This spring, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) is thrilled to once again serve as a host site for the multi-county Institute Day, welcoming 300+ educators from across Illinois for a full day of inspiring professional learning featuring over 50 unique workshops and presentations. This free event will take place on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 8:00 AM–2:45 PM, and is open to all Illinois educators—classroom teachers, specialists, administrators, and school staff. This year’s lineup features dynamic sessions centered on 6th–12th grade research, mathematics, science, AI, engineering, and technology, along with engaging workshops on experiential learning, equity, history, and the social sciences.
| 2026 | ||
| Friday, February 27th | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1:40 PM |
Cynthia Smyser, University of Illinois Laboratory High School, 6-12 Math Study Area 1:40 PM - 2:40 PM |
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| 1:40 PM |
Conditions Affecting Mental Health - Definition and Strategies Crystal England, Illinois Math and Science Academy 6-12 Lecture Hall 1:40 PM - 2:40 PM |
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| 1:40 PM |
Determining the Melting Point to Assess Purity and Identify an Unknown Compound Dr. John Thurmond, Illinois Math and Science Academy 11-12 B148/B149 1:40 PM - 2:40 PM |
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| 1:40 PM |
From Equations to Innovation: Applying Mathematics in Engineering David Hernandez, Illinois Math and Science Academy 6-9 A152 1:40 PM - 2:40 PM |
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| 1:40 PM |
Integrating Neuroscience and Technology: Experiential Learning Through Muscle-to-Robot Systems Dr. Ashwin Mohan, Illinois Math and Science Academy 10-12 A133 1:40 PM - 2:40 PM |
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| 1:40 PM |
Grant Bell, Illinois Math and Science Academy 6-12 IN2 Makerspace 1:40 PM - 2:40 PM |
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| 1:40 PM |
Modeling Physics in the Movies Brooke Schmidt, Illinois Math and Science Academy 9-12 B133 1:40 PM - 2:40 PM |
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| 1:40 PM |
Science Belongs to Everyone: Cultivating Identity and Inclusion in STEM Cassandra Armstrong, Illinois Math and Science Academy 6-12 AC PIT 1:40 PM - 2:40 PM |
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| 1:40 PM |
Smarter, Faster Lesson Planning with AI: Supporting Math Instruction Without Sacrificing Quality Marti Shirley, Illinois Math and Science Academy 9-12 A119 1:40 PM - 2:40 PM |
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| 1:40 PM |
The Course of Empire: Romantic Art and the Origins of American Conservation Dr. Shawn Bailey, Illinois Math and Science Academy 6-12 A149 1:40 PM - 2:40 PM |
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| 1:40 PM |
Uncovering Marginalized Groups in Local History Zach Bishop, Aurora University 6-12 a123 1:40 PM - 2:40 PM |
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| 1:40 PM |
Why Are There Microscopes in the Art Room? Joyce Symoniak, Illinois Math and Science Academy 6-12 E119 1:40 PM - 2:40 PM |
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