Every Teacher A Leader Summit 2026: Full Schedule

9:30am EDT

Bringing Technology and Wellness Together in the Classroom

Thursday July 30, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am EDT

As school districts increasingly integrate 1-to-1 device initiatives, the conversation must shift from mere technical proficiency to the cultivation of sustainable digital health. This session presents a comprehensive framework for a Digital Wellness Program that synthesizes three critical pillars: Digital Citizenship, Technical Mastery, and Cognitive Wellness. Rather than viewing these as disparate subjects, this integrated model treats them as a singular competency necessary for student success in a hyper-connected world.

Speakers

Eric Huntington

Technology Integrator, Cape Elizabeth Middle School

I am currently the technology integrator at Cape Elizabeth Middle School. I teach 8th grade technology and 6th grade digital wellness. This is my 18th year as an educator and I live in Portland, ME!

Thursday July 30, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am EDT
Alfond 136

Innovation, 3-12

11:00am EDT

Newitakehkimesi- Learning with One Another Through Wabanaki Studies Education

Thursday July 30, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT

Alfond 136

There is no one right way to teach Wabanaki Studies, nor a curriculum that can be bought. It is a way of teaching. We all learn differently, teach differently, however we all find connection through this place we call home. In this workshop, we'll look at resources to support and empower you, examples of educators who have woven Wabanaki Studies into their curriculum, and have the opportunity to leave with a plan that works for you and your students.

Speakers

Kaya Lolar

Director of Policy & Wabanaki Studies, Maine Environmental Education Association

Kaya Lolar is a citizen of the Panawahpskek Nation. She started at MEEA in 2023 as a Changemakers Fellow, transitioned to Policy & Wabanaki Studies Coordinator, and has since graduated from Harvard University in 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Anthropology and English. Kaya... Read More →

Brianne Lolar

Wabanaki Studies Specialist, Maine Department of Education

Brianne Lolar is a citizen of the Panawahpskek Nation and lives on Alenape Menehan, also known as Indian Island. She graduated from the University of Maine with a Bachelor’s in Social Work, a Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education, and a Master’s in Literacy. Brianne... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT
Alfond 136

Equity, General

1:30pm EDT

Is Excess Screentime an Adversity-Like Event for Youth? Exploring the Implications for the Classroom and Beyond

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

Alfond 136

Join this session to explore whether excessive screen time may function as an adversity-like experience for youth. Drawing on emerging research linking screen exposure with attention, emotional regulation, and brain development, we'll examine parallels with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Educators will consider implications for classroom practice, student well-being, and developmentally appropriate technology use in schools and homes.

Speakers

Katie Rybakova

Chair and Associate Professor, Lunder School of Education, Thomas College

Katie Rybakova serves as the chair and an associate professor at Thomas College Lunder School of Education as well as the Executive Director of the Maine Association for Middle Level Education organization and Assistant Director of the Central Maine Education Consortium.

Dr. Heather Batchelor

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Alfond 136

Instruction, General

10:30am EDT

Engaging Students and Shell-ebrating Maine Bivalves and Aquaculture

Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am EDT

Alfond 136

Step into Maine's blue economy and re-engineer our relationship with our ocean! In this fast-paced hands-on workshop, you'll create tools that aquaculture farmers rely on and will leave with a turn-key NGSS-aligned curriculum that empowers students to harness their engineering skills to solve global food and restoration challenges. Help students realize their ability to help build the future of sustainability using STEAM!

Speakers

Kristel Anuszewski

Distinguished Educator, Learning Through Technology Team, Maine DOE

Kristel Anuszewski, a lifelong Mainer and 2024 Kennebec County Teacher of the Year, has 32 years of educational experience. After twenty-seven years teaching high school English and four years serving as an elementary librarian at Windsor Elementary, she now works as a Distinguished... Read More →

Colleen Maker

Biology and Marine Biology Teacher, Washington Academy

Colleen Maker is a biology and marine biology teacher at Washington Academy and serves as a K–12 Aquaculture Teaching Consultant for Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center. With 21 years of teaching experience, she is passionate about working with community partners to create authentic... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am EDT
Alfond 136

Innovation, 3-12