In It to Win It 2025: Full Schedule

9:00am EDT

Engaging Minds and Raising Voices: Elevating ESOL and World Language Learning with Qball, BrainPOP, and Microsoft Teams® Reading Progress

Thursday May 29, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am EDT

Poster Session Atrium

This poster session will provide an overview of using Qball, Brainpop, and Microsoft Teams Reading Progress to support instruction and learning outcomes for ESOL and World Language students. The presenters will provide photos of the technologies in use and will have the technologies on display for attendee simulation and interaction. Fliers offered on-site and via QR code will provide attendees with access to informational summaries about these three technologies. The presenters will provide a separation QR code for attendees to scan and provide feedback about their experiences with and overall impressions of the presentation.

Speakers

Leslie Pourreau

French, Spanish, and ESOL Teacher

Leslie Pourreau, Ed.D., is a K-12 World Languages educator and teacher-leader with over 25 years of experience in the state of Georgia. She holds certification in French, Spanish, and Educational Leadership kwith an ESOL endorsement and is experienced with curriculum design and technology... Read More →

Leigh Willmann

ESOL Teacher

Leigh Willmann, Ed. S., is a certified English/ESOL teacher with 15 years of experience in middle and high school environments. She has developed numerous programs for and teaching newcomers and incorporating technology in the ESOL classroom.

Thursday May 29, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am EDT
Poster Session Atrium

Technology Integration, Tech Tools Variety

Audience Middle
Subject World Languages

9:45am EDT

Exploring and Implementing New 7th Grade Social Studies Resources

Thursday May 29, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am EDT

2308

In this session, 7th grade social studies teachers will receive an introduction to new resources for teaching the geography and history of Southwest Asia. Participants will explore these materials, review the instructional framework, examine research-based strategies, and engage in a model lesson. By the end of the session, teachers will gain practical skills and valuable resources to foster inquiry, engagement, and critical thinking in their classrooms.

Speakers

Pamela McCabe

K-12 Social Studies Supervisor

Pamela McCabe is a dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience in education, specializing in teaching social studies and supporting teachers through professional learning. As the K-12 Social Studies Supervisor, she is passionate about inquiry-based instruction, integrating... Read More →

Thursday May 29, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am EDT
2308

Evidence-based, New Resources

Audience Middle
Subject Social Studies

9:45am EDT

Philosophical Chairs and Socratic Seminars in the classroom

Thursday May 29, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am EDT

2312

Philosophical Chairs is a classroom discussion strategy that promotes active listening, critical thinking, respectful dialogue, and the ability to consider multiple perspectives. Students physically move to different sides based on their stance on a central statement, allowing for deeper engagement and thoughtful participation from all students in a debate-like setting discussion.

Speakers

Natalie Hope

Teacher

Thursday May 29, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am EDT
2312

Evidence-based

Audience Middle, High
Subject All

9:45am EDT

Raising the Bar: Implementing Rigor Through Graphic Organizers

Thursday May 29, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am EDT

2317

In this session, participants will explore a variety of graphic organizers and see live modeling of how to implement them effectively in the classroom. Educators will then have dedicated time to design a lesson using a standard of their choice, incorporating one or more organizers. The session will wrap with group discussion, a brief survey, and each teacher will leave with a ready-to-use graphic organizer for the 2025–2026 school year.

Speakers

Dr. LaQuananisha Adams

8th Grade GA Studies Teacher

Dedicated and passionate educator with 10 years of experience teaching middle grades Social Studies. A proven teacher Leader, known for inspiring both students and colleagues through innovative instruction, strong classroom management, and a deep commitment to student success. Outside... Read More →

Thursday May 29, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am EDT
2317

Evidence-based, Graphic Organizers

Audience Middle
Subject ELA, Social Studies

9:45am EDT

Teaching Tomorrow: Building Future-Ready Learners through Digital Literacy

Thursday May 29, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am EDT

2306

In a rapidly evolving world, preparing students with the skills they need to thrive is more essential than ever. This session explores how educators can intentionally develop future-ready learners by integrating digital literacy and media fluency into daily instruction. Participants will engage with practical strategies for fostering critical thinking, digital citizenship, and adaptable mindsets. Through collaborative discussion and interactive planning, attendees will leave equipped to guide students in responsibly navigating digital spaces and harnessing technology to solve real-world problems.

Speakers

Khristian Cooper

Assistant Principal

Dr. Khristian Cooper has spent the last 11 years as a teacher and assistant principal in Cobb County School District focusing on bolstering innovative teaching practice and fostering positive collaborative communities. Her research focuses on reimagining educational spaces and supporting... Read More →

LaEla Mitchell

Principal, Campbell Middle School

Dr. LaEla Mitchell, an experienced educator with over 25 years in education, is passionate about teacher collaboration, professional learning communities, and innovation in instructional practices. She has served as a middle and high school teacher, department chair, curriculum developer... Read More →

Thursday May 29, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am EDT
2306

Evidence-based, Future Ready

Audience Middle, High, Leaders
Subject All

9:45am EDT

Constellation Hallway Project

Thursday May 29, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am EDT

2316

Creating a Constellation Project in the Hallways of your school, will engage the students in your class as well as getting other students interested as they walk through the hallway.

Speakers

Dana Evans

Science Teacher, Walton High School

Submitted in last proposal

Thursday May 29, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am EDT
2316

Innovative Strategy, Gallery Walk

Audience Middle, High
Subject Science

9:45am EDT

Minecraft EE: Facilitating Independent Learning Through the Online Gaming Platform.

Thursday May 29, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am EDT

2315

My presentation will discuss how Minecraft: Education Edition (Minecraft: EE) can be used as a powerful educational tool instead of just a game. With Minecraft: EE, students can learn to code and engage in learning experiences that align with state standards and teach students important problem solving skills. Educators across all grade levels and subjects can integrate Minecraft: EE into their classrooms to support Inquiry-Based Learning, STEAM lessons, and the application or investigation of curriculum standards. This presentation will highlight the versatility of Minecraft as a dynamic platform for fostering creativity, problem-solving and collaboration in the classroom. Attendees will leave with a HyperDoc following the Explore-Explain-Apply method and hopefully the skeleton of a Minecraft lesson they can use in their classroom.

Speakers

Brook Heard

5th Grade Special Education IRR

My name is Brook Heard. I am currently a Special Education teacher at Chalker Elementary School in Cobb County, Georgia, and I have been teaching for nine years. In the past nine years, I taught middle school special education math, elementary special education and served as the special... Read More →

Thursday May 29, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am EDT
2315

Problem or Challenge Based Learning, Minecraft

Audience Elementary, Middle
Subject All

9:45am EDT

Leveraging Canva to Bridge Literacy Gaps in the Science Classroom

Thursday May 29, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am EDT

Educators must find innovative ways to integrate literacy into science instruction to enhance student comprehension and engagement. Canva, a powerful design tool, provides an accessible solution for
merging these disciplines through interactive, student-centered
instructional strategies. This workshop, led by both an ELA and a
science teacher, will demonstrate how Canva can support literacy in science instruction. The ELA teacher will model how to leverage
students' Beacon (or any equivalent assessment) data to
supplement the science teacher’s instruction, ensuring targeted
literacy support within scientific content.

Speakers

Marisa Baert

8th-Grade Language Arts Teacher, Cobb County School District

I am an 8th-grade language arts teacher at East Cobb Middle School. I am dedicated to cultivating collaboration among colleagues to enable teachers to meet students where they are and foster an environment where every student can thrive. I have a master’s degree in curriculum... Read More →

Summer Hathcock

8th-Grade Science Teacher, Cobb County School District

I am a passionate advocate for Title 1 education, dedicated tofostering collaboration among colleagues to create an environment where every student can thrive. As an 8th-grade physical science teacher at East Cobb Middle School, I strive to support teachers in meeting students where... Read More →

Thursday May 29, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am EDT

Technology Integration, Canva

Audience Middle
Subject Science, ELA

11:15am EDT

Engaging Minds and Raising Voices: Elevating ESOL and World Language Learning with Qball, BrainPOP, and Microsoft Teams® Reading Progress

Thursday May 29, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm EDT

Poster Session Atrium

Speakers

Leslie Pourreau

French, Spanish, and ESOL Teacher

Leigh Willmann

ESOL Teacher

Thursday May 29, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm EDT
Poster Session Atrium

Technology Integration, Tech Tools Variety

Audience Middle
Subject World Languages

12:15pm EDT

Don't Just Squawk—Socratically Talk! Strategies for Deeper Discussions

Thursday May 29, 2025 12:15pm - 1:30pm EDT

2312

Tired of Socratic Seminars where students just repeat the same ideas? In this session, you'll learn how to move beyond the "squawking" and guide students toward richer, more thoughtful discussions. We'll explore strategies to encourage original thinking, keep conversations dynamic, and ensure every voice adds something new. Walk away with practical tools to make your classroom discussions more engaging, meaningful, and student-driven.

Speakers

Fallon Howes

7th Grade Reading Teacher

I am originally from Northwestern Pennsylvania. I graduated from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, with a Bachelor of Science in Middle-Level English Education. In 2017, I earned my master’s degree in Instructional Design and Technology. This endeavor equipped me with innovative... Read More →

Thursday May 29, 2025 12:15pm - 1:30pm EDT
2312

Evidence-based, Listening and Speaking

Audience Middle, High
Subject All

12:15pm EDT

So, what do I do with this data? Using Research based Strategies to Enhance Classroom Instruction

Thursday May 29, 2025 12:15pm - 1:30pm EDT

Teachers will reiview and apply 6 of John Hatties strategies that relate to effective use data to drive and support classroom instruction.

Speakers

Christina Williams

Teacher, Cooper Middle

Teaching has always been my dream job, and after 25 years in the classroom, it continues to be my passion! I have the privilege of teaching 7th grade Language Arts, where I get to inspire young minds and help them develop their love for literature and writing. Collaboration is at... Read More →

Thursday May 29, 2025 12:15pm - 1:30pm EDT

Evidence-based, Hattie's Strategies

Audience Middle
Subject All

12:15pm EDT

Tech Time: Building Future-Ready Skills for Middle and High School Classrooms

Thursday May 29, 2025 12:15pm - 1:30pm EDT

2306

Discover how to seamlessly integrate technology into your middle and high school classrooms with The CCSD Future Ready Framework! This session will explore the grade-level technology standards that scaffold skills in a way that’s developmentally appropriate and collaborative. Learn how to use the scope and sequence to ensure your students build essential future-ready skills while making technology integration meaningful and manageable.

Speakers

Holly Frilot, Ed.D.

Supervisor of Library Media Education, Cobb County School District

As the Supervisor for CCSD K-12 Library Media Education, Holly supports all library media specialists and their programs. She believes that library media programs are vibrant centers of literacy, technology, creativity, and innovation. As a former Library Media Specialist of the... Read More →

Corey Hogan

TTIS, Cobb County School District

Corey Hogan dedicated the first 10 years of his career to teaching in various settings across South Carolina and Georgia, spanning grades 4-8. His passion for integrating technology to enhance student engagement, participation, and production has been a constant throughout his teaching... Read More →

Meagan Stanfill

Supervisor of Digital Transformation

As Supervisor of Digital Transformation for CCSD, Meagan works with her team to support the development and implementation of Cobb Teaching and Learning System (CTLS). She's passionate about helping teachers use the digital tools and resources available to them in meaningful and practical... Read More →

Thursday May 29, 2025 12:15pm - 1:30pm EDT
2306

Evidence-based, Future Ready

Audience Middle, High
Subject All

12:15pm EDT

Tech Team-Up: Unlocking Success with Your Tech Coach

Thursday May 29, 2025 12:15pm - 1:30pm EDT

2313

Join us for 'Tech Team-Up: Unlocking Success with Your Tech Coach' and discover the power of collaboration! Learn how to effectively partner with your tech coach to enhance classroom learning, integrate innovative tools, and create a dynamic educational environment.

Speakers

Dr. Angie White

TTIS, Cobb County School District

Meet Dr. Angie White, an educational innovator who’s passionate about empowering educators and learners. She serves as a Technology Training Integration Specialist for Cobb County School District. With 13 years in education, Dr. White has worn many hats—teacher, trainer, mentor... Read More →

Laurel Holder

6th Grade Science Teacher

Laurel Holder, a dedicated 6th-grade science teacher with 10 years of experience, inspires students through hands-on learning. She loves exploring mountains with her adventurous child and believes nature is the perfect classroom for curiosity and discovery.

Thursday May 29, 2025 12:15pm - 1:30pm EDT
2313

Technology Integration, Tech Tools Variety

Audience Middle
Subject All

1:45pm EDT

Foldables to Help Students Organize Information

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT

2311

Foldables allow students to organize information (part of the WICOR acronym). Learn why they are worthwhile for your students and how to easily make some that work for your classroom.

Speakers

Alexandra Hallacy

Math Teacher/Department Chair

I have taught high school mathematics for 9 years. I have taught all of mathematics from Foundations of Algebra to AP and IB.

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT
2311

Evidence-based, Foldables

Audience Middle, High
Subject Math

1:45pm EDT

Using T-Charts for Deeper Understanding

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT

2314

T-Charts are a simple yet powerful tool that helps students compare and contrast concepts by organizing information into two columns. They allow students to identify key ideas, recognize patterns, and make connections between topics, leading to a deeper understanding of the material. By visually breaking down similarities and differences, T-Charts enhance critical thinking, comprehension, and retention, making them useful across various subjects such as math, science, history, and literature.

Speakers

Faten Thabet

High school math teacher and CCC lead for Honor and on level Advance Algebra

Using T-Charts for Deeper Understanding1. What is a T-Chart?A graphic organizer used to compare two concepts.Resembles the letter “T,” dividing information into two columns.Helps students visually organize similarities and differences.2. How T-Charts Support LearningIdentify... Read More →

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT
2314

Evidence-based, Graphic Organizers

Audience Middle, High
Subject Math

1:45pm EDT

Connect and Collaborate through Canva.

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT

The presentation will equip Connection Teachers with an effective
strategy for collaboration and cross-curricular teaching.
This approach is most impactful when two Connection Teachers
partner together to develop lessons that are both engaging and
relevant to the content of both subject areas.

Speakers

Krystal Smith

Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher, Cooper MS

With nearly 11 years of experience in education, I have had the privilege of teaching diverse students across a variety of subjects. My journey began in English Language Arts, where I taught grades 6-12, fostering a passion for literacy and critical thinking. Currently, I am excited... Read More →

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT

Technology Integration, Canva

Audience Middle, High
Subject Connections

In It to Win It 2025

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