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Vocabulary as an Instructional Tool
Vocabulary as an Instructional Tool
Beth Buchanan
PLN #1-May 2, 2026-Thorne Bay School
9:00 am -3:00 pm (lunch break at noon)
This professional development day offers an opportunity to transform vocabulary instruction by making word-building a core, vibrant part of daily teaching. Rather than a traditional lecture, this participatory, fun, and active workshop focuses on high engagement and practical application. Participants explore methods to help students dismantle and reconstruct complex words to unlock deeper meaning and expand expressive lexicons.
Every strategy shared is firmly grounded in the Science of Reading and backed by extensive research into how the brain acquires and retains new language. Attendees gain a practical toolkit of easy-to-implement routines that require little to no preparation, allowing high-impact vocabulary instruction to be integrated into the classroom immediately. This session bridges the gap between research and practice through collaborative, hands-on learning.
Reading Comprehension
Beth Buchanan
PLN #2-May 25, 2026-Virtual
9:00 am -3:00 pm (lunch break at noon)
Explore effective techniques to help students dive deeper into their reading. This professional development session provides educators with evidence-based strategies to revolutionize reading comprehension instruction. Designed as a collaborative and engaging experience, the workshop moves beyond traditional methods to introduce innovative techniques that foster deeper student connection with text. Participants engage in hands-on activities that demonstrate how to transform standard lessons into dynamic, thought-provoking classroom experiences.
The curriculum is firmly grounded in current literacy research, ensuring that every approach is effective and academically sound. Attendees explore practical, high-engagement models that bridge the gap between theory and daily practice. By the conclusion of the session, educators possess a refined set of tools to boost student understanding, critical thinking, and overall achievement in literacy.
Using Primary Sources
Using Primary Sources
August 8, 2026 -Location TBA
Discover how to bring history to life using authentic documents and artifacts
PLN #3 -August 8th-In Person-Location TBA
This professional development session provides educators with powerful reading strategies designed to help students master the analysis of primary sources. Suitable for both Social Studies and English Language Arts across all grade levels, the workshop focuses on transforming complex historical documents and original texts into accessible, engaging learning tools. Participants explore specific instructional frameworks that guide students through the process of inquiry, evidence gathering, and critical thinking.
As a participatory, hands-on workshop, the session prioritizes active learning and collaborative practice. Attendees gain direct access to curated online resources for efficiently locating and utilizing high-quality primary sources in daily instruction. By bridging the gap between archival material and classroom application, this session equips educators with the practical skills needed to foster deeper student engagement and a more nuanced understanding of the world.
Kagan Cooperative Learning
PLN #4 TBA
This workshop introduces educators to Kagan Cooperative Learning, a world-renowned instructional model developed by Dr. Spencer Kagan that replaces traditional "whole-class" lecturing with high-engagement instructional strategies known as Kagan Structures. Unlike standard group work, where one student might dominate the task, Kagan utilizes the PIES principles—Positive Interdependence, Individual Accountability, Equal Participation, and Simultaneous Interaction—to ensure that every student is active, responsible, and engaged at the same moment. By attending this workshop, you will gain "ready-to-use-tomorrow" tools designed to boost academic achievement, improve classroom management, and foster essential social-emotional skills across all grade levels.
Beth Buchanan
Beth Buchanan
Beth Buchanan has dedicated nearly three decades to supporting youth, drawing on her extensive experience as a former teacher, administrator, and coach. Her work is grounded in an extensive academic background, as she holds degrees in secondary education, curriculum and instruction, and leadership education.
Currently, Beth serves as the lead professional development provider for the United program. In this role, she applies her diverse expertise to design engaging, interactive workshops that provide teachers with practical strategies and meaningful support for their professional growth.
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