Davidson County Schools Summer Symposium 2026

Desmos for middle school math. (Content CEU)

Join us for an engaging and practical session on “Best Biology Practices,” designed to empower educators with the tools and strategies needed to maximize student success in today’s learning environment. This session will focus on preparing students for technology-enhanced exam questions, ensuring they are confident and capable when navigating digital assessments. Discover how data-driven conferences can transform student-teacher conversations and guide targeted instruction. We’ll also introduce the power of “Know-It Sheet” study guides—concise, student-friendly resources that streamline review and retention. Finally, gain insights into breaking down complex biology standards into manageable, actionable learning objectives. Whether you’re looking to refine your instructional approach or seeking fresh ideas to support student achievement, this session offers research-based strategies and hands-on examples you can implement right away!

In this session, teachers will learn how to use interactive notebooks to help students stay organized, engaged, and accountable for their learning. I’ll walk through how I structure notebooks in my classroom, including using a table of contents and documenting daily activities so students build a complete record of their learning.

We'll also look at how notebooks can help students think and work like scientists by recording observations, ideas, and evidence over time. Teachers will leave with practical examples and simple strategies they can use right away in their own classrooms.

Desmos is more than an online calculator. It is an amazing learning tool that can help unlock critical thinking and exploration for students. See why Desmos is not a shortcut or “cheat” but a way to engage learners and level the playing field for all.

Foundations of Math is a course designed for our students that need additional support before taking high school Math 1. This course has been redesigned by DCS teachers. In this session we will go through the what and the why - what changed and why it changed.  If you are teaching Foundations of Math this session is for YOU!  An important part of this session will be time to PLC with other teachers.

This session focuses on practical classroom structures that increase student ownership, deepen scientific thinking, and improve instructional decision-making in Grade 8 Science. Teachers will explore strategies that balance accountability with support, and how to develop meaningful data analysis habits using formative assessments and SchoolNet