APS Rising Educator Summit 2026

Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am MDT

23 Nambe

Limited Capacity seats available

In an era of data-driven instruction, the bridge between daily classroom activity and official reporting must be seamless. This training focuses on mastering the Standards-Based Progress Report (SBPR) integration within your grade book. By aligning assignment entry with reporting templates, educators can eliminate the "end-of-term crunch" and provide stakeholders with a crystal-clear view of student mastery.

Speakers

Jude Garcia

Senior Administrator, APS

Esperanza Ruiz Sanchez

APS

Kina Richardson

Assistant Systems Administrator, APS

Patricia Salaz

Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
23 Nambe 401 2nd St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Session Type Workshop (50 min)
PD Focus Area Content Area PD (Curriculum & Bilingual/Dual Language)
Area WEST Building - Lower Level 1

10:00am MDT

Create, Capture, and Connect: Elevating Instruction with Seesaw

🌇 Elementary (K-5), DIGITAL TOOLS

Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am MDT

32 Tesuque

Limited Capacity seats available

In this interactive session, participants will explore how to design meaningful, standards-aligned learning experiences that empower students to create, capture, and reflect on their learning. Educators will actively engage with Seesaw’s multimodal tools to make student thinking visible, differentiate instruction, and strengthen home-school connections.

Speakers

Yvonne Post

Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
32 Tesuque 401 2nd St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Session Type Workshop (50 min)
PD Focus Area Student Engagement/Collaboration/Inclusive Practices
Area WEST Building - Lower Level 1

10:00am MDT

Work Smarter Not Harder: Developing Effective IEP Goals to Target Decoding and/or Writing

Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 11:20am MDT

15 Zuni

Limited Capacity seats available

This session will guide participants in considering key concepts students need instructionally for decoding, reading fluency and writing. Additionally, participants will be provided with exemplar goals that align to students’ needs. Participants will be given time to explore current IEP goals of students they serve and will be able to collaboratively plan on the instruction and progress monitoring that will support these goals.

Speakers

Tawnya Yates

Resource Teacher, APS

Tawnya Yates is a Certified Academic Language Therapist and former Board Member for the Southwest Branch of the International Dyslexia Association. She has worked as a reading interventionist in the public schools serving students with dyslexia in both general and special education... Read More →

Meghan Chambers

Resource Teacher, APS

Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 11:20am MDT
15 Zuni 401 2nd St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Session Type Workshop (50 min)
PD Focus Area Content Area PD (Curriculum & Bilingual/Dual Language)
Area WEST Building - Lower Level 1

11:00am MDT

Discover Seesaw AI: Smarter Tools for the Elementary Classroom

🌇 Elementary (K-5), DIGITAL TOOLS

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am MDT

32 Tesuque

Limited Capacity seats available

Discover how Seesaw’s enhanced instructional tools and built-in AI are purposefully designed to save teachers time, boost creativity, and strengthen student engagement. From creative tool enhancements to data-driven insights, you’ll walk away ready to deliver meaningful, joyful learning experiences that meet every learner where they are.

Speakers

Yvonne Post

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am MDT
32 Tesuque 401 2nd St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Session Type Workshop (50 min)
PD Focus Area Educational Technology (AI/Canva/Google)
Area WEST Building - Lower Level 1

11:00am MDT

Understanding the SBPR: Rubrics, Student Learning, and Practical Classroom Use

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 12:20pm MDT

29 Sandia

Limited Capacity seats available

Finally–A tool created for teachers by teachers! Learn about these practical and adaptable rubrics that connect the standards, the SBPR, and the Units of Study. We’ve done the work for you!

Speakers

Sonja Kortsch

Teacher, APS

Dannie Montoya

Teacher, APS

Kaitlin Wood

Teacher, APS

Dani Carver

Teacher, APS

Rachel Krout-Norris

Teacher, APS

Celeste Hernandez

Teacher, APS

Alex Herring

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 12:20pm MDT
29 Sandia 401 2nd St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Session Type Collaborative Learning Session (80 min)
PD Focus Area Assessment (Data-Driven Instruction)
Area WEST Building - Lower Level 1

11:00am MDT

Structured Literacy in Action: UFLI Rotations for Tiered Kindergarten Instruction

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 12:50pm MDT

21 Jemez

Limited Capacity seats available

Experience a standards-aligned kindergarten literacy block grounded in UFLI and the APS Professional Development Framework. This session demonstrates a 60-minute structure that integrates Tier 1 whole group instruction with differentiated Tier 2 and Tier 3 small-group rotations. Participants will explore a practical rotation model that includes explicit phonics instruction, targeted intervention, and strategic integration of 30 minutes of Amira Reading per student each week. The session also highlights how to embed efficient weekly progress monitoring during small group instruction to support data-driven decisions. Through modeling, hands-on participation, and collaborative planning, educators will learn inclusive practices that support multilingual learners and diverse academic needs. Participants will leave with ready-to-use systems and tools that can be implemented immediately.

Speakers

Rosa González-Rogers

Teacher, APS

Katelyn Shinas Bird

Teacher, APS

Danielle Benitez

Teacher, APS

Alexis Baca

Teacher, APS

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 12:50pm MDT
21 Jemez 401 2nd St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Session Type Workshop (80 min)
PD Focus Area Content Area PD (Curriculum & Bilingual/Dual Language)

12:00pm MDT

Add a Little Inquiry - Elevating Savvas Week 6 Projects

Tuesday August 4, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm MDT

31 Santa Ana

Limited Capacity seats available

The more open the experience, the deeper the learning! This session will share a variety of ways that standard Savvas Week 6 projects can be transformed into higher-level cognitive journeys. Bridge the gap between scripted curriculum and authentic, student-driven discovery that sticks.

Speakers

Samantha Schmitz

TLC, APS

Tuesday August 4, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm MDT
31 Santa Ana 401 2nd St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Session Type Workshop (50 min)
PD Focus Area Student Engagement/Collaboration/Inclusive Practices
Area WEST Building - Lower Level 1

12:00pm MDT

Collaborate, Code, Create: CS & AI Learning with LEGO® Education

Tuesday August 4, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm MDT

240 La Cienega

Limited Capacity seats available

AI and computer science are becoming an integral part of everyday life, yet students are increasingly "screened-out". Looking for a fresh approach? Transform computer science into a hands-on experience with LEGO® Education! Join us to see tactile, collaborative lessons you can use to build computer science skills and help students become responsible digital citizens by teaching them how AI works. From kindergarten through eighth grade, LEGO® Education makes computer science approachable and safe. Join us to learn more.

Speakers

Colleen Cannon-Ruffo

Solution Architect, Lego Education

Dr. Colleen Cannon-Ruffo brings more than two decades of firsthand experience using LEGO® Education solutions to her role as a Solution Architect. She works closely with districts to design learning experiences that align with their curricular goals and to equip teachers with the... Read More →

Carrie Aviles

Lego Education

Tuesday August 4, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm MDT
240 La Cienega 401 2nd St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Session Type Workshop (50 min)
PD Focus Area Educational Technology (AI/Canva/Google)
Area EAST Building- Upper Level 3

12:00pm MDT

Stop Spinning Your Wheels with iReady Personalized Instruction - sponsored by Curriculum Associates

Tuesday August 4, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm MDT

Hall 4 Stage (Expo Hall)

Limited Capacity seats available

Learn engaging strategies from iReady's National Directors to seamlessly connect student insights with real world, engaging, evidence-based instruction to drive learning gains for all students. Use Personalized Instruction with confidence to help achieve Goal 2: Math Proficiency.

Tuesday August 4, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm MDT
Hall 4 Stage (Expo Hall) 401 2nd St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

🌇 Elementary (K-5), MATH

Session Type Presentation/Tutorial Sessions (50 Min)
PD Focus Area Partner Session
Area WEST Building - Main Level

1:00pm MDT

Amira Back-to-School Launch for Teachers

Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm MDT

Ballroom A

Limited Capacity seats available

Join this 50-minute session for an overview of Amira ISIP and Tutor best practices, the latest product features, and the key reports that support effective implementation. We’ll highlight practical strategies, recent updates, and actionable insights to help educators make the most of Amira and drive stronger student outcomes.

Speakers

Samantha Auddino

Manager, APS

Sonya Solock

Sr. Customer Success Manager, Amira Learning

I am a former elementary teacher with over 11 years of classroom experience in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where I still live today. Currently, I serve as a Customer Success Manager at Amira Learning, working closely with the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) and several districts... Read More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm MDT
Ballroom A 401 2nd St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Session Type Presentation/Tutorial Sessions (50 Min)
PD Focus Area Assessment (Data-Driven Instruction)
Area WEST Building - Upper Level 3

1:00pm MDT

From LETRS to Lively: Literacy Engagement Activities

Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm MDT

15 Zuni

Limited Capacity seats available

This session explores ways to incorporate differentiated and engaging activities in the structured literacy block.

Speakers

Christina Leonard

Consulting Teacher, APS

I am a National Board Certified Teacher with a Wilson level 1 certification and reading endorsement. Teaching literacy is my passion, ELA at Jefferson Middle School for 10 years and K-3 special ed at Osuna for 12 years. As part of my current work with the APS Mentor program, I encourage... Read More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm MDT
15 Zuni 401 2nd St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Session Type Presentation/Tutorial Sessions (50 Min)
PD Focus Area Student Engagement/Collaboration/Inclusive Practices
Area WEST Building - Lower Level 1

1:00pm MDT

myView Literacy Scaffolding and Assessment – Informed Differentiation

Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 2:20pm MDT

240 La Cienega

Limited Capacity seats available

With a shared vision for student success, let’s examine the pathways to get there with myView Literacy. Together we’ll explore how core routines and connected tasks are scaffolded by design. We’ll unpack assessment data to refine our instruction and differentiate student learning while maintaining grade-level rigor. We’ll explore strategies to scaffold learning effectively, promote student independence, and align instruction with assessment insights to drive literacy growth.

Speakers

Melissa Carper

Education Consultant, Savvas

Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 2:20pm MDT
240 La Cienega 401 2nd St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Session Type Workshop (80 min)
PD Focus Area Content Area PD (Curriculum & Bilingual/Dual Language)
Area EAST Building- Upper Level 3

1:00pm MDT

Seesaw AI Rotations: Supercharging Math & Literacy

🌇 Elementary (K-5), DIGITAL TOOLS

Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 2:20pm MDT

30 Taos

Limited Capacity seats available

Ready to transform your elementary literacy and math blocks? Join us for this hands-on workshop where we leverage Seesaw's AI features to maximize student engagement and minimize teacher workload. We’ll spend the first part of our time exploring how Seesaw AI can be implemented quickly and easily. Then, rotate through targeted math and literacy stations to experience the best features for engaging your students quickly!
1. Differentiate High-Quality Instructional Materials
2. Generate Drag and Drop and Multiple Choice Questions
3. Embed YouTube Videos with Quiz Questions
4. Upload Reading Passages for a Graded Fluency Read
5. Make Learning Visible with the Green Add Button
You will leave the session ready to implement quick features or even lessons right away. Let's work smarter for optimal student engagement.

Speakers

Ashley Zamora-Rizzieri

Teacher, APS

Nicole Midgett

Teacher, APS

Rachel Fuchs

Teacher, APS

Hello! I am a 2nd grade teacher at Lavaland Elementary (Go Volcanoes!) I am a big fan of educational videos. My favorites are songs that reenforce the topics we are learning about. There are a many things I like about using SeeSaw, but I am currently most excited to be able to embed... Read More →

Angela Wood

Special Education Teacher, APS

Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 2:20pm MDT
30 Taos 401 2nd St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Session Type Collaborative Learning Session (80 min)
PD Focus Area Educational Technology (AI/Canva/Google)
Area WEST Building - Lower Level 1

1:00pm MDT

Supporting Literacy & Numeracy Through the ECHO Model

Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 2:20pm MDT

32 Tesuque

Limited Capacity seats available

This interactive session introduces the ECHO model as a powerful, collaborative approach to strengthening literacy and numeracy instruction by highlighting practical and evidence-based strategies being implemented in elementary classrooms. Participants will receive a brief overview of how ECHO supports educator learning through a community of practice with case-based discussion, shared expertise, and real-time problem solving. Participants will engage in structured discussions to reflect on their own practices, share successes and challenges, and learn from peers across the district. This session emphasizes vulnerability, collaboration, and actionable strategies educators can immediately apply in their classrooms. ECHO provides implementation support through low dose, high frequency, virtual profession learning opportunities that are free for educators to attend.

Speakers

Heather Summers

Senior Program Manager, Project ECHO for Education

Heather Summers, an NBCT in Science for Early Adolescence and the Senior Program Manager for STEM with Project ECHO for Education, works in partnership with NMPED and districts throughout New Mexico. She has extensive NGSS implementation knowledge from through teaching and facilitating... Read More →

Jackie Jones

Senior Program Manager, Project ECHO for Education

Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 2:20pm MDT
32 Tesuque 401 2nd St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Session Type Collaborative Learning Session (80 min)
PD Focus Area Instructional Strategies (MLSS/ELD/ Differentiation/Intervention/Accelerated Learning)
Area WEST Building - Lower Level 1

1:00pm MDT

The Behavior Redirector Role