IETA 2023

Explore the use of digital photography and video with special needs and general education students as a means to practice language and social skills in a context that is supportive and fun. I will share information about my method and equipment, how to organize files, how to reinforce skills, and how to share what is produced with others. This session is for anyone who’d like to learn more about using photography and video in the classroom.

Are you looking to teach more computer science courses at your school? In this session I will discuss how our school district has been using CodeHS to expand our computer science offerings and provide more robust curriculum in our current computer science courses. CodeHS can help you teach Cybersecurity, AP/DC Computer Science, Java, Python, Mobile Apps, Game Design, and much more. Even if you have never taught a computer science class before, CodeHS can help you make it happen.

We will discuss all of the ACP certifications, how to earn the Adobe Specialty Credentials, Adobe Competition and face the technical nuances of the Adobe certifications head on. You will leave confident about the ACP certifications and how to prepare your testing center for a successful certification day!

This session is for teachers looking to take their standard assignments and turn them into innovative and creative endeavors taken on by their students. Canva is one of the fastest growing educational tools at our disposal…for free! The session will cover several different templates and their applications in the classroom. It will be hands-on, mistakes will be made, and we will have fun in the process. The sessions will be geared towards beginners but all are welcome. Everyone will walk away with something valuable.

Today's students need more than passed tests and good grades to enter the workforce. You have the opportunity to offer your students Microsoft and Adobe certifications at no cost to you. Join us to learn more about the Idaho Microsoft Program and the Create Idaho Academy. We will cover all things certification so you will leave with the knowledge you need for a successful and stress free Certification Day.

Looking for new ways to implement Industry certifications and increase student engagement in the classroom? Join us to discuss new and exciting ways to get students on a pathway to certification. As two, former classroom teachers we will dive into curriculum resources, pacing guides, projects and activities to increase student engagement and prepare your students to successfully earn Microsoft and Adobe Industry Certifications.

Living in a digital age invites a constant bombardment of notifications, an expectation to be ‘on’ 24/7, and a sense of feeling disconnected from the tangible – a recipe for stress, anxiety, and burnout. As a recovering stress addict, I will share three resources that have helped me on my road to recovery. In this session, be prepared for a hands-on experience to participate in using meditation, tapping, and ikebana and leave feeling prepared with tools to have peace in your life on a daily basis.

First, an explanation of what meditation is and is not will be presented in addition to dispelling some myths regarding the practice. A variety of guided meditation apps will be provided as a resource. The specific use of Insight Timer, a free app, will be presented and then the group can participate in a short sample guided meditation from Insight Timer.

Next, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) or Tapping will be explained, benefits presented, and questions answered. The group can participate in a round or two of tapping to address current issues they may be feeling.

Last, research has shown that repetitive motion can calm the over-active mind. Not only the traditional yoga or tai-chi but also handwork such as knitting and crocheting focuses the mind and decreases stress hormones. A brief explanation of the Japanese art of flower arranging or ikebana that has been used for centuries to calm the mind will be provided. A demonstration will take place and then those who wish to participate will be invited and guided to create their own ikebana arrangement. Materials will be provided.

While the presentation will be focused on personal use, the strategies can easily be used in the classroom to help students dealing with stress and anxiety.

Network with your fellow elementary teachers.