Welcome to the 2026 ECMMA Biennial Convention
June 28–30, 2026 | University of North Dakota | Grand Forks, ND, USA
Check-in Begins at Noon on June 28
Welcome, music makers and movement advocates!
We are so glad you're here. Whether you're a returning ECMMA friend or discovering our community for the first time, we invite you to join us for three days of inspiring learning, joyful connection, and meaningful conversation about the work that matters most — nurturing young children through music and movement.
Agenda
Day - 01
08:00
ECMMA Board Meeting
12:00
Registration & Check In
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Outside Room 318
12:30
June 28 Headliner: Music Circles for Everyone (Room 318)
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This plenary session will engage in spontaneous human-to-human interaction through music and movement games inspired by the mantras that a) there are no wrong notes, b) all notes are right notes, c) silence is your friend, d) every voice is important, e) listening is the most important job of all musicians, and f) we are all musicians. Take away strategies for cultivating creativity and building musical bridges for children of all ages.
Room 318
Wendy Valerio
Associate Professor, University of South Carolina
Wendy Valerio
Associate Professor, University of South Carolina
Dr. Wendy Valerio is Associate Professor of Music and Director of the Children's Music Development Center (CMDC) at the University of South Carolina where she teaches graduate and undergraduate music methods courses and conducts early childhood music development research which has been sponsored by The Texaco Foundation and The Presser Foundation. Her work is featured in Musical Experience in Our Lives: Things We Learn and Meanings We Make (Rowman & Littlefield), Listen to Their Voices (Canadian Music Educators Association), Bulletin of the Council for Research in Music Education, Music Play: Bah Bah, Bebop, Beethoven (GIA), and she is co-author of Music Play (GIA), and Jump Right In: The Music Series (GIA).
After teaching elementary general music in the public schools of Lawrence, KS, Valerio received MM and PhD degrees from Temple University. She holds Kodaly Level 1 and Level III Orff Schulwerk certification, and is a member of the International Society for Music Education, Music Educators National Conference, Society for Music Teacher Education, Alliance for Active Music Making, Gordon Institute for Music Learning Mastership Certification Faculty, American Orff Schulwerk Association where teaches movement and special topics for Orff Schulwerk Teacher Training Levels I and II.
13:45
Practical Workshop- Yes, They Can! Place-Based Learning for the Youngest Music Learners (Room 207)
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Place-based learning (PBL) is the method of using nature and the local environment to assist in learning. Within the early childhood music setting, PBL takes many interactive forms to give representation and build cultural connections that are not only affirming but also fun and easy to accomplish.
Room 207
13:45
Social Emotional Strategies Through the Understanding of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) (Room 318)
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This presentation includes information about the large public health study called the Adverse Childhood Experience (ACEs) study. The ACEs study created a breakthrough in understanding how childhood experience affects well-being across the life-course. The presentation will view ACEs understanding through the discussion of the “NEAR” sciences of Neuroscience, Epigenetics, ACEs, and Resilience, including connections to strategies to improve health and well-being in early childhood education environments.
Room 318
Kristen Votava
Kristen Votava
University of North Dakota
Kristen Votava
University of North Dakota
Dr. Votava is the graduate director of early childhood education at the University of North Dakota. She is a speech-language pathologist and early interventionist, specializing in work with birth to 5-year-olds. Dr. Votava has over 20 years’ experience in the field of early intervention. She is a master trainer of adverse childhood experiences (ACES), with training in Hanen, routines-based interview/family assessment, NEAR@home toolkit, focusing on implementation science and team collaboration. She has presented nationally and internationally.
14:45
BREAK
15:15
Say It, Play It, Sing It (Room 318)
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Experience models for using language (familiar words, nonsense syllables, sayings, rhymes, poems, stories) both to develop accessible, flexible musical experiences and to foster vocal, instrumental, and musical skills and expression.
Room 318
Jay Broeker
Jay Broeker
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Jay Broeker
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Jay Broeker has taught general music to children for over 35 years and presents workshops nationally in the areas of music creativity, curriculum development, and effective teaching practice. Each summer, he teaches in the graduate teacher education programs at the University of St. Thomas and the University of Kentucky. Jay’s commissioned choral works have been performed by numerous state and national honor choirs and are published by Boosey & Hawkes and Santa Barbara Music Publishing.
15:15
Practical Workshop- Nurturing Relationships Between Young Children and Their Environment Through Music, Movement, and Literature (Room 207)
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Workshop participants will enjoy FIRST THE EGG by Laura Vaccaro Seeger through activities that include singing, listening, moving, playing simple instruments, and reading. Prepare to explore science by moving like a caterpillar/butterfly, changing from seed/flower, and growing from tadpole/frog!
Room 207
Mrs. Rita Whitaker Haun
16:30
Poster Session (Room 318)
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In this session, convention presenters and researchers will display posters of their work for attendees to discuss topics in early childhood music and movement.
- Dr. Nichol Anderson and Dr. Kristen Votava- Initiatives and Strategies on Supporting Child Care Operations
- Dr. Nichol Anderson and Dr. Kristen Votava- Strengths and Challenges of Rural Child Care Access
- Dr. Sarah Burns- Assessment Literacy: Play-based Assessment in the Music Room
- Dr. Ted Hoffman- Movement in Methods: A Content Analysis of Undergraduate Elementary/General Music Methods Course Syllabi
- Kylar Pagnac- Implementing Universal Design for Learning in One-on-One Piano Lessons with Children
- Dr. Christina Svec and Ms. Lara Larsson- But How Do They Feel? Encouraging Singing Self-Efficacy in Early Elementary
Room 318
Day - 02
08:30
Registration & Check In
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Outside Room 318
09:00
Research Presentation- Caregiver perspectives on children’s musical experiences (Room 207)
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This research examines caregiver perspectives on their children's K-12 music experiences. Through interviews with caregivers of students with disabilities, this research explores barriers to access, educator relationships, and suggestions for creating inclusive music programs.
Dr. Erika Knapp and Dr. Rachel Grimsby
Room 207
09:00
Practical Workshop- Using Beginner-Friendly Ukulele Skills for Early Childhood Music and Movement (Room 318)
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This session demonstrates how teachers can use beginning-level ukulele skills to support children’s movement. Activities will show basic ukulele skills (single chords, down strums, up strums, simple picking, etc.) can be used to add variety to responsive listening lessons.
Dr. Ann Harrington
Room 318
10:15
June 29 Headliner: Incorporating Global Repertoire (Room 318)
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Sing, play, and move with others to easily learned traditional songs and singing games in both English and non-English languages as we explore the global instinct of children to create relationships and community through musical play.
Jay Broeker
Room 318
Jay Broeker
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Jay Broeker
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Jay Broeker has taught general music to children for over 35 years and presents workshops nationally in the areas of music creativity, curriculum development, and effective teaching practice. Each summer, he teaches in the graduate teacher education programs at the University of St. Thomas and the University of Kentucky. Jay’s commissioned choral works have been performed by numerous state and national honor choirs and are published by Boosey & Hawkes and Santa Barbara Music Publishing.
11:30
Lunch On Your Own
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You can find a list of restaurant options in Grand Forks here.
Food Options Close to UND
Panda Express - Food Court in Memorial Union
Chick-Fil-A - Food Court in Memorial Union
Short & Tall - Across from the parking ramp
Northside Cafe - Short Drive from the Memorial Union
Speedway - Short drive from the Memorial Union
13:00
Practical Workshop- So many musical minds, so little time! (Room 207)
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Learn how Seesaw on iPads can support self-administered, research-based measures of singing voice development and self-efficacy in children ages 6–9. This practical session invites dialogue between researchers and educators on using technology for instruction, assessment, and future research.
Ms. Lara Larsson
Room 207
13:00
Music Relationships via Playful Improvisation (Room 318)
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Engage in playful music contexts and strategies designed to develop independent and collaborative musicianship through social music engagement. Experience strategies designed to elicit young children’s vocalizations and movements as springboards for improvisation that deepen music relationships through music skills and understanding. Experience the unexpected joys and wonders possible through improvisation that is based in young children’s vocalizations and movements.
Dr. Wendy Valerio
Room 318
14:15
If You Build It, They Will Come! The Foundations of Creating a Thriving Children’s Choir, Inspired by Movies (Room 207)
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How did the Grand Cities Children‘s Chorus (GCCC) move from a seed of a dream to a valuable asset to not only the singers it has served, but to the entire greater Grand Forks area? With inspiration from the themes of popular movies, participants will learn the tools to build their own thriving children’s choral program that stands the test of time.
Melanie Popejoy
Room 207
14:15
Practical Workshop- Early Childhood Eurythmics (Room 318)
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Moving creatively and purposefully can foster musicality from an early age. In this session, Jones will demonstrate Dalcroze-based experiences designed for children ages 0-4 years old. Participants will leave with activities to directly implement into their next lesson.
Dr. Jason Jones
Room 318
14:15
IJMEC - Amplifying your work: Publishing in the International Journal of Music in Early Childhood (Room 233)
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IJMEC is the only peer-reviewed international journal pertaining to the intersection of music and young children - and it is dedicated to sharing the work and ideas of those who work with very young children. The purpose of this session is to 1) make IJMEC’s submission and review processes transparent, 2) share writing and publishing tips, and 3) workshop potential article topics with session attendees.
Diana Dansereau
Room 233
15:30
Research Presentation- Assessment Literacy: Play-Based Assessment in the Music Classroom Room 207
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This research examines how play-based assessment of musical knowledge and skills can reveal what young children know and can do. From these assessments, teachers gain authentic insight into how children understand music meaningfully, which can inform future instruction.
Dr. Sarah Burns
Room 207
15:30
Practical Workshop- Singing voice development, Ages 4-7 (Room 233)
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We will discuss research behind singing voice development associated ages 4-7, demonstrate engaging activities using audience participation, and provide classroom examples using video footage of what activities look like with children. A packet of demonstrated materials will also be provided.
Dr. Christina Svec
Room 233
16:30
BREAK
17:00
Banquet (dinner provided) and Performance. Hall of Honor Induction. (Room 318)
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You are invited for an evening of fellowship as we celebrate inducting Dr. Alison Reynolds into the Early Childhood Music and Movement Hall of Honor. Dinner will be served. Entertainment will be provided by the Grand Cities Children’s Choir. Must purchase a ticket to attend.
Room 318
Day - 03
08:30
Registration & Check In
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Outside Room 318
09:00
Practical Workshop- Sound Interdisciplinary Collaboration: empowering Student Engagement and Academic Success Through Music (Room 207)
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Come learn how an interdisciplinary partnership between a university music education program and second-grade classrooms in a local school district motivated student engagement and promoted academic success through musical play and social interaction. Explore the magic of this musical collaboration!
Dr. Sarah Burns and Dr. Renée Baptiste
Room 207
09:00
Practical Workshop- Experiences in an Early Childhood Music Lab: Perspectives from Young Children and Preservice Music Teachers (Room 318)
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We will share perspectives of caregivers, young children, and preservice music teachers who participated in an early childhood music lab class, including the results of a quality improvement project intended to inform future iterations of this lab connecting college students and community members.
Ms. Sam Webber, Dr. Mara Culp, Ms. Zhilin Zhang, and Ms. Laura Turley
Room 318
10:15
June 30 Headliner: Psychological Safety for Working Together (Room 318)
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This session will consider psychological safety through the lens of implementation science, including discussion of the characteristics of highly functioning teams, stages of psychological safety, and application to education. Teaming and collaboration will be a focus through examination of how to create an environment of interpersonal trust and respect.
Kristen Votava
Room 318
Kristen Votava
University of North Dakota
Kristen Votava
University of North Dakota
Dr. Votava is the graduate director of early childhood education at the University of North Dakota. She is a speech-language pathologist and early interventionist, specializing in work with birth to 5-year-olds. Dr. Votava has over 20 years’ experience in the field of early intervention. She is a master trainer of adverse childhood experiences (ACES), with training in Hanen, routines-based interview/family assessment, NEAR@home toolkit, focusing on implementation science and team collaboration. She has presented nationally and internationally.
11:30
Practical Workshop- Guided immersion Through Song: Empowering Spanish-Speaking Educators to Build Bilingual Music Communities (Room 207)
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Strategies for building bilingual early childhood music communities through Spanishlanguage song and movement. This interactive session uplifts Spanish-speaking educators as cultural and linguistic leaders while supporting all teachers in inclusive, developmentally grounded musical practice.
Mrs. Madeleine Welch
Room 207
11:30
Practical Workshop- Lessons from the Lap Lab: What My Children Are Teaching Me About Early Childhood Music (Room 318)
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Spontaneous parent-child musical moments offer rich opportunities for engagement and connection. Through personal vignettes and audience sharing, participants will practice recognizing and embracing everyday musical moments at home and in classrooms.
Dr. Whitney Mayo
Room 318
12:30
Lunch - Getting to know ECMMA (Room 318)
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Pick up some lunch from the food court downstairs and come back to learn all about ECMMA!
Room 318
14:00
Practical Workshop- But How Do They Feel? Encouraging Singing Self-Efficacy in Early Elementary (Room 207)
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Together, we will explore why self-efficacy is an important singing topic with young children and how we can go about encouraging selfefficacy. Most importantly, fun activities and songs shaped to promote positive self-efficacy will be demonstrated and made available to attendees
Dr. Christina Svec and Ms. Lara Larsson
Room 207
14:00
Practical Workshop- Supporting Young Learners with Down Syndrome in Early Childhood (and Beyond!) (Room 318)
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Although Down Syndrome is one of the most common chromosomal conditions in the United States, individuals with Down Syndrome may represent an underserved population in music and movement education. In this workshop, the presenter will model strategies that benefit young learners with Down Syndrome.
Ms. Sam Webber
Room 318
15:15
Closing Remarks (Room 318)
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Christina Svec
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FAQS
Yes, you’ll need to fill out our registration form to gain access to the event. Registration will be open on April 1, 2025.
There will be a small registration fee that includes the cost of the conference and meals. Be sure to check back soon for official pricing!
Yes, please bring a computer or tablet for note-taking and interactive activities.
For most sessions, you will not need to pre-register; however, we do have at least two workshops that will require pre-registration. A pre-registration link will be available upon conference registration confirmation.
About the Convention
The Early Childhood Music and Movement Association Biennial Convention is the premier gathering for early childhood music and movement practitioners, researchers, and advocates from around the world. Every two years, we come together to share ideas, explore new research, and strengthen the community of professionals dedicated to enriching the lives of young children through purposeful music and movement experiences.
The 2026 convention will be held at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND, USA and will feature keynote presentations from leading voices in the field, hands-on workshops you can bring directly back to your practice, and research sessions that bridge the gap between scholarship and the classroom. From seasoned educators to emerging researchers, this convention offers something meaningful for everyone who believes in the power of music from the very beginning of life.
2026 Theme: Building Relationships and Community
Music has always been one of humanity's most powerful tools for connection. This year's convention theme — Building Relationships and Community — invites us to explore the many ways that early childhood music and movement experiences bring people together: across cultures, across generations, across languages, and across disciplines.
Sessions will explore questions like:
- How do shared musical experiences strengthen the bond between caregivers and children?
- What does culturally responsive early childhood music practice look like in action?
- How can music and movement support social-emotional development and peer relationships?
- In what ways does communal music-making connect children to their environments and communities?
We believe the conversations sparked here will resonate far beyond the convention itself — in your studios, classrooms, research, and communities.
Ready to Join Us?
We'd love to see you in Grand Forks this June! Visit the Registration tab for current pricing details and registration dates. Register early to take advantage of our early bird pricing!
Come ready to sing, move, learn, and connect. We can't wait to see what we'll build together.
You can download a copy of the 2026 ECMMA program here.
Paid parking is available in the parking ramp. The parking ramp and conference building are connected by an underground tunnel, and both buildings have elevators, making arrival and navigation easy and accessible for all attendees.
Kristen Votava
University of North Dakota
Wendy Valerio
Associate Professor, University of South Carolina
Jay Broeker
Multicolumn
Expert Speakers
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Exclusive Access
Register now and unlock exclusive access to workshops and keynotes
STEM Headliner: Bill Bass
We are excited to announce Bill Bass as our STEM Headliner for the 2025 Pages & Pathways Conference.
Bill Bass is an award-winning educator. He currently serves as the Innovation Coordinator for Instructional Technology, Information, Library Media, and Federal Programs in the Parkway School District in St. Louis, MO.
Bill focuses on the systemic use of technology to break down barriers to student learning experiences. As an international speaker, writer, and professional developer, he focuses on systemic and sustainable integration of technology into classrooms at all grade levels.
STEM Headliner: Bill Bass
We are excited to announce Bill Bass as our STEM Headliner for the 2025 Pages & Pathways Conference.
Bill Bass is an award-winning educator. He currently serves as the Innovation Coordinator for Instructional Technology, Information, Library Media, and Federal Programs in the Parkway School District in St. Louis, MO.
Bill focuses on the systemic use of technology to break down barriers to student learning experiences. As an international speaker, writer, and professional developer, he focuses on systemic and sustainable integration of technology into classrooms at all grade levels.
STEM Headliner: Bill Bass
We are excited to announce Bill Bass as our STEM Headliner for the 2025 Pages & Pathways Conference.
Bill Bass is an award-winning educator. He currently serves as the Innovation Coordinator for Instructional Technology, Information, Library Media, and Federal Programs in the Parkway School District in St. Louis, MO.
Bill focuses on the systemic use of technology to break down barriers to student learning experiences. As an international speaker, writer, and professional developer, he focuses on systemic and sustainable integration of technology into classrooms at all grade levels.
STEM Headliner: Bill Bass
We are excited to announce Bill Bass as our STEM Headliner for the 2025 Pages & Pathways Conference.
Bill Bass is an award-winning educator. He currently serves as the Innovation Coordinator for Instructional Technology, Information, Library Media, and Federal Programs in the Parkway School District in St. Louis, MO.
Bill focuses on the systemic use of technology to break down barriers to student learning experiences. As an international speaker, writer, and professional developer, he focuses on systemic and sustainable integration of technology into classrooms at all grade levels.
STEM Headliner: Bill Bass
We are excited to announce Bill Bass as our STEM Headliner for the 2025 Pages & Pathways Conference.
Bill Bass is an award-winning educator. He currently serves as the Innovation Coordinator for Instructional Technology, Information, Library Media, and Federal Programs in the Parkway School District in St. Louis, MO.
Bill focuses on the systemic use of technology to break down barriers to student learning experiences. As an international speaker, writer, and professional developer, he focuses on systemic and sustainable integration of technology into classrooms at all grade levels.
STEM Headliner: Bill Bass
We are excited to announce Bill Bass as our STEM Headliner for the 2025 Pages & Pathways Conference.
Bill Bass is an award-winning educator. He currently serves as the Innovation Coordinator for Instructional Technology, Information, Library Media, and Federal Programs in the Parkway School District in St. Louis, MO.
Bill focuses on the systemic use of technology to break down barriers to student learning experiences. As an international speaker, writer, and professional developer, he focuses on systemic and sustainable integration of technology into classrooms at all grade levels.
STEM Headliner: Bill Bass
We are excited to announce Bill Bass as our STEM Headliner for the 2025 Pages & Pathways Conference.
Bill Bass is an award-winning educator. He currently serves as the Innovation Coordinator for Instructional Technology, Information, Library Media, and Federal Programs in the Parkway School District in St. Louis, MO.
Bill focuses on the systemic use of technology to break down barriers to student learning experiences. As an international speaker, writer, and professional developer, he focuses on systemic and sustainable integration of technology into classrooms at all grade levels.
STEM Headliner: Bill Bass
We are excited to announce Bill Bass as our STEM Headliner for the 2025 Pages & Pathways Conference.
Bill Bass is an award-winning educator. He currently serves as the Innovation Coordinator for Instructional Technology, Information, Library Media, and Federal Programs in the Parkway School District in St. Louis, MO.
Bill focuses on the systemic use of technology to break down barriers to student learning experiences. As an international speaker, writer, and professional developer, he focuses on systemic and sustainable integration of technology into classrooms at all grade levels.
STEM Headliner: Bill Bass
We are excited to announce Bill Bass as our STEM Headliner for the 2025 Pages & Pathways Conference.
Bill Bass is an award-winning educator. He currently serves as the Innovation Coordinator for Instructional Technology, Information, Library Media, and Federal Programs in the Parkway School District in St. Louis, MO.
Bill focuses on the systemic use of technology to break down barriers to student learning experiences. As an international speaker, writer, and professional developer, he focuses on systemic and sustainable integration of technology into classrooms at all grade levels.
STEM Headliner: Bill Bass
We are excited to announce Bill Bass as our STEM Headliner for the 2025 Pages & Pathways Conference.
Bill Bass is an award-winning educator. He currently serves as the Innovation Coordinator for Instructional Technology, Information, Library Media, and Federal Programs in the Parkway School District in St. Louis, MO.
Bill focuses on the systemic use of technology to break down barriers to student learning experiences. As an international speaker, writer, and professional developer, he focuses on systemic and sustainable integration of technology into classrooms at all grade levels.
STEM Headliner: Bill Bass
We are excited to announce Bill Bass as our STEM Headliner for the 2025 Pages & Pathways Conference.
Bill Bass is an award-winning educator. He currently serves as the Innovation Coordinator for Instructional Technology, Information, Library Media, and Federal Programs in the Parkway School District in St. Louis, MO.
Bill focuses on the systemic use of technology to break down barriers to student learning experiences. As an international speaker, writer, and professional developer, he focuses on systemic and sustainable integration of technology into classrooms at all grade levels.
STEM Headliner: Bill Bass
We are excited to announce Bill Bass as our STEM Headliner for the 2025 Pages & Pathways Conference.
Bill Bass is an award-winning educator. He currently serves as the Innovation Coordinator for Instructional Technology, Information, Library Media, and Federal Programs in the Parkway School District in St. Louis, MO.
Bill focuses on the systemic use of technology to break down barriers to student learning experiences. As an international speaker, writer, and professional developer, he focuses on systemic and sustainable integration of technology into classrooms at all grade levels.
STEM Headliner: Bill Bass
We are excited to announce Bill Bass as our STEM Headliner for the 2025 Pages & Pathways Conference.
Bill Bass is an award-winning educator. He currently serves as the Innovation Coordinator for Instructional Technology, Information, Library Media, and Federal Programs in the Parkway School District in St. Louis, MO.
Bill focuses on the systemic use of technology to break down barriers to student learning experiences. As an international speaker, writer, and professional developer, he focuses on systemic and sustainable integration of technology into classrooms at all grade levels.