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Tuesday, October 13
 

8:30am CDT

Acing AI Literacy
Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
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
avatar for Tony Vincent

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

8:30am CDT

CSTA Membership: Heads Up as to What You Get as a Member
Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
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
avatar for Henry Ramirez

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

8:30am CDT

Gemini in Action: Streamlining Workflows & Elevating Productivity in Google Workspace
Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
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
avatar for Hanna Hollamby

Hanna Hollamby

Digital Learning Consultant, Heartland AEA
Heartland AEA Digital Learning Consultant
Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
307

8:30am CDT

Leveling Up Leadership: 5 Engaging Protocols to Elevate Your Professional Practice
Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
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
avatar for Dr. Mona Yanacheak

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

8:30am CDT

Literacy & CS in the Elementary Classroom: Connect, Explore, Integrate
Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
Ignite your classroom with dynamic activities that combine literacy and computer science! Discover powerful, engaging lessons that spark creativity, boost critical thinking, and make literacy + CS an unforgettable adventure for every student.
Speakers
avatar for Sabrina Edsen

Sabrina Edsen

3rd Grade Teacher/ Technology Integrationist, Lynnville-Sully Schools
*see other speaker form
Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
315

8:30am CDT

Qweebi
Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
Qweebi is an online makerspace platform that allows students to complete hands-on STEM projects directly on their computers. Designed for grades 3–8, it offers ready-to-use, standards-aligned projects that can be searched by grade level or topic. Each project includes complete Google Slide lessons with built-in teaching videos and instructional materials, making implementation simple for teachers.
Students can progress through projects at their own pace while teachers maintain classroom control by locking levels to keep students on track. The platform encourages testing, problem-solving, and improvement through virtual engineering challenges. I have used multiple Qweebi projects with different grade levels and have seen students actively engage in critical thinking and problem-solving throughout the process. Because everything is completed digitally, no additional supplies, setup, or cleanup are required.


I would be happy to run a session to introduce this STEM platform to teachers. I would have them be the "student" to work through a bit of a lesson and then show them how to manage it all from the teacher's view. 
I really enjoyed utilizing these lessons along with the other things I do in my STEAM class and wanted to tell others about it.  This virtual platform would be simple to implement in a regular classroom as well since it is all online. 


Speakers
avatar for Liz Sisler

Liz Sisler

Elementary STEAM teacher, Des Moines Christian School
This will be my sixth year teaching K–5 Elementary STEAM. I am passionate about fostering curiosity, collaboration, and problem-solving through hands-on learning experiences. My background in early childhood education showed me the value of active exploration, and I enjoy bringing... Read More →
Tuesday October 13, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
305

9:30am CDT

CS Elementary Integration & Application
Tuesday October 13, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
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
avatar for Shawna Harris

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

9:30am CDT

Humanizing Education in the Age of Reactive Technology
Tuesday October 13, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
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
avatar for Keanon Lewis

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

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
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
BM

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

9:30am CDT

The Output Is Not the Learning
Tuesday October 13, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
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
avatar for Aaron Maurer

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

9:30am CDT

Trash, Trackers, and Training Data: Authentic Machine Learning for Elementary Students
Tuesday October 13, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
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
avatar for Erica Smothers

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

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
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
avatar for Jamie Petersen

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 →
avatar for Carrie Hillman

Carrie Hillman

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

11:00am CDT

Chuck Norris’ Secret Sauce to Sanity→ Productivity Smackdown
Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
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
avatar for Andrew Fenstermaker

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

11:00am CDT

Ctrl+Alt+Lead: Rebooting Your Tech Decision-Making
Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
When a computer freezes, we hit Ctrl+Alt+Delete to clear the system and start fresh. But what do you do when a major technology rollout freezes due to user resistance, poor communication, or lack of buy-in? You have to Ctrl+Alt+Lead.
Managing a major device change is less about the hardware and more about change management. In this session, we will look at real-world examples of leading successful device transitions from the ground up. We will break down how to "reboot" your approach by establishing meaningful feedback loops with stakeholders (teachers, students, and parents) and executing a transparent communication plan that minimizes panic and maximizes excitement. Don't just deploy devices—lead the transition.
Speakers
ET

Eric Townsley

Director of Technology, College Community CSD
ITEC Board Member
Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
317

11:00am CDT

Helping Schools Make Sense of AI
Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
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
avatar for Alex Glade

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

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
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
LS

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 →
avatar for Rachel Williams

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

11:00am CDT

Make it real- the impact of Authentic Learning/ Problem-based Learning in the middle levels.
Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Come for examples, ideas and lessons learned from a real classroom. We will talk about how authentic experiences can shape a students experience. We will also talk about how and when to leverage technology to enhance both the process and the final product. 
Speakers
avatar for Andy Beland

Andy Beland

Teacher, Cedar Falls Schools
Science teacher and former Technology Coach with 22 years of experience. 
Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
307

11:00am CDT

Stop Doing That Manually (There's a Script for That)
Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
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
CS

Celeste Scott

K-12 Technology Integrationist, Indianola Community School District
Placeholder bio
Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
315

11:00am CDT

Your Chatbot Is an App Builder
Tuesday October 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
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
avatar for Tony Vincent

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 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
304

1:30pm CDT

AI Adoption & Implementation: 2 District's Journeys
Tuesday October 13, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
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
ET

Eric Townsley

Director of Technology, College Community CSD
ITEC Board Member
avatar for Brian Unruh

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

1:30pm CDT

Digital Feedback in the Age of AI
Tuesday October 13, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
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
avatar for Patrick Donovan

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

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
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
avatar for Jamie Bratvold

Jamie Bratvold

Assistant Principal (TOSA) / K-12 Ed Tech Curriculum Facilitator, Sioux City Community School District
She's a Big Deal
avatar for John Casotti

John Casotti

K-12 Ed Tech Curriculum Facilitator, Sioux City Community School District
class clown
avatar for Mike Crawford

Mike Crawford

LMS Admin, Sioux City Community School District
Carrie's big bro
Tuesday October 13, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
315

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
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
avatar for Erica Beals

Erica Beals

TK-12 Technology & Innovation Coach, Waukee Community School District
K-12 Technology & Innovation Coach with a 9-12 Focus
avatar for Amanda DeGroote

Amanda DeGroote

TK-12 Technology & Innovation Coach, Waukee Community School District
K-12 Technology & Innovation Coach with a 6-8 Focus
avatar for Shannon Fleming

Shannon Fleming

TK-12 Technology & Innovation Coach, Waukee Community School District
TK-12 Technology & Innovation Coach with a TK-5 Focus
avatar for Stacy Hansen

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

1:30pm CDT

Take Your Tech Integration to New Heights
Tuesday October 13, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
Technology integration is about more than tools—it's about empowering students to think, create, collaborate, and solve problems. In this high-energy, football-inspired session, kindergarten teacher Beth Smith shares how computer science serves as the playbook behind meaningful technology integration. Through classroom stories, interactive activities, and real examples from a kindergarten classroom where students code robots, use AI for research, design prototypes with 3Doodlers, and collaborate with middle school engineers, participants will discover practical ways to embed computational thinking into any content area.
Inspired by the spirit of the New Heights podcast, this session blends humor, audience participation, and actionable strategies to help educators move beyond technology consumption and into innovation. Whether you're a classroom teacher, instructional coach, librarian, STEM educator, or administrator, you'll leave with ready-to-use ideas and a fresh perspective on how computer science can elevate learning for every student.
Attendees will learn how to:
  • Integrate computational thinking into existing curriculum
  • Use technology to foster creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving
  • Connect computer science concepts across content areas
  • Create engaging learning experiences that prepare students for the future
No football knowledge required—just a willingness to think bigger about what students can do.
Speakers
avatar for Beth Smith

Beth Smith

Kindergarten Teacher, Lewis Central CSD
Beth Smith teaches kindergarten by day and builds future innovators by choice. A 20-year elementary educator, Beth is passionate about helping the youngest learners become problem-solvers through computer science, STEM, AI, robotics, and creative design challenges. Whether students are program... Read More →
Tuesday October 13, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
308

1:30pm CDT

The AI Task Force Playbook: Vetting Tools, Crafting Expectations, and Empowering Educators
Tuesday October 13, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
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
avatar for Daniel Stevens

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

2:30pm CDT

From AI Tools to AI Workflows
Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
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
avatar for Aaron Maurer

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 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
305

2:30pm CDT

Gemini in the Classroom: Finding Your AI Twin
Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
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
avatar for Lance Lennon

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

2:30pm CDT

Spark Creativity and Inspire Learning with MagicSchool AI
Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
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
avatar for Sabrina Edsen

Sabrina Edsen

3rd Grade Teacher/ Technology Integrationist, Lynnville-Sully Schools
*see other speaker form
Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
315

2:30pm CDT

Tech Alone? Tech Together! Join the Iowa EdTech Collaborative
Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
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
avatar for Hanna Hollamby

Hanna Hollamby

Digital Learning Consultant, Heartland AEA
Heartland AEA Digital Learning Consultant
avatar for Celeste Scott

Celeste Scott

K-12 Technology Integrationist, Indianola Community School District
Bio coming soon! 
Tuesday October 13, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
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