Davidson County Schools Summer Symposium 2026

Think you know Canva? Think again! In this high-energy, "I-didn't-know-it-could-do-that" session, we’re moving way beyond basic posters and slide decks. We will dive into the newest 2026 Canva Education updates designed to give you back your most precious resource: time.

From AI that builds your entire lesson plan in seconds to the brand-new Learn Grid for instant differentiation, this session is packed with "magic" tools that will transform your workflow and engage your students like never before

We aren't just making things "look pretty"—we're making teaching more sustainable. Whether you’re a Canva pro or a total beginner, you’ll walk away with at least three new "hacks" that you can use in your classroom this school year. 

Don't worry about which ActivPanel you have in your classroom! In this session, we will focus on skills and techniques to utilize your Promethean ActivPanel on a daily basis.

Move beyond basic AI tool awareness toward practical AI fluency by exploring what AI fluency means for educators and students, critically evaluating AI outputs, practicing prompt iteration, and reflecting on classroom implications.

Use Vibe Coding to experience how learners can simulate phenomena that are difficult to observe directly—such as ecosystems, motion, or energy transfer—while focusing on relationships between variables and systems. Participants will engage in hands-on modeling tasks that emphasize iteration, prediction, and sensemaking. Discover how coding-based models can move beyond static worksheets to create more engaging, interactive learning experiences that deepen conceptual understanding.

Determining whether a student should participate in the alternate assessment and access the adapted curriculum requires thoughtful, data-driven decision-making by the entire IEP Team. This session will guide participants through the completion of the Alternate Assessment Eligibility Worksheet in ECATS while emphasizing compliance requirements, educational impact, and least restrictive environment considerations. Participants will examine the critical role of multiple data sources, present levels of performance, adaptive behavior, instructional supports, and student access to grade-level standards when considering a potential change from the general curriculum to the adapted curriculum. The session will also address common compliance concerns, inappropriate eligibility practices, and the importance of collaborative team decision-making across educational and related service staff. Administrators, general education teachers, special education teachers, and related service providers will leave with a clearer understanding of their role in ensuring legally defensible and student-centered decisions.

Strong classroom management is often built on small, intentional practices that make a big difference. This session is designed for beginning teachers and educators seeking additional support with foundational behavior management strategies. Participants will explore practical, easy-to-implement approaches that help create calm, structured, and engaging learning environments for all students. Topics will include environmental design, visual supports, predictable routines, sensory and movement breaks, reducing teacher talk, increasing student independence, proactive behavior supports, and relationship-building strategies that prevent behaviors before they escalate. Attendees will leave with realistic tools and ideas they can immediately apply in general education or special education classrooms.

Do you want to increase student engagement? Are you looking for ways to strengthen your classroom management? We have a BAKER'S DOZEN strategies that we would like to share with you, and "the why" it's important!