ACTEM2026: Full Schedule

Welcome to the 2026 ACTEM Conference! #ACTEM26

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7:00am EDT

Registration Open!

Friday October 16, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am EDT

Lobby

Friday October 16, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am EDT
Lobby

ACTEM

8:00am EDT

Apple Education Session

Friday October 16, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT

Kennebec

Speakers

Apple Education

Friday October 16, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Kennebec

8:00am EDT

Keynote Speaker Session - Chris Lehmann

Friday October 16, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT

Augusta

Speakers

Chris Lehmann is the founding principal of the Science Leadership Academy, a progressive science and technology high school in Philadelphia, PA. The Science Leadership Academy is an inquiry-driven, project-based, 1:1 laptop school that is considered to be one of the pioneers of the School 2.0 movement nationally and internationally. Science Leadership... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Augusta

8:00am EDT

Leveling the Playing Field: AI for Accessibility 6-12

Friday October 16, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT

York

I can be a powerful tool for equity. Explore how Bonny Eagle Middle and High Schools use AI to remove barriers for students with diverse learning abilities, readiness levels, and backgrounds. This discussion-based workshop moves beyond the hype to examine real-world applications that make resources more accessible for all. Join us to share experiences, evaluate tools that support differentiated needs, and discuss strategies for creating a more inclusive 6-12 learning environment.

Speakers

Erin Maguire

AP, Bonny Eagle High School

Stephen Avery

Instructional Tech Coach, MSAD 6 - Bonny Eagle

Friday October 16, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
York

Accessibility/Assistive Technology

8:00am EDT

10 Copyright Concerns for AI-using Teachers

Friday October 16, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT

Capital

Generative AI makes it easier and faster than ever before for teachers to create everything from engaging animated lessons to lesson plans for sale on TPT. However, recent federal court decisions have shown that generative AI users are not exempt from claims of copyright infringement. This presentation will offer ten short lessons on why teachers should be concerned about about copyright and how to use generative AI without running afoul of copyright law.

Speakers

Richard Byrne

Byrne Instructional Media, LLC

I am a former high school social studies teacher best known for developing this blog. I taught for eight and a half years at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School in South Paris, ME. During that time I piloted 1:1 laptop use before the program went school-wide. I coordinated a "laptop... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Capital

8:00am EDT

AI Literacy with EduProtocols: Classroom-Ready for Monday!

Friday October 16, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT

Fort Western

Ready to move beyond AI talk and into AI literacy in action? In this high-energy, hands-on workshop, participants will experience brand new AI Literacy EduProtocols designed to build the knowledge, skills, and mindsets students need when using AI through creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and purposeful use. Expect fast-paced interaction, practical takeaways, and innovative, classroom-ready strategies that help students engage with AI in meaningful ways you can use on Monday.

Speakers

Kate Meyer

Instructional Innovation Specialist, Mount Desert Island High School

Kate Meyer is an instructional innovation specialist and high school English teacher in Bar Harbor, Maine, where she has taught for 25 years. From 2021 to 2023, she served as a Distinguished Educator with the Maine Department of Education. This position allowed her to travel throughout... Read More →

Nicole Davis

Friday October 16, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Fort Western

8:00am EDT

More than Robots: Launching an FTC Team

Friday October 16, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT

Piscataquis

Bring world-class robotics to your school! This session provides a practical roadmap for launching a FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) team. We’ll cover the competition season, student recruitment, and sustainability. Learn how to secure funding, craft a winning elevator pitch, and engage local sponsors. Attendees will receive a digital toolkit featuring recruitment materials, budget templates, and sponsorship guides to jumpstart their rookie season. More than robots—it’s a future.

Speakers

Brigette Dumont

Chris Herrick

Friday October 16, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Piscataquis

Computer Science/Robotics/Drones

8:00am EDT

Monster Making Mayhem: An Introduction to CompSci Basics

Friday October 16, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT

Arnold

Ditch the laptops and pick up the craft supplies, we are building monsters! In this hands-on workshop, educators dive into coding concepts like input, processing, and output by designing and “coding” their own creatures. This project blends creativity, collaboration, and unplugged computer science with natural connections to literacy and life science. Leave with a ready-to-use activity and the inspiration to bring STEM to life, no coding experience required!

Speakers

Ayana Klein

Friday October 16, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Arnold

Makerspace/STEAM/Project Based Learning

8:00am EDT

Student Speaker

Friday October 16, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT

Sagadahoc

Speakers

Gavin Phalen

Friday October 16, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Sagadahoc

Student Voices

8:00am EDT

Little Lifts, Big Empathy: Designing Practical and Purposeful Project-Based Learning Experiences

Friday October 16, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT

Penobscot

After a conference full of ideas and inspiration, turning those notions into action can be challenging. Join this workshop to explore the 5E design thinking framework for structuring manageable learning experiences. Discover how we might stoke a spark from ACTEM into a bonfire of empathy-fueled innovation.

Speakers

Dan Ryder

Design Facilitator, CRCS Overman

Success & Innovation Center, Director. #SICMBC
Idea wrangler, design thinker, improviser, author, and award winning educator.
Apple Distinguished educator.
NEA Foundation’s 2018 Horace Mann Award for Teaching Excellence
Co-Author, INTENTION: Critical Creativity in the Classroom (Bl... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Penobscot

Teaching Strategies

8:00am EDT

Smart Greenhouses: A Transdisciplinary Approach to CS

Friday October 16, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT

Cumberland

Transdisciplinary Learning integrates two or more disciplines to answer a driving question or solve a problem. MMSA's Smart Greenhouses Project combines plant science and CS to automate desktop greenhouses, building student skills in both areas while revealing real-world CS applications. In this session, hear how educators have used this project to increase students' skills and self-efficacy in computer science.

Speakers

Stefany Burrell

Nonprofit, Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance

I am MMSA's Computer Science Team Lead and the Project Manager for the Smart Greenhouses project, Maine State Science Fair, and Maine Middle School Science & Engineering Fair. I'm a big believer in hands-on and project-based learning, where students are challenged to be curious, creative... Read More →

Rachael Dektor

Friday October 16, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Cumberland

Teaching Strategies

8:00am EDT

Less Noise, More Learning: Reframing Technology Use in Schools

Friday October 16, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT

Pine Tree

Educators are increasingly navigating complex conversations about screen time shaped by headlines, conflicting research, and public concern. This session focuses on building readiness to respond by examining common narratives and research, identifying where claims are supported, oversimplified, or misunderstood, and emphasizing the importance of context, instructional design, and the differences in how technology is used.

Through discussion and scenario-based exploration, participants will develop practical strategies for responding to questions from school boards, families, and colleagues. This session centers on clear communication, research-informed perspectives, and actionable approaches to ensuring technology use remains intentional and learning-focused, leaving participants better prepared to engage in these conversations with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Speakers

Jonathan Werner

MLTI Ambassador Program Coordinator, Maine DOE - Learning Through Technology Team

Jonathan has worked in education for over thirty years as a teacher, technology integrator, education attorney, and professional development coordinator. His mission is to support educators to better understand how tech can transform teaching and learning. He is very proud to be a... Read More →

Jim Chasse

Infrastructure Specialist Maine DOE, Maine Department of Education

Emma-Marie Banks

Coordinator of Learning Through Technology, Maine Department of Education

As the Coordinator of Learning Through Technology, Emma oversees the implementation of the Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI), supporting schools in the purposeful integration of technology to enhance teaching and learning. In her role, Emma leads long-term statewide planning... Read More →

Jon Graham

Elementary Digital Learning Specialist, Maine Department of Education

Allison Braley

Computer Science Specialist, Maine Department of Education

Allison Braley is the Computer Science Specialist at the Maine Department of Education. She previously taught computer science and served as a technology integrator for nine years, supporting students and educators in innovative technology use. In 2022, she was recognized as the CSTA/Infosys... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Pine Tree

Tech Directors/Admins

8:00am EDT

Unifying K12 Operations to Reclaim Time for Instruction

Friday October 16, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT

Washington

K12 ecosystems are uniquely complex, often managed through multiple organizational structures and departments—including IT, Facilities, and Academics—each with its own tech ecosystem. Many districts find themselves struggling with commercial systems that were not built for the needs of education, leading to siloed systems, manual bottlenecks, and a lack of data integrity. This fragmentation forces staff into reactive modes, resulting in inconsistent user experiences and time-consuming reporting.

Speakers

Courtney White

National District Relationship Manager, Incident IQ

Former middle school educator and coach, ELA department coordinator, and girls' athletic coordinator. Passionate about helping districts all over the country improve day-to-day operations; loves to cook and entertain and travels frequently. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Incident IQ is... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Washington

Tech Directors/Admins

9:10am EDT

Apple Education Session

Friday October 16, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am EDT

Kennebec

Speakers

Apple Education

Friday October 16, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am EDT
Kennebec

9:10am EDT

Featured Speaker Session - Carl Hooker

Friday October 16, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am EDT

Augusta

Speakers

Carl Hooker

Keynote Speaker, Hooker Technology

Carl Hooker is an educator, consultant and speaker from Austin, TX. He spent the past 27 years as a teacher and administrator supporting the he has held a wide range of roles. From teacher to administrator, he’s always had one common belief – that kids need to drive their own... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am EDT
Augusta

9:10am EDT

Authentically Accessible: Empowering Student Voice

Friday October 16, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am EDT

York

Empower students to take charge of their learning using the accessibility features already built into iPads and Chromebooks. This session focuses on how tools like voice typing, screen readers, and display customizations allow students to work more independently and express their unique ideas. Join us to discover how these assistive technologies can build confidence and bridge the gap for all learners allowing them to show who they "Authentically" are.

Speakers

Leilani Carlson

AT Specialist, Maine CITE

Friday October 16, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am EDT
York

Accessibility/Assistive Technology

9:10am EDT

AI EduProtocols: Connect, Share, Strategize

Friday October 16, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am EDT

Fort Western

In this energizing session, participants will experience one more brand-new AI Literacy EduProtocol and then spend time connecting with others, sharing strategies, swapping ideas, and discussing how to bring thoughtful AI literacy work into classrooms, schools, and districts. Come ready to talk, reflect, ask questions, and leave inspired with fresh ideas and practical next steps.

Speakers

Kate Meyer

Instructional Innovation Specialist, Mount Desert Island High School

Nicole Davis

Friday October 16, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am EDT
Fort Western

9:10am EDT

Creating AI Tools for Your Classroom

Friday October 16, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am EDT

Penobscot

Empower your teaching with AI! In this hands-on session, explore how educators of all skill levels can use AI models and tools to design custom classroom apps and resources—no coding required. Discover how one teacher is creating solutions for her students and colleagues and learn how you can build what doesn’t yet exist. Free and subscription tools will be shared. All subjects, teachers, and devices welcome!

Speakers

Julie York

Career Prep & Tech Department Chair & Teacher, South Portland School Department

Julie York has been teaching computer science and media electives at South Portland High School in South Portland, Maine since she was hired in 2002. Hired to teach Video Production, she has gone on to develop and maintain many new classes for the school community that include Animation... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am EDT
Penobscot

9:10am EDT

Talking to HS Students about Ethical & Responsible Use of AI

Friday October 16, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am EDT

Piscataquis

Who isn't talking about the impact AI is having on HS students and learning? Come and hear about how I designed and drafted a presentation to begin the conversation around what ethical and responsible use of AI looks like in my district. Hear the real life conversations had with actual HS students and teachers, and leave better prepared to have these conversations in your own classrooms.

Speakers

Crystal Blais

Tech Integrator, Biddeford Intermediate & Middle Schools

Technology Integrator for Biddeford Intermediate & Middle Schools. Serving with a passion for teaching and learning new things with tech!

Friday October 16, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am EDT
Piscataquis

9:10am EDT

MLTI Unplugged (Elementary Edition)

Friday October 16, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am EDT

Pine Tree

The Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) opened up to early elementary grades in 2025 and in this session, we will explore what that means. Educational technology does not need to be merely more screentime at school, it can and should be intentional, active and might not even involve a screen. Learn about some of our recent programs like Pine Tree Programming, the CS Hub and the MLTI Maine Winter Classic that offer elementary level content. We will also be sharing some of the greatest hits from around Maine. Lastly, we will be seeking feedback on how we can best support for elementary schools.

Speakers

Jon Graham

Elementary Digital Learning Specialist, Maine Department of Education

Friday October 16, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am EDT
Pine Tree

Elementary School

9:10am EDT

3D Printing Showcase with The Perloff Family Foundation

Friday October 16, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am EDT

Cumberland

Join educators from across the state of Maine who have successfully used grant funding from the Perloff Family Foundation to scale impact of 3D printing projects across their schools.

Friday October 16, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am EDT
Cumberland

Makerspace/STEAM/Project Based Learning

9:10am EDT

Bring Student Leadership Ambassadors of Maine to your school

Friday October 16, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am EDT

Sagadahoc

Learn how to have free, in-person event hosted at your school for your students. A high energy interactive day of learning. Topics covered include 3D printing, media production, virtual reality, coding and much more! For more information visit: http://MLTI.me

Speakers

Kern Kelley

SLAM Coordinator / Technology Integrator, Regional School Unit #19

Starting his teaching career in New Zealand, Kern is presently the Technology Integrator at Regional School Unit #19 and Coordinator of the Student Leadership Ambassador program in central Maine. He has provided support to educators for over two decades and has conducted professional... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am EDT
Sagadahoc

Student Voices

9:10am EDT

NotebookLM and the Mentor Mindset

Friday October 16, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am EDT

Capital

NotebookLM is a powerful tool for educators, offering complete control over sources and engaging students with complex material. This session will focus on high school applications, demonstrating how to make complex texts more accessible, student made study sets, and strategies for self-teaching. It includes workshop time for exploration and personal application. Bring a computer and a collaborative mindset!

Speakers

Bryan Quigley

Secondary Science Teacher, Yarmouth High School

I am a secondary science educator at Yarmouth High School, and am passionate about plants, technology, the environment, guitar, MTG, and anywhere nerd culture and nature collide. Excited to share what I have learned with y'all.

Friday October 16, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am EDT
Capital

Teaching Strategies

9:10am EDT

Spooktacular STEAM: Haunted Houses, Tricks, Traps & Tech

Friday October 16, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am EDT

Arnold

Speakers

Marci Klein

Curriculum and Product Designer, 3DuxDesign

Marci Klein, M.D. is a clinical and academic pediatrician with over 25 years of experience in early childhood development, education, and social-emotional health. She transitioned into education to create more engaging, deeper, and authentic learning experiences that support all learners... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am EDT
Arnold

Teaching Strategies

10:10am EDT

Coffee Break with Vendors

Friday October 16, 2026 10:10am - 11:00am EDT

Exhibit Hall

Friday October 16, 2026 10:10am - 11:00am EDT
Exhibit Hall

ACTEM

11:00am EDT

Keynote - Chris Lehmann

Friday October 16, 2026 11:00am - 12:10pm EDT

Stage

Friday October 16, 2026 11:00am - 12:10pm EDT
Stage

KEYNOTE

12:10pm EDT

Lunch

Friday October 16, 2026 12:10pm - 1:10pm EDT

Lobby

Friday October 16, 2026 12:10pm - 1:10pm EDT
Lobby

ACTEM

12:10pm EDT

Ask, Explore, Connect: Lunch with the LTT Team

Friday October 16, 2026 12:10pm - 1:10pm EDT

Pine Tree

During this informal lunch session, participants are invited to engage directly with the LTT team through open conversation and discussion. Bring questions, explore emerging topics, and connect with others navigating similar challenges in technology and learning. This is a flexible, participant-driven space designed for sharing ideas, gaining insight, and building connections—no formal presentation, just conversation.

Speakers

LTT Team

Friday October 16, 2026 12:10pm - 1:10pm EDT
Pine Tree

Other

12:10pm EDT

Maine EdTech Women's Network Lunch

Friday October 16, 2026 12:10pm - 1:10pm EDT

Augusta

Speakers

Helen Cohen

Co-Founder/CEO, ReachMyTeach

Helen Cohen began her career as a high school history and ELL teacher in a Maine school district where 56 languages were spoken. Aware of the communication gaps that left families behind and the lack of two-way connection, she co-founded ReachMyTeach, a platform designed for two-way... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 12:10pm - 1:10pm EDT
Augusta

Other

1:10pm EDT

Apple Education Session

Friday October 16, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT

Kennebec

Speakers

Apple Education

Friday October 16, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT
Kennebec

1:10pm EDT

Keynote Speaker Session - Chris Lehmann

Friday October 16, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT

Augusta

Speakers

Chris Lehmann

Founder, Science Leadership Academy

Friday October 16, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT
Augusta

1:10pm EDT

Digital Accessibility Starts with the Tools We Use

Friday October 16, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT

York

Digital educational materials reach students through several pathways, each with its own accessibility considerations. Whether purchasing third party edtech products, selecting web-based resources, or creating digital instructional materials, educators and teams need to prioritize accessibility across each pathway. Participants will leave with practical strategies to ensure what they purchase, select, and create is accessible – from the beginning – to students with disabilities.

Speakers

Cynthia Curry

Friday October 16, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT
York

Accessibility/Assistive Technology

1:10pm EDT

Lights, Camera, AI

Friday October 16, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT

Capital

Video is the language of the modern world, but editing shouldn't be a chore. Discover Google Vids, the AI-powered storytelling assistant that turns brainstorms into professional videos in minutes. Learn to use AI storyboarding, automated voiceovers, and seamless Workspace integration to flip your classroom or revitalize school communications. Whether you're a teacher or tech leader, see how Google Vids makes content creation effortless.

Speakers

Eric Huntington

Technology Integrator, Cape Elizabeth Middle School

I am currently the technology integrator at Cape Elizabeth Middle School. I teach 8th grade technology and 6th grade digital wellness. This is my 18th year as an educator and I live in Portland, ME!

Friday October 16, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT
Capital

1:10pm EDT

‘Vibe Code’ tools for learning with AI

Friday October 16, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT

Penobscot

In this session you will vibe code your own custom tools ready for your classroom. We will cover best practices on the process and leave you with templates and resources to continue beyond the session.

Speakers

Kern Kelley

SLAM Coordinator / Technology Integrator, Regional School Unit #19

Friday October 16, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT
Penobscot

1:10pm EDT

Using Class VR In Your Classroom

Friday October 16, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT

Piscataquis

In this session participants will learn about the Class VR headsets, the online program, and how to integrate it into classroom lessons. We will go over best practices to avoid motion sickness and promote safety. Participants will get time to look into some of the available programs/lessons.

Attendees should note that the headsets and program cost money, but grants are available to help districts purchase some of these resources.

Speakers

Nicole Lesperance

District Technology Training Coordinator, Mt. Blue Regional School District - RSU 9

I am a District Technology Training Coordinator for Mt. Blue Regional School District - RSU 9. I work with both staff and students supporting implementation and integration of technology into the curriculum, PreK-12. I also support all district staff with the use and understanding... Read More →

Mary Ellen Quimby

Teacher, RSU 9 Mt. Blue Middle School

Friday October 16, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT
Piscataquis

Computer Science/Robotics/Drones

1:10pm EDT

Small Humans, Big Thinking: Real Inquiry in K–5

Friday October 16, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT

Arnold

Young learners are capable of far more than we often expect. This session challenges the myth that K–5 students are too young for inquiry-driven and project-based learning. Explore practical strategies for designing meaningful, hands-on experiences that build curiosity and critical thinking. Learn how to use technology with purpose—enhancing learning without overwhelming it—in today’s shifting, screen-conscious classrooms.

Speakers

Beth Heidemann

co-founder, lead educator, Go2Science

Presidential Award-Winning teacher and hula hoop enthusiast, Beth loves bringing real world science to kids! A graduate of College of the Atlantic Bar Harbor, Maine, she loves engineering challenges, technology, environmental education, and outdoor learning spaces. After 25 years... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT
Arnold

Elementary School

1:10pm EDT

Serving our communities: Finding the authentic audience.

Friday October 16, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT

Fort Western

Students often ask, “Why are we learning this?” When the classroom teacher is the only one who sees student work, students often don’t see the real-world connections. In this session, we will explore technology tools and methods to create student projects that address problems in your school or community.

Speakers

Jeff Bailey

High School Technology/Computer Science Teacher, Mountain Valley HIgh School/RSU 10

Friday October 16, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT
Fort Western

Makerspace/STEAM/Project Based Learning

1:10pm EDT

Elevate STEM Nights as a PD Opportunity

Friday October 16, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT

Cumberland

STEM Nights are highlights of the school year, helping families, businesses, and community members understand how Computer Science (CS) is integrated into school curricula. The STEM Workforce Ready project has explored ways to elevate these engaging community events by inviting educators who are not typically integrating CS, and leveraging the events as professional development. Learn about what they’ve discovered and hear where they are going next in this panel discussion.

Speakers

Becky Tapley

STEM Education Specialist, MMSA

Becky Tapley is a STEM Education Specialist at the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance. She serves as the Project Manager of the STEM WorkForce Ready 2030 project, as well as a math consultant and ACRES (Afterschool Coaching for Reflective Educators in STEM) coach.After growing... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT
Cumberland

Other

1:10pm EDT

Student Speaker

Friday October 16, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT

Sagadahoc

Speakers

Maxwell House

Friday October 16, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT
Sagadahoc

Student Voices

1:10pm EDT

Don't Cell Yourself Short

Friday October 16, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT

Pine Tree

With Maine’s new bell-to-bell cell phone restrictions now in place, schools are entering a new phase of teaching, learning, and student support. This session will explore the opportunities, challenges, and practical realities of implementing phone-free learning environments while maintaining meaningful technology integration and student engagement. Participants will engage in discussion around school culture, student behavior, instructional shifts, communication challenges, and the evolving role of technology in classrooms. The session will also highlight practical strategies, lessons learned, and considerations for supporting students and educators through this transition in ways that prioritize focus, connection, and learning.

Speakers

Jonathan Werner

MLTI Ambassador Program Coordinator, Maine DOE - Learning Through Technology Team

Emma-Marie Banks

Coordinator of Learning Through Technology, Maine Department of Education

Friday October 16, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT
Pine Tree

Teaching Strategies

2:20pm EDT

Apple Education Session

Friday October 16, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm EDT

Kennebec

Speakers

Apple Education

Friday October 16, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm EDT
Kennebec

2:20pm EDT

Featured Speaker Session - Carl Hooker

Friday October 16, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm EDT

Augusta

Speakers

Carl Hooker

Keynote Speaker, Hooker Technology

Friday October 16, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm EDT
Augusta

2:20pm EDT

Build Your Own AI: Creating Custom Apps with Playlab

Friday October 16, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm EDT

Cumberland

Stop just using AI and start building it! This hands-on session introduces Playlab, a platform for creating custom, text-based AI apps tailored to your classroom. We’ll blend live demos with workshop time so you can build a functional tool in real-time.

You will learn to:
> Navigate the Playlab interface.
> Design custom prompts for educational tasks.
> Share your apps with colleagues.

Walk away with the skills to turn your best teaching ideas into interactive AI tools.

Speakers

Susie Simmons

Instructional Tech Coach, MSAD 6 - Bonny Eagle

Susie Simmons is a an instructional technology coach for Bonny Eagle Middle School & High School in Buxton/Standish, Maine. Her ed tech passions include 3D printing, virtual & augmented reality, spreadsheets, coding, and workload automating. She has a B.S. in Technology Education... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm EDT
Cumberland

2:20pm EDT

East vs. West: AI Done Best

Friday October 16, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm EDT

Fort Western

Join Google Champions Joe Marquez (CA) and Eric Lawson (ME) in this high-energy session moves beyond the AI hype to focus on a "Paramount moment" in education: shifting from a culture of "product" to a culture of "process." Discover how to transform AI from a "black box" into a transparent co-pilot for both staff and students. We’ll share a proven roadmap and framework that empower learners to use technology with conviction and integrity.

Speakers

Joe Marquez

Education Consultant

Joe Marquez, an influential figure in educational technology, hails from Clovis, California. His passion for education and technology began early, driving him to merge these interests in his career. Starting in the Clovis Unified School District, Joe quickly established himself as... Read More →

Eric Lawson

Director of Technology & Innovation, York Schools

Eric Lawson has been in education for over 25 years. He has been an elementary teacher, a technology integrator, an Admin Curriculum/Technology Integrator, and is currently the Director of Technology & Innovation for the York School Department in York, Maine. He has been published... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm EDT
Fort Western

2:20pm EDT

Code, Create, Connect: Exploring Pine Tree Programming with micro:bit

Friday October 16, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm EDT

Pine Tree

Curious about Pine Tree Programming (PTP)? This interactive professional development session provides an overview of the PTP model and how it can be used in both after-school and in-school settings to bring accessible computer science learning to students, with no teacher CS background needed! Participants will step into the learner role as they explore a featured micro:bit lesson, test activities, and experience how PTP lessons build creativity, problem-solving, and computational thinking skills over time. Educators will leave with practical ideas, ready-to-use strategies, and a better understanding of how Pine Tree Programming supports engaging, student-centered computer science learning for all students.

Speakers

Allison Braley

Computer Science Specialist, Maine Department of Education

Friday October 16, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm EDT
Pine Tree

Computer Science/Robotics/Drones

2:20pm EDT

Discover Student Potential with VEX IQ Robotics

Friday October 16, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm EDT

Piscataquis

Experience the power of VEX IQ Robotics in this playground style hands-on workshop for middle school staff. Step into the student's role to see how this platform bridges play and professional skill-building. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, you’ll discover how robotics serves as a canvas for self-expression and problem-solving. Join us in a low-stakes, high-engagement environment designed to ensure every student—and educator—sees themselves as a capable creator. Perfect for starting or growing a program!

Speakers

Amanda Kozaka

School Librarian, Cape Elizabeth Middle School

Friday October 16, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm EDT
Piscataquis

Computer Science/Robotics/Drones

2:20pm EDT

Goodnight Bee-Bot: Coding Our Way Through Maine

Friday October 16, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm EDT

York

Let’s help our youngest learners find themselves in both literature and computer science by navigating Maine literacy with early coding! In this interactive session, we will explore how to bring the beautiful Maine-themed book Goodnight Maine to life using Bee-Bots. Discover how to create custom, story-driven robotics mats that foster spatial awareness, sequential thinking, and literacy comprehension.

Speakers

Nicole Lesperance

District Technology Training Coordinator, Mt. Blue Regional School District - RSU 9

Friday October 16, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm EDT
York

Elementary School

2:20pm EDT

Compressed Air Rocket

Friday October 16, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm EDT

Penobscot

This session will show how you can do rocketry in your classrooms without the expensive Estes rocket engines. You will see how rocketry is being taught in grades 1st - 8th. How students are designing 3D printed rockets and doing multiple tests to gather data. Great for any aged students.

Speakers

David Davis

Technology Integrator/Teacher, Glenburn School

Jason Lanoie

STEM Teacher, Windham Middle School - RSU14

Friday October 16, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm EDT
Penobscot

Makerspace/STEAM/Project Based Learning

2:20pm EDT

New to Coding? Teach It While Learning: Code For ME

Friday October 16, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm EDT

Sagadahoc

Code For ME is a beginner-friendly workshop designed for teachers with little to no coding experience. Learn how to teach computer science by exploring concepts alongside your students using our accessible textbook. Discover practical strategies, classroom ideas, and ways to build confidence while learning together. This session highlights how teaching and learning can happen at the same time. Made by a sophomore at Morse High School.

Speakers

Katie Willis

Gifted and Talented Teacher, Bath Middle School

Hi! I'm Harper Steenstra, the founder of Code For ME- a local coding camp designed for beginner coders. I believe coding is essential to the future. Whether you're building a toaster or designing the next iPhone, code is behind it all.I first discovered coding back in third grade... Read More →

Harper Steenstra

Friday October 16, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm EDT
Sagadahoc

Student Voices

2:20pm EDT

Authentically ME: Helping Educators Find Their Writing Voice

Friday October 16, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm EDT

Capital

Discover simple, classroom‑tested strategies that help educators find their voice and turn lived experience into meaningful writing. We’ll use a design‑thinking lens to clarify ideas, shape structure, and build confidence—tools you can use for your own book projects or to support student writers.

Speakers

Jacqueline Gardy

Friday October 16, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm EDT
Capital

Teaching Strategies

2:20pm EDT

Engage, Create, Inspire: Canva Tricks for Everyone!

Friday October 16, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm EDT

Arnold

Ready to make your teaching/instructional materials more engaging without spending hours designing? In this hands-on session (BYOD!), you’ll discover simple, powerful Canva tips that help you create eye-catching visuals in minutes. Whether you’re new to Canva or already dabbling, you’ll walk away with ready-to-use ideas that save time and boost engagement!

Speakers

Sonja Abbott

Sarah Wielki

Friday October 16, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm EDT
Arnold

Tools

3:30pm EDT

Raffles & Awards

Friday October 16, 2026 3:30pm - 4:15pm EDT

Stage

Friday October 16, 2026 3:30pm - 4:15pm EDT
Stage

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