New Teachers will meet district administrators, learn about Pike's Wellness initiative, and hear from district partners like Pike Township Education Foundation, Teachers Treasures, and Pike Classroom Teacher Association.
This sessions focuses on the process of creating test items using the different question types (51 in all) and creating custum assessments. It also discusses how to share with others, assign to students, and different assessment settings.
ILEARN Checkpoints Update This session provides the latest updates on ILEARN Checkpoints, including any changes to administration windows, reporting, and how checkpoint data can be used to monitor student progress toward grade-level proficiency.
This professional development session will equip teachers with practical strategies to implement literary circles using student choice texts across all subject areas—not just ELA. Participants will explore how choice increases engagement, supports diverse learners, and builds independence, while leaving with ready-to-use structures for immediate classroom application.
I taught English/Language arts for 16 years before becoming our school Librarian. My passion is building media literacy with students and helping them prepare to be impactful citizens in an ever-changing world.
Unclear assessments lead to unclear PLC data. In this hands-on workshop, we will tackle PLC Question #2, "How will we know they learned it?", by learning how to design Common Formative Assessments (CFAs) that are aligned to targeted success criteria. Using cross-curricular case studies, you will practice generating assessment questions to ensure they measure the exact framework expectations. You will walk away with a straightforward process to take back to your PLC, ensuring your next data meeting is driven by clear, reliable evidence.
Professional Learning Specialist, Central Indiana Educational Service Center
Tanika Kinartail is an experienced educator with a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Indiana University–Bloomington. After seven years as a classroom teacher and eight years as an assistant principal, she developed deep expertise in instructional leadership. Currently a... Read More →
Discover how MagicSchool can support your exceptional learners with personalized accommodations and differentiated resources. In this hands-on session, one of Pike’s AI Ambassadors will guide you through practical strategies for creating inclusive learning experiences for students with diverse needs—from generating accessible content and differentiated assignments to developing accommodations for IEPs and 504 plans. Learn how to reduce barriers to learning, build student independence, and save time on resource creation. Whether you're supporting students with learning disabilities, English language learners, gifted students, or other exceptional needs, this session will show you concrete ways to make your classroom more equitable and responsive.
Hannah Stigter-Hinshaw is a fourth-year educator at New Augusta North Public Academy. Licensed in Mild to Moderate Intervention and English Language Learners, with a pending Reading Intervention license, she is passionate about creating accessible learning environments. She enjoys... Read More →
AI is already in our schools. The real challenge is figuring out how to use it without losing the human side of teaching. This session looks at the practical side of AI ethics, covering everything from students using it for assignments to teachers using it for prep and grading. We will talk about how to set clear boundaries, maintain academic integrity, and make sure AI stays a tool for learning instead of a replacement for it. You will walk away with a simple framework to help you and your students navigate these tools responsibly.
Equip yourself with the life-saving skills needed to identify and support students in crisis through the evidence-based QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) model. This essential one-hour session clarifies the educator's role as a "gatekeeper," teaching you how to recognize urgent warning signs, debunk common myths, and ask the "suicide question" directly and confidently. Through practical scenario practice, you will learn how to navigate difficult conversations without judgment, validate student feelings, and follow district-specific referral protocols to connect youth with critical school and community-based supports.
This session centers on using student thinking as a critical tool for instructional decision-making. Teachers will analyze student work to identify strengths, misconceptions, and next instructional steps. Through structured protocols and collaborative discussion, participants will learn how to respond to student thinking in ways that advance understanding rather than simply correct errors. This session emphasizes formative assessment practices that position teachers to be responsive and intentional in their instruction.
Courtney is currently the Director at Keep Indiana Learning, the professional learning department of the CIESC in Indianapolis, IN. Prior to joining KINL in 2021, Courtney spent 17 years working in traditional public, private, and public charter schools in Indiana, New York City... Read More →
Building a structured writing classroom while implementing Savvas can feel overwhelming — this session helps teachers do both. Learn practical routines and procedures that establish an independent writing culture, free up time within the Savvas framework, and build the stamina students need for extended tasks like district-wide writing prompts aligned to Indiana’s Academic Standards.
As a literacy consultant with Smekens Education, Didi Harris partners with educators to strengthen reading and writing instruction through practical, evidence-based strategies. Drawing on her experience as a classroom teacher, interventionist, and reading specialist, she helps teachers... Read More →
Instructional Assistants are more than a second set of hands—they are teachers in the classroom. In this session, participants will explore how to proactively support classroom management during math instruction. From helping to facilitate student discussion to managing transitions and materials, Instructional Assistants will learn practical ways to support a focused, productive learning environment.
Jessica is currently a Professional Learning Specialist with Keep Indiana Learning, a Department of CIESC, and supports teachers, schools, and districts in the areas of math and instructional coaching. Jessica has been in the field of education since 2008. She earned her Bachelor’s... Read More →
Professional Learning Specialist, Keep Indiana Learning, CIESC
Morgan Mason began teaching in 2015, serving grades 1, 3, and 4 before transitioning to instructional coaching. She supports teachers and schools with professional development in literacy practices, Science of Reading implementation, and early learning development. She earned her... Read More →
Align your practice with the latest state mandates by joining the district-wide initiative to achieve the Prevent Blindness Children’s Vision Screening Certification. This session prepares school nurses to implement the 2025 Indiana Vision Screening Guidelines, closing critical gaps in follow-up care for absent students, new enrollees, and those with special needs. By mastering these evidence-based, nationally recognized standards, you will ensure full compliance with IC 20-34-3-12 and provide a consistent, equitable screening process that identifies vision concerns early and improves every student’s readiness to learn.
Special education is constantly evolving—and so are the challenges schools face. In this session, our special education attorneys will unpack current trends, hot topics, and common compliance pitfalls while sharing practical strategies to help teams confidently navigate today’s legal landscape.
As an Attorney at CCHA in Noblesville, I focus my practice on education law, advising school districts across Indiana on a broad range of legal and policy matters. I work closely with clients on issues involving constitutional and civil rights, special education, and compliance with... Read More →
Practical strategies, routines, and frameworks to help teachers build positive, supportive classrooms where students feel safe, connected, and ready to learn.
This session provides a detailed look into how Pear Assessment users can vier and extrapolate data once assessments have been completed. We will look at the live class board, look at how to use the insights tab, and discuss different ways to use the data.
ILEARN Checkpoints Update This session provides the latest updates on ILEARN Checkpoints, including any changes to administration windows, reporting, and how checkpoint data can be used to monitor student progress toward grade-level proficiency.
Middle school writers present unique management challenges — this session addresses them head-on. Explore practical routines and structures that make writing time purposeful and consistent, build independent writing stamina, and prepare students to perform confidently on district-wide writing prompts. Teachers leave with concrete procedures ready to use from day one.
As a literacy consultant with Smekens Education, Didi Harris partners with educators to strengthen reading and writing instruction through practical, evidence-based strategies. Drawing on her experience as a classroom teacher, interventionist, and reading specialist, she helps teachers... Read More →
This professional development session will equip teachers with practical strategies to implement literary circles using student choice texts across all subject areas—not just ELA. Participants will explore how choice increases engagement, supports diverse learners, and builds independence, while leaving with ready-to-use structures for immediate classroom application.
I taught English/Language arts for 16 years before becoming our school Librarian. My passion is building media literacy with students and helping them prepare to be impactful citizens in an ever-changing world.
Attention Kindergarten teachers! This session is designed specifically to help you successfully launch 1:1 iPads in your classroom by focusing strictly on the "must-haves" for your youngest learners. We will finalize the login instructions and establish practical hardware routines for your iPad cart. You will participate in a live Apple Classroom "Quick-Start" demo to learn how to monitor student screens and master the "Lock" button to instantly grab your students' attention. To ensure your first week is stress-free, you will walk away with a desk cheat sheet that provides instant video access to tutorials on Apple Classroom, Guided Access, and tech support. Please bring your district-issued teacher iPad and get ready to launch your digital classroom with confidence!
District Technology Integrator, MSD of Pike Township
Audrey Cope is a District Technology Integrator in Pike Township in Indianapolis, Indiana. She taught Kindergarten and first grade for 14 years and spent 5 years as a Media Specialist at Central Elementary assisting teachers with technology training, inquiry project and developing... Read More →
In this hands-on session, discover how AI-powered design tools can transform your classroom instruction and administrative workflows. We'll explore Canva's AI features—including Magic Design, background remover, and content suggestions—to help you create professional, visually engaging materials in minutes, not hours. You'll also learn how to build interactive content for your students (without knowing how to code) using Canva Code. Whether you're designing lesson materials, creating assessments, or building student-facing tools, this session will equip you with practical strategies to leverage both Canva AI and Canva Code to save time and inspire creativity. Perfect for educators at all tech levels!
As the Instructional Coach at the Pike Career Center, I have the incredible opportunity to share my teaching and technology experience with the CTE teachers. My professional journey started in the business world but quickly transitioned to education and has included writing curriculum... Read More →
Unclear assessments lead to unclear PLC data. In this hands-on workshop, we will tackle PLC Question #2, "How will we know they learned it?", by learning how to design Common Formative Assessments (CFAs) that are aligned to targeted success criteria. Using cross-curricular case studies, you will practice generating assessment questions to ensure they measure the exact framework expectations. You will walk away with a straightforward process to take back to your PLC, ensuring your next data meeting is driven by clear, reliable evidence.
Professional Learning Specialist, Central Indiana Educational Service Center
Tanika Kinartail is an experienced educator with a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Indiana University–Bloomington. After seven years as a classroom teacher and eight years as an assistant principal, she developed deep expertise in instructional leadership. Currently a... Read More →
This session focuses on using the district’s adopted Reveal Math curriculum with greater intentionality and purpose. Participants will closely examine the structure of a Reveal Math lesson, unpacking key components such as the Launch, Explore, and Synthesize phases, as well as opportunities for discourse, practice, and formative assessment. Teachers will consider the role each component plays in supporting student understanding and why skipping or minimizing these elements can limit student learning. Through collaborative analysis and planning, participants will learn how to maintain the rigor of lessons while making strategic adjustments based on student needs. The session will emphasize how to use Reveal Math as a tool to advance student thinking, ensuring alignment to standards and creating more coherent and effective mathematics instruction.
Courtney is currently the Director at Keep Indiana Learning, the professional learning department of the CIESC in Indianapolis, IN. Prior to joining KINL in 2021, Courtney spent 17 years working in traditional public, private, and public charter schools in Indiana, New York City... Read More →
AI is already in our schools. The real challenge is figuring out how to use it without losing the human side of teaching. This session looks at the practical side of AI ethics, covering everything from students using it for assignments to teachers using it for prep and grading. We will talk about how to set clear boundaries, maintain academic integrity, and make sure AI stays a tool for learning instead of a replacement for it. You will walk away with a simple framework to help you and your students navigate these tools responsibly.
Instructional Assistants are more than a second set of hands—they are teachers in the classroom. In this session, participants will explore how to proactively support classroom management during math instruction. From helping to facilitate student discussion to managing transitions and materials, Instructional Assistants will learn practical ways to support a focused, productive learning environment.
Jessica is currently a Professional Learning Specialist with Keep Indiana Learning, a Department of CIESC, and supports teachers, schools, and districts in the areas of math and instructional coaching. Jessica has been in the field of education since 2008. She earned her Bachelor’s... Read More →
Professional Learning Specialist, Keep Indiana Learning, CIESC
Morgan Mason began teaching in 2015, serving grades 1, 3, and 4 before transitioning to instructional coaching. She supports teachers and schools with professional development in literacy practices, Science of Reading implementation, and early learning development. She earned her... Read More →
This afternoon coaching experience moves from professional learning into real planning, as Smekens consultant Didi Harris works directly alongside Pike Township teachers to apply the morning’s strategies to upcoming units, lessons, and district writing priorities. It’s collaborative, practical, and immediate — turning the day’s learning into instruction that’s ready to deliver.
As a literacy consultant with Smekens Education, Didi Harris partners with educators to strengthen reading and writing instruction through practical, evidence-based strategies. Drawing on her experience as a classroom teacher, interventionist, and reading specialist, she helps teachers... Read More →
This afternoon coaching experience moves from professional learning into real planning, as Smekens consultant Didi Harris works directly alongside Pike Township teachers to apply the morning’s strategies to upcoming units, lessons, and district writing priorities. It’s collaborative, practical, and immediate — turning the day’s learning into instruction that’s ready to deliver.
As a literacy consultant with Smekens Education, Didi Harris partners with educators to strengthen reading and writing instruction through practical, evidence-based strategies. Drawing on her experience as a classroom teacher, interventionist, and reading specialist, she helps teachers... Read More →
In this hands-on planning session, educators will explore how to leverage key Indiana Department of Education resources — Instructional Frameworks, Item Specifications, and Performance Level Descriptors (PLDs) — to strengthen classroom instruction. Participants will learn how these tools work together to inform lesson planning, guide assessment alignment, and support student growth toward mastery. Walk away with practical strategies you can apply in your classroom right away.
Christina is a strategic instructional leader with extensive experience in classroom instruction, curriculum design, professional development, and instructional coaching. Now in her 30th year in public education, Christina spent 17 years as an English teacher at Carmel High School... Read More →
This is a designated session (not open to enrollment) as it is a 3-hour afternoon session for middle school leadership teams about the school-based training they will be involved in during the first semester of the 2026-27 school year.
This professional learning session will provide Public Agency Representative (PAR) training with a focus on current trends, emerging issues, and high-impact topics in special education law. Led by our special education legal counsel, participants will examine practical guidance related to compliance, documentation, student supports, and legally sound decision-making in today’s educational landscape. The session will highlight real-world considerations and proactive practices to assist case conference PARs in navigating complex situations with confidence and clarity.
As an Attorney at CCHA in Noblesville, I focus my practice on education law, advising school districts across Indiana on a broad range of legal and policy matters. I work closely with clients on issues involving constitutional and civil rights, special education, and compliance with... Read More →
This afternoon coaching experience moves from professional learning into real planning, as Smekens consultant Didi Harris works directly alongside Pike Township teachers to apply the morning’s strategies to upcoming units, lessons, and district writing priorities. It’s collaborative, practical, and immediate — turning the day’s learning into instruction that’s ready to deliver.
As a literacy consultant with Smekens Education, Didi Harris partners with educators to strengthen reading and writing instruction through practical, evidence-based strategies. Drawing on her experience as a classroom teacher, interventionist, and reading specialist, she helps teachers... Read More →
In this two-day session, elementary educators will engage in collaborative, inquiry-based Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). Together, participants will explore what it truly means for students to learn mathematics at a deep and meaningful level, working toward shared clarity around the most essential learning within and across grade levels. This experience centers teacher expertise, dialogue, and collective sense-making as educators reflect on their current practices and consider how greater alignment can strengthen instruction and student outcomes. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how collaborative processes can support coherent, high-quality mathematics learning for all students.
Tim Davidson is an instructional specialist for the MSD of Pike Township. He has spent nearly 30 years as a mathematics specialist working with teachers across the district and state.
This session is focused on ensuring all students and families can access your digital content in alignment with the new DOJ requirements and WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. We will review the core "must-dos" for educators, including adding alt-text to images, utilizing proper heading structures, and ensuring high-contrast colors and fonts in your materials. During the session, we will provide live demonstrations on how to use the built-in Course Accessibility Tool to audit your Canvas pages and how to build ParentSquare templates that are fully accessible for all families. The remainder of the time is yours to apply these practices to your own digital resources with instructional technology specialists on hand to answer specific questions and provide personalized support. Please bring your laptop and a sample of your current digital materials to work on during this collaborative workshop.
District Technology Integrator, MSD of Pike Township
Audrey Cope is a District Technology Integrator in Pike Township in Indianapolis, Indiana. She taught Kindergarten and first grade for 14 years and spent 5 years as a Media Specialist at Central Elementary assisting teachers with technology training, inquiry project and developing... Read More →
