In this interactive workshop, participants will be introduced to how Indigenous epistemology can be used to decolonize and rehumanize educational experience for our youth. Dr. Curtis Acosta shares how the Mayan concept of In Lak'ech can serve as a pedagogical lens, alongside the critical importance of building a humanizing educational ecology — one where students, educators, and staff all truly value one another.

Focused on culturally responsive and equity-driven instructional practices, this workshop nurtures students' full linguistic repertoires and dynamic language practices. Beth shares strategies including linguistic portraits, language mapping, student ethnographic language surveys, bilingual poetry, and cross-linguistic analysis — helping educators build classrooms where multilingualism is honored, celebrated, and leveraged as a strength.

This workshop introduces teachers to practical and responsible AI practices that support lesson planning, differentiation, feedback, communication, and instructional design. Participants explore AI as a thought partner while maintaining teacher judgment, student privacy, pedagogical alignment, and human-centered decision-making. The session connects to the University of Arizona's AI Learning Modules: Educator and Instructor Preparation, offering pathways for developing ethical, practical, and sustainable AI practices in teaching contexts.

This workshop focuses on small but meaningful practices that build trust, consistency, and community in the classroom. Kallie shares personal experiences and strategies from both social studies and agriculture classrooms, exploring how technology, routines, and culturally responsive practices can be used intentionally to strengthen relationships and make classrooms more genuinely human-centered — places where every student feels seen, supported, and motivated.

This workshop explores historical trauma through the Mexican American experience, examining how historical events, systemic discrimination, and intergenerational experiences continue to influence students, families, and communities today. Participants learn about the effects of historical trauma on student behavior, emotional well-being, and academic success, while gaining a deeper understanding of culture, identity, and resilience in healing. The session highlights culturally responsive practices, SEL, and relationship-centered approaches — equipping educators with practical strategies to foster belonging, support authentic relationships, and help students thrive academically and emotionally.

Focused on responsive teaching, assessment practices, and student-centered instruction in advanced coursework, this workshop shares strategies connected to backward design, rubric training, exemplars, rough draft conferences, grading codes, and efficient feedback systems. Kristyn's session empowers students to take genuine ownership of their learning while educators maintain high expectations and rigorous, human-centered standards.