Content Level: Beginner

M1-02-Ex Webster 9:00 am - 9:50 am	10th Year of #GoogleAddict Craig Sheil, Digital Learning Specialist, Bedford High School, and Kerri Lunn, Bedford School District
*  Level: Beginner	Let's celebrate a decade of giving our #GoogleAddict session at CMTC! There is still learning to be had so take this opportunity to learn clever tips, ideas, tricks and techniques relating to the Google Workspace for Education. Come join the party.
M1-04-Ex Merrimack 9:00 am - 9:50 am	Why Comfort Can Hold Us Back: Rethinking Growth in Schools Lorraine Connell, Former Teacher / Student Leadership, Peers not Fears
Level: Beginner  Extensions	Learn to recognize how staying in the comfort zone limits both adult and student growth, and begin to reframe discomfort as an essential part of learning. Walk away with new language and insight to open up conversations in your school community about what it really means to grow---and how we can support one another in doing so. Why do educators resist stepping into roles like advisory? Why do students shut down when learning gets hard? In this session, explore how the Zones of Comfort---Comfort, Challenge, and Panic---show up in schools and silently shape resistance, disengagement, and fear of failure.
M1-05-Ex Concord 9:00 am - 9:50 am	Bringing AI to the Classroom: Practical Lessons Erin Mawn, Library Media Specialist, Northwood School
*  Level: Beginner	Explore real-life lesson plans and project ideas that librarian Erin Mawn has utilized in her middle-school AI Exploration elective class. Two years ago, she designed this elective course to make Artificial Intelligence accessible and engaging for students. Erin provides a look at the discussion topics, lessons, activities and projects she uses to engage and guide students as they learn about Artifical Intelligence. Attendees learn how to integrate AI concepts into existing curricula using age-appropriate tools and resources, and create engaging lessons such as AI and the Music Industry, or AI vs The Simpsons. By providing lessons that are fun and relevant students can exercise their critical thinking skills and see how AI is becoming integrated in our daily lives. By carefully selecting and vetting resources, students can explore AI applications and sites in a safe, supportive environment. Participants leave with ready-to-use materials and strategies to inspire the next generation of tech-savvy thinkers.
M2-02-In Webster 10:20 am - 11:10 am	ELEMENTARY AI EXPLORERS: Guiding the Next Generation through GenAI (60) Susan Leifer, Digital Learning Specialist, Oyster River School District - Mast Way
*  Level: Beginner  Extensions	Generative AI is no just coming---it is already here, and our elementary students are eagerly experimenting with these powerful tools at home. As these young explorers venture into this new technological landscape, how do we equip them with the compass and map they need? Join me for an interactive session where you discover creative ways to introduce crucial AI literacy concepts---bias recognition, fact vs. fiction, ethical considerations, and digital citizenship---without placing young students directly on large language models. Explore classroom-ready approaches using tangible tools like Turing Tumbles, Code.org activities, and a treasure trove of age-appropriate resources that make abstract AI concepts concrete and accessible. Transform your classroom into an AI discovery zone where students become thoughtful technology navigators rather than passive consumers!
M2-03-In Pierce 10:20 am - 11:10 am	Crack the Code: Creating Innovative Scratch-infused Elementary Lessons (60) Roxanne Molina, Head of School, Bedford Academy, and Brianna Nolet, Bedford Academy
Level: Beginner	Discover how to transform elementary lessons into dynamic, student-centered experiences using Scratch, the free block-based coding platform designed for young learners. In this hands-on session, attendees explore innovative strategies for creating Scratch-infused lessons across subjects to promote creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking with elementary students. Attendees engage in a Scratch-infused literacy lesson and then, review and discuss example lessons in other subject areas. No prior coding experience is needed---just bring your curiosity and leave with practical strategies and ideas to "crack the code" and create Scratch-infused elementary lessons.
M2-04-Ex Merrimack 10:20 am - 11:10 am	Building Community & Engagement Through Student-Led Video Announcements Liz Lichtenberg, Technology Integrator, Gilmanton School, SAU#79
*  Level: Beginner  Extensions	Discover how you can transform the mundanity of morning announcements into a dynamic and engaging learning experience for your students using minimal resources and skill. Empower tough-to-reach students and challenge those who are looking to transform their learning. Soon your entire school will be singing your selected theme songs, requesting more episodes of their favorite special features, and treating your anchors like celebrities!
M2-Capital Armory	QH ~ Saving $$$ for Your District with NHSTE Cyndy Currier, Licensing Program Manager, NHSTE
Level: Beginner	NHSTE has a discounted pricing program for many applications that you already use, or you might find are just what you need from other attending districts. We have partnered with VT, ME and RI for some of these programs so we have better pricing leverage. NHSTE continues to save districts thousands of dollars each year. Come and learn what is available, and what others are using at this very valuable and informative session.
M3-01-Ex Salon A/B 11:40 am - 12:30 pm	Prompt Engineering for Teachers: A Practical Guide to AI Communication Karen Bellidoro, 5th Grade Teacher, Bath Village School
*  Level: Beginner	Demystify the art and science of communicating effectively with Artificial Intelligence in "Prompt Engineering for Teachers: A Practical Guide to AI Communication." This interactive workshop equips you with the fundamental principles and practical techniques of prompt engineering, empowering you to harness the full potential of AI tools for educational purposes. Explore the key elements of crafting clear, concise, and targeted prompts that elicit the desired responses from various AI applications. Learn how to iterate on your prompts, refine your language, and troubleshoot common challenges to achieve optimal results, whether you are generating lesson ideas, creating assessment questions, personalizing learning materials, or exploring other AI-powered possibilities. Gain practical strategies and real-world examples relevant to the classroom, enabling you to confidently integrate AI into your teaching workflow. Leave this session with a solid understanding of prompt engineering and the ability to communicate effectively with AI, unlocking new avenues for creativity, efficiency, and student engagement.
M3-02-Ex Webster 11:40 am - 12:30 pm	Student Agency, Innovation & Leadership (SAIL): Integrate AI with Impact Rebecca Magary, SpotLight, Founder, AI Navigator, and Susan Fenn
Level: Beginner	Teach students about AI through hands-on, engaging, real-world opportunities. SAIL stands for Student Agency, Innovation, and Leadership. Through SAIL, schools have an opportunity to implement a student group or Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO) focused on exploring and shaping the future of AI in their school and community. Students are not just learning about AI; they are actively working to understand its potential, address its ethical implications, and find creative ways to use it to solve real-world problems. SAIL empowers students to become leaders in the field of AI, giving them the skills and the platform to make a real difference. Learn about AI, discuss its ethical considerations, and even develop their own AI-powered solutions for problems they identify. Ultimately, SAIL is about giving students a voice in how AI shapes our world.
M3-04-Ex Merrimack 11:40 am - 12:30 pm	Beyond the Bot- How Robotics Transforms Learning for Every Student Emily Hajko, True Robotics Inc, and Anthony Galgano, True Robotics Inc
Level: Beginner	Explore how robotics and AI can transform learning across all content areas---not just STEM. In this interactive session, educators and administrators discover practical ways to use robotics to support instruction in math, ELA, science, and beyond, while fostering the future-ready skills students need for the rapidly changing workforce. Compare traditional classroom manipulatives with hands-on, tech-integrated alternatives that deepen learning and engagement. Hear real classroom case studies that highlight how robotics opens doors for diverse learners---including kinesthetic students, English language learners, and advanced thinkers.
M3-05-Ex Concord 11:40 am - 12:30 pm	Steal Like a Librarian: Finding Free & Low-Budget Ideas for EdTech Krystal Searah, Library Media Specialist, Merrimack Valley Middle School
*  Level: Beginner	Discover how to "steal like a librarian" by curating, remixing, and sharing the best free and low-cost educational technology resources. This interactive session equips educators with practical strategies for sourcing, adapting, and collaborating on classroom-ready ideas without breaking the bank. Participants explore open educational resources, teacher sharing platforms, and social networks, learn the art of remixing content for their unique contexts, and experience real-time collaborative curation. Attendees leave with a toolkit of resources, inspiration to remix ideas for their own classrooms, and actionable ways to build a culture of sharing and innovation in their schools.
T1-03-In Pierce 9:00 am - 9:50 am	Using Drones to Drive Student Engagement (80) Laurie Prewandowski, Technology Integration Specialist, Kearsarge Regional School District, and Louann Cormier, REC Foundation
*  Level: Beginner	Explore innovative strategies to engage and empower computer science learners from diverse backgrounds and with a range of different coding abilities. Our multi-faceted approach incorporates universal design for learning principles, career preparation, and hands-on activities to foster both in-class and out-of-class learning. Participants learn how to design inclusive and accessible coding challenges, leveraging platforms like CoDrone EDU to introduce algorithmic thinking and problem solving skills. Explore how to combine competitive flying and coding with collaborative projects to create a supportive and motivating learning environment that prepares students for future success in computer science and beyond. This session also includes information on how to start a drone competition team to promote STEM learning outside of the classroom.
T1-04-Ex Merrimack 9:00 am - 9:50 am	From Technoference to Triumph: A Pathway to Reclaim Learning & Engagement James Sgroi, K-12 Digital Learning Specialist, North Reading Public Schools
*  Level: Beginner	Drowning in technoference, doomscrolling, and screen addiction? It is time for educators to lead with purpose, not control. This session arms students with digital literacy, critical thinking, and ethical tech habits---turning digital chaos into mindful engagement. Let's break the scroll cycle and educate forward for a smarter, intentional future!
T1-05-Ex Concord 9:00 am - 9:50 am	Notes from the Field: Building Buy-in for Tech Integration Liz Lichtenberg, Technology Integrator, Gilmanton School, SAU#79
*  Level: Beginner  Extensions	Hear from a 10-year Integration Teacher about the gradual journey towards reaching whole-school buy-in. Learn about what has and has not worked, take home project ideas across multiple grades and subject areas, and delve into the realities of what is required from adminstrators to make it all possible. Leave energized about your own teaching practices as you discover new ways to reignite the passion for learning in your students.
T2-01-In Salon A/B 10:20 am - 11:10 am	Unlock the Strategy Vault: Time-Saving, Impact-Boosting Strategies (60) Terra Tarango, Director, Van Andel Institute for Education
Level: Beginner	Get ready for a fast-paced, strategy-packed session! Need quick ways to group students, foster self-direction, or streamline assessments? Looking for engaging AI activities that boost student critical and creative thinking? We've got you! These real-teacher hacks save time, boost engagement, and make teaching easier. See them in action, try them out, and leave with a vault of ready-to-use tools---no extra prep required!
T2-05-Ex Concord 10:20 am - 11:10 am	K12 In a Box Neal Richardson, Head of Information Technology, Overwatch Foundation
Level: Beginner	Discover the solutions that Overwatch provides to schools: The Overwatch Foundation has a grant program to increase the cybersecurity posture of your School/District/SAU.
T2-Capital Armory	QH ~ Saving $$$ for Your District with NHSTE Cyndy Currier, Licensing Program Manager, NHSTE
Level: Beginner	NHSTE has a discounted pricing program for many applications that you already use, or you might find are just what you need from other attending districts. We have partnered with VT, ME and RI for some of these programs so we have better pricing leverage. NHSTE continues to save districts thousands of dollars each year. Come and learn what is available, and what others are using at this very valuable and informative session.
T3-01-Ex Salon A/B 11:40 am - 12:30 pm	Navigating Partnerships with GenAI - Educator Perspective Craig Sheil, Digital Learning Specialist, Bedford High School, and Josh Bashalany, Bedford High School
*  Level: Beginner	Explore how an educator can leverage GenAI to support their curriculum, from asking thoughtful questions, to co-designing curriculum, to creating engaging lesson plans, to developing tailored instructional materials and supporting day to day tasks. Come listen to a humanities teacher's perspective of what he has discovered from working with generative AI the past two years. What has worked? What hasn't worked? Which LLM works better for some tasks? Come with an open mind and a device for exploration.
T3-05-Ex Concord 11:40 am - 12:30 pm	Building Resilient EdTech Ecosystems: From "Wild West" to Strategic Design Christina Swenson, Digital Learning Specialist, sau6
Level: Beginner	Explore strategies to transform your EdTech landscape from a "Wild West" of disconnected tools into a resilient, future-ready ecosystem. This session, crucial for all subject areas (K-12 to higher education), empowers you to confidently guide your institution forward in digital learning. Participants gain actionable knowledge to: 1) Align EdTech investments directly with curricular goals and pedagogical best practices. 2) Master sustainable budgeting, ensuring fiscal responsibility in digital resource acquisition. 3) Implement robust PII protection, safeguarding sensitive student and staff data across all platforms. 4) Optimize existing EdTech for better integration, impact, and equitable access. Delve into key ecosystem components including infrastructure, content, and professional development. The session features interactive discussions, real-world examples, and practical frameworks for navigating challenges like interoperability and vendor relations. Leave prepared to build a more secure, efficient, and impactful digital learning environment.