovation Coach with a 9-12 Focus

Amanda DeGroote

TK-12 Technology & Innovation Coach, Waukee Community School District

K-12 Technology & Innovation Coach with a 6-8 Focus

Shannon Fleming

TK-12 Technology & Innovation Coach, Waukee Community School District

TK-12 Technology & Innovation Coach with a TK-5 Focus

Stacy Hansen

TK-12 Technology & Innovation Coach, Waukee Community School District

TK-12 Technology & Innovation Coach with a TK-5 Focus

Tuesday October 13, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
306

General Session

Strand Artificial Intelligence, Educational Policy and Leadership
Audience Administrators, Classroom Implementation (High School), Instructional Coaches

1:30pm CDT

The AI Task Force Playbook: Vetting Tools, Crafting Expectations, and Empowering Educators

Tuesday October 13, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT

304

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a future concept, it is actively shaping our schools today. However, turning high-level school board policies into clear, practical daily guidelines for teachers and students can be a daunting task.
In this session, Mr. Stevens will share the process that was used to form a collaborative AI Task Force across PK–12 grade levels and district leadership. Continue by sharing our process to build a comprehensive AI framework that moves beyond abstract rules to provide daily classroom clarity and expectations for AI use in the district for both teachers and students.

Speakers

Daniel Stevens

STEAM/Tech Integrationist, Hampton-Dumont CSD

I am a passionate educator with 10 years of experience dedicated to helping students develop the skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. I currently serve as the K–8 STEAM and Computer Science teacher at Hampton-Dumont Community School District, where I foster creativity... Read More →

Tuesday October 13, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
304

General Session

Strand Artificial Intelligence, Educational Policy and Leadership
Audience Administrators, Instructional Coaches, IT Personnel

1:30pm CDT

Hands-On Digital Accessibility: Build, Fix, and Apply in Real Time Workshop

Tuesday October 13, 2026 1:30pm - 3:20pm CDT

312

Creating an accessible digital environment isn't just an IT task. It has to be a district-wide priority and approach. Whether you work in communications, curriculum, classroom instruction, school administration, or technical support, your digital content impacts students, families, and staff every day.
This interactive, workshop-style session takes a practical approach to K–12 digital accessibility standards (including ADA Title II compliance). Instead of sitting through a continuous presentation, we will break down the process into clear, manageable steps. We'll introduce one core topic at a time and immediately give you dedicated working time to apply what you just learned directly to your own district materials, course pages, documents, or platforms.

Who Should Attend? Everyone! This session is open to all district staff with no technical background required. If you create, post, or manage digital content for students, parents, or colleagues, this workshop will give you immediate, practical tools to make your work inclusive for all.

What to Bring: Please bring a laptop and a few existing district documents, course materials, or web pages you would like to work on during the session!

Speakers

Rob Carr

Accessibility Specialist, WebAIM and NCADEMI, Utah State University

Carrie Hillman

Vice President, ITEC

Cynthia Curry

Previously submitted, Previously submitted

Previously submitted

Tuesday October 13, 2026 1:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
312

Workshop

2:30pm CDT

Sound Learning: Creating and Curating Podcasts for Students

Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT

302/303

Podcasts have long been a viable place for learning, interviews, and engaging content. They are also fairly easy to create with students to provide easily accessible projects for a variety of contexts. Join veteran podcaster and radio DJ Matthew Winters to explore how to create podcasts at a variety of skill levels and purposes. We will explore how to use AI to help build these experiences faster and to help students share their voices in their learning.

Speakers

Matthew Winters

Artificial Intelligence Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
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Featured

2:30pm CDT

From AI Tools to AI Workflows

Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT

305

You've been shown dozens of AI tools in the last two years. The number you still use is probably one or two.
That isn't a discipline problem. "What's the best AI tool?" has a shelf life of about six weeks with the model updates, the pricing changes, your district blocks it. The question that doesn't expire is: what's the workflow I want to own?
This session is a four-step pattern for answering that with Name, Map, Mark, Lock and three of the four steps never touch a product, which is exactly why workflows built this way survive when the tools change.
You'll watch one real workflow built live from scratch: sixty exit tickets, clustered by misconception instead of by score, running automatically every Friday afternoon. Then you'll design your own, and mark the steps where your professional judgment has to stay.
Tools are rented. Workflows are owned.

Speakers

Aaron Maurer

STEM Lead, MBAEA

Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
305

General Session

2:30pm CDT

Spark Creativity and Inspire Learning with MagicSchool AI

Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT

315

This cutting-edge AI platform is built just for educators, providing more than 100 tools to simplify teaching, create captivating materials, and improve classroom experiences. With user-friendly features, MagicSchool empowers teachers to focus on what truly matters: inspiring and educating their students. Come join this presentation and get resources you can start using today!

Speakers

Sabrina Edsen

3rd Grade Teacher/ Technology Integrationist, Lynnville-Sully Schools

*see other speaker form

Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
315

General Session

Strand Artificial Intelligence
Audience Administrators, Classroom Implementation (Elementary), Classroom Implementation (Middle School), Classroom Implementation (High School), Instructional Coaches, Teacher Library

2:30pm CDT

Tech Alone? Tech Together! Join the Iowa EdTech Collaborative

Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT

304

Feeling like you are on an edtech island in your district? You don't have to navigate device rollouts, AI tools, or tech integration alone. The EdTech Collaborative (ETC) brings together Iowa instructional coaches, tech integrationists, librarians, and tech leaders each month for zero-fluff, highly practical brainstorming and support.

Come learn how our statewide community works, hear real examples of how members share resources to save time, and leave connected to a network of Iowa peers who are working in the trenches with you every day. Whether you lead tech for a small rural district or coach teachers across a large high school, there is a seat at the table for you.

Speakers

Hanna Hollamby

Digital Learning Consultant, Heartland AEA

Heartland AEA Digital Learning Consultant

Celeste Scott

K-12 Technology Integrationist, Indianola Community School District

Bio coming soon!

Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
304

General Session

2:30pm CDT

Extend. Explore. Experiment.: Igniting Innovation Beyond the School Day

Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT

306

In this session, participants will discover how engaging, hands-on STEM experiences were designed to spark curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving for 6-12 learners. From robotics and engineering challenges to coding, digital creation, drones, makerspace activities, and emerging technologies, this session shares practical strategies for building a high-impact after-school program that students are excited to attend. Walk away with ideas for program structure, student engagement, funding opportunities, and scalable STEM activities.

Speakers

Nicole DeGidio

Teacher/Technology Coach, Clayton Ridge Community School District

Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
306

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