Connection, Purpose, Progress- MCS-BSU Innovation Summit: Full Schedule

9:40am EDT

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Do you teach students who need support with their language, listening, and communication? During this presentation, speakers can expect to hear about a variety of communication modes, types, and tools. They will get an opportunity to explore Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), brainstorm classroom uses, and prep visual cards for daily use.

Speakers

Margret Rice

Applied Skills Teacher, Grissom Elementary School

5th year Applied Skills Teacher

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT
236

Session 1

9:40am EDT

Beyond the Page: Integrating Art, Music, and Creativity into the Elementary Curriculum of CKLA- Repeated Session

LIMITED

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT

206

Limited Capacity seats available

Beyond the Page: Integrating Art, Music, and Creativity into the Elementary Curriculum of CKLA
How can we transform literacy instruction into experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and deeper understanding? This session explores the power of arts integration within the elementary classroom using Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) as a foundation for interdisciplinary learning. Participants will discover practical strategies for incorporating visual art, music, movement, and creative expression to strengthen literacy skills, support diverse learners, and foster student engagement. Grounded in the work of Sir Kenneth Robinson, Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences, and Edith Kramer’s research on artistic expression, this session highlights creativity as an essential component of learning. Participants will engage in hands-on activities, collaborative discussions, and opportunities to explore classroom-ready ideas. Time will be provided for reflection, sharing, and Q&A.

Speakers

Kelly Agnew

Teacher - Master, Muncie Community Schools

Kelly Agnew is a dedicated educator with 22 years of teaching experience and a passion for lifelong learning. Currently serving as a Master Teacher at West View Elementary, Kelly is committed to inspiring students and supporting innovative teaching practices. A recipient of the Armstrong... Read More →

Allison Draper

Teacher - Elementary, Muncie Community Schools

About MeAllison Draper (M.A. in Education, Gifted and Talented Education) has been an elementary educator with 15 years of teaching experience. She has taught at West View Elementary School for the past five years in the Dual Language Program. She also had the opportunity to teach in Africa in Eg... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT
206

Session 1

9:40am EDT

Building Student Independence Through Classroom Systems- Repeated Session

FULL

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT

230

Limited Capacity full

Do you want to create a classroom where students take greater ownership of their learning and work more independently? Join us to explore practical classroom systems that can be implemented right away to build student independence, increase engagement, and establish consistent routines. This interactive, hands-on session will provide opportunities to collaborate with colleagues, reflect on your current practices, and begin developing systems you can take back to your classroom and use the very next day. Participants will also have time to share ideas, learn from one another, and leave with ready-to-use resources and actionable strategies.

Speakers

Devon Barbosa

Teacher - Elementary, Muncie Community Schools

Devon Barbosa is a 21-year teaching veteran with extensive experience in the elementary classroom. She is passionate about building meaningful relationships with students and creating a positive, engaging learning environment where every child feels valued, supported, and excited... Read More →

Leah Britten

Teacher - Master, Muncie Community Schools

Leah Britten is a 23-year teaching veteran with experience across all grade levels, including special education and intervention. Her greatest joy is helping teachers develop the skills and confidence they need to support student success.

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT
230

Session 1

9:40am EDT

Co-Regulation

FILLING

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT

232

Limited Capacity filling up

Co-regulation is a mutual act of creating calm between two people. In this session, we will focus on what regulation is, techniques to use to help regulate others and yourself, and how much power there is in modeling self-regulation. We will cover what self-regulation is and how to model it for students. We will also discuss focused attention practices (ways to quiet the brain to better focus) and brain intervals (practices to shift, refresh, and relax the brain after intense learning).

Speakers

Jessica Johnson

Teacher - Guidance Counselor, Muncie Community Schools

Jessica Johnson is the School Counselor at Grissom Elementary School. This is 15th year in the profession, and she has worked at the High School, Middle School, and Elementary levels. She is a MCS Alumni, having graduated from Southside High School in 2002, and loves sharing strategies... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT
232

Session 1

9:40am EDT

Communicating for Digital Accessibility- Repeated Session

LIMITED

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT

236

Limited Capacity seats available

As a public agency, Muncie Community Schools is now required to meet new federal guidelines for digital accessibility. What does that mean? It means writing and posting in clear, simple language that is easy to understand. Information must be organized with meaningful headings, short paragraphs, and lists when appropriate. We must provide descriptive text for images, captions for videos, and transcripts for audio content. Any links need to have meaningful text instead of phrases like "click here." All content needs to be readable by screen readers and understood by people with a wide range of abilities, including those with visual, hearing, cognitive, or motor disabilities. The goal is to make information accessible, usable, and understandable for everyone. Andy and Cynthia will share insights on how to do this when messaging to families or the general public.

Speakers

Klotz, Andrew

Chief Communications Officer, Muncie Community Schools

Andy is in his 6th year as the Chief Communications Officer at Muncie Community Schools. He is the district's "Chief Storyteller" and oversees all districtwide communications, including information shared on websites, social media, ParentSquare and more.

Cynthia Miller

Executive Assistant to the Director of Public Education/CEO, Muncie Community Schools

As the Executive Assistant to the Director of Public Education/CEO, Cynthia handles a variety of duties in the MCS Administration Building. She is also instrumental in handling the back end of the district website and a key liaison between the district office and all schools.

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT
236

Session 1

global Y

9:40am EDT

Disability and Special Education from the Parent Perspective.- Repeated Session

LIMITED

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT

238

Limited Capacity seats available

Have you, as a teacher, ever wondered why a parent you've shared resources with hasn't done anything with them? Do you want a better understanding of what parents are thinking and experiencing when they walk in to a case conference? This session is to help educators and admins understand things pertaining to disability and special education from the perspective of a parent. As well as the monetary, physical, time, and emotional aspects of raising a child with a disability. The session will allow time for questions and answers.

Speakers

Andrea Mann

K-4 Applied Skills Teacher: Longfellow Elementary, Muncie Community Schools

I have been engaged in disability advocacy work for most of my life, from volunteering in middle and high school in special education classrooms, to providing respite care for families through college, through being part of grass roots advocacy work. I co-authored a book on disability... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT
238

Session 1

9:40am EDT

Dr. Julia Garcia Session- Repeated Session

LIMITED

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT

Auditorium

Limited Capacity seats available

Connection is at the core of every healthy community, yet students and staff are feeling more disconnected than ever before. The Connection Challenge is an interactive program designed to strengthen community bonds. Through inspiring stories, evidence-based strategies, and practical activities, participants will learn how to overcome barriers, enhance communication, and build meaningful relationships that positively transform culture.

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT
Auditorium

Session 1

9:40am EDT

Everyday Behavior Tools- Repeated Session

FILLING

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT

424

Limited Capacity filling up

Participants can expect to learn about the Everyday Behavior Tools. We will cover understanding behavior and coercion, the seven Everyday Behavior Tools, and resources to further education. Interactions participants can expect are small groups and minimal role plays.

Are you a first year teacher? Do you want to build positive relationships with your students? Do you want to learn how to de-escalate minor disruptions? Reduce reliance on administrators and support staff to solve problems? If you answered “yes” to any of the questions above, then you are ready to learn about the seven core strategies of Everyday Behavior Tools.

Speakers

Sarah Reynolds

Teacher - Elementary, Muncie Community Schools

I graduated from Ball State University in 2017, where I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a concentration in Kindergarten Primary. I also obtained a minor in Autism Spectrum Disorders. I have taught for nine years at South View Elementary, teaching 1st, 3rd... Read More →

Hannah Thompson

Teacher - Physical Education, Muncie Community Schools

My name is Hannah Thompson, also known as ‘T.’ I have taught Physical Education at South View Elementary for five years. I am entering my second year of coaching girls basketball at Muncie Central High School. My educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT
424

Session 1

9:40am EDT

Fabulous Fluency- Repeated Session

LIMITED

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT

242

Limited Capacity seats available

Discover why fluency is the ultimate bridge to reading comprehension in the elementary classroom. In this engaging session, you will explore the latest data and powerful research that highlight why daily fluency practice is essential for young learners.

We will equip you with a curated toolkit of ready-to-use classroom resources designed to boost speed, accuracy, and expression. Plus, you will gain practical, real-world advice and proven strategies straight from fellow elementary teachers who have successfully integrated fluency routines into their busy daily schedules.

Speakers

Angela Butler

Teacher - Master, Muncie Community Schools

Master teacher at EWA

Lesleigh Denniston

Teacher - Elementary, Muncie Community Schools

Interventionist at EWA

Megan Miller

Teacher - Elementary, Muncie Community Schools

First grade teacher

Tiara Taylor

Teacher - Elementary, Muncie Community Schools

First Grade Teacher

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT
242

Session 1

9:40am EDT

FAPE Compass - Using AI to guide your special education/504 decisions.- Repeated Session

LIMITED

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT

244

Limited Capacity seats available

This Session is for all administrators and special educators that have current logins to FAPE Compass, our new closed AI platform for special education guidance. You will be given examples of how to use the platform to answer day to day questions and to ensure IEP/504 compliance.

Speakers

Jenny Smithson

Director of Special Education, Muncie Community Schools

Jenny Smithson is an educator and advocate for public education with licenses in elementary education, special education, English/Language Arts, and Director of Exceptional Needs. She currently serves at Director of Special Education for Muncie Community Schools.

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT
244

Session 1

9:40am EDT

Fluent Readers, Confident Learners- Repeated Session

LIMITED

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT

246

Limited Capacity seats available

Reading fluency is a critical bridge between word recognition and reading comprehension. In this session, participants will explore the essential components of fluency. Participants will leave with ready-to-implement resources and actionable practices that foster fluent reading and improve overall literacy outcomes across the elementary grades.

Speakers

Natalie Gariety

Teacher - Master, Muncie Community Schools

Session over building fluent readers in your classroom.

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT
246

Session 1

9:40am EDT

Freshman Academy Year 1 Recap- Repeated Session

LIMITED

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT

425

Limited Capacity seats available

Learn about the setup and outcomes of the first year of Muncie Central's Freshman Academy. The 4 team leads will discuss the steps on how we designed the program, innovated our teaching practices, and worked together to improve our freshman experience. This session will be informative with time for a Q&A Session.

Speakers

Elli Coles

Teacher - Language Arts, Muncie Community Schools

5th Year as an English Teacher at MCHS

Kate Hughes

Teacher - Social Studies, Muncie Community Schools

15th Year Social Studies Teacher at MCHS

Jennifer Jensen

Teacher - Social Studies, Muncie Community Schools

13th year as a Social Studies Teacher at MCHS

Drew Shermeta

Teacher - Social Studies, Muncie Community Schools

11th Year as a Social Studies Teacher at MCHS

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT
425

Session 1

9:40am EDT

ILPs 101: How to Read and (Realistically) Implement Accommodations for ELs- Repeated Session

LIMITED

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT

421

Limited Capacity seats available

Want some practice in interpreting and applying ILPs to better serve our English Learner students? We'll examine two ILPs at different proficiency levels and practice applying them across content areas in small groups with time for Q&A at the end. (High School/Middle School Focus)

Speakers

Camille Engle

Teacher - English Learners, Muncie Community Schools

ENL teacher at Muncie Central High School and Northside Middle School.

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT
421

Session 1

9:40am EDT

Multilingual Learners 101: Understanding, Supporting & Empowering

LIMITED

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT

471

Limited Capacity seats available

Building on our previous professional learning, this interactive session moves beyond individual strategies to explore how teachers can intentionally design grade-level instruction that supports multilingual learners without lowering expectations. Participants will examine the language demands embedded in everyday classroom tasks and learn how to distinguish between content gaps and language barriers. Through authentic classroom examples, teachers will practice aligning content and language objectives, selecting scaffolds based on student proficiency and task demands, and differentiating language support while maintaining rigorous learning goals. The session will also focus on moving students from supported speaking and writing toward greater independence by intentionally fading scaffolds over time. Teachers will apply the process to an upcoming lesson, assignment, or constructed-response task and leave with a practical plan for implementation. The goal is not simply to add more strategies, but to develop a thoughtful, sustainable approach to helping multilingual learners access, engage with, and independently demonstrate grade-level learning.

Speakers

Vesna Dimitrieska

Director, Global Education Initiatives, Indiana University

I have been working with and supporting educators in dual language programs across Indiana as well as world language teachers. I have both organized and facilitated numerous professional development sessions geared to the needs identified by teachers and school administrators.

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT
471

Session 1

9:40am EDT

Opening Up Your Math Tasks: Differentiation Supports- Repeated Session

LIMITED

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT

252

Limited Capacity seats available

In this hands-on session, participants will learn about different ways to adapt existing K-5 math tasks to support diverse learners to engage with the content. This session will help participants see ways to frame tasks and open-ended questions that allow students who need extra support and students who need a challenge to engage in the same lesson, making it easier for teachers to lead whole-class math lessons. The session will allow for small group discussion on different open-ended tasks and how they promote opportunities for differentiation, hands-on experience with parallel tasks, and time for Q&A for connecting such differentiation practices into the participants' classrooms.

Speakers

Jenna Menke

Assistant Professor, Ball State University

Jenna Menke is an assistant professor of mathematics education. Their focus is on improving teacher preparation programs and PD for K-12 mathematics teachers.

LeAnn Neel-Romine

Associate Lecturer, Ball State University

LeAnn Neel-Romine is an associate lecturer of mathematics education, with over 20 years' experience working with mathematics educators and students in K-12 classrooms.

Sam Prough

assistant professor, Ball State University

Sam Prough is an assistant professor of mathematics education. Their focus is on elementary education.

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT
252

Session 1

9:40am EDT

Partners in Leading, Partners in Learning, Partners in Research: Exploring Research-Practice Partnerships in MCS- Repeated Session

LIMITED

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT

258

Limited Capacity seats available

This workshop will explore how strong, long-standing university–school partnerships can evolve into more formalized Research–Practice Partnerships (RPPs) through the collaborative development of a shared research agenda. Grounded in the principle of “nothing about us without us,” the session will examine what it means for school and district partners to play a meaningful role not only in individual projects, but in shaping the overall direction, priorities, and structures of partnership work. Participants will consider how the RPP model compliments existing collaborations between MCS and Ball State, how current practices and relationships support this work, and what new routines—such as shared agenda-setting, regular data conversations, and coordinated decision-making—might strengthen collective impact. The workshop will also address practical questions of scope and sustainability, including starting small, identifying high-priority areas of focus, clarifying roles and expectations, and building infrastructure over time. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of RPPs and concrete next steps for partnership development.

Speakers

Paula Arce-Trigatti

Director, National Network of Education Research-Practice Partnerships

Paula is the inaugural global director of NNERPP, a professional learning organization for education RPPs, launched in 2016 at the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University. In this role, she organizes and coordinates a number of learning opportunities for members across... Read More →

Kim Wright

Associate Director, National Network of Education Research-Practice Partnerships

Kim is the associate director of NNERPP, a professional learning organization for education-focused research-practice partnerships. In this role, she coordinates and creates professional learning opportunities for members of the NNERPP and the RPP field-at-large. Prior to joining... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT
258

Session 1

9:40am EDT

Research Cycles: From Whole Class to Independent Project Writing

LIMITED

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT

203

Limited Capacity seats available

In this session, Amy will share a research cycle instructional routine as well as review the IDOE Research Writing Rubric.

Speakers

Amy Heath

Teacher - Master, Muncie Community Schools

Amy Heath is an instructional coach and a former Research Fellow for BSU. Her research interests include emergent literacy, integrated instruction, and writing.

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT
203

Session 1

9:40am EDT

State Testing Information- Repeated Session

LIMITED

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT

420

Limited Capacity seats available

I would like to present a session outlining requirements and expectations for state testing along with a question and answer opportunity.

Speakers

Craig Standish

Program Supervisor, Muncie Community Schools

Corporate Test Coordinator for Muncie Community Shools

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT
420

Session 1

9:40am EDT

The Participation Power Hour- Repeated Session

LIMITED

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT

224

Limited Capacity seats available

Experience engagement instead of just hearing about it. Through interactive ELA/math activities, collaboration, and movement, teachers will leave with practical strategies and ready-to-use ideas that spark participation, deepen learning, and bring energy to the classroom. (K-5 based session, although some middle school teachers could find some of the activities beneficial.)

Speakers

Tori Hernandez

Assistant Principal, Muncie Community Schools

Hello! My name is Tori Hernandez, and I am the assistant principal at East Washington Academy. I am a former 4th grade teacher, lifelong learner, and EXTREMELY passionate about engaging students. I have been in education for 10 years, married to my best friend, and just welcomed our... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT
224

Session 1

9:40am EDT

Trauma and the Brain - Scratching the Surface- Consecutive Session (PreK)

LIMITED

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT

248

Limited Capacity seats available

This continuous session will cover several topics that build on one another to equip teaching professionals with a trauma-informed framework, practical skills and tools to use with children with this framework in mind, and self-care practices that help prevent burnout and vicarious trauma and promote healthy lifestyles so teachers can keep teaching. The first part will cover Trauma-Informed Care, trauma and Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences (PACEs). The second part will review the hand model of the brain and practical application of skills to use with children focused on feelings, movement, breathing techniques which allow for children to make decisions. Finally, participants will learn about components of self-care and identify professional and personal supports that help prevent adversity and also heal from experiences of burnout and vicarious trauma.

Speakers

Erin Bousman

Admin Assistant, Muncie Community Schools

Same as speaker one (like past summits where preschool will meet for all 3 sessions)

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT
248

Session 1

9:40am EDT

Visual Art Art of Education University Professional Development

LIMITED

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT

226

Limited Capacity seats available

This session will specifically cater to Visual Art specialists, allowing them time for a full professional development session on Weaving from the AoEU, the curriculum MCS has purcahsed.

Speakers

Stacy Morton

Visual Art Specialist, MCS

A 27 year teaching veteran visual art specialist.

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT
226

Session 1

9:40am EDT

What does IQ really mean? Understanding “intelligence” to support universal design for learning- Repeated Session

LIMITED

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT

423

Limited Capacity seats available

Working memory? Fluid Reasoning? Processing Speed? What do they really mean and how do they impact learning? This session aims to provide a basic understanding of the components of “intelligence” and how you can use those components to support all learners despite ability level. By exploring how we learn, we can target instruction to students’ intellectual strengths to support their weaknesses for better academic achievement and classroom behavior. This session will provide attendees with concrete tools to support students with average to high IQ and accommodations to support students with low IQ.

Speakers

Shelby Pavelka

Educational Diagnostician, Muncie Community Schools

Shelby has been a school psychologist with Muncie Community Schools for the last six years. She's worked across age groups from preschool to high school. From special education evaluations to behavioral support to leading MTSS teams, she works with teachers and students to support... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT
423

Session 1

9:40am EDT

WIDA 101 - Planning for Multilingual Learners

LIMITED

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT

413

Limited Capacity seats available

This professional development session provides educators with an overview of the WIDA English Language Development Standards and their role in supporting multilingual learners. Participants will explore the WIDA proficiency levels and Can Do Descriptors to better understand students' language development. The session will highlight practical strategies for integrating language supports into daily instruction and designing accessible learning experiences.

Speakers

Jahna Hughes

Teacher - Elementary, Muncie Community Schools

West View ElementaryDual Language K/1 TeacherEnglish

Katie Strohm Morales

Teacher - Dual Language Elementary, Muncie Community Schools

West View ElementaryDual Language K/1 TeacherSpanish

Friday September 18, 2026 9:40am - 10:35am EDT
413

Session 1

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