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Idaho Annual STEM Conference: The Magic of STEM 2026
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Thursday, July 30
 

9:35am MDT

ALEKS and the Idaho Framework: Turning Vision into Practice
Thursday July 30, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
TBA
This session explores how ALEKS Math aligns to the Idaho Mathematics Instructional Framework and supports high-impact teaching practices that drive student success. Participants will see how ALEKS can be used to establish clear learning goals, promote reasoning and problem solving, support productive struggle, and elicit meaningful evidence of student thinking.
Through real classroom examples and data insights, we will highlight how ALEKS empowers teachers to differentiate instruction, facilitate mathematical discourse, and build procedural fluency from conceptual understanding. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for integrating ALEKS into daily instruction in a way that strengthens, not replaces, effective teaching practices.
No device is required, but participants may choose to bring one for optional exploration.
Speakers
avatar for Monica Bush

Monica Bush

Conference Exhibitor, McGraw Hill Education
Monica has spent the past 25 years in education, beginning her career in Montessori classrooms serving both general education and special education students. During her time in the classroom, she earned two master's degrees in the field and developed a passion for personalized learning... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
TBA
  Math, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

9:35am MDT

Supporting Students in Productive Struggle
Thursday July 30, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
TBA
In a world with real struggle fatigue, how do we help students grapple with mathematics? This session explores how productive struggle enables students to develop understanding, affirms students’ positive math identities, and develops student agency. Without it, we cannot fully empower our students as mathematicians. By centering student voices and creating supportive math communities, we can transform challenging moments into opportunities for deep understanding and powerful classroom discourse and collaboration. Join this interactive session where you will explore your own beliefs around productive struggle, and experience a fun math task!   If you seek innovative approaches to mathematical learning, this session offers practical insights for empowering students to embrace mathematical challenges with confidence and curiosity.  
Speakers
avatar for Chris Haley

Chris Haley

Current ICTM Member; Conference Exhibitor, CPM Educational Program
Chris Haley is a retired middle school teacher from Boise, Idaho.  After 36 years of teaching, Chris transitioned to working for CPM Educational Program as an Implementation Support Specialist. 
Thursday July 30, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
TBA
  Math, 6-8, 9-12

10:45am MDT

State of Mathematics in Idaho
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
TBA
Join Katie Bosch-Wilson from the Idaho Department of Education for a deep dive into Idaho math content. This session will explore updates related to Idaho’s math transitions, introduce Project IMPACT and its professional learning opportunities for grades 3–8 educators, and highlight key priorities from the Department of Education. This session will provide updates surrounding Idaho’s Comprehensive Math Plan and Idaho’s Math Instructional Guide. Time will also be included for questions and discussion around professional development and important considerations for math from the state perspective. 
Speakers
avatar for Katie Bosch-Wilson

Katie Bosch-Wilson

Current ICTM Member; Current CSTA Member, Idaho Department of Education
Computer Science and Secondary Math Coordinator
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
TBA
  Math, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
  • global Y

10:45am MDT

Workforce Development Council + STEM: A Practical Guide to Funding, Programs, and Career Connections
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
TBA
If you’ve ever thought:
  • “There are so many programs… where do I even start?”
  • “How do I connect what I teach to real careers?”
  • “What opportunities are  worth my time and my students’ time?”
This session answers that.


You will walk away with:
  • A clear map of Workforce Development Council + STEM's key programs and how they connect
  • Practical ways to bring career relevance into your classroom immediately
  • Direct access to opportunities like  LAUNCH, I STEM, (IDSF) Science fairs, externships, and grants
  • Ready to use tools and a practical guide for all WDC + STEM Programming
  • Insight into how Idaho is aligning education with workforce needs
And just as important, you’ll have space to share your ideas, challenges, and needs so this work continues to improve with educator voice at the center.
Speakers
avatar for Branzell Porchia

Branzell Porchia

None of the above, Workforce Development Council
This interactive session offers a clear and practical look into Idaho’s STEM and workforce ecosystem, designed specifically for educators, school leaders, and career advisors.Participants will gain an inside perspective on key statewide initiatives including LAUNCH, I STEM, Idaho... Read More →
avatar for Amanda Paterson

Amanda Paterson

None of the above, Workforce Development Council
This interactive session offers a clear and practical look into Idaho’s STEM and workforce ecosystem, designed specifically for educators, school leaders, and career advisors.Participants will gain an inside perspective on key statewide initiatives including LAUNCH, I STEM, Idaho... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
TBA
  Out of School/Informal Education, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 |   Science, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 |   Technology, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 |   Engineering, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 |   Math, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
  • global Y

10:45am MDT

Bridging the Gap Between Curriculum and Assessment
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
TBA
To better support your students in demonstrating their knowledge and abilities on the summative assessment, this session will break down the gap that exists between curriculum adopted at a local level and the state assessment students take. The design of each of these components are intentionally done, but do not always have direct alignment. The focus will be on understanding how content standards drive the creation of these two components, and how the standards are represented in each are different. Come explore these two pieces of the learning puzzle and plan for stronger connection between what you teach and how students will demonstrate their understanding.
Speakers
avatar for Austin Ambrose

Austin Ambrose

Current ICTM Member, Idaho Department of Education
As the ISAT assessment coordinator at the Idaho Department of Education, my role is to support implementation and interpretation of the statewide summative assessment for all grades and content areas (ELA, Math, and Science). I come from a background of working in schools, primarily... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
TBA
  Science, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 |   Math, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
  • global Y

10:45am MDT

Beyond Compliance: A Social Model for Neuro-Inclusive STEM
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
TBA
As the Idaho STEM Action Center joins the Workforce Development Council in July 2026, the focus on a "STEM-literate workforce for all" has never been higher. However, systemic cognitive barriers, especially in online classes, often sideline neurodivergent learners. STEM rigor should not be a barrier to STEM access. Drawing on the Social Model of Disability, this session reframes learning struggles in online STEM as design misalignments. We will explore how cognitive load and split-attention tasks in digital labs disproportionately affect neurodivergent learners. Rather than waiting for a 504 or IEP adjustment, attendees will learn to implement Universal Design strategies that benefit all students, focusing on the off-screen scaffolding with physical tools that bridge the gap between the screen and the student’s working memory.
Speakers
avatar for Merrie Rampy

Merrie Rampy

None of the above, Southern Utah University
Merrie Rampy is an instructional designer at Southern Utah University’s Center for Teaching Innovation and a doctoral student in Educational Psychology and Technology. With over 30 years in STEM education, including leadership roles in curriculum and statewide initiatives, she focuses... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
TBA
  Science, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 |   Technology, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 |   Engineering, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 |   Math, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
  • global Y

10:45am MDT

Beyond the Ban: Ethical & Effective AI Use in Secondary Classrooms
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
TBA
As generative AI tools become more accessible to students, many educators are asking big questions about ethics, academic integrity, and instruction. This spring, a new credit-approved course—EDIN50772: Beyond the Ban: Ethical & Effective AI Use in Secondary Classrooms—will focus on helping middle and high school teachers move beyond banning AI and instead teach students to use it responsibly and productively. Participants will explore current research, ethical considerations, classroom AI policies (including a 🟢🟡🔴 stoplight model), and redesign assignments using the SAMR framework so AI supports thinking, not copy/paste.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Melyssa Ferro

Dr. Melyssa Ferro

Current ISTA Member; Current IdEEA Member, Caldwell School District
Caldwell School District #132K-12 Digital Innovation and Integration Specialist, STEM coordinator, Middle School Science TeacherCaldwell, Idaho
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
TBA
  Science, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 |   Technology, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 |   Engineering, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 |   Math, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
  • global Y

1:00pm MDT

Chatter That Matters
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
TBA
"Chatter that Matters: Developing an active math community where students thrive": Math is not a spectator sport! All students should see themselves as doers of math by engaging in productive tasks every day. Imagine Learning's Imagine IM offers an instructional design that puts students at the center of their learning. This session will model digital and hands-on activities that build thinking, collaboration, grit and confidence. 
Speakers
avatar for Cameron Barger

Cameron Barger

None of the above; Conference Exhibitor, Imagine Learning: Twig Science
I’m Cameron Barger, and I’ve spent the last 20 years teaching STEM in K–12 classrooms in Kansas. Most of my work has focused on helping teachers create classrooms where students are actively thinking, problem‑solving, and making sense of learning together. I now work as a... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
TBA
  Math, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
  • global Y

1:00pm MDT

Developing Student Agency and Conceptual Understanding with Self-Checking Activities
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
TBA
Are you working harder than your students? If so, then use self-checking activities! These formative assessments give students an opportunity to take greater ownership of their learning, make their thinking visible, and demonstrate their agency. Students get immediate feedback on their responses. This allows them to confirm and reflect on their effort. For teachers, self-checking activities provide real-time feedback in judging levels of conceptual understanding/misunderstanding, allowing them to modify lessons to meet students’ needs.  Used with small groups, self-checking activities promote meaningful discourse and support productive struggle as students persevere together to develop their problem solving, and critical thinking skills. This session will explore ways to help students develop agency in grades six through twelve.  
Speakers
avatar for Tom Beatini

Tom Beatini

None of the above, Union City High School
I am a retired middle and high school math teacher, now working as a consultant/coach. Most people see me as a complex but rational individual, passionate about spreading the gospel of Math Power- engaging teachers and students to develop mathematical habits of the mind and a growth... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
TBA
  Math, 6-8, 9-12
  • global Y

2:15pm MDT

Games and Books in the Math Classroom!
Thursday July 30, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
TBA
We know that many of our K–12 students and teachers delight in engaging stories and meaningful games. In this session, we explore options for K–12 educators to connect mathematical concepts to literature and games in the classroom. This cross-curricular approach allows us to immerse students in rich texts—ranging from picture books in the primary grades to novels, informational texts, and visual media in the upper grades—while simultaneously deepening their understanding of mathematics.
Participants will examine examples of how literature and games are being used to increase student engagement in Idaho K–12 classrooms and consider additional resources appropriate across grade bands. We will also explore how these strategies can evolve as students progress, maintaining both rigor and relevance. The session will conclude with a roundtable discussion focused on practical implementation, including how to support students in deeply engaging with grade-level content standards as well as the Standards for Mathematical Practice through the intentional use of literature and games in the math classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Kacey Diemert

Dr. Kacey Diemert

Current ICTM Member, Lewis-Clark State College
Dr. Kacey Diemert is a Professor of Mathematics - Education entering her 12th year at Lewis-Clark State College in the Teacher Education and Mathematics Division where she also serves as the Mathematics Program Coordinator. She has been fortunate to continue her love of working with... Read More →
avatar for Becca Hill

Becca Hill

Current ICTM Member, Lewis-Clark State College, Regional Math Center, Region II
Becca is in her third year as a Regional Mathematics Specialist at LC State, where she helps teachers find joy in teaching mathematics. Her background is in teaching elementary students and educating adults. She enjoys going on adventures with her husband, and their little dogs, Hatch... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
TBA
  Math, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
  • global Y

2:15pm MDT

Fast & Curious: Bringing Math Vocabulary to Life in Every Grade
Thursday July 30, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
TBA
In this interactive session, you’ll experience the Fast & Curious EduProtocol and see how it can be used to build math vocabulary across all grade levels. Through engaging strategies like the Great American Race, Thin Slides, and more, you’ll explore simple, repeatable activities that get students actively using and understanding math language. We’ll also look at the research behind why vocabulary is critical for math success and how strengthening it can improve student outcomes. You’ll leave with practical, ready-to-use ideas to bring math vocabulary to life in your classroom right away. (These strategies can be used in any subject area, but our focus will be math.)
Speakers
avatar for Shelley Nash

Shelley Nash

Current ICTM Member, ICTM
Award winning teacher from Idaho :)
Thursday July 30, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
TBA
  Math, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 |   Science, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 |   Environmental Education, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 |   Out of School/Informal Education, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 |   Computer Science, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
  • global Y

2:15pm MDT

Beyond the Test: Turning ISAT Items into Instructional Tools
Thursday July 30, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
TBA
Most teachers encounter ISAT sample and interim items once a year — during test prep. But the educators who see the strongest student outcomes aren't saving these tools for the final stretch. They're using them in October, in January, for a Tuesday warm-up. And it changes how they teach.


This session makes the case for integrating single assessment items throughout the year as instructional tools — not test preparation. Participants will experience a brief model lesson built around one item, then explore practical strategies for embedding items into bell ringers, collaborative activities, and formative assessment checkpoints. The goal is building students' capacity to think through complex problems, communicate
 their reasoning, and show what they know — all year long.
Examples draw from math and science, but strategies apply across content areas. No device required, though digital resources will be shared.
Speakers
avatar for Amber Van Vooren

Amber Van Vooren

Current ICTM Member, Idaho Department of Education
Amber Van Vooren works as the Interim and Formative Assessment Coordinator at the Idaho Department of Education, where she supports LEAs and schools across the state in developing and implementing coherent, balanced assessment systems. Her work spans interim and formative assessment... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
TBA
  Science, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 |   Math, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
  • global Y
 
Idaho Annual STEM Conference: The Magic of STEM 2026
From $82.51

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