TPSPowerUp25: Full Schedule

12:30pm CDT

A Jam-Powered Collaboration: An Interactive FigJam Fundamentals Workshop

Friday August 1, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT

Unlock the creative power of real-time visual thinking! In this hands-on workshop you’ll dive into FigJam—the free, browser-based whiteboard from Figma—and discover how it can supercharge lesson planning, student collaboration, and professional brainstorming alike. We’ll start with a fast-paced tour of the interface, hotkeys, and facilitation tools (stickies, voting, timers, and more), then practice turning blank canvases into interactive activities that spark engagement and critical thinking. By the end you’ll:
--Build and share a ready-to-use FigJam board you can deploy with learners tomorrow.
--Master shortcuts that keep discussions moving and inclusive.
--Collect a toolkit of templates for mind-mapping, storyboarding, and feedback cycles.

Whether you’re brand-new or looking to level up, come jam with us and leave equipped to transform any idea into a collaborative, visually memorable experience!

Speakers

Gail Ramirez

Curriculum Technology Integration Specialist, Topeka Public Schools

I am a district-level Curriculum Technology Integration Specialist. I am certified as a Google Trainer, Seesaw Certified Teacher, Wakelet Coach, Apple Learning Specialist, Microsoft Trainer, and Adobe Certified Expert/Trainer. I work with our computer science curriculum and coding... Read More →

Friday August 1, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Curtis

Breakout Session #3, Elementary, Middle, High

12:30pm CDT

Active Learning with iPad for Early Learners

Friday August 1, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT

Lincoln

What do you expect learning to look like for your youngest students? And how can technology play a role? Join us for a discussion around how the use of technology should be intentional and natural, as well as age appropriate to meet the abilities of each learner. We’ll also explore how iPad can help your youngest students communicate, create, and learn at their own pace.

Speakers

Kyle Pace

K12 Education Leadership Executive, Apple Education

Kyle Pace has been in education for 25 years. Prior to his role at Apple, he was an elementary teachers, technology integration coach, and a Director of Technology, all in the Kansas City area. Kyle's role at Apple is to support Kansas districts in their use of iPad and Mac for teaching... Read More →

Friday August 1, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Lincoln

Breakout Session #3

12:30pm CDT

Coding with Dash the Robot

Friday August 1, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT

McKinley

In this session you will get the chance to explore using Dash the Robot with the Blockly/Wonder App. This is the robot that is used in grades 3-5 at the elementary buildings. Whether you are new or have a few years under your teaching belt, this will be a great way to have fun learning about this before teaching it to your students.

Speakers

Rene Appelhans

Friday August 1, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
McKinley

Breakout Session #3, Elementary

12:30pm CDT

Digital Learning and Collaboration with Kami

Friday August 1, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT

Garfield

Ready to make your online lessons more exciting and interactive? In this engaging class, you'll learn how to annotate documents, create dynamic assignments, and give meaningful, personalized feedback effortlessly. Say goodbye to boring PDFs and hello to lively, interactive classrooms!

Speakers

Jesus Blouvan

Robotics and Automation Specialist, Topeka Public Schools

Jess Blouvan - Topeka Public Schools

Friday August 1, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Garfield

Breakout Session #3

12:30pm CDT

Edpuzzle: Tips and Tricks

Friday August 1, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT

Monroe C

Take your Edpuzzle skills to the next level with this engaging interactive session with an Edpuzzle expert! Explore best practices that elevate your instructional techniques to create impactful learning experiences. Master the art of designing playlists, utilizing screen recording, and leveraging Teacher Assist. Discover accessibility supports to ensure an inclusive classroom environment.

Join us to unlock expert tips and tricks that will transform the ways you use Edpuzzle!

Speakers

Sarah Stapleton

School Success Regional Manager, Edpuzzle

8 years in the elementary world and now five years into EdTech--I love helping teachers find new ways to level up their instruction!

Friday August 1, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Monroe C

Breakout Session #3

12:30pm CDT

Exploring Adobe Express

Friday August 1, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT

Pierce

We will be locating and testing out many of the features of Adobe Express including several AI components that can jump start the process of creating engaging and accessible lessons for all learners. Participants should walk away with a classroom ready content lesson and a planned activity for students to interact with Adobe Express.

Speakers

Elise Bisconer

Friday August 1, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Pierce

Breakout Session #3, Middle, High

12:30pm CDT

Instructional Materials in Minutes with Diffit

Friday August 1, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT

Monroe B

Teachers use Diffit to get “just right” instructional materials, saving tons of time and helping all students to access grade level content. During this immersive session we will:

- Learn What Diffit Does
- Create a Resource
- Customize that Resource
- Create Student Activity

Speakers

Nick Park

K12 Partnerships, Diffit

10+ years in EdTech. Kansas City native. Chiefs Season Ticket Holder. KCBS Certified BBQ Judge.

Friday August 1, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Monroe B

Breakout Session #3

12:30pm CDT

IXL

Friday August 1, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT

Sumner

Friday August 1, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Sumner

Breakout Session #3, Elementary, Middle, High

12:30pm CDT

The Next Frontier: Integrating SchoolAI for Enhanced Learning in K-12

Friday August 1, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT

Monroe A

This session will empower educators to harness the potential of SchoolAI tools and other AI-driven technologies in K-12 education, staying at the forefront of educational innovation.
This session on AI in education aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how SchoolAI is transforming K-12 education. Participants will be introduced to various AI-driven tools, assistants, and spaces developed by SchoolAI and will learn how to integrate these technologies effectively into their teaching practices.

Speakers

Trevor Goertzen

Regional Director of Growth, SchoolAI

Trevor Goertzen is a veteran teacher, building administrator, and adjunct professor from Olathe, KS. As a teacher, Trevor taught and coached at the middle school and high school level, earned his National Board Certification, and served on district-level committees. Moving into administration... Read More →

Friday August 1, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Monroe A

Breakout Session #3

TPSPowerUp25