🌍🔎 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.
"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
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
