CITL Summer Institute 2026

This Canva workshop will help you swap those late-night design struggles for a much faster and more creative workflow. Start by looking at Canva as a lifesaver, focusing on how the massive template library can shave hours off your prep time while making your materials look incredibly polished.

Learn the basics - like using the elements tab, editing templates for graphics and videos, and uploading your own files so you feel comfortable navigating the editor.

Then take your digital classroom to the next level - dive into Canva’s powerful real-time collaboration and technical features. Learn "pro teacher moves" like setting up shared templates and team spaces, so students get in on the fun in a controlled, monitored environment where they can brainstorm and design together.

Whether you're looking to streamline your lesson plans or empower your students to build interactive digital projects, you'll leave this session with a modern toolkit ready for the new school year.

Audience: LS, MS

Duration: 90 Minutes

Facilitated by: Elisabeth Pope, MS Technology and STEM Teacher, and Christine Scoby, Educational Technology Support Specialist

Liz Pope is a passionate STEAM educator with over 10 years of teaching experience. Liz received her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Western Governors University and a bachelor's degree in educational studies from the University of South Florida. She loves working with middle schoolers and helping them explore big ideas through hands-on projects. Liz has coached competitive STEAM teams like FIRST LEGO League robotics and Science Olympiad, with multiple teams advancing to state-level competitions each year. She also has experience running a school makerspace and fabrication lab, where students learned 3D printing, laser cutting, coding, and design thinking. Outside the classroom she enjoys reading, gardening, kayaking, baking, and diving into creative projects. 

Christine Scoby serves as the Educational Technology Support at Shorecrest Preparatory School, where she bridges the gap between complex digital tools and classroom instruction. With a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Educational Technology, Christine brings years of experience from both Lower and Middle School classrooms to her current role. She is a certified Apple Learning Coach and Apple Teacher, and she currently serves as a 2026 ISTE Proposal Reader, evaluating the latest innovations in the field.

Christine’s approach to technology is rooted in a global perspective. Most recently she traveled to the Netherlands through Shorecrest's Teachers Fund to explore international models of STEM and entrepreneurship. This follows her participation in the Transatlantic Outreach Program, where she engaged in a STEM study tour across Germany.

A recognized leader in technology integration and active learning, Christine was a 2016 recipient of the Steelcase Active Learning Grant. She has shared her expertise at numerous prestigious conferences, including ISTE, AMLE, FCIS, and previous CITL symposiums. At Shorecrest she is known for her ability to integrate core academic curriculum within technology courses to enhance, connect and expand student learning. Christine is also a dedicated Shorecrest parent to three Shorecrest alumni: John '15, Justin '16, and Lili '25.

We all have them: those moments, projects, or conversations from the past year that we rushed past but secretly wished we could have paused to truly unpack. Hindsight is a dedicated space to do just that. In this interactive workshop, we will use our collective wisdom to help each other gain clarity on the moments that mattered most to you.

Bring one experience from your year that you want to reflect on further. Your peers will help you analyze it, challenge your assumptions, and offer fresh feedback. We will share practical tools and frameworks that we personally wish we had possessed during our own pivotal moments this year. Leave not just with closure on the past, but with a sharpened toolkit for the year ahead.

Audience: All Grade Levels

90-minute session

Facilitated by: Lizz Angello, 8th Grade English Teacher, MS Diversity Coordinator, and Khana Rebman, 3rd Grade Teacher and Co-Interim Director of Diversity and Inclusion

Dr. Elizabeth (Lizz) Angello joined Shorecrest as the eighth grade English teacher in 2018 and became the Middle School Diversity Coordinator in 2021. Dr. Angello has a doctorate in English from the University of South Florida, a Master of Arts degree in English from the University of Delaware, and a bachelor’s degree in English and Art History from Hood College. Dr. Angello has been teaching in middle schools and at the college level for over 20 years; she is passionate about inclusive education and social justice.

Khana Rebman '05, born and raised in St. Petersburg, joined us from Pinellas County schools, where she had been teaching in 2nd-5th grades. She is passionate not only about academics but teaching and nurturing the whole child. She believes that in order for children to be successful citizens in the world, they must first be equipped with the tools to know themselves, see others, and engage critically with the world around them. 

Khana is a Shorecrest Charger alumna from the Class of 2005. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Development from Connecticut College and her Master’s in Elementary Education from the University of New Hampshire. In 2024, she became a certified SEED facilitator and member of The Equity Exchange. While teaching children remains her first love, she also conducts professional development to support schools in creating sustainable cultural changes and coaches teachers on fostering environments of belonging. She is a sister of the sorority Delta Xi Phi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. Khana is married to Michael Rebman, Principal of North Shore Elementary. They have three children.

With so many writing tools available, the key is knowing how to organize and use them effectively. This workshop focuses on grouping tools by purpose to support intentional writing instruction. Participants will explore how writing progressions, checklists, and rubrics can help students set goals, guide small-group instruction, and strengthen writing skills. The session also highlights the use of demonstration writing samples, gamification strategies, and purposeful editing practices. Teachers will leave with practical ideas for creating a strong, student-centered writing plan that makes writing both structured and engaging. Please bring with you: a writing unit of study, writing progression, writing checklist, anchor chart, or student piece of writing.

Audience: Writing Teachers K-5

60-minute session

Facilitated by: Connie Dierking, author, coach, and curriculum developer

Connie Dierking is an experienced educator who has served as a classroom teacher, literacy coach, instructional staff developer, and curriculum writer. She is the author of seven professional books designed to support educators in the instruction of oral language and writing. 

Connie presents to teachers nationwide, emphasizing the importance of oral rehearsal, purposeful classroom talk, and meaningful writing experiences across grade levels. She has also enjoyed returning to the classroom by supporting teachers on leave and leading summer camps for primary students. 

Connie serves as an adjunct professor at St. Petersburg College. She resides in Palm Harbor, Florida, with her husband, daughter, and their beloved dog, Marley.

Recent research indicates that vocabulary develops most effectively when students encounter words repeatedly in meaningful content contexts and engage in active discussion and use - rather than through isolated memorization. This session emphasizes redesigning how instructional time is used, not adding more of it. Even students with strong expressive vocabularies may underperform on standardized assessments when they have limited experience with contextual word meaning, academic language, depth of word knowledge, and complex sentence structures. Participants will learn five small instructional moves that integrate seamlessly into existing lessons and lead to significant gains in students’ vocabulary and overall language development. Please bring the teacher’s edition of one unit of study.

Audience: Teachers of all content areas K-5

90-minute session

Facilitated by: Connie Dierking, author, coach, and curriculum developer

Connie Dierking is an experienced educator who has served as a classroom teacher, literacy coach, instructional staff developer, and curriculum writer. She is the author of seven professional books designed to support educators in the instruction of oral language and writing. 

Connie presents to teachers nationwide, emphasizing the importance of oral rehearsal, purposeful classroom talk, and meaningful writing experiences across grade levels. She has also enjoyed returning to the classroom by supporting teachers on leave and leading summer camps for primary students. 

Connie serves as an adjunct professor at St. Petersburg College. She resides in Palm Harbor, Florida, with her husband, daughter, and their beloved dog, Marley.

This Tinkercad workshop will help you bring 3D design and basic engineering into your classroom. Learn how to navigate a 3D workspace, focusing on a simple drag-and-drop interface to help your students visualize complex ideas in a totally hands-on way.

Why Teachers Love It

Beyond just making cool models, Tinkercad is a powerhouse for spatial reasoning and low-stakes iteration. It bridges the gap between abstract concepts and physical reality. Whether you’re teaching geometry, historical architecture, or physics, Tinkercad allows students to fail fast, fix their mistakes instantly, and develop the "maker mindset" necessary for modern problem-solving.

What You Will Learn

• The Basics: navigating the workplane, resizing shapes, and grouping objects so you feel solid with the core controls.
• The Simulation Lab: explore the Sim Lab for testing physics and gravity on your designs in real-time.
• From Screen to Sand: 3D printing basics to help you bring student work to life!

Audience: LS, MS

Duration: 90 Minutes

Facilitated by: Elisabeth Pope, MS Technology and STEM Teacher

Liz Pope is a passionate STEAM educator with over 10 years of teaching experience. Liz received her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Western Governors University and a bachelor's degree in educational studies from the University of South Florida. She loves working with middle schoolers and helping them explore big ideas through hands-on projects. Liz has coached competitive STEAM teams like FIRST LEGO League robotics and Science Olympiad, with multiple teams advancing to state-level competitions each year. She also has experience running a school makerspace and fabrication lab, where students learned 3D printing, laser cutting, coding, and design thinking. Outside the classroom she enjoys reading, gardening, kayaking, baking, and diving into creative projects. 

This workshop focuses on weaving STEM concepts into any subject without adding more to your plate -- using MagicSchool AI.

• Explore how MagicSchool can take the heavy lifting out of lesson planning, focusing on how the platform can help integrate central ideals like logic and problem-solving into your lessons with ease.
• Learn the go-to tools for creating rubrics, generating lesson ideas, and simplifying complex topics so you can make learning more accessible for all students.
• Discuss how to encourage creativity and individuality with different ways to quickly spark curiosity with custom writing prompts and lesson connections that can connect your specific subjects curriculum to the real world!

Audience: LS, MS

Duration: 90 Minutes

Facilitated by: Elisabeth Pope, MS Technology and STEM Teacher

Liz Pope is a passionate STEAM educator with over 10 years of teaching experience. Liz received her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Western Governors University and a bachelor's degree in educational studies from the University of South Florida. She loves working with middle schoolers and helping them explore big ideas through hands-on projects. Liz has coached competitive STEAM teams like FIRST LEGO League robotics and Science Olympiad, with multiple teams advancing to state-level competitions each year. She also has experience running a school makerspace and fabrication lab, where students learned 3D printing, laser cutting, coding, and design thinking. Outside the classroom she enjoys reading, gardening, kayaking, baking, and diving into creative projects. 

This professional development session is designed to support middle school educators in improving student access, engagement and comprehension through the integration of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and executive function strategies. UDL is a research-based framework that emphasizes proactive instructional design to reduce barriers and support the variability of all learners.

The session will explore the critical role of Executive Function skills—including planning, organization, working memory, task initiation, and self-monitoring—in student learning. Teachers will examine how these skills directly impact academic performance and comprehension, particularly as instructional demands increase in middle school.

Participants will be introduced to the three core principles of UDL—engagement, representation, and action & expression—and how these can be applied to support diverse learners. The training will also address common misconceptions about UDL and emphasize that the framework maintains high expectations while providing flexible pathways to learning.

A primary focus of the session is on practical application. Teachers will learn and practice implementing classroom strategies that support executive functioning, including:

• Structuring and chunking assignments
• Providing clear, visible instructions and models
• Supporting task initiation and time management
• Embedding organizational systems and routines
• Developing student self-monitoring and reflection skills
• Offering multiple ways for students to demonstrate understanding

Additionally, the session will highlight the connection between executive function and comprehension, demonstrating how instructional supports such as guided notes, graphic organizers, and scaffolded tasks can improve students’ ability to process and retain information.

The session includes opportunities for reflection and collaboration, allowing participants to apply concepts directly to their own classroom assignments and instructional practices.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the principles and purpose of Universal Design for Learning
• Recognize the role of executive function in student learning and behavior
• Identify common executive function challenges in middle school students
• Apply UDL-aligned strategies to reduce barriers and support comprehension
• Develop practical tools to increase student independence and success 

Audience: MS, US

Duration: 90 minutes

Facilitated by Samantha Diver, Founder of Mindful Learning

Financial planning doesn’t have to be a second job. Earl and Julie are breaking down the "how-to" of building long-term wealth specifically for educators. We’ll look at easy ways to maximize your income, demystify the world of investing, and share family-friendly habits that keep your finances on track. No complex math required—just a clear roadmap to the future you’ve earned.

Audience: All grade levels

Duration: 90-minutes

Facilitated by: Earl Walton, Director of the Ross Roeder Institute

A seasoned entrepreneur, business leader, and educator, Earl Walton brings a wealth of experience, passion and drive to the Ross Roeder Institute (RRI) at Shorecrest, a schoolwide program of financial literacy and entrepreneurship.

Earl most recently comes from USA Triathlon where he was the Director of Education, leading the development of all live and virtual education products for the National Governing Body of the Sport of Triathlon. He has served as the Global Director of Coaching and Training for IRONMAN Group, innovating coaching and training content for IRONMAN athletes and coaches worldwide. Before joining IRONMAN, Earl successfully founded and ran two businesses in New York City - TriLife Coaching, a coaching partnership, and Tailwind Endurance, a brick-and-mortar indoor training studio. In his early career, Earl worked in advertising and marketing, supporting visionary brands including MTV. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Communications from Duquesne University and a master's degree in Sports Business from New York University.

Earl is the parent of two Shorecrest Chargers. 

As the school year winds down, educators often find themselves exhausted, emotionally stretched, and already thinking ahead to next year. This interactive workshop is designed specifically for participants who want to end the year with intention rather than depletion. Participants will explore practical, research‑informed strategies to restore energy, reduce stress, and protect their well‑being after one of the most demanding times of the academic calendar. Through guided reflection, peer connection, and simple nervous‑system regulation practices, participants will leave with tools they can use immediately. Educators cannot pour from an empty cup. Ending the year well sets the foundation for starting the next one strong. This workshop balances reflection with action, offering space to acknowledge challenges while focusing on renewal and sustainability.

Audience: all grade levels

Duration: 90 minutes

Facilitated by: Dr. Maurie Lung, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Marriage Family Therapist, and Logan Walters, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Clinical Adventure Therapist

Dr. Maurie Lung is a licensed mental health counselor and a licensed marriage family therapist located in the Tampa Bay area. She is the founder of Life Adventures Counseling & Consulting (www.LifeAdventuresCC.org), a community organization providing adventure-based mental health therapy to individuals, couples, groups, and families. She is also the director of adventure-based and nature-based graduate counseling programs at Prescott College. She has over 30 years of experience as a therapist, business owner, author, speaker, trainer, evaluator, and faculty. Her national and international work is focused on people and organizations who are interested in practice through connection with nature and experiential interventions that are grounded in trauma-informed and anti-oppressive research. She has co-authored books for mental health professionals as well as written articles about parenting (including her adventures as a mama of 11-year-old triplets and a 13-year-old son) and well-being through nature experiences that can heal our hearts and restore dignity.

Logan Walters has been a licensed mental health counselor and certified clinical adventure therapist in St. Petersburg since 2013. Previously Logan was the Head of School for an outdoor adventure boarding school and summer camp named SOAR, which focuses on youth with ADHD, anxiety, and other challenges. In addition to working as a counselor, Logan is a part time adjunct professor for Prescott College, is the mental health advisor, student management trainer and past chairmen of the board of safety for Thompson Island Outward Bound in Boston, Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors for SOAR, and provides consulting and trainings for schools and summer camps. His certifications include Certified Clinical Service Provider-ADHD, National Certified Counselor, Wilderness First Responder, Red Cross Lifeguard, ACA Kayak Instructor, and Advance Diver. 

Unlock the potential of AI-driven study prep with Knowt, an all-in-one platform designed to transform static resources into dynamic, interactive learning experiences in seconds. This immersive masterclass dives into the power of over 35 custom tools that allow educators to instantly create additional practice opportunities from the following sources: YouTube videos, Google Slides, PDFs, and even handwritten notes. No time to create material from scratch? Knowt has a comprehensive library of over 5 million ready-made resources that include practice tests, flashcards, and podcast-style summaries. Participants will engage in hands-on exploration, learning how to import existing materials from Quizlet, Kahoot, or Wayground with a single click to create customized study tools for every learner. We will explore how to empower student agency through tools like "Chat with Kai," a built-in AI tutor, which provides a secure, teacher-monitored environment for students to talk their way through concepts via voice chat—a game-changer for auditory learners and those with literacy challenges. By the end of the session, you will be equipped to utilize Knowt’s real-time Teacher Analytics to monitor student interactions, identify learning gaps, and differentiate instruction through spaced-repetition "Learn Modes," ensuring every student meets their goals while fostering independent, long-term mastery ensuring every student achieves long-term mastery while you reclaim your most valuable resource: time.

Facilitated by: Christine Scoby, Educational Technology Support Specialist

Target Audience: This session is ideal for those looking to transform existing notes into personalized, interactive mastery tools for every student.

Duration: 45 minutes

Christine Scoby serves as the Educational Technology Support at Shorecrest Preparatory School, where she bridges the gap between complex digital tools and classroom instruction. With a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Educational Technology, Christine brings years of experience from both Lower and Middle School classrooms to her current role. She is a certified Apple Learning Coach and Apple Teacher, and she currently serves as a 2026 ISTE Proposal Reader, evaluating the latest innovations in the field.

Christine’s approach to technology is rooted in a global perspective. Most recently she traveled to the Netherlands through Shorecrest's Teachers Fund to explore international models of STEM and entrepreneurship. This follows her participation in the Transatlantic Outreach Program, where she engaged in a STEM study tour across Germany.

A recognized leader in technology integration and active learning, Christine was a 2016 recipient of the Steelcase Active Learning Grant. She has shared her expertise at numerous prestigious conferences, including ISTE, AMLE, FCIS, and previous CITL symposiums. At Shorecrest she is known for her ability to integrate core academic curriculum within technology courses to enhance, connect and expand student learning. Christine is also a dedicated Shorecrest parent to three Shorecrest alumni: John '15, Justin '16, and Lili '25.

Elevate your digital classroom environment by transforming the world’s favorite bulletin board into a sophisticated space for deep inquiry and real-time collaboration. This workshop dives into Padlet’s versatile digital canvas, exploring how it revolutionizes the way students interact and build collective knowledge. Participants will engage in hands-on exploration of an interface that now goes far beyond simple columns, featuring over 250 curated templates for everything from concept maps, KWL charts, to interactive timelines. We will navigate the platform’s impressive connectivity, learning how to seamlessly integrate songs and GIFs to generate live polls, elicit student ideas, or capture post-session feedback. You will also master the newest workflow shortcuts, such as transforming a collaborative board into a slideshow presentation with a single click. By the end of this session, you will be equipped to leverage Padlet’s features to ensure every student feels empowered to contribute and be valued within a secure, teacher-monitored environment.

Target Audience: This session is ideal for those who want to foster inclusive classroom discussions, organize students' ideas visually, and create dynamic spaces for collaborative brainstorming.

Duration: 45 minutes

Facilitated by: Christine Scoby, Educational Technology Support Specialist

Christine Scoby serves as the Educational Technology Support at Shorecrest Preparatory School, where she bridges the gap between complex digital tools and classroom instruction. With a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Educational Technology, Christine brings years of experience from both Lower and Middle School classrooms to her current role. She is a certified Apple Learning Coach and Apple Teacher, and she currently serves as a 2026 ISTE Proposal Reader, evaluating the latest innovations in the field.

Christine’s approach to technology is rooted in a global perspective. Most recently she traveled to the Netherlands through Shorecrest's Teachers Fund to explore international models of STEM and entrepreneurship. This follows her participation in the Transatlantic Outreach Program, where she engaged in a STEM study tour across Germany.

A recognized leader in technology integration and active learning, Christine was a 2016 recipient of the Steelcase Active Learning Grant. She has shared her expertise at numerous prestigious conferences, including ISTE, AMLE, FCIS, and previous CITL symposiums. At Shorecrest she is known for her ability to integrate core academic curriculum within technology courses to enhance, connect and expand student learning. Christine is also a dedicated Shorecrest parent to three Shorecrest alumni: John '15, Justin '16, and Lili '25.