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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 assessments, or building student-facing activities, 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 →
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.
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.
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 →
