Zoom Links to the Keynote Session and Workshops will be emailed to Virtual Conference Attendees
Effective Professional Learning Communities Part 1 with Kimberly Hescox Mooney
*This is a multipart workshop, it is strongly recommended you attend Part 1 if you plan to attend Parts 2 and 3* In this hands-on workshop, we will examine evidence-based best practices around starting and maintaining a PLC, and participants will have the opportunity to practically apply their learning in real-world contexts. You will walk away with the tools you and your colleagues need to engage in PLCs that make a difference, and find out how to earn AUs while you do it.
Kimberly worked as a middle school Spanish teacher in Baltimore City Schools for 14 years and has been on the Teacher Career Pathways Team for going on 5 years. She has a Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Spanish and certificates in School Administration & Supervision and TESOL. Data-driven instructional practices are a passion of hers, and she's excited to host this workshop on best practices for professional learning communities.
Lead4Change Student Leadership with Anne Marie Bergamini
A free student leadership curriculum that empowers educators to develop the best student leaders. Our lessons develop leadership skills while guiding student teams to apply those skills to a service project, as they become leaders of change. They can share thier leadership journey with us to be eligible for grant awards up to $10,000, for their school or a non-profit of their choice.
My name is Anne Marie Bergamini. I taught for 20 years in the public-school environment, mostly in VA, with a couple of years in NC. I was a math/science teacher at the elementary level, worked successfully with both gifted and special needs students, began a STEM program in my district, was Teacher of the Year for my district, and Math Teacher of the Year at the state level. I have the honor of working as an Instructional Coach for the Lead4Change Student Leadership program. I love working with educators, advisors and administrators to offer students the opportunity to be their best self, becoming leaders who make change happen!
Not just a Mentor but a Cultural Broker for Underrepresented Students with Danielle Ferguson
In this session, I will share the results of a research study I conducted about the role cultural brokers played in assisting students in obtaining a career in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) field. In this study, I interviewed 8 African American women from different socioeconomic backgrounds who earned a terminal degree in a STEM field, to identify the factors that aided in their persistence and resilience. One factor that they said was pivotal in their success was having cultural brokers who helped them navigate the STEM pipeline. Teachers will have the opportunity to learn what makes a cultural broker different from a mentor, discuss the role of cultural brokers for disadvantaged students, and receive best practices for becoming a cultural broker.
Danielle Ferguson, Ed.D. is a qualitative researcher at the American Institutes for Research (AIR) with expertise in K-12 science, large-scale assessment development, scoring, and reporting. As part of the program area’s leadership team, Dr. Ferguson provides thought leadership, maintains market intelligence, and leverages professional networks to guide business development for the STEM project pipeline and grow the work of the practice hub. She engages practice hub members as an inclusive intellectual community, encompassing interests and expertise in research and evaluation, technical assistance, and other areas important for pursuit of AIR’s mission. Serves as the lead science content expert for item development for the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), the U.S. participation in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), and the Program for International Assessment (PISA). Additionally, she manages a $7 million research portfolio funded through the National Science Foundation and state departments of education. Prior to AIR, she was a high school science teacher, science department chair, and curriculum writer for Baltimore City Public Schools for over a decade. Dr. Ferguson holds a Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Education from Morgan State University, and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Johns Hopkins University.
Class, One-Two Attention! A LOOK AT CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS with Kevin A. Dixon Jr.
By the end of this session you should be able to assess the culture and climate of your classroom based on your student population, be able to see power struggles you encounter with others and ways to avoid them, and be able to analyze the behaviors of your students as a means to see what drives certain behaviors and develop ways to replace problem behaviors.
Kevin A, Dixon Jr. is a product of the Baltimore City Public Schools System. After graduating from the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, he went on to earn his bachelor's degree from Morgan State University and Master's from Loyola University of Maryland. He started working for Baltimore City Public Schools in September of 2006 as a Team Support Paraprofessional. Since 2005 he has held numerous roles including Non-Instructional Assistant, Paraeducator, Special Education Paraeducator, Special Educator, General Educator, and IEP Team Associate. Kevin is a member of the Baltimore Teacher's Union, the Council for Exceptional Children, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Prince Hall Freemasonry, and a host of other service based organizations.
Effective Professional Learning Communities Part 2 with Kimberly Hescox Mooney
*This is a multipart workshop, it is strongly recommended you attend Part 1 if you plan to attend Parts 2 and 3* In this hands-on workshop, we will examine evidence-based best practices around starting and maintaining a PLC, and participants will have the opportunity to practically apply their learning in real-world contexts. You will walk away with the tools you and your colleagues need to engage in PLCs that make a difference, and find out how to earn AUs while you do it.
Kimberly worked as a middle school Spanish teacher in Baltimore City Schools for 14 years and has been on the Teacher Career Pathways Team for going on 5 years. She has a Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Spanish and certificates in School Administration & Supervision and TESOL. Data-driven instructional practices are a passion of hers, and she's excited to host this workshop on best practices for professional learning communities.
Improving Awareness and Visibility of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students within Baltimore City Public Schools with Sarah Sparks
Ever taught a deaf or hard of hearing student in your class? Maybe you have but didn't realize that the student had hearing differences. Permanent hearing loss in childhood is more common than was once believed. This workshop will introduce participants to basic information about the needs of deaf and hard of hearing students, and how you can help the BCPS audiology team to identify these students early for appropriate supports.
Dr. Sarah Sparks is an audiologist within Baltimore City Public Schools. She is a deaf cochlear implant user herself, and she communicates in both American Sign Language and English. This lived experience with deafness and ASL gives her a strong sense of connection with the deaf and hard of hearing students that she works with in in Baltimore City. Dr. Sparks is also an off-campus clinical preceptor for doctoral audiology interns, and she teaches university courses in audiology.
Class, One-Two Attention! A LOOK AT CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS with Kevin A. Dixon Jr.
By the end of this session you should be able to assess the culture and climate of your classroom based on your student population, be able to see power struggles you encounter with others and ways to avoid them, and be able to analyze the behaviors of your students as a means to see what drives certain behaviors and develop ways to replace problem behaviors.
Kevin A, Dixon Jr. is a product of the Baltimore City Public Schools System. After graduating from the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, he went on to earn his bachelor's degree from Morgan State University and Master's from Loyola University of Maryland. He started working for Baltimore City Public Schools in September of 2006 as a Team Support Paraprofessional. Since 2005 he has held numerous roles including Non-Instructional Assistant, Paraeducator, Special Education Paraeducator, Special Educator, General Educator, and IEP Team Associate. Kevin is a member of the Baltimore Teachers Union, the Council for Exceptional Children, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Prince Hall Freemasonry, and a host of other service based organizations.
Employment Rights Laws/Child Abuse and Neglect with David Maher
This workshop will discuss federal and state employment rights laws, such as the FMLA, ADA, Civil Rights Act and Title VII, ADEA, FLSA, PWFA, and MHWFA. It will also discuss Maryland child abuse and neglect laws which affect school employees.
David Maher graduated from the University of Maryland School of Law and is barred in Maryland. After graduating, he clerked for Judge Dan Friedman of the Maryland Appellate Court. He represents Maryland public- and private-sector unions and union members, including BTU and BTU members.
Effective Professional Learning Communities Part 3 with Kimberly Hescox Mooney
*This is a multipart workshop, it is strongly recommended you attend Part 1 if you plan to attend Parts 2 and 3* In this hands-on workshop, we will examine evidence-based best practices around starting and maintaining a PLC, and participants will have the opportunity to practically apply their learning in real-world contexts. You will walk away with the tools you and your colleagues need to engage in PLCs that make a difference, and find out how to earn AUs while you do it.
Kimberly worked as a middle school Spanish teacher in Baltimore City Schools for 14 years and has been on the Teacher Career Pathways Team for going on 5 years. She has a Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Spanish and certificates in School Administration & Supervision and TESOL. Data-driven instructional practices are a passion of hers, and she's excited to host this workshop on best practices for professional learning communities.
Pathways Presentation with Chris Patterson
Under the contract with the Baltimore Teachers Union, City Schools teacher-level employees can take control of their careers and grow within a system of career pathways and salary intervals. Educators can choose to participate in a variety of activities to advance at their own pace within a given pathway. They can also elect to apply to move from one pathway to the next by opting into peer review processes that weigh instruction, leadership, continual learning, and student growth. This session will guide participants through the various ways to navigate the teacher career pathways.
Chris Patterson is the City Schools Associates – Joint Governing Panel (JGP). Chris has been a City Schools educator for seven years, working first as a 4th grade teacher and later as a middle school science/STEAM educator. Chris joined the teacher career pathways team this summer.
Yoga & Mental Health workshop with Rynae Southall
Get ready to embark on a journey of relaxation, mindfulness, and self-care at the beautiful and serene "The Pink Art Gallery." Our Yoga Class and Workshop is designed to help you find balance, both in body and mind. After an invigorating yoga session, we'll dive into a soothing workshop and conclude with a delightful tea and pastry session.
Rynae Southall is the owner of The Pink Art Gallery. Rynae is a business major and serial Entrepreneur. She recently opened her multiple functional art gallery in the Federal Hill neighborhood, in Baltimore City. The Pink Art Gallery is a beautiful, serene studio featuring multiple photo stations for photograph shoots, weekly and private events. Some of these events include yoga, sip and paint, art shows, birthday parties, baby showers and more.
Jana Frances- Former artistic director with over 40 years of experience specializing in dance, yoga, and healing arts. Jana retired from her performing art center "Dancer's Edge" in Millersville, Pa. in 2015. Recently moved to Baltimore, Jana's love for art drew her to "The Pink Art Gallery", offering her volunteer services.
Flier: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_nOBAxpmSi_Ce31v73X6QyK-kzy3pO9R/view?usp=share_link
Not just a Mentor but a Cultural Broker for Underrepresented Students with Danielle Ferguson
In this session, I will share the results of a research study I conducted about the role cultural brokers played in assisting students in obtaining a career in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) field. In this study, I interviewed 8 African American women from different socioeconomic backgrounds who earned a terminal degree in a STEM field, to identify the factors that aided in their persistence and resilience. One factor that they said was pivotal in their success was having cultural brokers who helped them navigate the STEM pipeline. Teachers will have the opportunity to learn what makes a cultural broker different from a mentor, discuss the role of cultural brokers for disadvantaged students, and receive best practices for becoming a cultural broker.
Danielle Ferguson, Ed.D. is a qualitative researcher at the American Institutes for Research (AIR) with expertise in K-12 science, large-scale assessment development, scoring, and reporting. As part of the program area’s leadership team, Dr. Ferguson provides thought leadership, maintains market intelligence, and leverages professional networks to guide business development for the STEM project pipeline and grow the work of the practice hub. She engages practice hub members as an inclusive intellectual community, encompassing interests and expertise in research and evaluation, technical assistance, and other areas important for pursuit of AIR’s mission. Serves as the lead science content expert for item development for the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), the U.S. participation in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), and the Program for International Assessment (PISA). Additionally, she manages a $7 million research portfolio funded through the National Science Foundation and state departments of education. Prior to AIR, she was a high school science teacher, science department chair, and curriculum writer for Baltimore City Public Schools for over a decade. Dr. Ferguson holds a Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Education from Morgan State University, and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Johns Hopkins University.