Facilitator: Kathy Neufer, PMS Math
Resources
Using data to inform instruction, develop interventions and supports, and to develop paths forward for students is valuable, yet becomes stronger when students are involved in the conversations and the process. This session focuses on ways to engage students in discussions about their learning and to empower students to advocate for themselves and their needs.
Facilitator: Cynda Wood, GALE
Resources: Contact Kristen Barnello
Discover how leveraging GALE's rich resources can empower educators to cultivate critical thinking skills and foster deep curiosity among students.
Facilitators: Charlie Hutchison & Steve Kernaghan, HHS Social Studies
Resources
Learn how Spider-Web Discussions can cultivate deeper student learning by fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and active engagement.
Facilitator: Sarita Brown-Mitchell, FMS Math
Resources
Multilingual learners have many assets that expand learning opportunities for themselves and others. This session will focus on developing strategies and supports that meet the needs of multilingual learners while amplifying their existing skills and competencies.
Facilitator: Chris Cromwell, Instructional Technology Coordinator
Unlock the power of inclusivity in your classroom with this session. You will learn how to harness tools like Collect Highlights, Audio Maker, Simplify, and Picture Dictionary to cater to diverse learning needs, ensuring every student feels empowered and supported. Enhance your instructional materials to promote accessibility, engagement, and academic success for all learners.
Facilitator: ITC
Room: B102
Join us for Canva 101, where you'll learn everything from the basics—like opening the editor and customizing templates—to advanced skills such as editing multimedia and collaborating on designs. Elevate your design game and unleash your creativity with Canva's powerful tools.
Facilitator: Self-facilitated
Room: A113
In this session, educators will have the opportunity to explore digital platforms to support their in-person instruction. Curriculum Supervisors and ITCs will provide targeted lists to guide this exploration. Please note that you may only participate in this session once per conference day.
Click here to access the digital tools.
Facilitator: Chelsea McGovern, EHS Social Studies
Resources
This session is designed to equip teachers with the skills to use Google Slides and Canva to create engaging and welcoming classroom environments. Participants will learn how to design visually appealing presentations and classroom materials that promote a positive and inclusive atmosphere for learning. Through hands-on activities, teachers will explore creative ways to customize their resources for their in-person and digital classrooms, enhancing their ability to connect with and inspire their students. They will also learn about the power of consistent color schemes and their link to student engagement.
Facilitator: Dina Dormer, Secondary STEM Supervisor
Resources
Work life balance is essential to optimal performance and satisfaction in all realms of existence. This session encourages participants to evaluate their status in eight dimensions of wellness: emotional, spiritual, physical, social, financial, occupational, intellectual, and environmental.
Facilitator: Amanda Hale, SMS Social Studies
Resources
In this session, educators will delve into the power of hexagonal thinking, a creative strategy for organizing ideas and fostering critical thinking skills among students. Participants will learn how to integrate this approach seamlessly with Google Slides, leveraging its collaborative features to enhance engagement and facilitate dynamic classroom discussions. Additionally, the session will explore the utility of Diff-it, a tool designed to compare and contrast student-generated hexagonal maps, providing valuable insights into individual and collective understanding.
Facilitator: Cynda Wood, GALE
Resources: Contact Kristen Barnello
Unlock the potential of GALE Accessibility Tools within Schoology in this hands-on session. Explore how integrating these tools can enhance inclusivity, support diverse learners, and create a more accessible learning environment for all students.
Facilitators: Theresa Phethean (EHS Instructional Coach) & Caitlin McFadden (RHS Reading Specialist)
Room: A102
Participants in the The Knowledge Gap Book Study have the opportunity to come together to discuss in person The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America's Broken Education System--and How to Fix it by Natalie Wexler. This session will provide a chance for participants to have a more in-depth conversation of the ideas presented in the book and to collaboratively discuss the path forward.
Facilitator: Laura Fredd-Maxwell, HHS Instructional Coach
Session Resources
Providing enrichment, remediation and support to students has never been easier with Diff-it. Learn how to use Diff-it to meet the needs of the learners in every level and to leverage this AI software to create meaningful and targeted instruction.
Facilitator: Chris Cromwell, Instructional Technology Coordinator
In this session, educators will delve into the art of designing engaging prompts for AI-driven tasks. Participants will learn strategies to construct clear, stimulating prompts that encourage critical thinking and creativity in students. We will also discuss how to evaluate your student's use of these prompting strategies.
Facilitator: Jordan Fleming
Room: B102
Discover how Canva can help you prepare for the upcoming year and engage your students like never before. Explore a range of features designed to make your life easier, including suggested activity cards to ensure you have your best school year yet! Don't miss this opportunity to get ahead during this busy time of year.
Facilitator: Self-facilitated
Room: A113
In this session, educators will have the opportunity to explore digital platforms to support their in-person instruction. Curriculum Supervisors and ITCs will provide targeted lists to guide this exploration. Please note that you may only participate in this session once per conference day.
Click here to access the digital tools.
Please join us in the Expo Hall to meet different vendors and explore their products.
Facilitator: Loralynne Yost, PMS Social Studies
Session Resources
Researchers have found that the effects of trauma hurt the lives of students. Educators can play a key role in the success of students who have experienced trauma by using trauma-informed educational practices. Teachers will gain a better understanding of the effects of trauma and how it manifests in the classroom. Teachers will also learn to employ trauma-informed practices to create meaningful connections and promote student success.
Facilitators: Theresa Phethean (EHS Instructional Coach) & Caitlin McFadden (RHS Reading Specialist)
Room: A102
Supporting our readers of all levels in literacy has never been more important than it is now. This session will focus on ways to provide structure to before, during and after reading activities in a way that promotes structured literacy and allows for student centered learning.
Facilitators: Chris Cromwell (Instructional Technology Coordinators) & Alex Fad (SMS Family & Consumer Sciences)
This session will equip teachers with the essential considerations for integrating artificial intelligence into their teaching practices. Participants will explore the ethical, pedagogical, and practical implications of AI, ensuring its effective and responsible use. The perspective of an AI-hesitant teacher's journey will be shared to integrate into the broader discussion of AI use in education.
Facilitator: Kolby Gonzalez, PMS Social Studies
Session Resources
This professional development workshop focuses on leveraging MagicSchool and SchoolAI to create dynamic and effective learning environments. Teachers will learn how to use these platforms to design engaging lesson plans and activities that cater to diverse learning styles and needs. By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with the skills to enhance student engagement and academic achievement through innovative AI-driven educational tools.
Facilitator: Self-facilitated
Room: A113
In this session, educators will have the opportunity to explore digital platforms to support their in-person instruction. Curriculum Supervisors and ITCs will provide targeted lists to guide this exploration. Please note that you may only participate in this session once per conference day.
Click here to access the digital tools.
Facilitators: Lisa Replogle, HHS Special Education
Session Resources
This professional development will target both general and special education teachers in grades K-12. The topic of ableism will be defined for the participants and discussion will occur regarding what it means to be ableist. Participants will learn about ableist microaggressions that may occur within the school community and discuss some of the most common demonstrations of ableist behavior. We will also focus on how participants can work towards shifting their own mindset and language to embrace students of all abilities.
Facilitator: Laura Fredd-Maxwell, HHS Instructional Coach
Session Resources
Based on the work of Peter Liljedahl, "Building Thinking Classrooms" strategies promote reasoning and critical thinking. This session focuses on establishing an environment that allows for productive struggle and on creating opportunities for student-centered learning. Participants will learn how to develop learning experiences that place students at the helm.
Facilitator: Kolby Gonzalez, PMS Social Studies
Session Resources
In this session, you'll learn to create dynamic digital portfolios to track and showcase student progress. This hands-on session will guide you through setting up and using Google Sites to document, assess, and reflect on student learning across various assignments, topics, or subjects. Enhance your assessment strategies with practical tips and tools to visualize and support student growth effectively.
Facilitators: Michelle West , Suzanne Brady (EHS ELD), and Ashlyn Dorman
Room:A107
ELLevations for teachers! Come explore ELLevations for classroom teachers and learn how you can easily access information on your ELs. Plus, learn how to use Diff-it to adjust the reading level of your assignments to meet your students at their levels. We will share tips that we have learned to quickly differentiate your assignments!
Facilitator: Joelle Listra, PMS Special Education
Room: A108
This PD will review relevant special education topics specific to general education teachers. The topics include (but are not limited to) specially designed instruction, reading levels, teacher input forms, roles during IEP meetings, and resources. This PD is geared towards any new teachers, those wanting an IEP refresher, or anyone wanting to know other ways to support students with an IEP in their class.
Facilitator: Chelsea McGovern, EHS Social Studies
This session provides an overview of AI tools like Chat GPT, Diffit, Perplexity, Canva Magic Studio, and Magic School AI used across WCASD. Learn how these technologies enhance student engagement and teaching strategies through demonstration. This session will provide insights into integrating AI into classroom and administrative practices, boosting creativity and efficiency.
Facilitator: ITC
Room: B102
Are you ready to take your classroom projects to the next level? Join us for an exciting session where you'll discover Canva's multimedia tools. Learn how students can create engaging videos, easy green screen projects, podcasts, book trailers, digital stories, news broadcasts, and so much more! Don't miss this opportunity to unleash your students' creativity and make learning unforgettable.
Facilitator: Self-facilitated
Room: TBD
In this session, educators will have the opportunity to explore digital platforms to support their in-person instruction. Curriculum Supervisors and ITCs will provide targeted lists to guide this exploration. Please note that you may only participate in this session once per conference day.
Click here to access the digital tools.
Don't forget to complete the survey in My Learning Plan to earn your Act 48 and FLEX time!