Start Strong 2026: Full Schedule

Save the date for Upper Arlington’s Start Strong mini-conference on August 5-6, 2026--schedule to follow!

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

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8:30am EDT

Draft-Differentiating for Gifted Learners Using AI Tools

Thursday August 6, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

Go beyond "more work" and discover how to help your students "go deeper." This session focuses on providing practical strategies for utilizing AI tools to deliver genuine enrichment and extension activities that add depth and complexity to your curriculum. Rather than assigning "busywork," you will learn how to leverage technology to challenge gifted learners effectively.

We will explore how tools like Gemini and Brisk can be used to create relevant assignments that align directly with the units and modules you are already teaching. By using specific prompting techniques, teachers can generate high-quality materials and even teacher keys with minimal planning time!

Finally, we will work through various scenarios to help you think through how these tools can be best applied in your individual classroom. Whether you are tech-hesitant or comfortable, these strategies are designed to be tailored to your unique teaching style and the specific age of your students.

Speakers

Cat Rinko-Gay

Gifted Intervention Specialist, Barrington Elementary School, Upper Arlington City Schools

Cat Rinko-Gay has worked in gifted education for 15 years. She began her career as a learning specialist and 3rd grade teacher at an all-gifted school in New York City. Since moving to Ohio, she has worked as a Gifted Intervention Specialist for the past 4 years, focusing on ELA and... Read More →

Thursday August 6, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

AI/Technology, Gifted Education

Content Level Proficiency
Audience K-5, 6-8, 9-12

8:30am EDT

Draft-What Steps Can I Take to Plan for Retirement, Even if it's a Long Time From Now? (preK-12)

1.00 PD

Thursday August 6, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

Pete Scully and Laura Mickens will review pre-tax savings vehicles that are available to UA employees in addition to STRS. This review will cover the HSA, Section 125 plan, 403b, 457b, and 401a programs and approved vendors.

Speakers