Back-to-School ConnectED Conference 2026: Full Schedule

9:30am EDT

Curriculum Disconnect: Are You Truly Teaching What is Being Tested?

Friday July 31, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Participants will explore a systematic methodology for recalibrating instructional content and formative assessments, ensuring every classroom activity is purposefully mapped to the cognitive demands of state standards. Beyond theoretical alignment, this workshop offers a transparent look at our realignment process: what worked, what didn't, and where we are headed!

Speakers

Joanna Watkins

Librarian, Palmetto High School

Alex Young

Social Studies Teacher, Palmetto High School

Friday July 31, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
504

Secondary (MS/HS)

Audience High

10:30am EDT

Librarians: A Teacher's Secret Weapon

LIMITED

Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT

504

Limited Capacity seats available

In this session the 3 high school librarians will share our favorite lessons and activities to collaborate with the classroom teachers. We will also share the many ways that librarians and classroom teachers can collaborate to better support our students' learning and meet instructional goals.

Speakers

Tamara Cox

Librarian, Wren High School

Tamara Cox is a librarian with over 20 years of teaching experience. She has been recognized for her work with awards including SC Teacher of the Year Honor Roll, SC Librarian of the Year, School Library Journal Librarian of the Year Finalist, and the I Love My Librarian Award. She... Read More →

Amanda Squires

Librarian, Powdersville High School

Joanna Watkins

Librarian, Palmetto High School

Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
504

Secondary (MS/HS)

Audience Middle, High

12:45pm EDT

Let's Get Your Students Hooked on Books

LIMITED

Friday July 31, 2026 12:45pm - 1:30pm EDT

504

Limited Capacity seats available

Join us for a session all about the love of reading. The 3 high school librarians will share strategies for encouraging even the most reluctant reader to pick up a book. We will also highlight some of our favorite books for every level of reader.

Speakers

Tamara Cox

Librarian, Wren High School

Amanda Squires

Librarian, Powdersville High School

Joanna Watkins

Librarian, Palmetto High School

Friday July 31, 2026 12:45pm - 1:30pm EDT
504

Secondary (MS/HS)

Audience Middle, High

1:45pm EDT

Canva Unlocked

LIMITED

Friday July 31, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT

504

Limited Capacity seats available

Most know how to pick a template, but few have scratched the surface of Canva’s most powerful "hidden" capabilities. This session moves beyond the basics to reveal the secret toolkit that transforms Canva from a simple design app into a powerhouse for instructional efficiency and student engagement.

Speakers