[Sectional 1 Option 1]

Modeling Wellness: Guiding Others Through Co-Regulation (Resilient Zone & Tracking) by Sarah Vining [EC/Elem/All]

As educators, we have the opportunity to actively shape our students each day-and part of this is taking care of ourselves while we care for others!  Come learn regulation skills from the Community Resiliency Model (CRM) to help strengthen your wellness in the midst of this important role.  We will actively practice getting into our Resilient Zone throughTracking, Resourcing, and Grounding.  Tips will also be provided for co-regulating with others so that we can be a guide for creating wellness with students, parents, and fellow staff.  Let's learn and guide together!  

[Sectional 1 Option 2]

Writing Essential Questions by Liz Slavens [Elem/MS/HS]

Are your students asking you why they have to learn something? Do you have a good answer? Essential questions can help you show students the meaning of your subject, and they work in every subject and grade level. This sectional will look at what inquiry learning is, what essential questions are, and how to use them to thread together a unit in your classroom. Essential questions empower students to take charge of their own learning and become independent thinkers. 

[Sectional 1 Option 3]

Why Do They Behave This Way?: Introduction to Executive Function in Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers by Brenda Bernard [EC]

NOT AVAILABLE

Executive function and self-regulation skills are critical needs for development for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. What is executive function? In this session, we will explore the main components of executive function, discuss observable skills in very young children, identify characteristics of these components by age group, and develop an understanding of how the development of these skills impact children at school, home, and in the community. 

[Sectional 1 Option 4]

How to Recognize and Advocate for the Child with a Mental Disorder by Lindy Hinckley [Elem/MS/HS]

As the daughter of two amazing teachers, I’ve seen firsthand the impact a teacher can have on a child’s whole world. When a teacher notices a child has a change in the way that they learn, behave, or regulate emotions, they may feel at a loss as to how to properly help and guide the child and his/her parents to better mental health. This workshop will not only equip you in how to recognize a mental illness but teach you what steps to take when you see that a child is struggling to cope. This workshop will explore:

*Anxiety, Depression, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Conduct Disorder (CD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

[Sectional 1 Option 5]

Planning for Successful Retirement by Amy Klein (Concordia Plan Services) [All]

In this session, we’ll unpack the Concordia Retirement Plan pension and the Concordia Retirement Savings Plan 403(b).  Get answers to all your questions about these valuable benefits and learn how they work together to provide income when you retire.  No matter your age, you’ll leave this session loving your pension and knowing what you can do now to prepare for a successful retirement!

[Sectional 1 Option 6]

PeaceWise Kids by Katie Mlnarik & Marli Ockander [All]

It’s normal for every young person to experience conflict. This could be at home, it could be unfriendly behaviour at school or with friends on some level, even in a really subtle or unintentional way. Peacewise is a Christian program for all young people to deal with challenging relationships in healthy, constructive, and life-changing ways with a biblical approach guiding them to put God first, be kind to others, and to be more like Jesus through reconciliation.

[Sectional 2 Option 1]

Modeling Wellness: Guiding Others Through Co-Regulation (Resourcing and Grounding) by Sarah Vining [EC/Elem/All]

As educators, we have the opportunity to actively shape our students each day-and part of this is taking care of ourselves while we care for others!  Come learn regulation skills from the Community Resiliency Model (CRM) to help strengthen your wellness in the midst of this important role.  We will actively practice getting into our Resilient Zone throughTracking, Resourcing, and Grounding.  Tips will also be provided for co-regulating with others so that we can be a guide for creating wellness with students, parents, and fellow staff.  Let's learn and guide together!  

[Sectional 2 Option 2]

Writing Essential Questions by Liz Slavens [Elem/MS/HS]

Are your students asking you why they have to learn something? Do you have a good answer? Essential questions can help you show students the meaning of your subject, and they work in every subject and grade level. This sectional will look at what inquiry learning is, what essential questions are, and how to use them to thread together a unit in your classroom. Essential questions empower students to take charge of their own learning and become independent thinkers. 

[Sectional 2 Option 3]

Next Steps: Boosting Executive Function Skills with Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers by Brenda Bernard [EC]

NOT AVAILABLE

What can we do to enhance the development of working memory, impulse control, and mental flexibility in young children? In this session, we will examine how these dimensions of executive function impact effective learning and positive relationships for young children. We will explore activities that promote and strengthen the development of skills as well as discuss ways to allow children to practice using executive function. 

[Sectional 2 Option 4]

Using Identity to Develop a Christ-Centered Classroom Culture by Cassie Beltz (LFS) [All]

Identity is talked about everywhere we turn these days. But what is an identity? How are we as Christians to think about identity? What does identity have to do with the classroom? In this

presentation, the idea and importance of identity will be examined. This presentation will explore how foundational identity is to our lives and interactions. We will also discuss practical ways in

which the topic of “identity” can be used to in the classroom to help cultivate a Christ -centered classroom and help prepare students for attacks against their own Christian identity.

[Sectional 2 Option 5]

Planning for Successful Retirement by Amy Klein (Concordia Plan Services) [All]

In this session, we’ll unpack the Concordia Retirement Plan pension and the Concordia Retirement Savings Plan 403(b).  Get answers to all your questions about these valuable benefits and learn how they work together to provide income when you retire.  No matter your age, you’ll leave this session loving your pension and knowing what you can do now to prepare for a successful retirement!

[Sectional 2 Option 6]

PeaceWise Kids by Katie Mlnarik & Marli Ockander [All]

It’s normal for every young person to experience conflict. This could be at home, it could be unfriendly behaviour at school or with friends on some level, even in a really subtle or unintentional way. Peacewise is a Christian program for all young people to deal with challenging relationships in healthy, constructive, and life-changing ways with a biblical approach guiding them to put God first, be kind to others, and to be more like Jesus through reconciliation.

[Friday Keynote]

God’s TIP: Truth, Identity, and Purpose in Post-Christian America

In today’s America we hear there is no truth, a person’s identity is bound in their race, class, and gender, and their purpose is to fight the oppressors.  Learn why this has occurred and how to engage the culture with a biblical and Christ-centered approach.

[Sectional 3 Option 1]

Tinkering with STEM in Early Childhood and Children’s Literature by Dr. Amy Lindgren [EC]

How could you design a house for the three little pigs that the wolf could never blow down? Young children are natural designers and tinkerers, solving problems they encounter in play, in books, and in nature. Beloved characters from children’s literature provide relatable STEM exploration opportunities that intrigue and engage young learners. Come tinker and play with STEM ideas sparked by children’s literature! Explore how you can facilitate design challenges in your own classroom, as we reflect on authentic examples of preschoolers, primary-aged learners, and preservice educators using this inquiry-based model.

[Sectional 3 Option 2]

Math Tales: Exploring Mathematical Concepts Through Children's Literature by Dr. Nicole Muth [EC/Elementary School]

Join us on a journey where storytelling meets mathematics, creating an immersive and dynamic learning experience for early childhood and elementary students. In this session, we'll explore the powerful strategy of using read-alouds to introduce and reinforce mathematical concepts.  Engaging children's literature can serve as a catalyst for interactive math tasks that foster curiosity, and promote conceptual understanding.  We'll examine how to select literature that not only captivates young minds but also serves as a springboard for exploring rich mathematical ideas.  Participants will leave equipped with a toolbox of strategies for leveraging children's literature to enhance mathematics instruction, foster a love of learning, and empower students to see the beauty and relevance of mathematics in the world around them.

[Sectional 3 Option 3]

The ABC’s of Defending Your Faith by Dr. Brad Alles [Middle/High School]

Apologetics, or defending the faith, is as easy as ABC: A is for Archaeology, B is for Bible, C is for Christ Jesus…Find out more and get answers to these common questions so your students are always ready to give a reason for the hope they have (1 Peter 3:15)!

[Sectional 3 Option 4]

Student-Centered Instructional Strategies for the Collaborative Classroom by Dr. Adam Paape [Elementary & Secondary Ed]

In this sectional, we delve into a cohesive approach to enhancing teaching strategies. We'll explore effective instruction techniques, the pivotal role of language in the classroom, and innovative strategies for curriculum utilization. Additionally, we'll integrate the latest insights from cognitive science research to enrich your teaching methods. Central to this sectional is the principle of Lutheran wholehearted learning, which underscores the importance of nurturing the whole child—mind, body, and spirit—within a supportive and enriching educational environment.

[Sectional 3 Option 5]

Master’s Class: Teaching Like Jesus (Without the Pressure of Being Jesus) by Dr. Jim Pingel [All Grades]

Jesus said, “you have one instructor, the Christ” (Matthew 23:10). In this session, we will take a deep dive in analyzing the pedagogy and techniques of our Master Teacher and explore ways to apply the His (very) best practices in your teaching and leadership vocations. Along the way, we’ll encourage one another as we confront educational challenges and our own shortcomings. We’ll also take time to laugh and fellowship together as we celebrate the joys of the teaching and leading in our Lutheran schools. Register and enroll in THE Master’s Class today! 😊

[Sectional 3 Option 6]

Partnering with Parents in these Unique Times by Dr. Val Keiper [All Grades]

Working with parents can be one of the most challenging aspects for teachers and administrators especially in the unique educational climate of today.  Understanding the role the school can play in developing positive relationships between home and school may help bridge the partnership gap that is so prevalent today.  Strategies will be shared that can help schools build home/school relationships and together educate each unique creation of God.

[Sectional 4 Option 1]

Nature Journaling with Children by Dr. Amy Lindgren [Early Childhood & Elementary]

If recent years have taught us anything, innovative strategies and whole-child learning are keys for success. Many have rediscovered that spending time in God’s creation is a healthy and meaningful way to learn and connect. Nature journaling is not only an easy way to get outside with our learners, but it is an especially effective way to integrate writing, art, science, and many other subject areas. At this session we will explore the value of nature journals, share practical advice for using nature journals with young children, consider the steps to get started with nature journaling, and brainstorm possibilities for integration and nature journal bookmaking! Join us to discover how nature journaling can facilitate a sense of wonder and curiosity, promote creative thinking, and scaffold inquiry-based observation in young learners!

[Sectional 4 Option 2]

Distressed to De-Stressed: Nurturing Resilience in Students by Dr. Nicole Muth [EC/Elementary/Middle School]

In this session, we'll explore our God-given stress response system, describe how this system works using relatable and child-friendly language, and learn strategies to empower students to recognize and manage their emotions in healthy ways. Central to our discussion is the concept of resilience—a vital trait that helps individuals persevere in the face of change and challenges. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of the stress response system, and practical strategies to support students as they navigate life's ups and downs with confidence and courage. Let's empower the next generation to embrace challenges with faith, resilience, and strength.

[Sectional 4 Option 3]

Book Clubs in the Classroom: Motivating Children of All Ages to Pick Up a Book and Read by Dr. Val Keiper [Elementary/Middle School]

Somewhere along the way children lose the excitement books can bring in their daily life. Using book clubs in the classroom empowers young readers to increasingly engage in the reading process and move beyond the “I hate to read” moments we hear too often in our classrooms. The Book Club strategy will be explored in depth as well as a book sharing free for all looking at a variety of appropriate texts for classroom use.

[Sectional 4 Option 4]

Clarity & Care for Gender Confusion by Dr. Brad Alles [All Grades]

Gender issues are everywhere in this post-Christian culture, creating confusion and chaos.  There is much information on gender dysphoria, or the distress caused by misalignment of body and mind.  This sectional provides a biblical perspective as well as clarity in caring for children.

[Sectional 4 Option 5]

Dynamic Assessment Techniques for Student Empowerment by Dr. Adam Paape [Elementary & Secondary Ed]

Join us as we focus on cutting-edge assessment strategies designed to empower students and enhance learning outcomes. This sectional covers the essentials of formative assessment, emphasizing its role in providing continuous feedback, and summative assessment, which measures student progress effectively. We also highlight the significance of offering students choices in their learning journeys. Throughout, we emphasize Lutheran wholehearted learning, promoting a holistic approach to education that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit in a supportive and engaging classroom environment.

[Sectional 4 Option 6]

Leading the Lukewarm and Supervising the Subpar by Dr. Jim Pingel [Administrators, Coaches]

Supervising rock star teachers is easy. Firing personnel who commit crimes, or blatantly teach false doctrine, is easy to execute. But what about individuals who do just enough to get by but eschew the mission? Or those “nice” folks who love the Lord but can’t effectively teach? Come for some practical tips, techniques, and tactics on how to become a better leader and supervisor for all spectrums of teachers.

[Bio - Dr. Brad Alles]

Dr. Brad Alles is an Associate Professor of Education at Concordia University Wisconsin, and in his 37th year of teaching. He has won the Concordia Nebraska Outstanding Student Teacher Award, the Milwaukee Lutheran HS/Heartland Funds Teacher of Merit Award, the South Wisconsin District Teacher of the Year Award, and the CUW Master Educator Award. Besides speaking nationally in 25 states, Brad has two books: Life’s Big Questions, God’s Big Answers and Starting at the End. He also has a DVD called Big Questions, Biblical Answers which is also available on Vimeo. You can visit his website which focuses on apologetics and worldviews at bradalles.com.

[Bio - Cassie Beltz]

Cassie Beltz, LMHC, has been a licensed counselor since 2007. She has experience working with children and adolescents, families and couples. Cassie’s area of expertise are primarily

depression and anxiety, trauma, and gender concerns. She leads a special project for Lutheran Family Service, “Male and Female He Created Them: Creation and Identity”. The aim of the project is to help equip LCMS pastors, churches, teachers, parents, and children to better understand our Christian identity and how to rightly use that identity as we engage the world in our daily lives. Cassie hopes to help others to learn to rejoice in their Christian identity and be a beacon of peace and hope to those who struggle in this area.

[Bio - Brenda Bernard]

Brenda Bernard is the Preschool Director at Sioux Falls Lutheran School. Prior to serving at Sioux Falls Lutheran School, she worked in the field of special education with Sioux Falls Public Schools for 10 years as a teacher and 17 years as early childhood administrator and director of elementary special education programs. Her professional focus has been on the diagnosis of and developing programs to support children with behavioral disorders and autism including certification as a Boys Town Well-Managed School and Specialized Schools trainer. 

[Bio - Lindy Hinckley]

Lindy Hinckley, tLMHC, is one of the counseling team members now available to serve and support you, your students, and their families facing mental health or relationship challenges in South Dakota through Lutheran Family Service. Lindy has experience in schools and mental health clinics helping individuals and families with a wide variety of emotional, mental, and developmental concerns. She and her husband, Pastor Robert Hinckley, are also the parents of special needs children, giving her additional insight into the challenges described in this presentation. 

Lutheran Family Service, a Recognized Service Organization of our LCMS in the South Dakota District, is now providing mental health and marriage/family counseling consistent with our faith through an in-person offices in Sioux Falls and Deadwood, and all other locations in South Dakota through telehealth. Call (605) 271-1081 for an appointment or learn more at www.LutheranFamilyService.org. 

[Bio - Dr. Val Keiper]

Dr. Val Keiper is a Professor of Education and long-time educator at CUW. With a Master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, and Ph.D. from the University of Missouri – Columbia, he was integral in developing both the Early Childhood program and the Graduate Family Life program at CUW. He has worked hard to develop the private children’s/adolescent literature collection at the university of over 5000 books. He recently began overseeing an extension of the Family Life program in China. He has also had a hand in the development of the baseball program at the university.

[Bio - Amy Klein]

Amy Klein is an Accredited Financial Counselor and Financial Educator at Concordia Plans, where she supports LCMS church workers in improving their overall financial health so that they are in a better position to serve in their ministries and share the Gospel.  Before joining Concordia Plans, Amy served as a business and personal finance teacher at Lutheran high schools in New York, Michigan, and Missouri.  She is a graduate of Concordia University Wisconsin.

[Bio - Dr. Amy Lindgren]

Dr. Amy Lindgren is an Associate Professor of Education and the Early Childhood Department Chair at Concordia University Wisconsin. She received her B.A. in Elementary Education with an emphasis on science and her M.S. in Early Childhood Education from Concordia University Wisconsin. Prior to her call to higher education, Amy taught middle school, preschool, and kindergarten for fifteen years in Lutheran schools in both Ohio and Wisconsin. She completed a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership with an emphasis on Early Childhood Education from Concordia University Chicago. Her dissertation is entitled: The Development of Teacher Agency in Nature Preschools: Perceptions of Teachers and Directors. Amy has served at CUW since 2011 and teaches most of the upper division coursework in the Early Childhood Education Department including: Creativity in Early Childhood, DAP Curriculum and Methods of Early Childhood, Math Methods for Early Childhood, Science and Environment in Early Childhood, Health, Safety, and Wellness for Young Children, and Early Childhood Practicum. Additionally, Amy teaches Elementary methods coursework in Science and Social Studies. She can be reached at amy.lindgren@cuw.edu.

[Bio - Katie Mlnarik ]

Mrs. Katie Mlnarik is a dedicated teacher with 15 years of experience in Third Grade and a focus on conflict reconciliation. She enjoys helping students navigate disagreements by making connections with Biblical principles, using a variety of resources and strategies. Her approach aims to foster reconciliation and build stronger relationships, drawing from God's word to support student growth in the relationships with those around them.

[Bio - Dr. Nicole Muth]

Dr. Nicole Muth is the Elementary Education Department Chair and a Professor of Education and Mathematics at Concordia University Wisconsin.  In addition to teaching courses in mathematics education for the last 18 years, she directs our Compassion Care Certificate and works with our Comfort Dog, Runner.  Her research interests include mathematics education, student mental health and wellness, and teacher preparation.   

[Bio - Marli Ockander]

Miss Ockander has been teaching middle school students for over 20 years. She has seen Biblical Peacemaking at work in her own life and considers it useful as a Christian who is continually being sanctified by Christ. These peacemaking approaches to conflict help her glorify God and point others to His saving grace. What an awesome opportunity she has to share these messages with her students regularly!

[Bio - Dr. Adam Paape]

Dr. Adam Paape is the Assistant Dean in the School of Education, focusing on initial teacher licensure. He joined the Concordia faculty in 2010. Before Concordia, Dr. Paape taught mathematics and theology at Sheboygan Lutheran High School and served at Ridgefield High School in Ridgefield, Washington. His instructional focus is on mathematics education and mentoring future teachers. His research centers on student-centered mathematics instruction, emphasizing the implementation of rich, conceptual mathematical tasks. Additionally, his research aims to enhance the persistence and retention of non-traditional teacher candidates in online teacher preparation programs.

[Bio - Dr. Jim Pingel]

Dr. Jim Pingel currently serves as the School of Education Dean for Concordia University (Mequon and Ann Arbor). As an active member of ALSS (Association of Lutheran Secondary Schools), he also advises and does consulting work for many Lutheran schools across the country. He has published books on Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Christian leadership and education, Coaching, and the future of Christian education. Pingel previously served as Executive Director at Sheboygan Area Lutheran High School (Sheboygan, WI, 2004-2013) and as teacher, coach, Dean of Students, and Executive Director at Mayer Lutheran High School (Mayer, MN, 1994-2004). Dr. Pingel can be reached at james.pingel@cuw.edu. 

[Bio - Liz Slavens]

 Liz Slavens is the Director of Curriculum and Teacher Development at Sioux Falls Lutheran School. She has taught Middle School and High School English for 20 years. Her husband is a Pastor at Memorial Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, and they have six children- one in college, and the other five attend SFLS.

[Bio - Sarah Vining]

Sarah Vining, MSW, CSW-PIP, QMHP, founder of Worthy Well Empowered LLC (Worthy WE), is an Assistant Professor and BSW Field Director at Augustana University.  As a social worker, she has worked with at-risk youth throughout her social work career.  She is passionate about sharing mental wellness skills through practical applications that we can all use in our every-day lives.  This passion led her to become a certified teacher in the Community Resiliency Model (CRM) in 2020 and Sarah loves to share this model, utilizing it with her students, families, in professional workshops, and with herself and her own family.  Sarah resides in Sioux Falls with her husband and two children.  More information about Sarah and the Community Resiliency Model can be found here.