🌍🔎 Welcome to the 2025 Academic Innovation Conference! 🔎🌍
“Where in the World...?”
Welcome, education trailblazers, to a conference unlike any other—where we set out on a high-stakes global mission to transform our classrooms into communities for the future! 🌎✨
Just like the legendary Carmen Sandiego, our students are on an adventure—but instead of searching for stolen treasures, they are discovering knowledge, cultures, digital tools, and opportunities that prepare them to be true global citizens. The question is: How do we equip them with the tools to navigate and thrive in an ever-changing world? That’s where YOU come in!
Over the course of this conference, we’ll decode the mysteries of innovation, track down best practices from around the globe, and unlock the strategies that will empower our students to think critically, collaborate across cultures, and make meaningful contributions—no matter where their journey takes them.
So, grab your thinking caps and passports, because together, we are about to embark on an educational expedition that ensures our students do not just ask where in the world they belong—but boldly go out and shape it through citizenship.
Life long learning is the pathway to economic citizenship, and educational attainment is the driver of prosperous futures for our students. Educators prepare students for this journey. Collaborate with colleagues to examine myFutureNC data profiles, learn more about the education to workforce continuum, and develop experiential learning strategies to connect students to the economic life of your community.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a digital device, such as a laptop.
Dr. Kim Case Kim's 34 year career in public education began at the classroom level where she gained practical experience in engaging students – particularly young adolescents – in learning, life, and leadership. Her desire to impact student outcomes has been the driving force... Read More →
Wednesday June 11, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT Economic Citizenship RCOE Room 134Reich College of Education Building, College Street, Boone, NC, USA
"AI in the Classroom – Practical Applications" is a professional development session designed to equip educators with actionable strategies for integrating artificial intelligence into their teaching practices. This session will explore AI-powered tools that enhance lesson planning, personalize student learning, streamline grading, and support classroom management. Participants will engage in hands-on demonstrations and discussions on ethical considerations, practical implementation, and the future of AI in education. Whether new to AI or looking to expand its use, educators will leave with concrete ideas and resources to enrich their classrooms with AI-driven innovations.
Attendees will need to bring a device, such as a laptop.
8th Grade Math Teacher, Swain County Schools, Swain Middle School
Heather Payne Herron is a passionate educator with 31 years of experience in Swain County Schools, North Carolina. Her career began at Swain County High School, where she spent 20 years teaching a wide range of science courses. She taught 8th grade Science at Swain Middle School for... Read More →
Wednesday June 11, 2025 10:05am - 11:05am EDT Digital Citizenship RCOE Room 237Reich College of Education Building, College Street, Boone, NC, USA
In this hands-on teacher workshop, educators will explore the powerful intersection of Global Citizenship and Service Learning through an engaging, challenge-based approach inspired by Participate Learning and Destination Imagination(DI). Participants will dive into the principles of global competence—such as global interconnectivity, critical thinking, and collaboration—while actively learning how students design and carry out service projects that address real-world community needs through a S.T.E.A.M based competition. Using the Destination Imagination Service Learning Challenge and Creative Process as a framework, teachers will learn how to guide students through creative problem-solving processes that empower their students to become empathetic, action-oriented global citizens. By the end of the session, educators will not only have participated in DI activities, but they leave with practical strategies on how to start a Destination Imagination team at their school that will make their students true Global Citizens.
*Participants should bring a Laptop, Creativity, and a desire to serve.
Middle Grades Teacher, Burke County Schools, Heritage Middle School
Tim Gallagher is a dedicated 8th-grade English Language Arts (ELA) teacher with 16 years of experience at Heritage Middle School in Burke County, North Carolina. With a passion for global education and a commitment to fostering a global perspective among his students, Tim serves... Read More →
