Idaho Annual STEM Conference: The Magic of STEM 2026: Full Schedule

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9:35am MDT

ALEKS and the Idaho Framework: Turning Vision into Practice

Thursday July 30, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT

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

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

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

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

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 →

Amanda Paterson

None of the above, Workforce Development Council

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

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

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

2:15pm MDT

Affirming Multilingual Learners in the PK-5 Mathematics Classroom with Language Routines

Thursday July 30, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT

TBA

When we affirm multilingual learners and their multicultural identities in the math classroom, we support their success by encouraging participation and reducing the cognitive load of learning new concepts alongside English language development. This interactive session explores how predictable instructional routines and language goals provide the necessary scaffolding to help educators structure learning experiences that prioritize both content and language. We will examine how routines lower the affective filter, allowing students to focus on complex mathematical ideas while developing linguistic precision. Participants will engage first-hand with specific routines such as Notice and Wonder or What Comes Next integrated with visuals, tools, sentence frames, and strategic grouping. By experiencing these routines from a student’s perspective, educators will gain insights into fostering a sense of belonging and agency. You will leave with a practical toolkit of ready-to-use strategies that honor students’ home languages and amplify the brilliance of your PK-5 multilingual mathematicians.

Speakers

Mike Wallus

Conference Exhibitor, The Math Learning Center

The Math Learning Center is a nonprofit developer of elementary math materials that support teachers in making mathematical ideas understandable, igniting curiosity, and helping learners become critical thinkers and capable problem solvers.

Thursday July 30, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
TBA

Math, K-2, 3-5

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

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 →

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