ACTEM2026: Full Schedule

Welcome to the 2026 ACTEM Conference! #ACTEM26

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8:00am EDT

Authentically ME? AI, Judgment, and 3D Design

Thursday October 15, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT

AI can turn a sketch, photo, or prompt into a 3D printed object in minutes—but is the result truly authentic? In this engaging session, explore how educators can use AI-powered design tools while still prioritizing student creativity, ownership, and critical thinking. Leave with practical workflows and strategies to help students create work that is not only innovative, but authentically their own.

Speakers

Stephen LaRochelle

Library Director / Adjunct Instructor, Kennebec Valley Community College

Thursday October 15, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Arnold

8:00am EDT

Data Harmony: Using AI to Master Google Sheets

Thursday October 15, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT

Howard

Master Google Sheets with a Privacy-First AI approach. This session shows educators how to use Gemini as a 'Formula Architect' to clean data and automate workflows without uploading sensitive student PII.

You will learn to:
* Generate complex formulas using natural language.
* Structure data safely using anonymized sets.
* Create time-saving templates.

Leave with a toolkit of secure prompts that let AI do the heavy lifting while you keep data safe.

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 →

Thursday October 15, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Howard

9:10am EDT

Beyond Formulas: Using Gemini to Build Custom GSheet Scripts

Thursday October 15, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am EDT

Howard

Go beyond formulas with 'Vibe Coding.' Learn to use Gemini to write custom Google Apps Scripts using only natural language. We’ll build a real-world tool that takes Google Form responses and automatically assigns students to sessions based on their preferences.

Key Outcomes:
> Automate tasks formulas can’t touch.
> Create custom 'Apps Script' logic without manual coding.
> Deploy a student-choice sorter.

Perfect for those ready to build custom classroom solutions in minutes.

Speakers

Susie Simmons

Instructional Tech Coach, MSAD 6 - Bonny Eagle

Thursday October 15, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am EDT
Howard

9:10am EDT

DIY AI: Build a Custom LLM for Your School's STEM Curriculum

Thursday October 15, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am EDT

Capital

You know the struggle: incredible STEM resources exist within your district, but they are scattered across fragmented Google Drives, different LMS platforms, and siloed department folders. Meanwhile, generic AI chatbots either hallucinate facts or completely miss your district's specific educational standards.

Join me to discover how "DIY AI" can break down information silos, bypass expensive vendor lock-in, and guarantee equitable access to high-quality STEM instruction.

Speakers

Lou Jones-Rodriguez

IT Lead/Tech Coordinator, AOS91/Mount Desert Island Regional School System

Thursday October 15, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am EDT
Capital

9:10am EDT

NotebookLM: The Ultimate Knower of All Your School’s Info

Thursday October 15, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am EDT

Penobscot

Every school has a mountain of manuals—now you can make them talk! Learn to build a "Super Sidekick" using NotebookLM that unlocks the secrets of your handbooks and emergency plans. We’ll show you how to turn dry docs into an instant-answer machine for staff, complete with "secret weapon" resources like custom podcasts and infographics. Information hunting ends here!

Speakers

Janice Rodriguez

Technology Integrator, Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School

Michelle Russo

Technology Integrator, Brunswick Junior High School

Thursday October 15, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am EDT
Penobscot

1:10pm EDT

Twenty-seven for ’27: Promising Technologies, Tools, Trends

Thursday October 15, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT

Howard

This rapid-fire session will leave you hopeful and invigorated. It will include an overview of technologies that will inspire and motivate. Completely updated from ACTEM 2025, topics will include immersive learning, AI-powered personalization and assisted grading, robots, noteworthy trends, and apps not yet available at the time of this writing. The term “Electronic Constructivism” was coined by this presenter, who will stress what really matters: Good Teaching. Raffle for techy door prizes.

Speakers

Maureen Yoder

Higher Ed, Lesley University

Dr. Maureen Brown Yoder has presented at educational technology conferences since the 1980s when educational technology was in its infancy. Dr. Yoder is a Professor Emerita at Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. A former classroom teacher, she has experience designing and... Read More →

Thursday October 15, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT
Howard

1:10pm EDT

Using AI to Build a Website (Without Being a Coding Expert)

Thursday October 15, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT

Capital

Students learn to write clear AI prompts instead of memorizing HTML codes. For example: “Make a webpage about my hamster: a title, one paragraph, and a toy list.” The AI builds the page. Then students customize colors, images, and layout. Teachers learn 3 simple skills: writing good prompts, easy fixes (colors, text size), and classroom AI rules. No coding experience needed.

Speakers

Sean Wasson

Computer Science Teacher, Portland Public Schools

Computer Science Teacher. Member of CSTA Maine and ACTEM. Code.org Facilitator.

Aaron Rog

K-12 Educator, Maine Department of Education

Thursday October 15, 2026 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT
Capital

2:20pm EDT

Building Staff Confidence with AI: PD Process

Thursday October 15, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm EDT

Arnold

Members from Yarmouth High School will present its collaborative process for building faculty buy-in for AI professional development. Presenters will show how the multidisciplinary AI committee moved staff from AI-averse to AI-literate. The session includes networking, sharing PD resources and tips, 30 minutes of presentation, and 20 minutes of collaboration/scenario work. Participants should bring computers.

Speakers

Jen Adams

Instructional Technology Integrator, Yarmouth High School

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.

Thursday October 15, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm EDT
Arnold

2:20pm EDT

How AI Works: Demystifying Artificial Intelligence for Educators

Thursday October 15, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm EDT

Pine Tree

How AI Works: Demystifying Artificial Intelligence for Educators is an interactive session designed to help educators better understand the computer science behind artificial intelligence. Participants will explore how AI systems learn from data, recognize patterns, and generate predictions through concepts such as algorithms, machine learning, and neural networks. The session will also examine the opportunities, limitations, ethical considerations, and real-world impacts of AI, while providing educators with a stronger foundation for discussing AI literacy and computer science concepts with students.

Speakers

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 →

Thursday October 15, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm EDT
Pine Tree

2:20pm EDT

What Responsible Student AI Use Actually Looks Like

Thursday October 15, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm EDT

Capital

Students need to know how to use AI responsibly and ethically to be prepared for college and their careers. The way we get them there is neither by shoving AI under the rug nor turning on commercial AI. That's where MagicSchool comes in. In this session, we'll explore what it looks like to bring student facing AI in a way that builds skills, deepens understanding, and drives measurable achievement.

Speakers

Becky Luetjen

Account Executive, MagicSchool

Becky, an Account Executive at MagicSchool, has over 12 years of experience in education. She taught high school English, developed district-wide curriculum, and served as a school librarian. Having witnessed both the impact of great teaching and the growing burnout among educators... Read More →

Thursday October 15, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm EDT
Capital

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

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

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

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 1:10pm - 2:10pm EDT
Penobscot

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

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

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