Strong intermediate narratives go beyond recounting events. This session gives teachers concrete lesson ideas for helping students generate meaningful problems, craft satisfying solutions, and produce well-structured narratives aligned to Indiana’s Academic Standards — with practical links to Savvas woven throughout.
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 session introduces teachers of all content areas to a three-phase critical reading framework designed to help all students, including struggling readers, engage with rigorous, complex texts. Participants will explore how to scaffold instruction across the Activate (planning and pre-reading), Engage (vocabulary and interaction), and Extend (application and analysis) phases. Through... See More →
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 →
Middle school narrative writing demands more than plot — it requires intentional craft. This session helps teachers prioritize the non-negotiables of narrative instruction, from generating compelling problems and solutions to guiding students toward purposeful control of ideas, organization, voice, and detail. Teachers leave with classroom-ready strategies that raise the rigor of narrative... See More →
Courtney grew up in London, Ontario where powerful experiences in her own schooling led to her passion for teaching and education.
That passion took her to Grace College in Indiana where she secured a BA in Elementary Education and landed her first teaching job at a nearby middle school. Courtney later returned to Grace as an Adjunct Professor of Education after earning her Master’s Degree from Olivet Nazarene... Read More →
Unlock the full potential of your middle school math curriculum with this comprehensive resource deep dive. This session walks educators through a powerful toolkit designed to boost student engagement and academic growth. Using high-quality materials from McGraw Hill, we will explore how to effectively manage online and print assignments, customize assessments to meet class needs, and integrate... See More →
Join our "Introduction to Canva" session to unleash your creative potential. Learn the basics of Canva, a powerful graphic design tool, and discover how to create stunning visuals with step-by-step guidance. Explore a wide variety of templates, design elements, and customization options to bring your ideas to life with ease and creativity.
Courtney is a Lead Learning Guide at friEdTechnology who is passionate about equipping all learners with the necessary tools to help them become successful and ensuring they have fun while learning. With twenty-plus years of experience, Courtney is a certified educator and trainer... Read More →
This MagicSchool Teacher session is for staff that have not or barely used MagicSchool this past school year. This session introduces educators to practical ways MagicSchool can strengthen lesson planning, differentiation, feedback, and instructional design. Participants explore core tools that help streamline preparation while supporting strong, engaging instruction. Through hands-on activities... See More →
This collaborative session will provide principals an opportunity to engage with the draft RTI Process Guide and contribute to the continued development of a shared district understanding of RTI within MTSS. Together, participants will review the process used to develop the draft, examine key shifts in practice, and discuss how the guidance can support more coherent, decision-making across tiers.... See More →
Join us for a fast-paced, high-impact session where we bridge the gap between theory and practice. You’ll walk away with actionable strategies to weave Scarborough’s Reading Rope and Sedita’s Writing Rope directly into your daily lessons. Discover how to intentionally align reading and writing to spark ""aha!"" moments and build stronger, more confident communicators.
Every story needs a problem and a solution — and this session builds K–2 narrative instruction around exactly that. Explore developmentally appropriate ways to guide young writers from pictures and labels through simple sentences, with practical lesson ideas for generating story problems and crafting resolutions. Connections to Savvas make these strategies easy to use the very next day.
Holly Sluyter equips educators with transformative professional development, leaving teachers confident and prepared to implement best-practice reading and writing strategies. As a literacy consultant with Smekens Education, she inspires impactful "aha moments" that elevate instruction... Read More →
This professional learning session will focus on strengthening effective co-teaching practices through the models of Alternative Teaching and Parallel Teaching. Participants will explore how both approaches can increase student engagement, provide targeted support, and improve access to grade-level instruction within the least restrictive environment. The session will include practical examples,... See More →
Instructional Assistants are often the steady presence students rely on during reading and writing time and a key partner for teachers to help keep learning on track. So what does strong support from an instructional assistant look like in literacy instruction? In this session, participants will explore practical ways instructional assistants can reinforce routines, support student behavior, and... See 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... See More →
This workshop equips educators in grades 3–12 with research-validated strategies to move vocabulary instruction beyond rote memorization and toward deep conceptual understanding. Participants learn how to prioritize high-utility academic words (Tier 2) and domain-specific technical terms (Tier 3). The curriculum emphasizes the "Robust Vocabulary" framework, which focuses on active student... See More →
English Learner Program Specialist, MSD of Pike Township
Tracy Bunting has been a dedicated educator for over 31 years with a heart for under-served and under-resourced populations. She has been a Pike Township Instructional Specialist since 2011 but has been an educator for over 30 years. She began her career in Fort Wayne Community Schools... Read More →
Informative writing at the intermediate level goes beyond listing facts. This session gives teachers concrete lesson ideas for helping students organize information purposefully, embed evidence and content-specific vocabulary, and elaborate beyond the obvious — with clear connections to Savvas curriculum ready to use across any informative writing unit.
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 session explores the exciting shift from foundational skills to deep, complex literacy by examining the upper strands of Scarborough’s Reading Rope and Sedita’s Writing Rope to develop critical readers and writers.
Help students move beyond surface-level reporting with a clear instructional approach to informative writing. Teachers will explore how to teach organizational structures based on purpose, embed text evidence and domain-specific vocabulary with elaboration, and craft introductions and conclusions that go beyond the predictable.
Courtney grew up in London, Ontario where powerful experiences in her own schooling led to her passion for teaching and education.
That passion took her to Grace College in Indiana where she secured a BA in Elementary Education and landed her first teaching job at a nearby middle school. Courtney later returned to Grace as an Adjunct Professor of Education after earning her Master’s Degree from Olivet Nazarene... Read More →
Unlock the full potential of your middle school math curriculum with this comprehensive resource deep dive. This session walks educators through a powerful toolkit designed to boost student engagement and academic growth. Using high-quality materials from McGraw Hill, we will explore how to effectively manage online and print assignments, customize assessments to meet class needs, and integrate... See More →
Reclaim your prep period and spark student-led empowerment! Learn to use Canva’s Visual Suite—including Magic Activities, LearnGrid, Whiteboards, and Video— to make collaboration a breeze in just a few clicks. Learn low-effort, high-impact workflows to put students at the center of learning. Walk out with a ready-to-use activity you can implement tomorrow.
Courtney is a Lead Learning Guide at friEdTechnology who is passionate about equipping all learners with the necessary tools to help them become successful and ensuring they have fun while learning. With twenty-plus years of experience, Courtney is a certified educator and trainer... Read More →
This MagicSchool Teacher session is for staff that have used MagicSchool on a regular basis this past school year. In this hands-on session, educators identify the everyday tasks that take the most time, such as lesson planning, differentiation, communication, and documentation. Participants explore how MagicSchool tools can be customized to support those needs. Educators build workflows that... See More →
Teaching young writers to share what they know requires explicit, scaffolded instruction. This session gives K–2 teachers practical lesson ideas for helping students embed topic-specific vocabulary, elaborate on what they know, and move from drawing and labeling into simple informative sentences — with direct connections to Savvas curriculum.
Holly Sluyter equips educators with transformative professional development, leaving teachers confident and prepared to implement best-practice reading and writing strategies. As a literacy consultant with Smekens Education, she inspires impactful "aha moments" that elevate instruction... Read More →
Participants will learn how to apply research proven strategies that will provide real-time feedback to assess student learning to inform teachers about their students’ progress in learning. Participants will takeaway strategies for checking for understanding before, during, and after class, verbally, in writing, and through physical movements describing how to engage students in learning... See More →
Instructional Assistants are often the steady presence students rely on during reading and writing time and a key partner for teachers to help keep learning on track. So what does strong support from an instructional assistant look like in literacy instruction? In this session, participants will explore practical ways instructional assistants can reinforce routines, support student behavior, and... See More →
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 professional learning session will focus on practical systems for collecting meaningful student data in real time while maintaining consistent documentation of IEP service delivery and accommodations. Participants will explore efficient strategies for progress monitoring, creating sustainable documentation routines, and establishing a clear cadence for recording supports and services... See More →
Before students can argue, they need to learn to persuade. This session helps intermediate teachers guide students in taking evidence-based positions, organizing reasons with supporting details, and elaborating beyond the obvious. Teachers will leave with practical lesson ideas that connect directly to Savvas curriculum materials.
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 →
Argumentative writing is among the most complex — and most assessed — skills students face. This session helps teachers make the critical distinctions between persuasion and argumentation clear, guiding students to acknowledge multiple viewpoints, align positions with evidence, and support claims with well-elaborated proof. Teachers will leave with classroom-ready tools that raise rigor and... See More →
Courtney grew up in London, Ontario where powerful experiences in her own schooling led to her passion for teaching and education.
That passion took her to Grace College in Indiana where she secured a BA in Elementary Education and landed her first teaching job at a nearby middle school. Courtney later returned to Grace as an Adjunct Professor of Education after earning her Master’s Degree from Olivet Nazarene... Read More →
This session helps secondary educators design and implement effective collaboration strategies that deepen student learning. Participants will explore the distinction between authentic collaboration and traditional group work, examining how purposeful structures promote shared responsibility, academic dialogue, and critical thinking. Educators will learn practical strategies for preparing,... See More →
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 →
Join our "Introduction to Canva" session to unleash your creative potential. Learn the basics of Canva, a powerful graphic design tool, and discover how to create stunning visuals with step-by-step guidance. Explore a wide variety of templates, design elements, and customization options to bring your ideas to life with ease and creativity.
Courtney is a Lead Learning Guide at friEdTechnology who is passionate about equipping all learners with the necessary tools to help them become successful and ensuring they have fun while learning. With twenty-plus years of experience, Courtney is a certified educator and trainer... Read More →
This MagicSchool Student session is for staff that have not or barely used MagicSchool this past school year. This session introduces educators to MagicStudent and the ways it can support engaging, student centered learning. Participants explore how MagicStudent helps students ask questions, develop ideas, and receive differentiated support and feedback while teachers remain in control.... See More →
PD and Community Engagement Specialist, MagicSchool AI
Morgan Jadeja is a dedicated former educator and literacy advocate whose work is rooted in a deep belief that every learner deserves experiences that reflect and celebrate who they are. A proud alumna of Vanderbilt University (B.S. in Elementary Education and Child Studies) and the... Read More →
How do we build a shared understanding of what effective mathematics instruction looks like and why it matters? Participants will explore the difference between teaching for procedures and teaching for deep understanding, engaging in rich mathematical tasks and examining authentic student work. Through these experiences, teachers will reflect on current practices and consider how instructional... See More →
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 →
Even the youngest writers have opinions worth sharing. This session builds on that instinct with foundational, age-appropriate persuasive writing instruction — guiding K–2 students to state a clear position and support it with simple details. Practical connections to Savvas give teachers a confident path from this session directly into classroom practice.
Holly Sluyter equips educators with transformative professional development, leaving teachers confident and prepared to implement best-practice reading and writing strategies. As a literacy consultant with Smekens Education, she inspires impactful "aha moments" that elevate instruction... Read More →
Participants will learn how to apply research proven strategies that will provide real-time feedback to assess student learning to inform teachers about their students’ progress in learning. Participants will takeaway strategies for checking for understanding before, during, and after class, verbally, in writing, and through physical movements describing how to engage students in learning... See More →
This professional learning session will focus on strengthening effective co-teaching practices through the models of Alternative Teaching and Parallel Teaching. Participants will explore how both approaches can increase student engagement, provide targeted support, and improve access to grade-level instruction within the least restrictive environment. The session will include practical examples,... See More →
A guided experience for release, reflection, and realignment Staff are navigating constant demand, emotional labor, and cognitive overload. These sessions create intentional space to pause, reset, and return to their work with clarity and energy. Participants can expect guided reflection, creative expression (no artistic experience needed), and practical tools to support ongoing well-being... See More →
Instructional Assistants are a powerful support in math classrooms. Students turn to them when they might be feeling uncertain, and teachers rely on them as partners in learning. So how can they best support math instruction? In this session, participants will explore key moves Instructional Assistants can use to support student thinking as they make instruction more accessible and drive learning... See More →
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... See More →
Let’s get your tech ready for day one! In this session, we’ll work through your "New Teacher Technology Checklist" together to ensure all your primary tools are operational. You’ll set up your Dell laptop,and learn how to navigate our essential web apps. A major focus will be on Canvas, our district LMS. We will take a tour of the platform, showing you how to customize your dashboard, set... See More →
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 →
Discover the key components of effective short constructed responses, including inferential thinking and the use of textual evidence. Learn practical lesson ideas that cater to writers who will face state assessments, helping them develop the necessary writing skills to excel in this important format.
Holly Sluyter equips educators with transformative professional development, leaving teachers confident and prepared to implement best-practice reading and writing strategies. As a literacy consultant with Smekens Education, she inspires impactful "aha moments" that elevate instruction... Read More →
This workshop equips educators in grades 3–12 with research-validated strategies to move vocabulary instruction beyond rote memorization and toward deep conceptual understanding. Participants learn how to prioritize high-utility academic words (Tier 2) and domain-specific technical terms (Tier 3). The curriculum emphasizes the "Robust Vocabulary" framework, which focuses on active student... See More →
English Learner Program Specialist, MSD of Pike Township
Tracy Bunting has been a dedicated educator for over 31 years with a heart for under-served and under-resourced populations. She has been a Pike Township Instructional Specialist since 2011 but has been an educator for over 30 years. She began her career in Fort Wayne Community Schools... Read More →
Strengthen literacy without abandoning content. This session helps 6–12 content-area teachers embed discipline-specific reading and writing instruction into math, science, and social studies — using the texts and materials they already have, 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 →
Literary analysis requires students to read closely, think critically, and write with precision. This session helps teachers build analytical skills from the inside out — guiding students through character, theme, point of view, and author’s craft as they work toward well-developed analytical writing.
Courtney grew up in London, Ontario where powerful experiences in her own schooling led to her passion for teaching and education.
That passion took her to Grace College in Indiana where she secured a BA in Elementary Education and landed her first teaching job at a nearby middle school. Courtney later returned to Grace as an Adjunct Professor of Education after earning her Master’s Degree from Olivet Nazarene... Read More →
This MagicSchool Student session is for staff that have used MagicSchool on a regular basis this past school year. As AI becomes part of everyday life, schools have an important role in helping students understand how it works and how to use it responsibly. This session explores how AI is shaping careers and the skills students will need in the years ahead. Rather than focusing on specific... See More →
PD and Community Engagement Specialist, MagicSchool AI
Morgan Jadeja is a dedicated former educator and literacy advocate whose work is rooted in a deep belief that every learner deserves experiences that reflect and celebrate who they are. A proud alumna of Vanderbilt University (B.S. in Elementary Education and Child Studies) and the... Read More →
Reclaim your prep period and spark student-led empowerment! Learn to use Canva’s Visual Suite—including Magic Activities, LearnGrid, Whiteboards, and Video— to make collaboration a breeze in just a few clicks. Learn low-effort, high-impact workflows to put students at the center of learning. Walk out with a ready-to-use activity you can implement tomorrow.
Courtney is a Lead Learning Guide at friEdTechnology who is passionate about equipping all learners with the necessary tools to help them become successful and ensuring they have fun while learning. With twenty-plus years of experience, Courtney is a certified educator and trainer... Read More →
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... See More →
This session focuses on developing teachers’ understanding of how to use the Indiana Mathematics Standards Frameworks to deepen their knowledge of the content they teach and why it matters. Participants will explore the structure of the frameworks and identify the most critical components for instructional planning. Emphasis will be placed on using the frameworks to inform Tier 1, 2, and 3... See More →
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 →
Participants will learn how to apply research proven strategies that will provide real-time feedback to assess student learning to inform teachers about their students’ progress in learning. Participants will takeaway strategies for checking for understanding before, during, and after class, verbally, in writing, and through physical movements describing how to engage students in learning... See More →
A guided experience for release, reflection, and realignment Staff are navigating constant demand, emotional labor, and cognitive overload. These sessions create intentional space to pause, reset, and return to their work with clarity and energy. Participants can expect guided reflection, creative expression (no artistic experience needed), and practical tools to support ongoing well-being... See More →
Instructional Assistants are a powerful support in math classrooms. Students turn to them when they might be feeling uncertain, and teachers rely on them as partners in learning. So how can they best support math instruction? In this session, participants will explore key moves Instructional Assistants can use to support student thinking as they make instruction more accessible and drive learning... See More →
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 professional learning session will focus on practical systems for collecting meaningful student data in real time while maintaining consistent documentation of IEP service delivery and accommodations. Participants will explore efficient strategies for progress monitoring, creating sustainable documentation routines, and establishing a clear cadence for recording supports and services... See More →
Learn how to effectively use the Indiana Department of Education’s instructional frameworks, item specifications, and performance level descriptors (PLDs) to guide instructional planning, classroom instruction, and assessment. This session will focus on understanding assessment expectations and using state resources to support rigorous, aligned instruction. Teachers will also have dedicated work... See More →
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 →
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,... See More →
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.
PLC Process: Foundations This introductory session, facilitated by Sarah Henry, provides new teachers with a foundational understanding of the Professional Learning Community (PLC) process. Participants will explore the core principles of PLC work, including the four critical questions, collaborative team structures, and how data-driven conversations support student learning and instructional... See More →
Sarah Henry is a full-time Alignment & PLC Specialist as well as Education Consultant through her company Sarah D. Henry Consulting, LLC. and Rosebrock Consulting, INC. Sarah is the co-author of, "Arrows: A Systems-Based Approach to School Leadership". She served as the Secondary... Read More →
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... See More →
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 →
Designed for anyone new to Pear Assessment, or those who want a refresher. This session provides users wtih comprehensive knowledge to effectively navigate and utilize Pear Assessment.
This session introduces teachers of all content areas to a three-phase critical reading framework designed to help all students, including struggling readers, engage with rigorous, complex texts. Participants will explore how to scaffold instruction across the Activate (planning and pre-reading), Engage (vocabulary and interaction), and Extend (application and analysis) phases. Through... See More →
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 →
Unlock the full potential of your middle school math curriculum with this comprehensive resource deep dive. This session walks educators through a powerful toolkit designed to boost student engagement and academic growth. Using high-quality materials from McGraw Hill, we will explore how to effectively manage online and print assignments, customize assessments to meet class needs, and integrate... See More →
Standards are the destination, but success criteria are the highly visible landmarks along the way. However, we tend to miss the actual cognitive demand that can be defined by determining how student success looks. In this interactive workshop, we will move from deconstructing state standards and start deconstructing our frameworks. You will learn how to identify exactly what students must say,... See More →
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... See More →
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 →
Creating an improvement plan that clearly identifies teacher needs and establishes targeted goals to support professional growth, instructional development, and continued improvement.
Practical strategies, routines, and frameworks to help teachers build positive, supportive classrooms where students feel safe, connected, and ready to learn.
A guided experience for release, reflection, and realignment Staff are navigating constant demand, emotional labor, and cognitive overload. These sessions create intentional space to pause, reset, and return to their work with clarity and energy. Participants can expect guided reflection, creative expression (no artistic experience needed), and practical tools to support ongoing well-being... See More →
Instructional Assistants are essential partners in supporting high-quality ELA instruction. Working alongside teachers, they provide targeted support to students during reading and writing, helping to reinforce skills, clarify learning, and make instruction more accessible in real time. During this session, participants will explore a variety of ways Instructional Assistants can support small... See More →
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... See More →
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.
This session focuses on using Checks for Understanding (CFUs) as intentional, planned opportunities to gather evidence of student thinking during instruction—not just at the end. Teachers will examine various CFU strategies to determine their effectiveness and learn to interpret student responses in real time making immediate instructional adjustments through four key moves: clarifying,... See More →
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 →
Unlock the full potential of your middle school math curriculum with this comprehensive resource deep dive. This session walks educators through a powerful toolkit designed to boost student engagement and academic growth. Using high-quality materials from McGraw Hill, we will explore how to effectively manage online and print assignments, customize assessments to meet class needs, and integrate... See More →
In this hands-on session, discover how AI-powered design tools can transform your classroom instruction. We'll explore Canva's AI features 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... See More →
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 →
Standards are the destination, but success criteria are the highly visible landmarks along the way. However, we tend to miss the actual cognitive demand that can be defined by determining how student success looks. In this interactive workshop, we will move from deconstructing state standards and start deconstructing our frameworks. You will learn how to identify exactly what students must say,... See More →
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 →
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... See More →
Creating an improvement plan that clearly identifies teacher needs and establishes targeted goals to support professional growth, instructional development, and continued improvement.
Practical strategies, routines, and frameworks to help teachers build positive, supportive classrooms where students feel safe, connected, and ready to learn.
A guided experience for release, reflection, and realignment Staff are navigating constant demand, emotional labor, and cognitive overload. These sessions create intentional space to pause, reset, and return to their work with clarity and energy. Participants can expect guided reflection, creative expression (no artistic experience needed), and practical tools to support ongoing well-being... See More →
Instructional Assistants are essential partners in supporting high-quality ELA instruction. Working alongside teachers, they provide targeted support to students during reading and writing, helping to reinforce skills, clarify learning, and make instruction more accessible in real time. During this session, participants will explore a variety of ways Instructional Assistants can support small... See More →
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 →
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... See More →
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... See More →
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... See More →
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... See More →
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... See More →
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... See More →
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... See More →
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... See More →
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... See More →
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... See More →
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... See More →
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... See 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... See More →
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... See More →
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... See More →
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,... See More →
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... See More →
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 →
