2026 GOCSD Innovation Summit

This session explores how Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI) empowers teachers to build on students’ natural mathematical thinking. Participants will learn how to use student strategies to guide instruction, ask purposeful questions, and create a classroom where all learners can succeed. Through real- world classroom examples and experiences, and hands-on problem solving, educators will leave with practical tools to differentiate instruction, increase engagement, and deepen conceptual understanding in math for every student.

What if the curriculum you already have is the starting point for meaningful, real-world learning? In this session, you’ll learn how to connect standards and curriculumn like puzzle pieces to create engaging, real-world projects. Walk away with steps and strategies that feel manageable and realistic to try for your classroom.

We will explore how each elementary building in the Republic School District is using current structures and strategies to implement newly developed Portrait of a Learner competencies. Session presenters will highlight how building educators are using student leadership teams and specials/electives/fine arts teams to explore career pathways and competencies. They will also share how current leadership portfolio practices can be used with competencies. There will be information on how to implement competency vocabulary across grade levels, as well. This is a great session for all educators.

This session provides classroom teachers with a practical framework for using AI to reduce workload while maintaining high instructional standards. Participants will explore how AI supports lesson planning, content creation, grading, and differentiation, including maximizing prompts aligned to state standards and district curriculum. Attendees will leave with ready-to-use prompt structures, practical classroom examples, and clear guidelines for responsible use. Emphasis is placed on teacher oversight, academic integrity, and long-term classroom use.