🌍🔎 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.
We will highlight the seven durable skills and model mini-lessons which help students understand the Durable Skills terms, and help teachers attach the skills to curriculum objectives.
*Participants need laptops to research examples for each skill in action.
Assistant Director College Access Services, Appalachian State GEAR UP
Wes is the Assistant Director of College Access Services for App State GEAR UP. Prior to joining App State, Wes worked as the senior counselor in a GEAR UP high school in western North Carolina. Wes has 22 years of experience in public education, both in the classroom and as a... Read More →
Explore the transformative power of global learning and join us for an informative session on the Global Leaders Teacher Fellowship, an experience designed to help educators cultivate global leadership in their classrooms. Participants will learn about the Global Leaders Teacher Fellowship, its scope, and its impact on cultivating global leadership in classrooms. Participants will explore inspiring stories from past fellows and explore key components of the Global Leaders framework.
Director of Partnership Development, Participate Learning
Freebird McKinney is a Village Teacher and a Global Educator. It is his calling and his purpose. As the 2018 North Carolina State Teacher of the Year, he had the honor of inspiring countless young men and women inside and outside of the classroom, both in public high schools (for... Read More →
Program Manager | Strategy Coach, Participate Learning
Caroline Baker serves as a Global Leaders Strategy Coach at Participate Learning, where she partners with schools to implement the Global Leaders framework, fostering globally-minded students and strengthening leadership across the school community. With a background as a special education teacher and a passion for action-driven learning, Caroline specializes in hel... Read More →
Global Leaders Strategy Coach, Participate Learning
Jamie Fernandez-Schendt is a Global Leaders Strategy Coach at Participate Learning, where he supports schools in utilizing the Global Leaders framework to cultivate globally-minded students and foster leadership across the school community in alignment with their school improvement priorities. With over a decade of experience in public education, Jamie specializes... Read More →
Wednesday June 11, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT Global Citizenship RCOE Room 229Reich College of Education Building, College Street, Boone, NC, USA
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
Discover how extracurricular clubs can become powerful platforms for fostering empathy, ethical decision-making, and social responsibility. In this session, you’ll learn a few strategies that the presenters have come across to structure club activities that integrate SEL and empower students to connect with eachother and their communities. We will have an open discussion of real-life examples of club-led initiatives that can inspire teamwork, integrity, and civic engagement while addressing social challenges.
Administrator, Ashe County Schools, Ashe Early College
Lindsey Williams has been an educator for 18 years. She attended App State as a Teaching Fellow where she earned her B.S. in Mathematics, Secondary Education. She taught math for 2 years at West Wilkes High School and then 7 years at Ashe County High School, while coaching volleyball... Read More →
Criminal Minds: Curriculum Collaboration" presents an innovative, interdisciplinary unit that transforms traditional classroom boundaries through immersive crime scene investigation. This unit bridges English literature, criminal justice, forensic science, and biomedical studies, creating a dynamic learning environment that captivates students while addressing critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and creative expression. Through hands-on crime scene simulations, forensic analysis, and collaboration with community professionals, students engaged in an authentic learning experience that mirrored real-world applications. The unit culminated in a school-wide investigation event, (CLUE NIGHT) demonstrating how cross-curricular collaboration can revolutionize student engagement and attendance while providing multiple pathways to career exploration.
Media Coordinator, Ashe County Schools, Ashe County High School
Tonya Denny, a native of Ashe County, North Carolina, has dedicated her career to education and media coordination in schools. After earning her Bachelor's degree in K-6 Education and Master's degree in Library Science from Appalachian State University, Tonya has excelled as a Media... Read More →
about Tonya Denny, a native of Ashe County, North Carolina, has dedicated her career to education and media coordination in schools. After earning her Bachelor's degree in K-6 Education and Master's degree in Library Science from Appalachian State University, Tonya has excelled as a Media Coordinator at both elementary and high school levels. Her passion for advancing school libraries is evident in her role as the Region 7 Director on the board of the North Carolina School Library Media Association.<br>Beyond her professional life, Tonya runs a cattle farm alongside her husband and sons, balancing her educational pursuits with agricultural responsibilities. Her love for travel and cultural exploration led her to receive the prestigious Fulbright Hays Grant in 2019, allowing her to spend a month in Indonesia immersing herself in the local culture. Tonya's diverse experiences in education, agriculture, and international study contribute to her well-rounded perspective and dedication to lifelong learning.<br>
Imagine transforming Social Studies and ELA from dusty textbook lectures into vibrant, immersive learning experiences that ignite student curiosity and empathy. This dynamic session reveals how project-based learning can turn complex historical and contemporary topics into hands-on, interactive journeys of discovery. Participants will explore innovative strategies that empower students to become critical thinkers, global citizens, and active problem-solvers by bridging Social Studies and ELA through engaging, cross-curricular projects. By providing students with meaningful opportunities to explore, connect, and take action, educators can create powerful learning environments that inspire lifelong learning and transform how young minds understand the world around them.
Middle Grades Teacher, North Carolina School for the Deaf
Taylor Hughes is a passionate deaf education professional with a unique blend of academic expertise and classroom enthusiasm. Armed with a Bachelor of Arts in American Sign Language and a Master of Education from Kent State University, she currently teaches middle school at the North... Read More →
Wednesday June 11, 2025 10:05am - 11:05am EDT Global Citizenship RCOE Room 229Reich College of Education Building, College Street, Boone, NC, USA
In an era where digital literacy is as essential as traditional academics, educators at all grade levels need practical tools that enhance both teaching and learning experiences. This presentation explores Google's comprehensive ecosystem of tools, apps, and extensions specifically beneficial in educational settings. From time-tested classics like Google Classroom and Docs to cutting-edge AI-powered innovations, we'll examine how these resources can streamline administrative tasks, foster collaboration, differentiate instruction, and develop critical thinking skills. Attendees will discover practical applications for their specific grade levels and subject areas, with special attention to accessibility features, privacy considerations, and techniques for balancing technological integration with meaningful educational outcomes.
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 1:20pm - 2:20pm EDT Digital Citizenship RCOE Room 237Reich College of Education Building, College Street, Boone, NC, USA
Communication and community throughout a school is so important and this presentation will present the way our school updated the way we communicate using strategically placed TV's and Chrome boxes throughout our school. We also utilize our 8th graders to help use their creativity to create content for the TV's to be presented to their school. It has been a huge asset to our entire school community!
Career & Technical Education Teacher, Watauga County Schools, Bethel School
My name is Chelsie Eldreth and I am a middle school Career & Technical Education teacher in Watauga County. I teach at Bethel and Valle Crucis Schools and I love teaching middle school. I am married and I have 2 children, Kylie and Easton. I love to learn new things, travel, hike... Read More →
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 →
