Keynote Speakers

Session Summary:

In play-based STEM classrooms, some of the most important learning is often the hardest to measure. As students explore, design, and create, they are developing powerful skills—critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, and grit—that form the true foundation of STEM learning.

Come learn how to assess these “power skills” in meaningful ways that center the process over the product and individualize progress based on each learner’s growth. Examine how these skills naturally emerge during hands-on exploration and how to make them visible without interrupting or constraining play.

Through real classroom examples and practical strategies, attendees will learn how to observe and document student thinking to more accurately assess STEM learning.

You will leave with ready-to-use assessment materials that can be implemented in any classroom the very next day.

About:

PreK-4 STEM Specialist

Brittney Tarr works as a PreK-4 STEM specialist at Thomas Metcalf Laboratory School and an educational STEM consultant.

She holds a master's degree in special education, a graduate certificate in STEM Education and Leadership, and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in education from Illinois State University.

Her research interests include play-based learning, early childhood STEM education and STEM identity.

Her professional goals aim to ensure access to high-quality STEM education for all students, particularly those from underrepresented groups.

Social Media: 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=30822345

https://www.instagram.com/adventures_with_mstarr/

Session Summary:

Welcome to the STEM Worksite, where Little Miss Gifted is your foreman and curiosity is the foundation!

In this lively, construction‑themed session, you’ll gather the blueprints, tools, and tricks needed to craft a classroom full of creative problem‑solvers.

Expect fast fun, zero‑prep strategies, and a toolbox bursting with ideas you can use tomorrow to build a culture of brave, brilliant thinkers.

About:

Gifted Educator & Differentiation Coach

​L​ittle Miss Gifted, Stephanie Higgs, is an award-winning, Nashville-living gifted educator and differentiation coach.

Stephanie is a quick thinking, fast talking, passionate keynote speaker, author, and international presenter. Stephanie is known for offering sessions with immediate, easily implemented, research and evidence-based, FUN takeaways.

Stephanie’s your #1 hype girl, here to love and serve. You’ll leave her session energized, equipped, and empowered for an educational glow up!

Social Media: 

https://x.com/littlemissgifted 

http://www.thelittlemissgifted.com

Session Summary:

This session moves beyond elementary engineering lesson plans to examine the human infrastructure every thriving STEM-based environment depends on.

We will look at examples of student-centered design that turn everyday interactions into building blocks for lifelong STEM identity.

About:

K-5 Engineering Teacher

Ekuwah Mends Moses is a national award-winning educator, published author-illustrator of two nonfiction picture books, and an international keynote speaker.

Ekuwah is a specialist who teaches K-5th-grade engineering to approximately 750 students in North Las Vegas, Nevada.

Social Media: 

https://www.facebook.com/EkuwahMAuthor

https://x.com/ekuwah

https://www.instagram.com/ekuwah_m/

https://bsky.app/profile/ekuwah.bsky.social

http://www.ekuwah.com

Session Summary:

Explore the magic of literature to spark students' interest in STEAM!

Join us for an engaging session where we'll demonstrate how to leverage design thinking and literature to create captivating STEAM projects with robotics, coding, engineering, and digital media. With examples and practical tips, we'll show you how to seamlessly integrate literature into your lessons, igniting curiosity and fostering real-world connections.

Caitlin and Carrie will model lessons that start with a book, and provide attendees with resources to create engaging, cross-curricular STEAM lessons from start to finish.

Walk away with actionable resources to craft dynamic, cross-curricular STEAM experiences for your students.

About Caitlin:

STEAM and Innovation Program Specialist

Caitlin Arakawa is a STEAM and Innovation Program Specialist in the San Bernardino City Unified School District, where she supports educators in designing cross-curricular, hands-on learning experiences that spark creativity and curiosity.

Drawing on her classroom experience in kindergarten and third grade, Caitlin leads professional development that helps teachers integrate science technology, computer science, engineering, and digital arts into meaningful learning for all students.

Her current work focuses on expanding equitable access to STEAM through districtwide lab implementation.

About Carrie:

Carrie Willis is the STEAM & Technology Director at Valley Preparatory School, a private preschool–8th grade International Baccalaureate school in Redlands, California.

With over 25 years in education, she is passionate about educational technology and project-based learning.

She creates hands-on STEAM lessons that encourage creativity, critical thinking, and real-world problem solving, with a special love for teaching coding, robotics, digital design, and engineering.

Social Media:  

@‌caitlin_arakawa
@carriewillis18) on X

Session Summary:

STEM learning comes alive when students are given the tools to explore, design, and create. In this engaging session, educator and Future Ready Librarian Shannon McClintock Miller will share her STEM Toolbox—a curated collection of digital tools that support inquiry, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving across grade levels.

Participants will discover practical ways to use tools such as Book Creator, Canva, Scratch, and Tinkercad to help students document experiments, design solutions, code interactive projects, and share their learning in meaningful ways.

Through real classroom examples and ready-to-use ideas, educators will learn how these tools can support STEM standards, spark curiosity, and empower students as innovators and creators. Attendees will leave with practical strategies and a toolbox of resources they can immediately bring back to their classrooms and libraries. 🔧🚀📚

About:

District Teacher Librarian at Van Meter Community School, Speaker, Author

Shannon McClintock Miller is a teacher librarian, international speaker, consultant and author who has a passion for education, librarianship, advocacy, technology, social media and making a difference in the world and lives of others, especially children. Shannon brings a special expertise and vision to conversations around school libraries, education, technology, creativity and student voice.

Shannon is the District Teacher Librarian and Innovation Director at Van Meter Community School in Iowa and Future Ready Librarians Leader working with students, librarians, educators and others around the world every day. She is a Capstone Champion and Author, and Follett Content and Follett Software Thought Leader. Shannon is the author of the award winning blog, The Library Voice.

In June 2023, Shannon's newest children's book, Sonia's Digital World, was published by Capstone and ISTE. She has published 4 other children’s books about library skills and 8 graphic novels in the series Adventures in Makerspace with Capstone and Cantata Learning. Shannon and Bill Bass wrote a book with ISTE, Leading from the Library, with it's second edition published in 2025. Her newest series, ISTE Digital Explorers, comes out in August 2025.

In 2011, Shannon was awarded the Connecting People Shorty Award and was chosen to be part of the SLJ New Leaders Program in 2012. In 2013, she was named one of the Faces of Innovation from Broadband for America; one of 50 featured in the 2013 Center for Digital Education Yearbook; and one of the featured Connected Educators with the Connected Educators projects partnered with the US Department of Education.

In 2014, Shannon was named a Library Journal Mover and Shaker. In 2016, she was awarded the Making it Happen Award by ISTE.  In 2018, she was named the AASL Social Media Superstar Leadership Luminary. In 2020, Shannon was an EdTech Awards Leadership Finalist. In 2024, Shannon was one of District Administration's Top 100 Education Influencers.

In 2025, she was selected to be an Adobe Creative Educator (ACE) Innovator.

And her most favorite roles of all….She is the mom to three amazing children and lucky wife of Eric’s.

Social Media: 

https://www.facebook.com/shannonmcclintockmiller/

https://x.com/shannonmmiller

https://www.instagram.com/shannonmmiller/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonmcclintockmiller/

http://thelibraryvoice.com

Session Summary:

STEM Stations for Littles focuses on practical ways to integrate STEM into lower elementary core curriculum through engaging, hands-on learning stations.

In this session, we’ll explore ready-to-use activities and resources that teachers can immediately implement in their classrooms to support science, math, literacy, and problem-solving skills. You'll learn how to design your own STEM stations aligned to curriculum goals and student needs.

We’ll discuss planning strategies, management tips, and ways to ensure stations remain meaningful, developmentally appropriate, and easy to sustain.

Walk away with ideas and tools to confidently bring STEM stations into your lower elementary classroom.

About:

Technology Integration Teacher

Melanie Sowa-Li is an experienced educator with over 11 years in teaching, including 4th and 5th grade, library media, and technology integration. She specializes in educational technology, coding, 3D design, and makerspace activities for K-5 and intermediate-level students.

Passionate about using technology and STEAM to create relevant, authentic learning experiences, she helps increase student engagement through hands-on, real-world applications.

A frequent presenter, she has led sessions at ISTE, TCEA, and the Texas Library Association on robotics, 3D printing, AR/VR, and gamification.

Melanie enjoys supporting teachers in leveraging digital tools to enhance learning and creativity.

Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/melanie.sowa2/

https://x.com/MsSowaLi

Session Summary:

What if your community became one of your school’s greatest teaching tools? Strong partnerships don’t just enhance what happens in your classrooms—they transform how your school is seen, supported, and celebrated.

In this interactive session, you’ll discover how to find and connect with community partners, build relationships that last, and move beyond guest speakers to true collaboration.

Learn how to engage partners so deeply that they’re co-planning, co-teaching, and bringing real-world learning to life alongside your staff.

Walk away with practical ideas and ready-to-use strategies to turn connections into powerful, lasting partnerships.

About:

Library / Media Specialist

I am a daughter, sister, wife, and mother of four boys, as well as an educator and lifelong learner. After struggling with reading throughout school, I was diagnosed with dyslexia in college; an experience that continues to shape my passion for helping all students access learning in meaningful ways.

During my 24 years in education, I have served as an elementary classroom teacher, instructional coach, and for the past 11 years, a Pre-K–5th grade librarian and media specialist. When I transitioned into the library, I set out to create a space where every student could engage in learning, regardless of their reading ability. Through project-based learning and hands-on STEM experiences, I have transformed the library into a hub of creativity, exploration, and innovation.

My school has earned STEM designation twice from the Tennessee Department of Education. I have presented at the district, state, and national levels, including the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network Summit, FECT, and TCEA. I have also secured numerous grants to support innovative learning opportunities for students.

I have participated in the Public Education Foundation’s STEM Fellowship and Innovative Leaders Fellowship in Chattanooga. Additionally, during COVID, I collaborated with educators across the state through the Tennessee Rural STEM Collaborative. I have been recognized with two district honors: Teacher of the Year and the Lilly L. Fitzgerald Excellence in Teaching Award.

Social Media:
https://x.com/Dgeorge6
https://www.instagram.com/dlkgeorge

Session Summary:

The true foundations of STEM are not programs, devices, or complex projects. They are curiosity, play, and the opportunity for students to think deeply.

In this session, participants will explore how #MathPlay can transform everyday math experiences into moments of investigation, sense-making, and discovery.

Through engaging examples and practical classroom strategies, participants will examine how playful exploration and student curiosity help develop the habits of mind that support strong STEM learning.

About:

Mathematics Educator, Author #MathPlay, #EdTech Consultant

Libo Valencia is a mathematics teacher at Horace Greeley High School in Chappaqua, NY. He is an adjunct lecturer at his alma mater CUNY Lehman College and also enjoys teaching at the Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) at Mercy University.

With fifteen years of experience, Libo is a passionate educator who strongly believes that understanding mathematics can help all students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that can be utilized beyond the classroom.

Libo is known for his constant use of different technologies to engage his students by bringing math concepts to life. As a mathematics educator, Libo has taught a wide range of subjects, from remedial algebra classes to upper-level calculus. He is committed to helping spread the joy of mathematics through MathPlay,

Libo wholeheartedly believes that facilitating #MathPlay helps students develop a deeper appreciation for math and empowers them to better understand it. He has presented and facilitated workshops related to Math Play and his professional experiences for educators across North America and the United Kingdom.

Libo holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, a Master of Arts in Pure Mathematics, and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership.

Social Media: 

https://www.facebook.com/MrValencia24

https://x.com/MrValencia24

https://www.instagram.com/mrvalencia24/

https://bsky.app/profile/mrvalencia24.bsky.social

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrvalencia24/

https://www.youtube.com/@MrValencia24

http://libovalencia.com

Session Summary:

 After 10 years of building a school-wide elementary STEM program from the ground up, this session shares the essential “building blocks” that make STEM learning meaningful, manageable, and sustainable. Participants will walk away with a curated collection of tried-and-true strategies, structures, and tools that support strong STEM foundations—without overwhelm.

This session connects directly to the core elements of STEM success: mindset, skills, structures, and strategies. From creating a culture of curiosity and productive struggle, to implementing effective routines, to leveraging high-impact (and often low-cost) tools, each “building block” is something you can use immediately in your classroom or school.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to strengthen an existing program, you’ll leave with practical ideas, real classroom examples, and a clear vision for building engaging STEM experiences that last.

About:

Innovation STEM Coordinator TOSA

Christine Dixon is the Innovation Coordinator TOSA for Double Peak K8 School in San Marcos Unified School District. She leads the Innovation Program for all TK-8 grades in the area of technology, coding, robotics, engineering, design thinking, and making in the school’s Makerspace.

Christine designs the lessons and then co-teaches with teachers in the Innovation Lab and Makerspace.

Christine is passionate about spreading STEAM and Innovation to other schools so is happy to share any knowledge or resources to help!

Social Media:

www.x.com/christinekdixon

www.instagram.com/makedesigninnovate 

https://makedesigninnovate.weebly.com/

Session Summary:

This session shows how to transform familiar STEM activities into more engaging learning experiences using simple digital tools. Instead of replacing hands-on work, you will learn how to enhance it with creative, tech-powered elements.

Through practical examples like green screen and digital design extensions, teachers will see how to deepen student thinking and creativity.

You will leave with ready-to-use ideas that are easy to implement in your own classrooms.

About:

Teachers, Speakers and co-authors of The InterACTIVE Class Series

Kristin and Joe are teachers and authors of the InterACTIVE Class series. Together, they put a spin on traditional strategies by infusing EdTech with learning that meets the needs of all students.

Social Media: 

http://www.facebook.com/TheMerrillsedu

http://www.x.com/TheMerrillsedu

http://www.instagram.com/TheMerrillsedu

http://www.tiktok.com/@TheMerrillsedu

http://www.themerrillsedu.com

Session Summary:

This session will showcase a programming pathway that lets you start from zero and end with professional coding tools.

You'll start with drag & drop, move on to text, and finish with the same IDE used by employees at Microsoft!

As an added bonus, Kiki demonstrates AI tools that can help get you unstuck when the next step feels unclear.

About:

Director of Education

Kiki is the creator of The Educator’s Workshop, a venture dedicated to bringing fun, play, and hands-on learning into classrooms through educational games, tools, and teacher training. Formerly the Director of Education at Microsoft MakeCode, Kiki is also the author of Let’s all Teach Computer Science, Computational Thinking and Coding for Every Student, and My First Coding Book.

Her work has helped shape computer science education for millions of students and teachers worldwide. A passionate advocate for equity in STEM, Kiki continues to explore ways that AI, personalized learning, and inclusive practices can transform education for the better.

Her contributions have earned her such honors as the Google RISE Award and the Stevie Award for Female Innovator of the Year.

Social Media:

@‌KIKIvsIT

https://www.linkedin.com/in/prottsman/

http://KIKIvsIT.com

Session Summary:

We think STEM is about finding answers, but there's nothing to learn until there's a question. What makes a good question? How can teachers ask questions that encourage creative thinking? How do we make curiosity contagious?

Join me for answers and, yes, even more questions. You'll leave with practical techniques that will have your classroom buzzing with the kind of questions that lead to extraordinary learning.

About:

Creative Education Specialist

Sara is an experienced K-12 educator, creativity facilitator and curriculum designer. She holds a Master of Science in creativity from the Center for Applied Imagination at SUNY College at Buffalo and is trained in facilitating self-directed learning and Creative Problem Solving.

Sara develops and delivers compelling professional development to lead change and grow creative skills. She has worked with schools and teachers from New York City to Guam to enhance their teaching with creativity. She has designed curriculum for K-12 students as well as adults, including a self-paced Creative Educator Certification Program for teachers.

She has facilitated Creative Problem Solving sessions for organizations, communities, schools, and individuals that have led to lasting positive change.

Her vision is to support creative communities to help people nurture their passions and strengths.

Session Summary:

Elementary STEM learning goes beyond building—it’s about how students think, reflect, and grow through the design process. In this session, explore how students can make their thinking visible through drawing, photos, writing, and voice as they engage in STEM learning.

Participants will discover practical strategies to build the core foundations of STEM thinking—productive struggle, reflection, feedback, and iteration—while strengthening student ownership and problem-solving skills. Learn how Snorkl supports students in explaining their reasoning, receiving meaningful feedback, and revising their thinking over time.

Walk away with classroom-ready strategies that make student thinking visible, support feedback-driven growth, and deepen STEM learning across elementary classrooms.

About Van:

Digital Learning Coach

Van Ridlehuber is a proud mom of three and brings 22 years of educational experience to her role as a Digital Learning Coach in Frisco, Texas. Her background includes teaching Kindergarten, First, and Third Grade.

Van is passionate about empowering educators and students with future-ready skills through technology integration, innovation, and STEAM. She believes every student deserves opportunities to be creative, think critically, and learn through engaging, hands-on experiences that spark curiosity and innovation.

Van enjoys designing inclusive learning experiences that are accessible to all students. She believes every child has unique superpowers, and that creativity and curiosity help unlock them. Her passion shines through in her work, inspiring both educators and students.

About Kristine:

Kristine Seale is a Digital Learning Coach with over a decade of experience in education, supporting teachers in transforming their classrooms with innovative, purposeful technology.

She’s passionate about helping educators embrace the “happy chaos” of hands-on learning—where curiosity thrives, creativity sparks, and students are deeply engaged. Kristine works alongside teachers to integrate both plugged and unplugged tools, from Canva and AI to Beebots and coding, all while staying aligned to curriculum goals and building future-ready skills.

Known for her energy, humor, and practical approach, she loves creating professional learning experiences that are as fun as they are impactful.