APS Rising Educator Summit 2026

How do we bridge the gap between classroom instruction and meaningful student achievement? This series of presentations offers practical pathways for fostering critical thinking and civic engagement while providing essential academic support. Explore how project-based civic research allows students to pitch real-world solutions to community stakeholders and school boards. Then, gain actionable teaching strategies to elevate core academic skills, featuring specialized tools for developing Strategic Intervention Materials and differentiated writing frameworks that ensure students of all abilities thrive. Join us in La Sala for a dynamic and interactive series of poster sessions designed to spark innovation and provide practical solutions for today’s educators. These sessions offer a unique opportunity to engage directly with experts, explore visual data, and take away actionable strategies in a concise, high-impact format.

Inspire Young Leaders! Amplify Student Voice with the Civic Action Project: Connect students to real-world issues through informed civic action. Civic Action Project (CAP) uses project-based learning to empower students to create meaningful, policy-informed solutions in their community. With lessons for elementary, middle, and high school classes, CAP helps students identify an issue, connect it to public policy, take action, and reflect on their work. CAP is flexible and is used across academic disciplines, including ELA, social studies, and science. The curriculum includes academic pathways such as media literacy, social movements, and environmental science to help students make connections between classroom learning and community issues. Kathleen Hughes

Strategic Intervention Material: A Better Way in Increasing the Academic Achievements of Students: This session is designed to equip teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to develop effective Strategic Intervention Materials (SIM). The focus is on helping educators address learning gaps and support students who struggle with specific competencies. Participants will explore the purpose and importance of SIM in improving student understanding and performance. The session will guide teachers through the key components of a well-designed SIM, including identifying least-mastered skills, setting clear objectives, and organizing content in a simple, engaging, and learner-friendly format. Irene Gonzales

Writing the 5-Paragraph Essay: All participants will learn about how to get students to write a 5-paragraph essay. To get students to write a five paragraph essay, the presenter will also show previous writing strategies (that help students build connections) like "Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning" assignments and the RACES Writing strategies. Work samples will be included to show the audience what completed/exceptional assignments look like. The presenter also has a strong background in special education (5 years of working in a SES Middle School Environment, working in a cross cat High School Setting, and being a Head Teacher) and can show how to modify, differentiate, and provide appropriate accommodations to help students with their writing assignments and provide teachers with additional tools/skills to provide quality small group instructional practice and/or inclusive practices. Andrew Marcus

Community Civics Projects Proposals: This poster gallery will include a few high school juniors, seniors, and alumni to discuss their research while as a student at APS. The students choose a meaningful topic they want to research, problem solve, and then facilitate, direct, and implement presentations from local, district, state, and sometimes national level to multiple shareholders each year. The topic is carefully researched from multiple perspectives, then students will problem solve several solutions to the issue or concern. These posters will show the topic, research, proposals, interviews, and presentations for the past 3 years. The topics are
1) Grading for equity from a students lens.
2) Capstone: The students big ideas on student directed learning.
3) PBL: What is it from multiple perspectives. How can PBL realistically be implemented? A research from multiple shareholders in APS
4) Representation matters: Ideas and proposals from multiple perspectives in education.
Michael Nair

Learn how to transform your classroom with efficient data collection. These sessions highlight using tools like Google Forms to streamline assessment and drive informed instructional decisions. Join us on the Sky Bridge for a dynamic and interactive series of poster sessions designed to spark innovation and provide practical solutions for today’s educators. These sessions offer a unique opportunity to engage directly with experts, explore visual data, and take away actionable strategies in a concise, high-impact format.

Google Forms for Data Collection: Want to streamline data collection for your student's behaviors, BIP, academic achievement, or anything else, and be provided with immediate visuals including graphs, charts, and summaries of the results? Need to collaborate across multiple classrooms in a quick and easy way without having to spend time organizing the results in order to analyze your data? Learn to use Google Forms for a variety of data collection in your classroom. Meghan Hendricks

District Utility Data Revealed!: Did you know APS has a dashboard that allows you to see utility usage data in real time and separated by school? Cufflink is this dashboard and can provide you and your students real-world, relevant data to explore and analyze. Curious what your school's electric or water usage is? Check! Curious about solar panel output? Check! Learn with members of the Sustaining the Future and Cufflink teams how to access and apply these data with your students. Abel Abeita, Erika Edgerly

Data Driven Decision-Marking using Progress Learning or CB Assessments: This a presentation on how we can utilize the Progress Learning Interim Assessments aligning with the PSAT/NMSQT and SAT. Maria Santos

True educational impact happens when we know how to navigate the systems around us—and how to change them for the better. This track is a masterclass in professional advancement and structural strategy. Demystify your career path by getting in-person roadmap guidance from the APS Licensure team, and discover how completing your National Boards can seamlessly elevate your formative assessment practices. Simultaneously, look at institutional growth by diving deep into the tech side of student interventions with MTSS tools in Synergy, learning how to launch a Career Technical Student Organization (CTSO), and joining a collaborative, honest session to reimagine school evaluation systems so they actually reflect the true gains of your students and community. Join us in the Sky Bridge for a dynamic and interactive series of poster sessions designed to spark innovation and provide practical solutions for today’s educators. These sessions offer a unique opportunity to engage directly with experts, explore visual data, and take away actionable strategies in a concise, high-impact format.

Optimizing Student Support Systems using MTSS within Synergy: Effective student intervention requires a seamless blend of strategy and technology. This course provides a comprehensive deep dive into our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, focusing on practical tools like Behavior Points, Observations, Check-In/Check-Out (CICO), and MTSS Plans. Participants will leave with the ability to navigate the MTSS modules and leverage rewards systems to foster a positive school culture. Patricia Salaz, Jude Garcia and Nicole Sullo

Navigating the APS Licensure Maze: Don't navigate the path to advancement alone. Whether you’re advancing your license, navigating the alternative licensure route, or adding an endorsement, our Licensure team is here to help you skip the paperwork headaches. Get your questions answered in person and leave with a clear roadmap to your goals. Kerry Wellborn

So You Want to Start A Career Technical Student Organization!: Benefits of a Career Technical Student Organization and how it will enhance your CTE Program. Which CTSO will fit you best? Steps to start, funding support and more. Richard Faulkner

Reimagining Schools and School Evaluation: Are you tired of "data driven" this and "data driven" that being dictated to you from on high? Do you get the feeling that this supposed data does not accurately reflect the gains your students are making? You are not alone! During this collaborative session, we will critically examine our state and district evaluation system learn why certain things are necessary user ESSA while also trying to reimage what kind of evaluation might empower our students and communities. If time permits we will also discuss how to visually represent the data to reach more people in our communities. Athena Torretti

National Boards and Formative Assessment: A Match Made in Heaven?: Have you been thinking of doing your National Boards but have been hesitant because you are nervous about the video portion? I was there once too, but then I was asked to implement a new technology into my classroom and then it started to make more sense. Come hear about my own journey to National Boards and why I think everyone can benefit from going through this process. I will share some of the lessons I learned along the way about lesson planning and how to integrate Formative Assessments more seamlessly into the classroom. Sarah Schmitz

Transform your math instruction from routine to remarkable. This session track delivers actionable, engaging strategies to boost math confidence across all grade levels. From leveraging local New Mexico culture and history to teach special education math, to implementing active, movement-based centers that reinforce daily standards, to using play and patterns for multiplication mastery, you will leave equipped to build a more inclusive, energetic, and effective math classroom. Join us in La Sala (lower West Side) for a dynamic and interactive series of poster sessions designed to spark innovation and provide practical solutions for today’s educators. These sessions offer a unique opportunity to engage directly with experts, explore visual data, and take away actionable strategies in a concise, high-impact format.


Ethnomathematics in Special Education: "How Far From Chaco Canyon?": This poster session highlights an ethnomathematics project designed for 8th grade small-group special education math classrooms that integrates scientific notation with the rich cultural and astronomical history of Chaco Canyon in New Mexico. Participants will explore how students investigate large numbers related to astronomical alignments, architecture, and distances within the Chacoan world while practicing scientific notation and mathematical reasoning. The project combines culturally responsive teaching, Universal Design for Learning supports, and visual thinking strategies to make abstract mathematical concepts accessible and meaningful. Attendees will gallery walk through student work samples, lesson visuals, and scaffolded supports used to increase engagement and conceptual understanding. Participants will leave with ideas for connecting mathematics to local culture while supporting diverse learners. Greg Hyzy

Math That Moves: structures to foster math engagement, independence, and standards mastery: Are you looking for ways to boost math understanding WITHOUT boring your class to death? Would you like to refine your use of centers in the math classroom? During this session, you will take a peek into how one APS multi-age elementary classroom has adapted readily-available resources to keep students learning and engaged.
Specific points include:
1) Strategies to get your students up and moving while still using iReady lessons,
2) How math stations (or centers) can be utilized to reinforce standards-mastery,
3) How to introduce a math stations routine to students to ensure success,
4) Suggestions for using pacing guides and Common Core standards to plan activities for math stations,
5) Maintaining high behavior expectations during math station time. Christi Trail

Fun and Effective Ways to Teach Multiplication Facts: Many students struggle to memorize multiplication facts, which are essential for success in math. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn a few fun and effective strategies to help students remember multiplication facts. Attendees will practice activities such as games, patterns, and interactive exercises that can be immediately used in their classrooms. This session is designed to be engaging and practical, allowing teachers to leave with ready-to-use strategies to help students master multiplication in a fun and memorable way. Miyoung Lee

A thriving school starts with a strong community. This session track is dedicated to building inclusive, high-energy school environments where both students and families feel valued and connected. Learn from peer leaders about successfully implementing a "Culture of Care" across all grade levels, and discover out-of-the-box, humorous strategies to supercharge family and community engagement. Plus, walk away with actionable ideas to revive lagging school spirit and tools to instill deep-rooted grit, tenacity, and a growth mindset in your students. Join us to find the spark that brings your school community together! Join us on the Sky Bridge for a dynamic and interactive series of poster sessions designed to spark innovation and provide practical solutions for today’s educators. These sessions offer a unique opportunity to engage directly with experts, explore visual data, and take away actionable strategies in a concise, high-impact format.

Culture of Care Experience, Strength & Hope: Do you know a little or a lot about Culture of Care? Do you wonder how you can make it work at YOUR school? Join three teacher leaders from an Elementary, Middle and High School for a panel presentation and discussion/Q&A on how Culture of Care has been implemented in their school communities so far. We will also review sample models of support to help get you started on next steps in implementing Culture of Care at your school with plenty of district support available to help. Monica Asebedo; Michelle Baucom; Andrew Roberts; Stephanie Breezee

Family and Community Engagement. Thinking Outside the Box: Staff members will learn about new and exciting ways to engage families and community members and harness resources in symbiotic relationships. The presentation will be filled with humor and interaction. Ralph Pena

Why don't we have spirit? We have spirit weeks...Strengthening school spirit & culture: Is your school/class struggling with school spirit? You're having spirit weeks but participation is down? Join me for a brief overview of student activities to get students excited, engaged and building culture. Leslie Coe

Building a Culture of Care through Employee Well-being: A culture of care for students starts with a strong foundation. Our educators and employees are the bedrock of that building. We can't authentically teach and model Goal #4 and a Culture of Care if we're not actively participating in the process and understanding how they apply to our personal well-being.The session will highlight Goal #4 and flip the script on the Culture of Care core tenets from students to how they apply to educators; mindset shifts for stress management, emotional regulation, short, specific techniques for conflict/resolution & interpersonal communication, and holistic well-being through thrifting and iterative practices.The goal is to provide educators with resources to help them start and finish the year with higher retention, reduced burnout, and improved overall satisfaction. This session treats well-being as a foundational necessity rather than an afterthought. Becky MacGregor

True innovation happens when we break down silos and design together. This track is designed for school teams eager to deepen collaboration, enrich student experiences, and unite their communities. Discover how to build a resilient, spirited adult team culture that fuels collective efficacy. Then, learn how to use shared interdisciplinary themes to elevate student voices across subjects, redesign beloved school traditions into rich academic milestones, and launch public exhibitions that proudly celebrate student work with families and community partners. Join us to transform how your school learns, collaborates, and celebrates together. Join us in La Sala (lower West Side) for a dynamic and interactive series of poster sessions designed to spark innovation and provide practical solutions for today’s educators. These sessions offer a unique opportunity to engage directly with experts, explore visual data, and take away actionable strategies in a concise, high-impact format.

Building Team Community and Spirit: This session supports teams in intentionally building community and spirit—laying the groundwork for collaboration that sustains both adults and students. Participants explore how team culture is shaped through shared purpose, rituals, and everyday interactions, and how a strong sense of belonging fuels resilience, innovation, and collective efficacy. Amber Day, Chelsea O’Connell, Andrea Roman

Interdisciplinary Exhibition That Engages the Whole Community: This session guides teams through the process of designing interdisciplinary exhibitions that celebrate student learning and invite broader community participation. Participants consider logistical planning, role clarity, and strategies for engaging families and partners while centering authentic student work and voice. Amber Day, Megan Arling, Maria Tafoya-Trotter, Christina Chacon

Tradition Meets Redesign: How Interdisciplinary Learning Enhances Beloved School Experiences: Rather than replacing cherished traditions, this session invites teams to see them as anchors for redesign. Participants explore how interdisciplinary learning, co‑teaching, and student choice can deepen the impact of events like Greek Night or 5th‑grade transition experiences—making them more meaningful, inclusive, and academically rich. Amber Day, Bill Barnes, Terresa Roybal, Lisa Aragon, Susan Savage, Julieana Reed

VOICES: Designing Learning Through Shared Themes Across Disciplines: This session focuses on designing learning around powerful, resonant themes that span disciplines and elevate student voice. Teams explore how shared inquiry questions and themes can unify curriculum, deepen relevance, and create space for authentic student expression through products and performances. Amber Day, Annette Youngren

Join us to transform how your school learns, collaborates, and celebrates together. Join us in La Sala (lower West Side) for a dynamic and interactive series of poster sessions designed to spark innovation and provide practical solutions for today’s educators. These sessions offer a unique opportunity to engage directly with experts, explore visual data, and take away actionable strategies in a concise, high-impact format.

Math Made Beautiful: Reimagining Fluency, Confidence, and Engagement: In this interactive workshop, attendees will rotate through three hands-on stations that model joyful, high-impact math routines for real classrooms. Participants will explore daily warm-ups that build number sense and fact fluency, structures that promote student ownership through creative problem-solving, and activities that support whole-class engagement and mathematical discourse through play. Aaron Johnston, Patrick Iverson

Math in Every Language: Building Understanding Through Visual Thinking: In many bilingual classrooms, students are learning mathematics and language at the same time. This session shares how one school, Christine Duncan Heritage Academy, strengthened engagement and understanding by centering visual thinking through Tile Farm.
Using a simple, consistent daily routine, students began to participate more fully, take risks, and communicate their ideas with confidence. Visual, low-floor, high-ceiling tasks allowed all learners to access mathematics immediately, while supporting the development of academic language over time.
Participants will experience the routine as learners, hear classroom stories from CDHA, and explore practical ways to build inclusive, discussion-rich math environments where all students can think and communicate in math, in any language. Elia Maria Romero, Louis Romero

Esports (Gaming in the Classroom): How to show and grow your ESPORTS ELECTIVE and after hours program. Learn what ESPORTS is all about at DNHS. Websites, 3D printing, Youtube Videos, Graphic Design. Learn what ESPORTS at you school and how to grow your program. Learn about funding opportunities. Marta Anderson

How do we create a safe, vibrant classroom environment where every student can thrive? This series of presentations focuses on innovative approaches to student safety, behavior, and academic depth. Discover creative management techniques—from curbing middle school behavior challenges to high-interest, pop-culture-inspired strategy rotations. Learn how to safely navigate student health and self-regulation needs, facilitate empathetic student dialogues on controversial issues, and leverage visual tools to deepen critical thinking, all while collaborating with fellow educators on real, meaningful classroom differentiation. Join us to find the spark that brings your school community together! Join us on the Sky Bridge for a dynamic and interactive series of poster sessions designed to spark innovation and provide practical solutions for today’s educators. These sessions offer a unique opportunity to engage directly with experts, explore visual data, and take away actionable strategies in a concise, high-impact format.

Motivating Middle Schoolers: Get your Middle school students participating in class and curb those behavior problems. Asia Alvarado

"Now Climb that Tree": Discussing Effective Differentiation Strategies: Education is, at times, a river of pedagogical jargon. The jargon comes and goes, but often the core problems remain. Our students are behind. Our state is underperforming. I have been teaching for over 20 years. As an ELD teacher and Co-teacher, the one piece of jargon I observe consistently missing from our classrooms is differentiation. I want to facilitate a collaborative learning session where teachers can come together to discuss the most effective strategies they have used to differentiate for their students, and to hear from all APS teachers who are experts in, or struggling with, differentiation. I want to discuss how to raise our scores without drill and kill, to explore differentiation in a safe space where teachers share their experiences, vent their frustrations, and find solutions. I want teachers to leave with new solutions, as well as solid plans for proven differentiation techniques they can use to get off to a great start for the new year. Megan Blaich

"Would You Know What to Do?" -Student Safety, Chronic Conditions & Self-Regulation in Schools: This interactive gallery walk engages teachers, educational assistants, administrators, and support staff in recognizing and responding to common student health needs in the school setting. Using real-world scenarios, participants will explore how everyday staff actions impact student safety, engagement, and self-regulation. This session highlights a practical framework—Recognize, Respond, Support—to guide decision-making when students report symptoms or show signs of distress. Participants will also engage with demonstration emergency medications (e.g., inhalers, epinephrine auto-injectors) to build confidence in real-time response. Attendees will leave with clear, actionable strategies to support student voice, ensure timely care, and reduce barriers to learning. Pamela Garcia Arnold

Tackle Complex or Controversial Issues in the Classroom Through Civil Conversation: Students are eager to discuss real-world issues. Help transform their curiosity into meaningful dialogue that builds empathy and critical thinking. The Civil Conversation method helps students gain a deeper understanding of complex topics through a combination of close reading and guided small-group discussion. This strategy uses graphic organizers and discussion guides to help students consider multiple perspectives, use evidence to support their claims, and ask clarifying questions. Join us in this session to learn more about Civil Conversation, explore resources, and discuss best practices for using student deliberation in the classroom. This workshop will include collaborative planning time and participants will leave with a ready-to-use lesson tailored to their course and grade level. Kathleen Hughes

Attention Mandalorians: This Strategy Rotation Session is inspired by both Harry Potter and Star Wars: The Mandalorian this is a strategy for classroom management that is engaging, relevant and fun. It can be used in a classroom setting or adapted for school wide program. Alyssa Anaya

Hexagonal Thinking: Bringing Collaboration and Critical Thinking into the Classroom: Hexagonal thinking is a simple classroom strategy to engage students in collaboration and critical thinking. Students review terms and concepts in any given subject and connect or link them using hexagons. If hexagon sides touch, the terms and concepts must relate to one another. Because hexagons have six sides, multiple connections can be made and students must be able to justify any and all connections. This activity fosters student engagement through discussion, debate, problem solving, and critical thinking. Each group’s unique visual map of hexagons helps students to see the bigger picture of how terms/concepts relate within the content. Stacy Cooley