This session will explore inclusive, proficiency-focused strategies that support diverse learners in reaching the Seal of Biliteracy. World language educators play a critical role in helping provide access and instruction to help students achieve biliteracy. Participants will learn how to implement differentiated instruction, scaffolding techniques, and immersive language experiences to meet varying proficiency levels. Attendees will also discuss the use of authentic cultural materials, real-world communication tasks, and language practice opportunities beyond the classroom, such as clubs and exchange programs. Additionally, attendees will gain insights into using formative assessments and personalized feedback to guide students toward proficiency while fostering a growth mindset. Join us to discover practical approaches for creating an engaging and supportive classroom that empowers all students on their path to biliteracy.
The Question Formulation Technique (QFT) was created by the Right Question Institute with the goal of building students' curiosity about the world and providing them the opportunity to ask questions. Attendees will experience the QFT process and discover ways to bring the QFT back to their classroom and further promote curiosity.
Communicating with parents can feel like shouting through a bullhorn—loud, one-sided, and often lost in the noise. Today, we have the opportunity to trade that bullhorn for a smartphone, utilizing ParentSquare to foster meaningful, two-way communication. This professional development session will equip educators with the skills to leverage ParentSquare, transforming how we connect with families and engage them in their children’s education.
Join us for an inspiring session where members of a Student Library Advisory panel will share firsthand experiences in leveraging student input to design engaging events and initiatives that resonate with peers. Discover how young leaders have transformed ideas into impactful opportunities for student involvement within the library. Participants will leave with a wealth of creative ideas for community-building events, specifically tailored for middle school and high school libraries, to foster a vibrant and inclusive environment for all students.
Educators will explore strategies to create engaging and impactful learning experiences that resonate with students long after they leave the classroom. The session will cover various methods to incorporate storytelling, hands-on activities, and emotional connections into lesson plans. By focusing on students' emotional engagement and personal connections to the material, teachers can create enduring memories that enhance learning. This session will equip educators with the tools needed to inspire students and help them retain knowledge in a meaningful way. Ultimately, the goal is to transform everyday lessons into extraordinary experiences that contribute to students' growth and development.
In this session, we will dive into Tier 1 positive behavior supports to set our students up for success. During this session, attendees will identify and discuss the key components of Tier 1 behavior supports and how to effectively implement each in the classroom setting. Attendees will leave with an understanding of Tier 1 behavior strategies and progress monitoring to foster a positive learning environment for all students.
This session will engage participants in an analysis of the parallel between classroom instruction and athletic coaching. We will examine the practices of championship coaches and athletes and compare those to teacher and student practices in successful academic arenas.
Holly Pond High School is in a completely different place than it was just a few short years ago. Our community did not feel welcomed, long standing traditions were being removed, and there was not a sense of pride in our brand anymore. With hard work and dedication our team at HPHS have turned the ship a complete 180 and now community involvement, traditions, and a undeniable brand are now strong points within our school. Our story is not isolated but will no longer go untold as we unpack the importance of communication and shared ownership when developing a brand and telling your story.
Research has proven that students who feel a sense of belonging in the learning environment will historically perform better then those who do not. That thought, along with a drastic need in improved teacher morale, is what lead us to the steps that we implemented (and are still implementing) in order to give our students the best education possible. Join us as we share our story and show you why everyday is A GREAT DAY TO BE A BRONCO!!
Great leadership is built on resilience and adaptability—the ability to persevere through challenges and embrace change with confidence. This session explores how leaders cultivate these qualities to navigate uncertainty and drive success. Beyond personal strength, leadership also requires collaboration and courage. Participants will discuss how fostering teamwork and taking bold risks are essential to inspiring and empowering others. True leadership is not about going it alone but about lifting others up and creating an environment where innovation and trust thrive. Through engaging discussions, real-world examples, and insight from a recent trip to South Africa, the session will equip attendees with the mindset and tools to lead effectively in a fast-changing world. Its a jungle out there and we are here to give strategies to help navigate it.
Designed for secondary teachers, this session explores the impact of building a positive classroom community and how it fosters student success. Through interactive discussions, participants will examine strategies for creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment that leads to meaningful student outcomes. Insights will be drawn from real-world experiences to illustrate the transformative power of connection in the classroom.
This session highlights the importance of mentoring and peer relationships in fostering teacher development. Participants will discover key strategies for inspiring and supporting one another, promoting excellence through collaborative growth. By empowering educators at every stage of their journey, we can create a nurturing environment where exceptional teachers thrive. Explore partnerships that are essential for equipping educators with the skills, knowledge, and support needed for success in the classroom and beyond. Participants will leave with a variety of options for building teacher capacity from the presenters and participants. Together through mentorship and peer collaboration, we can cultivate a community of supportive, encouraging, collaborative teachers who enjoy coming to work and effectively pour into students from full cups.
An eye opening session about how educators can explore the art of teaching and maximize their craft. This session will help attendees identify effective classroom management strategies for student engagement.
Have you ever been the new person in an organization or school and hoped that there would be someone there to show you the ropes? Come learn how our school has transformed the orientation process from a one-day firehose experience to a year-long immersion program with student leaders! From the recruiting and application process of our student leaders to the planning of our connection activities for all new students, see how one school became the most welcoming school in America!
This presentation will focus on the benefits of hosting a "publishing party" to celebrate student writing. Participants will hear quotes from students about why they enjoy publishing parties, the structure of a publishing party, and how to set up a publishing party.
Join us for an engaging session that dives into the world of executive functioning skills and their crucial impact on student academic performance and behavior. We will explore how deficits in these skills can hinder motivation and success, and identify practical school and non-school activities to help improve executive functioning.
In the second part of the presentation, discover the transformative potential of Neurofeedback, a state-of-the-art, non-invasive method for training the brain to function more effectively. Participants will learn how brain waves affect daily tasks and how Neurofeedback can optimize these brain activities for better self-regulation and achievement.
Communication with colleagues, parents, students, and communities at large is crucial to school success, yet the modes of communication have become so vast and so easy that true communication has become diluted, and may even be considered a lost art. Even though there are thousands of ways an educator can communicate, have you ever wondered what the pillars of effective communication are? Come join this session to learn about and brainstorm how educators can communicate in ways that bring out the best in others. We’ll look at case studies, talk through “bedside manner,” and also analyze strategies from some of the best communicators.
In this session, participants will explore practical strategies for fostering positive and effective communication with parents. Through real-life examples, this session will cover email templates, tips for phone conversations, and best practices for initiating open, respectful dialogues. Attendees will leave equipped with actionable tools to enhance their parent interactions and strengthen school-home partnerships.
Presenters will describe their class's school business "Spartan Sips" using a slideshow, video, and social media- including how to start, what you'll need, and benefits to the students and school. Presenters will then have a question and answer session for specific questions and concerns. Lastly, attendees will be given time to preplan using the presenters and fellow attendees as resources.
Do your students bathe in the awkward silence of open-ended questions? Are discussions tepid, boring, dull? In this presentation, participants will learn how to use the 16 Desires Theory of American psychologist Steven Reiss to have better classroom discussions, write better papers, and even understand their students and themselves a little better. Why did Nemo touch the "butt?" Was he motivated by acceptance? Independence? Vengeance? And why did Marlin so strongly object? How can an understanding of this theory provide a framework for better discussions of conflict whether that conflict lies between the pages of a novel or in the cafeteria of a middle school?
Have you ever wondered why it's so easy to work with some coworkers, but so difficult to work with others? The Enneagram is a personality model that is broken up into 9 different personality types. In this session, participants will take the Enneagram personality test, discuss the 9 different personality types, look into how/why the different personalities work well together in the work field and how/why they might clash or struggle to work well at other times. Participants will spend time digging deeper into strategies that help build a positive working environment and a strong/collaborative community!
Fostering a thriving culture requires a strategic blend of instructional intelligence—effective teaching strategies, data-driven decision-making, and inclusive pedagogy—and socioemotional intelligence—self-awareness, empathy, relationship-building, and emotional regulation. When these elements work together, they create an environment where individuals feel engaged and supported, leading to improved learning outcomes and overall well-being. This presentation explores practical strategies for integrating both forms of intelligence, emphasizing leadership modeling, professional development, and reflective practices. By prioritizing both instructional effectiveness and emotional well-being, organizations can cultivate a sustainable, high-performing culture that empowers individuals to grow and succeed.
National Board Certification can be an overwhelming process without the right support and planning. Our panel features teachers who are in the middle of their journey and who have been certified for years. Join us for a panel discussion where we will provide tips for beginning certification, surviving the journey, finding support, weighing the benefits, and connecting with other NBCTs.
Who has time to read both personal and professional development books? Paul does. In this session, Paul will share three take aways from three books that you can use today to effect change to your classroom culture. He reads the books so you don't have to. Unless you want to.
During this session, educators will learn about current trends in legal, synthetic, and recreational drugs for sale in gas stations. Participants will learn about the dangerous side effects of these drugs. Examples of various concealments and stash compartment items and text message emojis will be shown. This presentation will also include descriptions on how to educate youth to recognize the deceitful and misleading product descriptions. Understanding that just because something is “legal” DOES NOT mean it is “safe”. Participants will be shown pictures of mislabeled, youth targeted advertisements to increase awareness. A variety of local and national resources for support and help will be provided.
