You’re invited to join us Tuesday August 12th through Thursday August 14th for the 2025 STEM Summit at the Wenatchee Convention Center! The STEM Summit provides professional learning opportunities for teachers and educational staff members in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics taught by experts and specialists in their fields.
This course will cover how elementary teachers can prepare students for their digital future through developmentally appropriate and pedagogically sound ways. Teachers will learn strategies to help students navigate their media-rich world with confidence, curiosity and critical thinking.
Shanna serves as the Regional Literacy Coordinator at NCESD. She coordinates the regional ELA Fellows. Shanna provides regional and customized on-site professional development including LETRS, Science of Reading-Structured Literacy and Project GLAD. Shanna’s experience at P-6 includes... Read More →
Ready to build? Custom AI powered chatbots can be an extremely powerful way to save you time, engage in critical thinking, and remove barriers to educational tasks. In this hands-on session, participants will create their own AI chatbots using a structured framework of support. The challenge will encourage problem-solving, creativity, and an understanding of AI decision-making processes. Who will build the most effective bot?
This presentation will introduce you to The Museum of Flight, its education and career pathways, regional partnerships to advance aerospace education and career opportunities, and discussion regarding attracting students and families to consider career opportunities in aerospace.
Dr. Black began her role of Vice President of Education at The Museum of Flight in the summer of 2020. Prior to joining the Museum she served as an Assistant Superintendent for Everett Public Schools with prior work experience at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, University... Read More →
Wednesday August 13, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am PDT TBA
In this session you will learn how to teach any content, including science that capitalizes on early learners wondering brains, importance of oral language development using engaging, playful strategies like pictorials, songs, centers and small groups of 3-6 year olds.
This session focuses on identifying the most essential math concepts (power standards) and teaching them through real-world applications, ensuring students not only learn but also see the value in what they’re studying. Attendees will explore practical, classroom-tested strategies that move beyond memorization, involving scaffolds for struggling learners, project-based activities, and real-world examples. By focusing on deeper understanding and application, educators will help all students, especially those who are disengaged, find meaningful connections to mathematics.
For the past decade, I have been teaching on the East side of the state. My journey began in a traditionally affluent high school, but ten years ago, I made a significant transition to a high minority, low socio-economic high school. This change has been both challenging and enlightening... Read More →
By using nature as a subject, we can observe science, apply technology, engineer solutions for both national and global issues, and leverage data science to make informed decisions that advance scientific progress.
Maria Jacob, M.P.P.Maria holds a Master of Public Policy degree focusing on environmental policy. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources for Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation.Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hersPrograms Director, Lead Teacher, Tutorsupport@thecla... Read More →
Wednesday August 13, 2025 9:30am - 12:00pm PDT TBA
Come have some fun with math and learn some math games that you can play with your students simply using dice and playing cards. Learn how to incorporate them into your daily schedule and other aspects of your school year. Great for all elementary and middle school students!
In 1905, while working as a clerk in a Swiss patent office, Albert Einstein revolutionized the world of physics by introducing a new theory of space and time: Special Relativity. Surprisingly, much of the mathematics associated with Special Relativity is accessible to students with a strong background in algebra. This class will explore the Lorentz Transformation and some of the unusual consequences of Special Relativity including time dilation and length contraction using fundamental techniques of algebra.
Data is everywhere around us. The ability to work with, understand, and use data has become an essential life skill and requirement for an ever-expanding range of jobs and careers. Join us to learn about the new Washington data science standards and how you can incorporate them into your classroom. Using climate data, we will learn to ask investigative questions, seek patterns, make meaning, and communicate our ideas.
WA Math Regional Coordinator, North Central Education Service District
Dr. Andy Boyd serves as the Science and Math Specialist at the North Central Educational Service District (NCESD), where he also holds the role of Regional Math Coordinator. With a strong background in STEM education and regional education systems, Dr. Boyd supports educators across... Read More →
By integrating purposeful play with intentional teaching, Preschool GLAD fosters a rich learning environment where young children build language skills, social-emotional growth, and cognitive development. Play serves as the foundation for exploration and learning, while intentional scaffolding from educators ensures that every child has access to meaningful, language-rich experiences. This approach nurtures curiosity, collaboration, and a love for learning, setting the stage for future academic success.
Discover how to bring STEM to life through Storytime! This engaging session will explore the benefits of integrating science, technology, engineering, and math into read-alouds and hands-on activities. Attendees will leave with a sample Storytime structure, book recommendations, activity ideas, and practical tips for implementation. Perfect for educators looking to spark curiosity and creativity in young learners.
The Energy Education provided by the local PUDs has been updated to include NGSS / WSSLS aligned content including a revamped 2nd grade presentation and a 4th grade pre-visit video lesson. Learn about these updates during this discussion and provide feedback. Additionally, learn about a series of four free lessons for 4th graders designed to be used before students visit a hydro dam.
James has a background in exercise physiology and anthropology and holds a Ph.D. in Biological Anthropology. While he loves research and statistics, his real passion is teaching. He has spent the last four years educating elementary students about the benefits of local hydropower... Read More →
Wednesday August 13, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT TBA
Learn about Washington's AI-informed chatbot, OtterBot, and how it helps Washington students access and enroll in college by using text messaging to support students and families with the college planning and financial aid application processes. Explore how OtterBot continues to adapt its outreach and messaging in response to learners' and families' shifting needs using behavioral science principles and generative AI.
Explore how Canva Education can transform your communication with families and students. During this session, you’ll discover innovative ways to create visually appealing and effective materials that foster strong connections and enhance collaboration.
Becca has been the Communications Specialist at North Central ESD for the past 4 years. Serving both the ESD's internal programs and school districts, her work focuses on connecting with the community. Her team builds strategies and systems that make communication consistent, accessible... Read More →
Wednesday August 13, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT TBA
As technology becomes an integral part of education, digital wellness is more important than ever. This session will explore media literacy, positive digital habits, and strategies to create a balanced relationship with technology. We’ll also touch on the SAMR model to help educators determine when and how technology enhances learning versus when it may be a distraction.
The session will focus on a framework for sheltering lessons for language and scafollding for content, making meaning with language-rich strategies to make math stick.
Multilingual & Migrant Student Services Director, North Central ESD
My career spans 27 years from classroom to building and district implementation and program design. I am currently working at NCESD #171 to support 29 school districts in North Central Washington in the areas of Migrant, Bilingual, and NTC Project GLAD®.
Come experience a hands-on model lesson from OpenSciEd for Elementary and discover how the new Carolina Certified Version enhanced these high-quality instructional materials, making them more accessible, user-friendly, and safer for classroom use.
This presentation highlights how building genuine connections with students can transform STEM learning. We will explore strategies for fostering trust and rapport—such as active listening, open communication, and inclusive practices—supported by classroom examples shared without revealing student identities. Attendees will gain practical insights and simple yet impactful methods for creating supportive classroom environments where students can thrive.
For the past decade, I have been teaching on the East side of the state. My journey began in a traditionally affluent high school, but ten years ago, I made a significant transition to a high minority, low socio-economic high school. This change has been both challenging and enlightening... Read More →
Time is a teacher's most valuable resource. This hands-on session will explore AI-powered tools that streamline tasks such as lesson planning, grading, and communication—helping educators save time while enhancing their effectiveness.
Discover how to infuse JOY into STEM learning through playful transitions! This interactive session will empower educators to incorporate music, movement, and mindset shifts into their daily routines, turning transitions into opportunities for STEM exploration. Rooted in the Life is Good Playmaker principles, this workshop will provide educators with practical, joy-filled strategies to spark curiosity and resilience in the children in yoir classroom.
Author, Speaker and Child Developmentalist, Teacher Of Joy LLC
Hi, I’m Teacher Joy!For over 33 years, I’ve been bringing joy-filled learning to children, families, and educators. As the author of the Amazon best-seller How to Teach Joy: A Simple Guide to Nurturing a Child’s Development, I’m passionate about ‘Play on purpose’—helping... Read More →
This session is intended for individuals and teams who want to get individualized advice or assistance related to writing STEM grants. Attending one or both of the workshops on Tuesday will be of benefit, but is not required. This is a drop-in event, so come by when your schedule permits. If you can't fit this into your schedule, let me know and I can schedule a time to accommodate you.
Retired educator with over 50 years experience as a teacher and administrator in basic and higher education. Now working with public schools, universities, and non-profits to help them build capacity and effect their respective missions. Areas of expertise include curriculum and instruction... Read More →
This will be an interactive session to explore the resources developed by STEMIE. The STEM Innovation for Inclusion in Early Education Center has developed a robust resource hub designed to promote quality STEM learning experiences with ALL young children. Participants will come away with practical resources including interactive lessons, Learning Trajectories, and a general guide to adaptations and modifications for the purpose of including the variety of learners in their classrooms. The focus of the session will be geared to children ages 4-6 for the sake of time but can be applied to children ages birth to age 8.
In this session you will learn how to teach any content, including science that capitalizes on early learners wondering brains, importance of oral language development using engaging, playful strategies like pictorials, songs, centers and small groups of 3-6 year olds.
Have you ever needed to track data on your students, but don't know an easy way to do it? Come check out how to easily track data on your students using Google Sheets. This hands-on tutorial presentation will show you how to take the data you have on your students and make it easy to share with your intervention team, administration, and other specialists. Please bring a laptop with you to this session.
This inservice explores what I have learned and gleamed off of building my network and how educators can strengthen their STEM networks by embracing digital tools and community partnerships. Participants will learn best practices for starting a STEM-focused podcast, creating an engaging classroom blog, and forging meaningful connections with local universities. The session will include real-world examples, hands-on activities, and a clear action plan to expand collaboration and enrich STEM learning.
For the past decade, I have been teaching on the East side of the state. My journey began in a traditionally affluent high school, but ten years ago, I made a significant transition to a high minority, low socio-economic high school. This change has been both challenging and enlightening... Read More →
Feeling overwhelmed by the ever-growing landscape of educational technology? In this high-energy session, we'll explore as many tech tools as possible in 60 minutes! From AI-powered assistants to interactive learning platforms, each tool will be introduced with a brief description, practical applications, and potential classroom uses. Walk away with a list of new tools to explore and implement in your teaching practice.