Kim Bearden
Biography
Kim Bearden is the cofounder, executive director, and language arts teacher at the highly acclaimed Ron Clark Academy, an innovative middle school and educator-training facility in Atlanta. More than 115,000 educators from around the world have visited Kim's classroom and have attended her workshops to learn better ways to engage students, promote academic excellence, build relationships, and create a climate and culture for success.
Throughout her career, Kim has received numerous accolades, such as being inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame. She was chosen from over 70,000 nominations to be honored as the Disney American Teacher Awards Outstanding Humanities Teacher, and the Milken Family Foundation selected her to receive the Award for Excellence in Education. She is the winner of the InfluencHer Award, the University of Georgia Outstanding Educator Award, and the Turknett Character Award for Servant Leadership. Mercedes-Benz recognized her in their Greatness Lives Here campaign, and Women Works Media Group has named her one of Georgia's Most Powerful and Influential Women.
Over the past thirty-six years, she has been a teacher, instructional lead teacher, curriculum director, school board member, staff development trainer, and middle-school principal. Kim is also a wife, mom, and bestselling author of three books: Crash Course, Talk to Me, and Fight Song: Six Steps to Passion, Power, Peace, and Purpose.
Dr. Marcia Tate
Biography
Marcia L. Tate, EdD, is the former Executive Director of Professional Development for the DeKalb County School System, Decatur, Georgia. During her 30-year career with the district, she has been a classroom teacher, reading specialist, language arts coordinator, and staff development executive director. She received the 2001 Distinguished Staff Developer Award for the State of Georgia, and her department was chosen to receive the Exemplary Program Award for the state.
Marcia is currently an educational consultant and has taught over 450,000 administrators, teachers, parents, and business and community leaders throughout the world. She is the author of the following eight best-sellers:
(1) Worksheets Don’t Grow Dendrites: 20 Instructional Strategies that Engage the Brain – (3rd Ed.).
(2) “Sit & Get” Won’t Grow Dendrites: 20 Professional Learning Strategies that Engage the Adult Brain – (2nd Ed.);
(3) Reading and Language Arts Worksheets Don’t Grow Dendrites: 20 Literacy Strategies that Engage the Brain – (2nd Ed.).
(4) Shouting Won’t Grow Dendrites: 20 Techniques to Detour Around the Danger Zones – (2nd Ed.);
(5) Mathematics Worksheets Don’t Grow Dendrites – 20 Numeracy Strategies That Engage the Brain and
(6) Preparing Children for Success in School and Life: 20 Ways to Increase Your Child’s Brain Power.
(7) Science Worksheets Don’t Grow Dendrites: 20 Instructional Strategies That Engage the Brain.
(8) Social Studies Worksheets Don’t Grow Dendrites: 20 Instructional Strategies That Engage the Brain.
Participants in her workshops refer to them as the best ones they have ever experienced since Marcia uses the 20 strategies outlined in her books to actively engage her audiences.
Andre Daughty
Biography
Our conference will commence with an inspirational keynote speaker who will motivate and uplift us, emphasizing the pivotal role that culture plays in shaping our classroom environments.
Andre Daughty is a highly acclaimed keynote speaker known for his expertise in transforming education and inspiring positive change. With nearly two decades of experience in the field, Andre has made a significant impact as an educational technology instructor, consultant, and workshop presenter. He is recognized for his ability to captivate audiences with his dynamic speaking style and thought-provoking insights.
Andre's passion for education is evident in his achievements. He has successfully differentiated curriculum and projects based on students' interests, leading to improved engagement and outcomes. As a dedicated educator, Andre has taught in challenging environments, including a classroom with 70 students, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to providing quality education.
Andre's contributions extend beyond the classroom as he actively shares his knowledge and experiences through keynote presentations. Audiences are inspired by his uplifting true stories, which highlight his journey and the pivotal moments that shaped his philosophy of education. His talks leave a lasting impression, evoking laughter, tears, and a profound sense of purpose.
**See below for more information about Andre's special session:
The Reel Lesson Within
Violet Jimenez-Sims, Ed.D.
Violet Jimenez-Sims, Ed.D.
Violet Jimenez-Sims, Ed.D.
Session Title: Resisting Deficit Ideology: Centering Equity to Transform Education for Diverse and Multilingual Learners
In this workshop, we will engage in whole group and small group discussions and activities. The presenter will facilitate a session in which participants consider the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse students and multilingual learners, contextualized in how perceptions and ideologies impact U.S. and local policy. We will examine historical context and review examples of how multilingualism and multiculturalism have been viewed and legislated depending on who benefits from bilingualism/multilingualism. Within this context, we will ask critical questions and discuss how centering equity and implementing programs grounded in research and best practice can support equitable outcomes for multilingual learners.
Session Objectives:
- Understand what fuels deficit views/ideology by examining the historical and political context concerning culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) learners/ emergent bilinguals and bilingual/multilingual education.
- Explore critical questions for centering equity and implementing best practices that support equitable outcomes for culturally and linguistically diverse students and multilingual learners.
Patrice Cannon, M.Ed.
Violet Jimenez-Sims, Ed.D.
Violet Jimenez-Sims, Ed.D.
Session Title: What's Your Procedure for That?
Join us in "What's Your Procedure for That?" as we embark on a journey to enhance classroom management, empowering teachers to create an environment where students can thrive and learn with confidence.
In this session, teachers will explore the art of designing purposeful morning engagements, setting the tone for a positive and focused learning environment. Learn how to create routines that seamlessly transition students into the academic day, fostering a sense of readiness and engagement.
Session Objectives:
- Explore strategies to seamlessly transition students into the learning mindset from the moment they enter the classroom.
- Provide techniques for managing materials, instructions, and student movements to minimize disruptions and maximize instructional time.
- Assist teachers in creating organized and consistent dismissal routines that ensure a safe and orderly end to the school day.
- Offer communication strategies for maintaining a collaborative relationship with students, parents, and school staff during the dismissal process.
Derrick Sier, M.A.
Violet Jimenez-Sims, Ed.D.
Derrick Sier, M.A.
Session Title: Hallway Leadership
The Hallways are a great opportunity to engage with students. That engagement can look so many different ways. Come join Katie, an educational professional, and Derrick, a hallway connoisseur, as they tag team ten ideas from their joint-project "Hallway Leadership" which will impact the way you and your colleagues forever look at the students and hallways in your schools.
Derrick has helped organizations recruit and equip mentors, implement and establish mentorship programs, and create safe spaces for mentors and their mentees to connect.
Session Objectives:
- Learn the importance and power of hallway engagement.
- Explore exciting ways to engage students in the school, but outside the classroom.
- Process the impact of hallway engagement on the classroom setting.
Debra Wood, M.Ed.
Deya Jacobs-Adams, B.S.
Derrick Sier, M.A.
Session Title: Real Life Superheroes:
Life-Share Oklahoma Escape Room
Let's test your critical thinking skills and knowledge of the human body and the Life-Share Oklahoma Transplant Donor Services with this breakout box created entirely around the real-life superheroes: ORGAN DONORS.
Not familiar with the experience of conducting a breakout box activity with students? No worries! These boxes will have participants, of all ages and grade levels, wanting to give it a try! You will be guided through the entire process of how to create such clues that can teach any concept! By using clues and strategies, participants are given a mission to find the key to solve the organ donation mystery. Discover how I used a classroom grant from Life-Share Oklahoma to introduce this topic to my students!
Session Objectives:
- Develop teamwork and critical thinking skills through the engaging challenge of "Breakout/escape boxes."
- Foster collaboration among students as they work together to solve a diverse range of puzzles.
- Highlight the interactive and enjoyable nature of breakout boxes, making learning a fun and immersive experience.
- Demonstrate the versatility of breakout boxes, showing their applicability across various subjects and age/grade levels.
Deya Jacobs-Adams, B.S.
Deya Jacobs-Adams, B.S.
Deya Jacobs-Adams, B.S.
Session Title: Classroom Slam Dunk:
A Playbook of Winning Strategies for Teacher Triumph
Step onto the court of education excellence with my dynamic session. Just like championship coaches utilize strategic playbooks to lead their teams to victory, educators can utilize powerful techniques to create a winning classroom/school environment. In this high-energy presentation, I'll explore 12 simple and effective plays that will transform your classroom management game.
Session Objectives:
- Play 1: Relationship Alley-Oop-Learn how to build meaningful connections with your students, fostering an environment of trust and cooperation.
- Play 2: Teamwork Timeouts-Engage in strategic timeouts to explore the essential dynamics of students, teachers, and colleague relationships. Discover how cultivating collaboration within these will enhance classroom management and create a harmonious learning and school environment.
- Play 3: Engagement Slam-Unleash the secrets to keeping your students hooked and actively participating in every lesson.
- Play 4: Discipline Dunk-Master the art of positive and effective discipline techniques that empower rather than discourage and reinforce a positive classroom culture.
Andre Daughty, Keynote
Deya Jacobs-Adams, B.S.
Deya Jacobs-Adams, B.S.
Session Title: The REEL Lesson Within
Movies are a valuable teaching tool from which to draw. Everyone uses movie quotes in pop culture. How can we blend the two to engage our communities in which we serve (students, staff/faculty, organizations). This session provides practical ways to establish and maintain culture using movie clips. This is definitely not a “sit and get” session! Be prepared to have fun as we explore a few movies and extract personal and professional connections.
Session Objectives:
- We will explore at least 4 different movies and how they can be used as teachable moments, then share with participants where they can find the same movie clips and use them in their schools/organizations.
- Participants will take away several sites to find meaningful, inspirational and challenging clips that can help build the culture and teach lessons.
Janet Lee, M.S.
Stephen Cooper, Ed.S.
Ashlee Martin, Ed.S.
Session Title: Always Ask for Help:
How my Guest Speaker Changed my Life
Experience the transformative power of Arnie Stewart's life story in education. From impoverished beginnings to becoming the "Forrest Gump" of literacy, Arnie's journey, as shared by Janet Lee, unveils the real-life impact of illiteracy. Learn how Janet Lee turned this story into a mission for change in education and digital literacy. Discover the behind-the-scenes process of crafting content around a non-fiction story, with insights on planning meaningful course content provided through a practical template. Join this session for a unique perspective on using biography to inspire lasting impact in your teaching.
Session Objectives:
- Explore the transformative influence of genuine stories and their ability to captivate and resonate with audiences on a deep level.
- Learn how to reimagine and reshape educational content by integrating real-life narratives, enhancing engagement and relevance in the learning experience.
- Gain inspiration from the speaker's journey, highlighting the significance of determination and creativity in shaping oral language and individual personas for effective storytelling and communication.
Ashlee Martin, Ed.S.
Stephen Cooper, Ed.S.
Ashlee Martin, Ed.S.
Session Title: Reaching the Reluctant Learner - A Look at the 4 Keys to Reaching, Motivating, and Creating Student Buy-In with Reluctant Learners
Join Ashlee and Stephen for a thorough exploration of reaching reluctant learners. In this session, educators will take an in-depth look at how to reach reluctant learners. Today's classroom presents challenges to locking in learners like never before. It also offers the opportunities and resources to reach higher levels of achievement than any other time in history. It's vital that educators navigate the waters of student motivation and find ways to engage even the most reluctant learners. We will look at the four keys to unlocking student motivation.
Stephen Cooper, Ed.S.
Stephen Cooper, Ed.S.
Stephen Cooper, Ed.S.
Session Title: Reaching the Reluctant Learner - A Look at the 4 Keys to Reaching, Motivating, and Creating Student Buy-In with Reluctant Learners
Session Objectives:
- Acquire actionable ideas for effectively connecting with reluctant learners, ensuring a more engaging and inclusive classroom experience.
- Explore ways to leverage technology as a tool for reaching reluctant learners, fostering a dynamic and interactive learning environment.
- Leave the session equipped with a diverse set of tools and techniques to enhance overall student engagement.
Estella Evans-Hamilton, M.Ed.
Estella Evans-Hamilton, M.Ed.
Estella Evans-Hamilton, M.Ed.
Session Title: Engaged Empowerment
Introduction of the transformative G-SAP Life process that incorporates setting goals, writing an action plan, and working the plan. It provides students the time to reflect on prior GPA goal, calculate current GPA, and set their next GPA goal of one letter grade higher. Then make the necessary plan adjustments to achieve the goal. G-SAP Life moves students from UNAWARE, and UNMOTIVATED to ENGAGED, and EMPOWERED!
Session Objectives:
- Helps the student know that every progress report or report card is earned toward two transcript grades per year.
- Empowers student to consciously work toward achieving one letter grade with each progress report.
- Keeps the student aware of Grade Point Average and the know-how of calculating GPA.
- Encourages goal setting and accomplishment or planning and tracking goals.
- Increases understanding of why it is important to create short term goals.
- Promotes creating an action plan that tracks your progress toward accomplishing your goals.
Website:
http://www.g-saplife.com
Adri Westlake, MA
Estella Evans-Hamilton, M.Ed.
Estella Evans-Hamilton, M.Ed.
Session Title: Strategies for Assessing Multilingual Math Learners
Multilingual learners (MLLs) encounter numerous obstacles in mathematics, primarily stemming from the specialized vocabulary and nuanced meanings of common terms in the discipline. The existing assessment methods in mathematics often fail to address the linguistic complexity faced by MLLs.
This presentation delves into the inherent linguistic challenges present in current math assessments for MLLs. It provides a holistic strategy that integrates research-based, actionable items, enabling teachers to immediately implement supportive measures in their classrooms. The presenter shares personal insights into the tangible impact of these strategies on her MLLs, facilitating a more accurate assessment of their mathematical knowledge.
Session Objectives:
- Explore the specific struggles MLLs encounter in the math classroom, enhancing awareness of linguistic barriers that may impede academic progress.
- Explore targeted strategies and tools that empower participants to recognize and address linguistic stumbling blocks, promoting a more inclusive learning environment.
- Foster a proactive approach to supporting MLLs in the math classroom without compromising academic rigor.
Jason Pennington, M.Ed.
Estella Evans-Hamilton, M.Ed.
Jason Pennington, M.Ed.
Session Title: Principles from a Principal
Join our breakout session tailored for educators who are either new to the profession or seeking to enhance their classroom skills. In this interactive session, we will delve into crucial topics such as effective classroom management, strategic planning, and implementation techniques. Explore how organizing both your classroom and lessons can significantly enhance their overall success. Discover practical steps that empower teachers to elevate the learning experience for their students.
Session Objectives:
- Acquire the knowledge and skills to implement effective procedures for enhanced classroom management.
- Develop the ability to infuse passion into teaching sessions on a daily basis.
- Gain insights into organizing classrooms in a manner that fosters an optimal learning environment.
As a professional in the field, these objectives align with your expertise and aim to further empower you in your role.
Erik Francis, M.Ed.
Carolyn Statum, M.Ed.
Jason Pennington, M.Ed.
Session Title: Rethinking Rigor with Depth of Knowledge
Depth of Knowledge continues to be a focus and priority in education - especially now as schools seek to balance teaching and learning that is rigorous, respectful and responsive for students. In this session, you will learn how Depth of Knowledge clarifies the cognitive demand of academic standards, curricular activities, and assessment items. You will also learn how the DOK levels can be used as a multi-tiered method and model for delivering instruction, responding to intervention, and addressing and assessing learning loss. Most importantly, you will learn how DOK as a concept and framework ensures teaching and learning is standards based, socially and emotionally supportive, and student responsive so that the experience is academic and affective for all.
Session Objectives:
- Understand how Depth of Knowledge as a concept and framework marks and measures the cognitive rigor of academic standards, curricular activities, and assessment items.
- Use the DOK Levels as a multi-tiered method and model for delivering instruction, responding to intervention, addressing and assessing learning loss, and extending or enriching student learning.
- Deconstruct learning intentions, objectives, and targets to clarify what exactly students must learn and how deeply students must understand and use their learning, and conclude the DOK level demanded on the rigor of the response students must provide to demonstrate proficiency, develop competency, and perform successfully.
Carolyn Statum, M.Ed.
Carolyn Statum, M.Ed.
Carolyn Statum, M.Ed.
Session Title: Balancing Act: Nurturing Work-Life Harmony in Education
Discover practical techniques and strategies tailored specifically for educators to achieve a healthy work-life balance amidst the demands of the profession. This session offers insights into prioritization, self-care practices, and boundary-setting, empowering educators to thrive personally and professionally while fulfilling their noble educational mission.
Session Objectives:
- Equip educators with personalized prioritization strategies to efficiently manage professional responsibilities and personal well-being.
- Explore practical self-care techniques tailored to the unique demands of the education field, fostering resilience and sustained energy.
- Provide actionable insights on setting and maintaining effective boundaries to prevent burnout and ensure a healthy work-life balance.
- Foster a supportive community where educators can share experiences and learn from each other's successful work-life harmony practices.
- Empower participants to integrate newfound skills and strategies into their daily routines, promoting long-term well-being and fulfillment in both personal and professional spheres.
Luther Riley, Ph.D.
Carolyn Statum, M.Ed.
Carolyn Statum, M.Ed.
Session Title: Innovate, Iterate, Elevate: Leadership Strategies for Continuous Improvement
In today's ever-changing educational landscape, this session explores essential leadership strategies: innovation, iteration, and elevation. Leaders inspire creativity and change through innovation, foster improvement via iterative processes, and elevate teams by investing in their growth. This holistic approach cultivates resilience, adaptability, and sustained excellence. Join us to discover how these strategies interconnect for effective leadership in dynamic environments.
Session Objectives:
- Examine the dynamic role of leaders in fostering organizational growth and resilience through a deliberate cycle of innovation, iteration, and elevation.
- Understand the proactive approach necessary for effective leadership in an era of rapid change and evolving challenges.
- Explore innovative strategies that leaders can employ to initiate transformative changes within their organizations.
Charmin Williams, M.Ed.
Charmin Williams, M.Ed.
Charmin Williams, M.Ed.
Session Title: Teacher Leadership:
Building Better Teams
This session is designed to support teachers who desire to have an impact beyond the classroom in their schools. Are you a teacher who naturally supports other teachers, have been asked to serve on the school’s Leadership Team, Accreditation Team, or Campus Improvement Team and need insights on how to grow your leadership ability while helping to move teams forward? If this is you, then this session is designed especially for you. Come explore the Art of building lasting working relationships, implementing leadership styles that ignite action, and how to move through the stages of effective teaming.
Join me as I share information centered around how to bring your best skill sets to the forefront to create lasting and positive change in your school setting!
Session Objectives:
- Develop strategies for building lasting working relationships among teachers within the school community.
- Identify and leverage your unique skill sets to contribute meaningfully to positive and lasting change within the school setting.
- Acquire tools and techniques for enhancing leadership abilities and influencing positive outcomes beyond the classroom.
Cherjuan Goodman, LPC
Charmin Williams, M.Ed.
Charmin Williams, M.Ed.
Session Title: Implicit Bias:
Let's Talk About It!
Engage in a candid exploration of Implicit Bias in education with our session, "Implicit Bias: Let's Talk About It." Delve into the subtle biases that may unknowingly influence your perceptions of students. This interactive discussion invites educators to reflect on their own biases and consider their impact on teaching and learning.
Session Objectives:
- Increase awareness of Implicit Bias and its potential effects on interactions with students.
- Encourage self-reflection to help educators identify and understand their own biases.
- Provide practical strategies and insights to mitigate the impact of implicit biases in the educational environment, fostering a more inclusive and equitable learning space.
Todd Williams, Ed.D.
Charmin Williams, M.Ed.
Myiesha Antwine, M.Ed.
Session Title: People Skills and Online Learning: To Assume Makes an Ass out of You and Me
Online education is increasingly popular among educators seeking advanced degrees for school leadership roles. This study explores whether graduates of online programs possess the necessary interpersonal skills for success in such positions. Findings suggest that supervisors of graduates from a regional university's online degree program are satisfied with their hires, affirming the program's efficacy in cultivating essential skills for school leadership.
Session Objectives:
- Understand the significance of empathy in education and its role in effective teaching.
- Explore the concept of emotional intelligence and its relevance to online instruction.
- Learn strategies for developing and enhancing emotional intelligence in online learning environments.
- Investigate whether students can cultivate empathy while pursuing advanced degrees online.
- Discuss findings from recent research conducted by the presenter, shedding light on the development of empathy in online education.
Myiesha Antwine, M.Ed.
Jacqueline Smith, M.Ed.
Myiesha Antwine, M.Ed.
Session Title: So You Were Hired as a Principal, Now What?
Join us for an engaging session designed for new principals navigating the educational leadership landscape. Titled 'So You Were Hired as a Principal, Now What?'—this presentation will delve into key aspects of successful school leadership, covering beginning-of-the-year organization, effective professional development, strategic teacher evaluations, and fostering impactful parent engagement. Get ready for an informative and lively exploration of practical strategies to enhance your role as a school leader. Let's make the journey of educational leadership both rewarding and enjoyable!
Session Objectives:
- Understand essential strategies for effective beginning-of-the-year organization.
- Gain insights into best practices for conducting fair and constructive teacher evaluations.
- Explore innovative approaches to strengthen communication between school and parents.
- Understand the importance of building relationships with staff, students, and parents to create a supportive and thriving learning environment.
Jacqueline Smith, M.Ed.
Jacqueline Smith, M.Ed.
Jacqueline Smith, M.Ed.
Session Title: Writing Strategies Across the Curriculum
In what ways can the incorporation of writing strategies enhance student involvement throughout the academic spectrum?
- Quickwrite
- Six Word Memoir
- Would You Rather?
- Sentence Stems
- Mentor Text
- Two-Voice Poetry
These approaches are universally applicable across various classrooms and subjects. Demonstrated in the session, these techniques are easily transferrable to the classroom setting. Educators will receive readily applicable resources, suitable for immediate implementation across 6th to 12th-grade levels.
Session Objectives:
- Engage in collaborative writing activities.
- Discover how writing can promote student engagement.
- Discuss how strategies and activities can be used across the curriculum.
Tisha Clay, MHR
Jacqueline Smith, M.Ed.
Jacqueline Smith, M.Ed.
Session Title: The Power of Differentiated Instruction: Enhancing Learning for ALL Students
This presentation underscores the critical importance of differentiation in today's diverse classrooms, detailing essential principles such as varying content, processes, products, and learning environments to accommodate different learning styles and abilities. Participants will gain practical strategies for implementing differentiation, learn how to overcome common challenges, and be inspired by real-life success stories. Ultimately, this session emphasizes that differentiated instruction not only enhances student engagement and academic performance but also improves overall classroom management.
Session Objectives:
- Grasp why differentiation is vital in diverse educational settings and how it supports all students' learning.
- Familiarize yourself with the core principles of differentiated instruction, including varying content, processes, products, and learning environments.
- Recognize how differentiation can lead to improved classroom management and a more engaging learning atmosphere.
More Breakout Sessions
Active Mindfulness
Immerse yourself in the world of Active Mindfulness, a transformative practice centered on maintaining introspective consciousness during daily activities. In this session, educators will explore the essence of Active Mindfulness and its profound impact on personal well-being and classroom dynamics. Discover three practical interventions designed to enhance self-care and create a mindful atmosphere within both professional and educational settings.
Session Objectives:
- Understand the concept of Active Mindfulness and its relevance for educators, defined as maintaining an introspective state of consciousness during everyday activities.
- Explore three effective interventions that seamlessly blend self-care practices with classroom integration.
- Develop tangible skills to incorporate mindfulness into daily routines, fostering well-being for both educators and students alike.
Interactive Reading Wall
Step into Phonics Wonderland, an enlightening breakout session tailored for kindergarten and first-grade educators eager to enrich their phonics instruction toolkit! This session is designed to provide teachers with valuable insights and practical applications for enhancing phonological and phonics skills in their students.
Educators will delve into pedagogical approaches that are grounded in research and proven to be effective in teaching foundational phonics concepts. The session will showcase how the Interactive Reading Wall can be seamlessly integrated into lessons to make phonics instruction engaging and interactive.
Session Objectives:
- Provide educators with a deep understanding of effective strategies for teaching foundational phonics skills to kindergarten and first-grade students.
- Demonstrate how the Interactive Reading Wall can serve as a valuable tool for creating engaging and effective phonics lessons.
- Empower educators with collaborative teaching strategies that promote language development, vocabulary expansion, and phonics application in young learners.
- Share insights on fostering a supportive learning environment where students can interact with each other and strengthen their language skills.
Empowering Student Ownership: Unveiling the Potential of Student-Led Conferences (School Leaders)
Join us in this engaging session as we explore the transformative power of student-led conferences and delve into the crucial question: How do we guide students to take ownership of their learning journey?
For too long, educational data has been the exclusive domain of adults. It's time to shift the narrative and empower students by putting the data directly into their hands. After all, they are the ones doing the work, and their understanding of strengths, areas for improvement, and strategies for personal growth is paramount.
Session Objectives:
- Participants will acquire the skills to guide students in setting and expressing both academic and personal goals.
- Participants will gain insights into guiding students to comprehend the importance of assuming responsibility for their educational journey.
- Participants will learn techniques for involving students in purposeful conversations with parents about their academic journey.
Interactive Math Wall
Embark on an engaging journey into the world of mathematics with our Interactive Math Wall Training for Kindergarten and First Grade. This hands-on session is designed to empower educators with creative strategies and resources to transform their classroom walls into dynamic learning environments. Participants will explore interactive elements tailored to the developmental stages of kindergarten and first-grade students, promoting a fun and effective approach to mathematical concepts.
Session Objectives:
- Teachers will explore a diverse array of interactive components tailored for kindergarten and first-grade classrooms, cultivating visually stimulating and immersive math learning experiences.
- Educators will actively engage in practical, hands-on activities to master the creation of customizable math wall elements, personalized to meet the unique needs and interests of their young learners.
- Participants will gain expertise in seamlessly integrating the Interactive Math Wall with kindergarten and first-grade curriculum standards, ensuring enhanced relevance and effectiveness in math instruction.
- Teachers will acquire valuable insights into employing differentiation strategies for math wall activities, addressing the diverse learning styles and abilities present within their classrooms.
NEAR Science: Beyond ACEs – Understanding and Addressing Early Adversity
In March 2021, supported by a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield Oklahoma’s Healthy Kids, Healthy Families®, a group of professionals from across Oklahoma underwent an intensive three-day training led by Laura Porter and Dr. Rob Anda of ACE Interface. This training prepared them to deliver NEAR Science – Beyond ACEs, a comprehensive, science-informed, and evidence-based curriculum. This curriculum provides a deep dive into the effects of toxic stress and trauma on the brain, the transmission of trauma across generations, insights from the original Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) study, and strategies to build resilience in individuals and communities.
Session Objectives:
- Understand the Neurobiology of Toxic Stress: Learn how toxic stress and trauma impact brain development and function.
- Explore Epigenetics: Understand how early adversity and trauma can affect not only individuals but also be transmitted across generations.
- Dive into ACEs Findings: Gain detailed knowledge about the findings and implications of the original Adverse Childhood Experiences study.
- Build Resilience: Discover effective strategies for fostering strength and resilience in individuals and communities.