2025 MYC Conference---Relentless

Session Description Coming Soon!!

This is a very hands on session! With the advent of a new science curriculum, there is a new organization and format to the science curriculum. One of the new Organizing Ideas is the Scientific Method. I will show you how to offer an engaging 2-3 week unit. Can you let go of sage on the stage and help guide your students through an engaging investigation? Let me show you how with this highly engaging investigation. We will then explore ways that scientific inquiry can be incorporated into other organizing ideas for various grade levels.

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, middle school students are more connected than ever before. This session explores the impact of digital media on the social, emotional, and cognitive development of young adolescents. We will examine the challenges and opportunities of growing up in a digital world, including screen time, social media influence, and digital literacy. Educators will gain insights into guiding students toward healthy digital habits while leveraging technology to enhance learning and creativity. Join us to learn strategies for supporting students as they navigate their digital lives.

How can AI enhance learning without diminishing the role of human thought? This session explores AI’s potential as a catalyst for deeper learning and creative problem-solving—one that supports and strengthens critical thinking rather than replacing it.
Drawing from personal experience, curated insights from educators and edtech professionals, and emerging classroom practices, we’ll examine how AI can help students develop the skills they need to navigate an AI-infused world while still fostering independent thought and engagement.

Attendees will walk away with:
Practical strategies for integrating AI to enhance—not diminish—critical thinking and creativity.
Examples of AI uses that scaffold learning, support student-driven exploration, and spark innovative thinking.
Key considerations for guiding students to use AI as a collaborative thinking partner rather than an answer machine.
A realistic conversation about what’s working, what’s not, and what’s worth exploring.

This session will be primarily presentation-based, with opportunities for brief audience engagement to spark reflection and discussion. Designed for K-12 educators it will provide practical, experience-driven ideas in a 45-minute format.

Do you hear these comments from teachers who do classroom circles? " My students don't take circles seriously.They still goof off.  Some students always pass and refuse to join in the conversation. I have way too many students to do circles."
This workshop will provide ways to allow both teachers and students to take ownership of classroom circles so they create a difference in the learning and teaching environment. It  will demonstrate how to use both small and large circles integrating them into their  classroom methodology rather than circles being an additive to their teaching pedagogy. The workshop will be participatory, provide handouts show videos and provide resources.

With over 30 years of experience as a teacher and administrator, Ted Hutchings has seen it all. In this engaging and inspiring session, Ted shares his insights into reaching and teaching kids, positively impacting staff, and making the teaching profession better for everyone. Drawing from his wealth of experience, Ted offers practical strategies, heartfelt stories, and a healthy dose of humor to help educators navigate the challenges of today’s classrooms. Join us to learn from Ted’s journey and walk away with renewed passion and purpose for teaching.