3-6 Math & Science Conference Guide - GYTO Fest 2025

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June 29- July 2, 2025 | Dallas, TX | Gaylord Texan Resort

MAKE BOLD MOVES

A N O T E F R O M O U R F O U N D E R S

Dear GYTO National Attendees,

As we gear up for the highly anticipated 2025 GYTO National Conference, we are thrilled to welcome each of you to this transformative event The GYTO community is a powerhouse of passionate educators, and we are honored to come together with those ready to make bold moves that create real, actionable change in education.

This year, our theme is "Make Bold Moves." As educators, it’s time to go beyond dreaming and talking about change—it’s time to act. Bold moves require courage, vision, and a commitment to challenging the status quo to build better opportunities for our students and ourselves. This theme represents the actionable steps we take to innovate, advocate, and elevate our practices for the betterment of education as a whole.

Bold moves are not just individual efforts they are the result of a collective will to progress. Together, at the 2025 National Conference, we’ll explore how to identify barriers, take purposeful action, and amplify the impact of our efforts. This is your chance to share your journey, learn from others, and forge the connections that will propel us all forward.

The conference will feature dynamic speakers who will inspire you to take action, interactive workshops designed to equip you with tangible tools, and game-changing insights that will push you to think differently. You can also expect unforgettable surprises that will leave you energized and ready to lead boldly.

Let’s commit to taking bold moves together and shaping the future of education one step, one decision, and one classroom at a time. This is your time to move, lead, and create meaningful impact.

We can’t wait to see you in Dallas, June 29 - July 2, 2025, as we embrace this call to action and transform our passion into progress Let’s take the steps that will define the future of education— together.

With excitement and anticipation,

WHY GYTO?

Our Get Your Teach On Leadership and Content Development team has worked to create an engaging and transformational educator professional development experience that aligns directly to the needs of schools and teachers across the country by helping educators develop consistent best instructional practices and processes from start to finish to accelerate student learning

These evidence and research-based best practices, strategies, and techniques will directly impact overall educator effectiveness and student achievement, transforming instruction and student learning like never before.

TEACHER EFFECTIVENESS

DATA & PROGRESS MONITORING

BUILDING THE TRANSFORMATIVE TEACHER

Developing Consistent Best Instructional Practices and Processes from Start to Finish to Completely

Transform Your School

PLANNING & PREPARATION

THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

BEST INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES

STUDENT ACCOUNTABILITY & ENGAGEMENT

DATA & PROGRESS MONITORING

TEACHER EFFECTIVENESS

PLANNING & PREPARATION

STUDENT ACCOUNTABILITY & ENGAGEMENT

Intentional and meaningful planning, using specific grade level content standards and high-quality instructional materials that address the needs of all learners and support mastery of learning goals.

Creates and maintains a collaborative, safe, efficient, and effective learning environment that supports each student’s diverse needs and promotes recognition of student’s diverse personal experiences to build relationships of trust within the classroom.

Implementation of evidence and research-based best instructional strategies and techniques to accelerate student learning, growth, and achievement through rigorous and consistent instruction, including opportunities for problem solving, critical and creative thinking, meaningful and purposeful discourse, and high-impact instructional delivery.

Builds engaging, intentional, and rigorous learning experiences through setting high expectations and consistency within instructional practices that requires all students to take ownership of and be held accountable for their individual learning.

Continually monitors and analyzes student learning and progress towards mastery of learning goals for all students using a variety of progress monitoring and assessment techniques to make immediate instructional decisions that support student growth and acceleration.

Develops strong foundational teaching practices and commitments that support best practices and professional growth through consistent reflection of professional practices to support student learning, development, and achievement at a high level.

THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

BEST INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES

Get Your Teach On sessions are intentionally selected for attendees to experience the full professional development experience. Each session is hands-on, interactive, collaborative, and allows time for teachers to take what they’ve learned and apply it to their specific grade level standards or content area.

Sessions are structured to meet the needs of all learners in classrooms, modeling best practices for direct and immediate implementation in classrooms.

2025 GYTO National Conference

SUNDAY JUNE 29

1 3 4 2

schedule is subject to change MONDAY JUNE 30

12:00-5:00 PM REGISTRATION

5:00 PM

DOORS OPEN FOR GYTO OPENING CELEBRATION & KEYNOTE

6:00-9:00 PM GYTO OPENING CELEBRATION & KEYNOTE

8:00-9:45 AM OPENING KEYNOTE 10:15-11:45 AM SESSION 1 11:45-1:15 PM LUNCH

1:15-2:45 PM SESSION 2

3:00-4:30 PM SESSION 3 5:15 PM CLOSING KEYNOTE

TUESDAY JULY 1

8:00-9:45 AM OPENING KEYNOTE

10:15-11:45 AM SESSION 1

11:45-1:15 PM LUNCH

1:15-2:45 PM SESSION 2

3:00-4:30 PM SESSION 3

5:15 PM CLOSING KEYNOTE

WEDNESDAY JULY 2

8:00-9:45 AM OPENING KEYNOTE 10:15-11:45 AM SESSION 1 11:45-1:15 PM LUNCH 1:15-2:45 PM SESSION 2

3:30-4:30 PM GYTO CLOSING SESSION YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS!

3-6 MATH & SCIENCE SESSIONS

GAME CHANGERS: MATH EDITION

Session Presented by: Joanne Miller

PROGRESSION OF THE NUMBER

LINE: WE CAN’T SKIP IT

Session Presented by: Nikhail Slaughter

ANDS ON GEOMETRY

sion Presented by: hael Edmonds

THE SCIENCE OF ENGAGEMENT

Session Presented by: Steve Spangler

THE EVERYDAY STEM EXPERIENCE

Session Presented by: Steve Spangler

MATH COMBAT: FIGHTING FOR FLUENCY 2.0

Session Presented by: April Graves

2.0

POWER OF RIGOR

Session Presented by: Wade King

O THE FUTURE

Session Presented by: April Graves

GAME CHANGERS: MATH EDITION

Session Presented by: Joanne Miller

Ready to shake things up in your classroom? This fast-paced session will reveal high-impact, easy-toimplement strategies that can transform your teaching and ignite student engagement. Teachers will learn strategies to increase student accountability, boost student engagement, foster higher critical thinking, and promote student ownership. From classroom management hacks, holding students accountable, building community, to creative lesson ideas, this session is packed with actionable techniques that will energize your teaching and empower your students.

Attendees will leave this session with practical strategies they can implement immediately, tools to boost classroom engagement, and innovative ideas to foster collaboration and critical thinking among students. You’ll walk away with a toolkit of tried-and-true methods designed to be adaptable for any grade level or subject area. Whether it’s increasing student accountability, incorporating movement, gamifying learning, or sparking meaningful discussions, these strategies will help you create a classroom culture where learning is engaging, fun, and impactful.

This session is your chance to reignite your passion for teaching while discovering game-changing strategies that will leave your students excited to learn every day.

SESSION RESEARCH

Danielson, Charlotte (2007). Enhancing Professional Practice: A Framework for Teaching.

Hattie, J. (2012). Visible Learning for Teachers: Maximizing Impact on Learning.

Marzano, Robert J. (2017). The New Art of Science and Reading of Teaching.

PROGRESSION OF THE NUMBER LINE: WHY WE JUST CAN’T SKIP IT

Session Presented by: Nikhail Slaughter

xciting journey of number sense and operations. We will take a look at the rten to sixth grade that helps us understand the strength of the number line. This wer of the number line and its transformative role in building mathematical e levels.

Through dynamic discussions, engaging activities, and a research-packed presentation, you'll discover best practices that bring the number line to life in your classroom. Join a passionate community of educators committed to unlocking the potential of every student and revolutionizing math achievement for ALL learners! This session aims to foster a community of leaders dedicated to advancing the understanding and teaching of the number line, ultimately improving mathematical achievement for ALL students.

SESSIONSTANDARDS

2nd Grade:

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.2.MD.B.6

Represent whole numbers as lengths from 0 on a number line diagram with equally spaced points corresponding to the numbers 0, 1, 2, ..., and represent whole-number sums and differences within 100 on a number line diagram

4th Grade:

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.NF.C.6

Use decimal notation for fractions with denominators 10 or 100. For example, rewrite 0.62 as 62/100; describe a length as 0.62 meters; locate 0.62 on a number line diagram.

6th Grade:

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.NS.C.6

Understand a rational number as a point on the number line. Extend number line diagrams and coordinate axes familiar from previous grades to represent points on the line and in the plane with negative number coordinates.

SESSION RESEARCH

Dehaene, S. (1997). The number sense: How the mind creates mathematics. Oxford University Press.

Session

Description

Moeller, K., Mix, K. S., & Gardner, M. (2009). The development of number line estimation skills in kindergarten and first grade. Journal of Educational Psychology, 101(2), 331-343.

Siegler, R. S., & Opfer, J. E. (2003). The development of numerical estimation: Evidence for multiple strategies. Cognitive Psychology, 47(2), 237-276.

HANDS-ON GEOMETRY

ession Presented by: Rachael dmonds

Let’s get students thinking deeply about math by challenging them with hands-on tasks! In this dynamic session, you’ll see the power of productive struggle as we explore geometry and measurement concepts. The activities with manipulatives and visuals will challenge your thinking and inspire your future lessons. Experience how hands-on activities can deepen understanding and strengthen neural connections in your students' brains.

Join Rachael in learning how to:

Teach math through hands-on exploration so that students are able to make sense of the math. Encourage productive struggle so that students are willing to tackle challenging problems. Increase joy and wonder in math through the standards we teach.

Gain fresh ideas, renewed inspiration, and practical strategies to help your students become confident and curious mathematical thinkers.

SESSIONSTANDARDS

3rd Grade:

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.MD.C.5:

Recognize area as an attribute of plane figures and understand concepts of area measurement

4th Grade:

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.MD.C.5:

Recognize angles as geometric shapes that are formed wherever 2 rays share a common endpoint, and understand concepts of angle measurement.

6th Grade:

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.G.A.1:

Find the area of right triangles, other triangles, special quadrilaterals, and polygons by composing into rectangles or decomposing into triangles and other shapes; apply these techniques in the context of solving real-world and mathematical problems.

SESSION RESEARCH

Dixon, J. et al. (2016). Making Sense of Mathematics for Teaching Grades 3 - 5.

Session Description

Driscoll, M. (2007). Fostering Geometric Thinking: A Guide for Teachers, Grades 5 - 10.

Koestler, C. et al. (2013). Connecting the NCTM Process Standards & the CCSSM Practices.

Nolan, E. et al. (2016). Making Sense of Mathematics for Teaching Grades 6 - 8.

SanGiovanni, J. (2020). Productive Math Struggle: A 6-Point Action Plan for Fostering Perseverance.

E SCIENCE OF GAGEMENT

on Presented by: e Spangler

otivating teachers or sparking creativity and innovation, the name early 4 million followers and over 1.5 billion views of his science angler knows something about the art and science of creating us. The secret is knowing how to turn ordinary activities into e children to lean in and learn more.

aging presentation, Steve shares the science behind turning mational experiences that change the way both students and staR ready to participate in hands- on demonstrations and experience ng science that will unleash your creativity and get you thinking r.

MATH COMBAT: FIGHTING FOR FLUENCY 2.0 Session

Presented by: April Graves

Attention, educators! Prepare to embark on an intensive Math Fact Fluency Boot Camp, where you'll be equipped with battle-tested strategies to transform your students into math fact warriors! This high-energy session is designed to empower teachers with effective tactics and engaging activities to conquer math fact challenges in the classroom

We will delve into creative classroom activities aimed at enhancing students' mathematical proficiency. Teachers will learn how to help their students build math fact fluency by infusing a myriad of simple, low prep hands-on activities and games that make learning math facts enjoyable for students. From interactive math games to group challenges, educators will discover creative ways to reinforce fact fluency by embedding it into their daily teaching schedules. Finally, all teacher recruits will be equipped with a family engagement initiative designed to strengthen the bond between home and school, rallying parents and caregivers to reinforce math fact fluency skills at home.

By the end of this field op, you will be battle-ready, armed with several innovative strategies and prepared to lead your students to victory in the mathematical battlefield! Are you ready to march toward math fluency glory? Enlist today!

SESSIONSTANDARDS

3rd Grade-CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.OA Represent and solve problems involving multiplication and division

4th Grade - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.OA Gain familiarity with factors and multiples.

5th Grade - CCSS.Math.Content.5.NBT.B.5

Fluently multiply multi-digit whole numbers using the standard algorithm.

6th Grade - CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.B.3

Fluently add, subtract, multiply, and divide multi-digit decimals using the standard algorithm for each operation.

SESSION RESEARCH

Sawchuk, Stephan (2023) What is Math Fact Fluency and How Does It Develop?

Session Description

Hoboken Public School District (2023) Math Fact Fluency: Everything You Need To Know

POWER OF RIGOR

Session Presented by: Wade King

Greetings, valiant educators! Brace yourselves for a morphing good time as you journey into the realm of educational magic! Join Wade as he takes you through the morphing grid in an interactive training full of fun and excitement to help equip you to wield the transformative power of game-based and interactive learning to captivate students’ imaginations and elevate classroom engagement! In this session, you will:

Morph into Engagement (Power Up Your Classroom): Buckle up and get ready to set the stage for the magical quest to discover how we can morph ordinary lessons into extraordinary adventures. It’s Morphin Time: Unleash the Power! Identify and utilize Wade King’s Rules of Rigor to ensure every student plays a pivotal role in the quest for knowledge, power up lessons and activities with application rather than memorization, and use Zordon’s guidance to set and establish crystal-clear expectations for a harmonious learning environment.

Megazord Mastery: Explore collaborative challenges that transform your classroom into a powerhouse of learning. Witness firsthand how combining forces can lead to the ultimate triumph of rigorous learning.

Gear up, brave educators! Let’s embark on a journey where the Power of Rigor and the Magic of games and activities collide, creating an educational experience that transcends the ordinary! May the Rigor Protect You!

SESSION RESEARCH

Fredricks,J.A.,Blumenfeld,P.C.,&Paris,A.H.(2004).SchoolEngagement:PotentialoftheConcept,State oftheEvidence.

Goodwin,B.(2011).EngagedStudentsAreMoreLikelytoSucceed.

Hattie,J.(2012).VisibleLearningforTeachers:MaximizingImpactonLearning.

Marzano,R.J.,&Pickering,D.J.(2011).TheHighlyEngagedClassroom.

Marzano,Robert(2017).TheNewArtandScienceofTeaching.

THE EVERYDAY STEM EXPERIENCE

Session Presented by: Steve Spangler

Roll up your sleeves and do a deep dive with Steve Spangler as he shares some of his favorite handson experiences that illustrate best practices and innovative strategies for getting students excited and engaged in the four pillars of communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity.

These engaging activities are deeply rooted in the ‘why’ behind each concept, fostering a stronger connection and enthusiasm for STEM subjects among your students. You will leave the session equipped with a comprehensive toolkit, enabling you to create memorable STEM experiences the very next day.

Just so you know... this isn’t a “sit and watch” lecture. Come prepared to laugh a little and learn a lot.

MATH T0 THE FUTURE 2.0

Session Presented by: April Graves

Great Scott! Buckle up and set your DeLorean for a journey through time as we explore the timeless power of spiral review in elementary math classrooms. Just like Marty McFly revisiting key moments in the past to change the future, spiral review allows students to revisit essential math concepts regularly, strengthening their understanding and ensuring long-term mastery.

In this futuristic session, we’ll take on the mindset of Marty McFly and dive into how spiral review combats the “learning flux capacitor” the natural tendency for students to forget what they’ve learned over time —and how consistent revisiting of concepts boosts retention and increases mathematic achievement.

Teachers will leave this session fully equipped with a structured game plan to precisely power up their math time machines with practical strategies to implement spiral review that’ll have students saying, “Great Scott! I remember this!”

Who’s ready to go 88 miles per hour toward math mastery and ensure a brighter math future for every learner!?!

SESSIONSTANDARDS

3rd Grade - CCSS.Math.Content.3.NBT.A.3

Multiply one-digit whole numbers by multiples of 10 in the range 10-90 (e.g., 9 × 80, 5 × 60) using strategies based on place value and properties of operations.

4th Grade - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.NBT.B.5

Multiply a whole number of up to four digits by a onedigit whole number, and multiply two two-digit numbers, using strategies based on place value and the properties of operations Illustrate and explain the calculation by using equations, rectangular arrays, and/or area models.

5th Grade - CCSS.Math.Content.5.NBT.B.5

Fluently multiply multi-digit whole numbers using the standard algorithm.

SESSION RESEARCH

Marzano, Robert (2001) Classroom Instruction That Works

Session Description

Mathcurious (2024). Spiral Review in Mathematics.

Burns, Marilyn (2015). About Teaching Math

MEETYOUR PRESENTERS

WADE KING

@HEYWADEKING

Wade King attended Anderson University, where he received both his undergraduate degree and his Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision. Wade has been recognized as a District Choice Teacher and Teacher of The Year. His students’ outstanding achievement scores and growth on standardized tests were some of the highest scores in the state of South Carolina. Mr. King ents’ success to a “ no excuse ” policy that he models himself. The relationships he fosters with his students, d community is the driving force behind his teaching. Mr. King’s classroom is filled with music, engagement, ine He strives to prepare his students for their futures and not their pasts, while also placing an emphasis on

@HEADOVERHEELSFORTEACHING

JOANNE MILLER

Joanne Miller is a passionate educator with 28 years of experience, specializing in student engagement and making learning fun, meaningful, and exciting With most of her career spent in 4th and 5th grade classrooms, Joanne has mastered the art of creating dynamic learning environments where every student feels valued, challenged, and inspired to grow. Her expertise lies in building strong classroom communities, holding students accountable to high expectations, and fostering partnerships with families to ensure student success both in and outside the classroom.

Joanne is known for her energy, creativity, and dedication to making learning engaging and enjoyable for all students She believes that by combining innovative strategies like movement, collaboration, gamification, and whole-class participation, teachers can ignite curiosity and keep every student actively involved. Her focus on building connections and encouraging accountability helps students develop as confident, capable learners while creating a classroom culture rooted in respect and teamwork.

With her wealth of experience and passion for teaching, Joanne Miller is committed to sharing practical, high-impact strategies that will transform classrooms Get ready to be inspired and leave with tools that will help you create a space where every student succeeds and every day is filled with excitement for learning!

MEETYOUR PRESENTERS

NIKHAIL SLAUGHTER

@NIKSLAUGHTER12

Nikhail, a lifelong resident of Central Florida, began her career as a teacher and instructional coach in Seminole County Public Schools, where she served for 12 years. She then transitioned to an administrative role in Orange County Public Schools, where she has been for the past 3 years. She is a d UCF Knight, having earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees in education from the University of Nikhail is a passionate educator with a knack for turning numbers into smiles. With over 12 years of e classroom, she's seen the power of math firsthand. Now, she's using her expertise to inspire and support ange County, making learning fun and accessible for every student.

APRIL GRAVES

With a passion for making learning an inspiring and engaging journey, April Graves is a dedicated educator with more than two decades of teaching experience A proud graduate of Spelman College, she earned her degree in Child Development and has since devoted her career to teaching and empowering students in the city of Atlanta. Her classroom is a space where creativity meets discipline. She boasts a fun, yet firm teaching formula that ensures academic growth and continually cultivates a love for learning in every student that she encounters.

Throughout her career, April has been recognized for her dedication and excellence in education, including being honored as Teacher of the Year. She is celebrated for her innovative teaching methods, ability to make complex concepts accessible, and her knack for connecting with students in meaningful ways

Beyond the classroom, April is a mentor to new educators, a curriculum developer, and a sought-after workshop leader. Whether she’s presenting powerful lessons in her classroom or championing educational initiatives, April radiates the same energy and enthusiasm that have made her a favorite among students and colleagues alike.

ACHAEL EDMONDS MEETYOUR PRESENTERS

@RISE.OVER.RUN

el is a driven math educator dedicated to helping both students and teachers learn to love math. master’s degree in mathematics education from the University of Missouri, she brings experience -12 math tutor, middle and high school math teacher, and middle school math coach in her home f Tennessee.

Rachael’s innovative teaching approach emphasizes discovery, problem-solving, collaboration, and conceptual understanding. She helps students make sense of math. She founded Rise over Run to develop engaging, hands-on math activities that promote thinking and fun In addition, she provides professional development for math educators through Grassroots Workshops, where she helps teachers teach math without telling students everything.

Believing that creativity and math go hand in hand, Rachael is known for her thoughtfully designed bulletin boards and classroom decor, which have become favorites among math teachers. Her work reflects her commitment to making math education both meaningful and enjoyable.

@STEVESPANGLER

STEVE SPANGLER

Nationally known as a teacher’s teacher, Steve Spangler speaks regularly to educators and administrators at regional and national association meetings with his popular “Best Day Ever” message. He challenges today’s educational leadership to seek out professional development opportunities that help educators think differently as they explore new ways to engage their students at the highest level.

Steve’s professional development workshops introduce pre-K through 8th-grade teachers to strategies an creating student-centered STEM experiences that strengthen critical thinking skills through communication, creativity.

Visit SteveSpangler.com to see why Steve Spangler’s PD workshops differ from anything you or your teachers have ever experienced.

LEAD ON

THIS TRACK IS FOR:

School Leaders and Administrators, Instructional Coaches, District Level Leaders & Staff, Superintendents, PD Coordinators, & Future Leaders

GYTO SCHOOLHOUSE

THIS TRACK IS FOR:

Schools or districts bringing a large number of teachers to GYTO. This unique collaborative leader and teacher track will focus on fostering school-wide growth through guided instructional planning workshops for your school staff together! CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

THIS TRACK IS FOR:

K-5 Special Education teachers & Support staff or Educators looking for a deep dive into best practices for special education students and teachers.

TO LEARN MORE

INSTRUCTIONAL LAB

THIS TRACK IS FOR:

Teachers that that support students in multiple Grades K-5, New teachers, New Teacher Mentors, Future Teachers, & Any teacher looking for best instructional practices for ANY grade, ANY lesson & ANY content.

Four days filled with research-based workshops that will guide you in creating rigorous and engaging lessons all year long.

Keynote presentations from influential educators and motivational speakers that will leave you more inspired than ever to head back into your classrooms and create educational magic!

Training specific for your position from some of today’s top educators and administrators who are experts at their craft with strategies that can be implemented the very next day!

The Education Celebration of the Year kicks off the conference on Sunday night! This is a party you don’t want to miss!

Swag that will make you want to bring an extra suitcase! Not to mention all the free goodies from our sponsors!

Each attendee receives a professional development certificate for 24 hours of quality professional development over the conference’s four days!

GYTO 4-DAY ALL ACCESS PASS: $639

Register now with just a deposit! Final payment won’t be due until March 2025! Invoice and check options are also available for schools and districts.

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