Professional Development

Educational Technology

MACUL 2025 (March 2025)

As part of the Oakland Schools AI Collective, I attended the 2025 MACUL (Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning) Conference. Throughout the event, I participated in a range of sessions. These included Advancing Equity Through AI – Tackling Social Studies & Science Inquiry Lessons, Computational Thinking Strategies Across the Curriculum, Newsela, Curipod – Curiously Simple Planning and Engagement, LEGO Career Exploration, Computational Thinking & PBL, and Let’s Get Ethical: The Intersection of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Citizenship, and Computer Science. This experience enhanced my ability to weave technology, equity, and inquiry-based learning into my classroom while promoting the intentional, ethical, and human-centered use of technology in education.

Magic School AI (September 2025)

I attended a MagicSchool AI Level 2 professional development session to learn how to use MagicSchool more effectively to support my instruction and introduce it to my students. I practiced customizing and saving prompts, explored features like MagicStudent, and learned strategies for making classroom tasks smoother while enhancing student learning.

IXL (November 2024)

I attended an IXL refresher training where I learned how to more effectively use IXL’s analytics and diagnostic testing to guide instruction. The session covered key topics such as navigating “My IXL,” assigning skills, using Smart Scores, pinning skills to plans, and analyzing quizzes and assessments. I explored features like diagnostic strand analysis, student usage reports, score grids, and progress tracking to better identify trouble spots and support student growth.

Gifted Education

Increasing Student Engagement with Brian Housand (May 2025)

I participated in a virtual professional development session titled Increasing Student Engagement with Brian Housand. The session explored activities to engage students meaningfully, with a focus on strategies for gifted learners. I learned how to use tools like hexagonal thinking to help students make connections, think critically, and creatively produce content rather than passively consume it.

Differentiation for Gifted Learners by Diane Heacox and Richard M. Cash (Summer 2024)

I independently studied Differentiation for Gifted Learners by Diane Heacox and Richard M. Cash to further my understanding of gifted students. The book deepened my knowledge of strategies to meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of gifted learners.

Classroom Management

New Teacher Induction Program (NTIP) with Oakland County Schools (2024-Current)

I participate in Oakland County Schools’ New Teacher Induction Program, which is designed to equip new teachers with the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and avoid burnout. Through the program, I learned effective classroom management strategies, assessment techniques, and teaching practices that support all students, including tips for working with special education and ESL learners. I also gained strategies to sustain my mental health while maintaining a positive and productive classroom environment.

The Joyful Teacher with Berit Gordon (February 2025)

Through Oakland County’s New Teacher Induction Program, I participated in a book study of The Joyful Teacher by Berit Gordon and attended a live session where she explored the content more deeply. This experience helped me reflect on classroom management strategies and ways to create a positive, joyful learning environment. I gained practical tools to foster student engagement, maintain routines, and support a classroom culture that encourages both learning and well-being for myself and my students.

Thriving Teachers, Thriving Students with Dr. Amy Hawtin and Dr. Steven Snead (January 2025)

This PD focused on classroom management and navigating the everyday challenges of teaching. The session encouraged us to start by taking care of ourselves as teachers, by building self-awareness, and staying regulated when student behaviors get challenging. Students deserve a regulated adult, and teachers deserve to feel good while doing their job. I learned practical ways to create a positive classroom environment and handle disruptions. After the PD, I started a routine in my classroom called “Good Things”, where we kick off the week by having students share one positive thing happening in their lives. It’s been a great way to build community and start the week on a positive note.

Content-Based

Strategic Intervention Solutions Math (Multiple Sessions in 2024-2025)

In two sessions with Strategic Intervention Solutions Math PD, I learned strategies for Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC), where students are encouraged to actively engage, reason, and communicate their mathematical thinking. We explored techniques like number talks, rich math tasks, and collaborative problem-solving activities that promote critical thinking and discussion, providing meaningful ways to challenge and enrich my gifted learners. In the second session a representative came to my classroom to demonstrate BTC using Wipebooks.

Foss Pathways (October 2024)

I attended a professional development session on the FOSS Pathways science curriculum, where I learned how to lead an inquiry-based science talk and introduce vocabulary wall cards to support student learning. We also explored how to set up interactive notebooks in a way that encourages students to take ownership of their learning, giving them a hands-on, organized space to engage with and reflect on the science content.

📸the MACUL 2025 Keynote

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