Hi, I’m Amy Stewart, and I teach middle school social studies at Fairview Independent School District. Teaching can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming at times, which is why opportunities to learn, reflect, and grow alongside other educators matter so much. One experience that has truly supported that growth for me has been Epic, a KEDC professional development program that connects teachers with experienced educators through virtual meetings.
What I’ve appreciated most about Epic is how practical and realistic it feels. The strategies shared aren’t “one more thing” to add to our plates—they’re tools that actually help make teaching more manageable and meaningful. Through Epic, I’ve been introduced to resources like Gemini Gems, which helps spark lesson ideas and keeps planning aligned to standards, and MagicSchool AI, which has been a huge support when it comes to creating accommodations, building assessments, and writing thoughtful feedback for students. I’ve also found ChatGPT to be a helpful brainstorming partner, whether I’m creating discussion questions, breaking down complex topics, or looking for new ways to engage students in deeper thinking.
I’ve also enjoyed learning how creative tools can help students better connect with their learning. Google Vids has opened the door for students to explain ideas and reflect in ways that feel more natural and engaging. Notebook LM has helped me stay organized and focused by summarizing information and pulling out key ideas during lesson planning. Canva has become one of my go-to tools for creating visuals, lessons, and student projects that allow creativity while still keeping expectations high.
Overall, Epic has been a really encouraging experience. It’s reminded me that I’m not teaching in isolation and that it’s okay to try new things, reflect, and grow. The tools and strategies I’ve learned through Epic have helped me feel more confident and supported, and they’ve made a positive difference in how I show up for my students every day.
Amy Stewart
Fairview High School
Fairview Independent School District
7th Social Studies, 9-12 Spanish, 7-8 Career
