Student Engagement

Daniel L. Vollrath, EdD, has served in various teaching roles extending over 20 years and is currently a special education teacher at Hunterdon Central Regional High School in New Jersey.

Many of the concerns that educators have about student AI use involve students misrepresenting their learning and mastery by having these tools do work for them. In the Solution Tree Master Class: Educator AI, Paul explores ways that teachers can build classroom structures and culture that promote the ethical use of AI. As with any other critical skill, teachers need to become AI literate themselves and then guide students through the ways that generative AI tools can help them learn better, instead of taking them out of the learning process.

Jessica R. May, M.Ed., is a passionate educator and 2024 Colorado Teacher of the Year with over 25 years of experience. She specializes in building strong student relationships, classroom management, and making reading relevant across all content areas.

James Simons is an educator, writer, and coach passionate about meaningful learning and leadership. He partners with schools to support instructional growth, curriculum design, and educator development. His work appears in Inside Higher Ed and Edutopia.

Mary K. Gove, PhD, is professor emeritus at Cleveland State University and specializes in promoting a balanced approach to literacy education. Dr. Gove formerly taught grades K–6 and worked in an urban district as a full-time professional developer.

Jen Cullerton Johnson is an award-winning children’s author, educator, and environmental advocate. With nearly two decades of teaching experience, she’s worked with incarcerated youth and urban classrooms; taught abroad in Japan, Ecuador, and Argentina; and led nature-writing workshops in outdoor settings.

Kate Bellanca has 20 years of experience working directly and digitally with districts, schools, families, and other helping professionals to improve learning outcomes through professional development.

Peg Grafwallner is an instructional coach and reading specialist in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with nearly 30 years of experience. She supports teachers, administrators, and districts in creating real and relatable content and educational approaches that offer meaningful purpose and relevance to all students.

Shanna K. Helmke has been a dedicated educator since 2011. Alongside her work as an instructional coach, she also serves as an adjunct professor at Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, furthering her commitment to fostering excellence in education.

In this webinar, Jay Jackson will teach educators how to use simple tools to foster deep and meaningful discussions about student self-awareness, integrity, purpose, passion, positivity, courage, commitment, and grit. This process will help students understand how they can be successful and happy by meeting challenges head-on.