ALEX April 2026 Newsletter
▪️ ALEX ➡️ Supporting Alabama Educators!
Girls Engaged in Math and Science (GEMS) teams recently gathered at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville for a day of exploration, innovation, and hands-on STEM learning. From the moment students entered the Space Camp Operations Center, excitement was high as teams prepared to share projects, connect with peers, and explore new STEM opportunities.
The event began with welcoming remarks from Dr. Melissa Shields, ALSDE Assistant State Superintendent for the Office of Student Learning, and Sue Ellen Gilliland, ALSDE Educational Technology Coordinator, who encouraged students to embrace curiosity, leadership, and collaboration.
Students were then inspired by keynote speaker Tinesha Ross, whose message encouraged girls to stay curious, pursue STEM pathways, and believe in the power of their ideas.
During the Expo showcase, teams proudly presented projects demonstrating creativity, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving. The afternoon continued with hands-on STEM experiences including rocket building, rocket launches, and museum exploration at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. While students participated in STEM activities, teachers engaged in professional learning led by the ATIM team, gaining strategies for supporting girls in STEM.
The day served as a powerful reminder that when girls are given opportunities to explore STEM, their potential truly has no limits!
The 2026 Girls Engaged in Math and Science (GEMS) Expo marked an exciting milestone—18 years of inspiring girls to explore STEM!
This year’s events brought together 515 students and 78 educators at three locations across Alabama, Birmingham, Jacksonville, and Huntsville, for a day filled with discovery, creativity, and innovation. Students participated in engaging keynote sessions, hands-on STEM activities, and collaborative team projects designed to spark curiosity and build confidence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. From rocket launches to electrical engineering challenges, GEMS teams explored real-world STEM concepts while learning from inspiring women in STEM fields who shared their experiences and encouragement. The continued growth of the GEMS Expo highlights its impact in helping young women see themselves as future STEM leaders while also supporting the educators who guide and inspire them.
A special thank you to our partners and supporters, ALSDE Educational Technology, ATiM, AMSTI, and the JSU Regional Inservice Center, for helping make these events possible.
We’re proud of the creativity, collaboration, and innovation showcased during the 2026 GEMS Expos, and we look forward to even more opportunities to empower girls in STEM in the years ahead.
📣 Stay tuned for information about the 2027 GEMS Expos! Be sure to bookmark www.gemsu.org!
Join ALEX at the 2026 Computer Science Summit in Montgomery!
Discover how to make the most of the ALEX Learning Object Repository in this engaging, hands-on session focused on supporting the 2025 Digital Literacy and Computer Science Course of Study standards. Educators will learn how to quickly locate standards, access crosswalk documents, and explore unpacked content to better understand instructional expectations and grade-level alignment.
Participants will also explore how to find and implement standards-aligned resources and use the Lesson Plan Companion tool to enhance instructional planning. This session provides practical experience navigating ALEX and uncovering ready-to-use materials that help connect computer science with core content areas.
In addition, attendees will learn about opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom, including GEMS Expos and featured resources that promote inclusive participation in STEM. Walk away with actionable strategies to increase student engagement and create meaningful connections between classroom instruction and real-world experiences.
📅 Date: Monday, April 13, 2026
⏰ ALEX Session: 1:30 - 2:20 PM
🔗 Learn more and register here: https://www.cs4alabama.org/cs-summit.html
Unlock Innovation for All – AETC 2026: Learning Without Limits
Registration is now open for the Alabama Educational Technology Conference (AETC) 2026, happening June 15–19 at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville. This year’s theme, “Learning Without Limits: On the Fast Track to Innovation and Acceleration for All,” celebrates the power of technology to transform learning and create opportunities for every student.
AETC is Alabama’s premier conference for educators ready to explore hands-on workshops, inspiring keynotes, and practical strategies to bring innovation back to their classrooms. Network with educators, instructional specialists, and technology leaders from across the state while discovering new tools to accelerate student learning.
✨ Don’t miss your chance to break boundaries and bring fresh ideas to your school!
👉 Register and learn more:
https://educational-technology.alsde.edu/aetc
