ITEC Fall Conference 2026: Full Schedule

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8:30am CDT

Your AI Treasure Chest: Creating & Sharing Gemini Gems

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

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

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

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

8:30am CDT

The Wins and Woes of Teaching AI: An Upper Elementary Library Case Study

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

306

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept, it’s actively shaping how our students search, create, and think. But how do you actually teach AI literacy to upper elementary students without getting bogged down in dense curriculum? How do you find resources that are a good fit for upper elementary? How do you do this in a library?
In this transparent, real-world case study, see a path of introducing AI to the upper grades in an elementary library. We’ll look at the journey and the practical reality of what it takes to launch an elementary AI unit.

Speakers

Lisa Newgard

Elementary Teacher Librarian, Cedar Falls CSD

I am a fifteen year PK-6 Teacher Librarian with a degree from the University of Northern Iowa. I serve as Cedar Falls Building Technology Leader, specializing in digital citizenship, research skills, and reading engagement. I focus on practical, classroom-ready technology integration... Read More →

Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
306

Iowa Featured

Strand Instructional Practices, Artificial Intelligence
Audience Classroom Implementation (Elementary), Teacher Library

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

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

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

Trash, Trackers, and Training Data: Authentic Machine Learning for Elementary Students

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

304

Artificial intelligence isn't just chatbots! In this hands-on session, you'll discover how to teach elementary students what machine learning is and how it works through authentic, real-world examples. Explore classroom-ready tools, like Micro:Bit CreateAI and Teachable Machine, as you train models to sort recycling, recognize movement like a smartwatch, and solve everyday problems. Leave with engaging activities and resources that help students understand AI by creating it themselves.

Speakers

Erica Smothers

K-6 Technology, Winterset Community Schools

I am a K-6 Technology teacher, at Winterset Community Schools, entering my 14th year in education. I am passionate about helping elementary students develop computational thinking, creativity, and digital citizenship through hands-on technology and computer science experiences.

Tuesday October 13, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
304

General Session

Strand Artificial Intelligence
Audience Classroom Implementation (Elementary)

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

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

Your Chatbot Is an App Builder

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

304

What if the AI chatbot you already use, like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude, could help you create custom tools for your classroom or school? Welcome to vibe coding, where you describe an idea and AI generates the code. No programming experience required.

Whether you want a classroom game, a randomizer, a timer, an interactive lesson, or a custom tool for your staff, your chatbot can help build it. Through demonstrations, real classroom examples, and practical prompting strategies, you'll discover how educators are turning simple ideas into useful web apps. You'll leave inspired with ideas you can adapt and the know-how to start creating apps of your own.

Speakers

Tony Vincent

Learning and Technology Consultant, Tony Vincent, Inc.

Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
304

General Session

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

Digital Feedback in the Age of AI

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

305

This session explores providing effective digital feedback, with and without AI. It focuses on applying principles of actionable, specific, timely, and targeted feedback in digital environments. Participants will gain strategies to improve feedback practices and empower student learning in the AI era. Feedback is too important not to do well.

Speakers

Patrick Donovan

Instructional Coach, Ames Community School District

Patrick Donovan is an educator who started out as a high school science teacher but has spent time as an instructional coach, technology integration specialist, and Director of Technology. He has presented on the use of educational technology at various state, regional, and national... Read More →

Tuesday October 13, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
305

General Session

Strand Artificial Intelligence
Audience Classroom Implementation (Elementary), Classroom Implementation (High School), Classroom Implementation (Middle School), Classroom Implementation (Post-Secondary)

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

Leveraging AI to Build Apps Round Table

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

314

Speakers

Joe Wakeman

Executive Director, ITEC

Tuesday October 13, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
314

Round Table Discussion

Strand Artificial Intelligence
Audience Administrators, IT Personnel

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

Gemini in the Classroom: Finding Your AI Twin

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

317

This session will explores how educators can leverage Google Gemini and Notebook to efficiently create, tailor, and differentiate lesson plans. Attendees will examine practical workflows for using artificial intelligence to adapt instructional materials for diverse learner needs.

Speakers

Lance Lennon

Tech Director, Eagle Grove Community School District

Lance Lennon has been in education for 20 + years, the last 18 have been as a technology director and technology integrationist. He is a Certified Casper Administrator, a DEN Star Educator, an Apple Teacher, a Google Certified Trainer, Google Certified Administrator, and a Google... Read More →

Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
317

General Session

Strand Artificial Intelligence

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

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