2017 PROGRAM
- SESSIONS: 9:00 - 9:50 a.m.
- SESSIONS: 10:00 - 10:50 a.m.
- SESSIONS: 11:00 - 11:50 a.m.
- LUNCH: 12:00 - 12:50 p.m.
- SESSIONS: 1:00 - 1:50 p.m.
- SESSIONS: 2:00 - 2:50 p.m.
- KEYNOTE: 3:00 - 3:50 p.m.
PBS Learning Media
Kellie Blanden and Michael Carton
(K-12)
SFHB 147
PBS LearningMedia is a new, FREE, online media-on-demand service developed for PreK-12 educators featuring curriculum-targeted resources including: interactives, images, video, audio files, classroom-ready lesson plans, background essays, and discussion questions. PBS LearningMedia builds on the strength of public media and is designed to improve teacher effectiveness and student achievement. Come learn more about how teachers are using PBS LearningMedia in their classrooms everyday! View presentation.
Teacher Identity and Creating Inclusive Classroom Environments
Dana Karraker
(K-12)
SFHB 148
Learning is a social process and teachers are responsible for creating learning environments where all of their students feel safe and valued. Many times, new teachers are working in schools and communities with students who are very different from them. A first step in creating an inclusive learning community is to uncover who we are as individual and how our identities and biases influence the decisions we make in our classrooms. In this session, participants will examine personal identities and the impact is has on our classroom decisions such as materials, classroom management, even the physical layout of the room. Participants will come away with a new understanding of who they are in the classroom and start to consider practical changes they might make to create a culturally responsive learning environment.
Once A New Teacher, Always A New Teacher
Lindsey Jensen and Erik Borne
(6-12)
McCormick Hall 255
Two veteran teachers committed to "keeping it fresh" share their perspectives on the importance of an evolving curriculum-- one that is grounded in contemporary research and fueled by teachers who model lifelong learning and gaze upon each school year through new lenses. They share how an inspiring conference led them to rebuild their 9-12 curriculum aligned with the "best" recent research, scaffolded to incorporate ten essential skills and essential questions to influence deliberate teaching and learning--focused on promoting active reading, critical thinking, and authentic writing. View presentation.
Seeing With Fresh Eyes: Rejuvenating Instruction and Rapport With Students Using Culturally Responsive Practices
Sandra Osorio, Grace Kang, Alice Lee
(PK-5)
McCormick Hall 260
In this presentation, 3 teacher educators will share what are culturally responsive practices and why the inclusion of them are a necessity for today's culturally and linguistically diverse classrooms. Culturally responsive teaching uses "the cultural knowledge, prior experiences, frames of reference, and performance styles of ethnically diverse students to make learning encounters more relevant and effective for them" (Gay, 2013). Presenters will present specific examples of how they implemented these practices in their own classrooms and walk audience members through planning how to do so in their personal classrooms.
Increasing Student Self-Efficacy and Engagement in the Learning Process Through Assessment
April Davenport, Mandy Stalets, Andy Goveia
(5-8)
McCormick Hall 262
For too long the classroom has been teacher-driven instead of student-centered. Learners need to become drivers of their own journey, and teachers need to guide them on how to do so. Through assessment and feedback, teachers can hand over the controls to students and the result will increase both efficacy and achievement.
A team of teachers will share tools and strategies that attendees can implement right away in their own classroom, regardless of what subject they teach.
Strengthening IEP Goals & Objectives Using Common Core, State Standards or ACT College Readiness Standards for Students Receiving Inclusion Services
Mitch Elatkin
(K-12)
SFHB 147
In an era of increasing accountability around Common Core and other standards, how do we ensure that we are writing IEP goals and objectives that not only help students meet these standards but also honor and recognize their learning needs? In our session, we will look at various case studies where we use Common Core, state or ACT College Readiness Standards to write stronger IEP goals and objectives. View presentation.
Teaching With Primary Sources to Engage Students in Learning
Judy Bee
(K-12)
SFHB 148
Primary sources engage students in active learning by drawing their own conclusions from primary sources, students construct meaning and direct their own learning. This hands-on workshops will give participants an opportunity to explore ways to address various learning styles through the use of a variety of primary sources, teachers address the whole spectrum of learning styles. For example, oral histories for the auditory learner, and photographs and objects for the visual learners. View presentation | View workshops | View handout
We’re In This Together: Collaborating for Student Success
Andy Goveia and April Davenport
(6-12)
McCormick 262
Through a look at To Kill a Mockingbird as well as "Serial" from This American Life, attendees will explore Language Arts and Social Studies integration through collaboration and co-teaching strategies to engage students about issues of race, conflict, justice, equality, as well as literary elements. Other topics will include building relationships with colleagues and engage in reflective practice. Attendees will leave ready to collaboratively plan, sequence, co-teach, and align standards to teach meaningful research, critical thinking, and social analysis skills.
Engaging Students With Controversial Issues: More Necessary Than Ever?
Gary Weilbacher and Kyle Miller
(K-12)
McCormick 255
Evidence suggests that the United States has recently become more polarized than at any time in its history (Hess & McAvoy, 2015). As children of all ages in local schools are faced with almost daily concerns tied to such issues as immigration, sexual orientation, violence, and poverty, official educational policies continue to place more emphasis on meeting standards and achieving high test scores than helping students understand a world filled with tension. We would argue that meeting standards and helping children understand the world are not mutually exclusive aims. In this interactive session, we will demonstrate how teachers and teacher candidates are creating more democratic spaces that encourage students to examine controversial issues and how those issues can be linked to national standards. View presentation. View handout.
#TeachFurther: Dynamic Interactive Lessons
Rae Hughart
(5-8)
McCormick 260
Join "#TeachFurther: Dynamic Interactive Lessons" to learn innovative Lesson Planning through the 3C's of Lesson Design- Common Core, Creativity, and Community! During this session, educators will learn how to easily blend the rigor of Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and contemporary Standard Based Grading ideals.
Following the development of a strong academic base, teachers will develop hands on learning materials bridging the gap between classroom content and the surrounding community. Through themed units focusing on future career paths, transformative classroom environments, and strong community support, teachers will build a love for learning far exceeding the four walls of a traditional classroom. View presentation. View handouts. Website.
Effective Writing Instruction for Secondary Students with High Incidence Disabilities
Jamillah Gilbert and Yojanna Cuenca-Carlino
(6-12)
McCormick 255
Self-regulated Strategy Development in writing (SRSD) is an evidence-based strategy for teaching the writing process to students with writing difficulties. This session will demonstrate the flexibility and practicality of SRSD by describing ways in which teachers can use this strategy to enhance the argumentative writing skills of their students in English language arts, history, science, mathematics, and to advocate for needs and wants. This strategy can be easily implemented by teachers. View presentation.
Engaging Students in Literacy
Heather Rogers and Jen Harris
(PK-5)
McCormick 260
This presentation will give new teachers ideas for how to develop a high level of engagement in the classroom during literacy. View presentation.
Getting What You Need: Grant-writing for the New Teacher
Kira Hamann
(K-12)
McCormick 262
School funding cuts are the norm across the country, especially in the state of Illinois, with budgets for supplies and materials going down every year. The average teacher spends between $350-$500 and up to $1000 per year from their own pocket, if not more! This is especially true for beginning teachers as they spend more to initially set up their practice. In this workshop, learn how to get your funding needs met through grant-writing and crowdfunding. We'll cover where to find the funding and how to get it. Walk away with practical skills and be ready to get materials for free for your classroom in no time!
Choosing and Using Culturally Responsive Texts In Your Classroom
Ashley Wolinski
(K-12)
SFHB 148
This presentation will guide attendees on how to find, select, and use culturally responsive books in their classroom. Exploring books for multiple purposes, specifically STEAM, (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) as well across multiple cultures will be a focus of this presentation. View presentation.
Classroom Redesign: Learning Spaces for 21st Century Learners
Catherine Joy and Jodie Flanagan
(K-8)
SFHB 147
Does your classroom lend itself to the needs of 21st Century Learners? Imagine a classroom with flexible seating and open floor space to advance the learning of all students. This session will examine components of the Danielson Framework for Teaching and how they weave into the physical environment of the classroom. Rethink your classroom learning spaces to promote a collaborative student-centered environment.
LUNCH
McCormick 252 (Gym)
Mistaken Goals: Cracking the Code of Misbehavior in the Classroom
Kira Hamann
(PK-5)
McCormick 262
Whining? Pouting? Tantrums? Fighting? In your first few years of teaching, have you wondered, "why is this child doing this?!?!?!" In this workshop, learn what may really be going on when your students engage in these types of behaviors. Learning about how to assess behavior through Mistaken Goals (Dreikurs, 1978) provides teachers with good sleuthing tools that may help to decrease these types of behaviors in classrooms and help both teachers and students feel a greater sense of understanding and cooperation. Building on Adlerian tips and techniques, learn how to break the code of children's behavior and identify new tools and techniques for helping students meet their needs, while also helping yourself stay calm and feel in control.
Motivational Management: Classroom Management Strategies That Work
Tracey Lake
(PK-5)
McCormick 260
You have the lesson planning mastered. You have your classroom ready to go. You have your desk and binders all set up. And then the students come in. All your planning and preparation can go out the window if you don't have effective classroom management. This session will highlight a variety of motivating activities and techniques that will get you started toward a well-managed classroom.
How Does An Intermediate Language Arts Teacher Manage Reading Workshop and Guided Reading In A 50 Minute Class Period?
Jennie Frank
(5-8)
McCormick 255
In this session, teachers will learn how I, an intermediate language arts teacher, manage reading workshop and guided reading in a 50 minute class period. This will include:
- Google Classroom: how and why I use it
- reading workshop, including guided reading
- classroom management
- writing workshop (if time permits).
Engaging “Difficult” Students
Adrianne Ostermeier and Lindsey Helm
(K-12)
SFHB 148
Teachers face daily challenges related to student behavior, including student outbursts, lack of motivation, and disrespectful conduct. Such classrooms can change if you as a teacher change first. You can facilitate that change! You will have to let go of every excuse you have ever heard. This session will give you the beginning tools to make that change happen, including a plethora of student engagement strategies that you can implement in your own classroom. This is based on the work of Eric Jensen's Engaging Students with Poverty in Mind. View presentation.
Utilizing Coaching Techniques to Build A Winning Classroom
Jim Fornaciari
(6-12)
SFHB 147
Participants will examine methods used to build a winning classroom climate. Eight key building blocks will be detailed. Proven coaching methods will be provided that when implemented will help your students become winners. Please review articles linked below for a preview. View handouts.
Being The Voice For Those Whose Voice Is Other Than English
Patricia Valente and Kim Taber
(K-8)
SFHB 147
All the major institutions of our society working with speakers of a second language require a social justice perspective that encourages and expands their role to include advocacy and cultural brokering with shared commitment to language access. By embracing inclusion as a model of social justice, we can create a world where all speakers of a second language have a voice.
The More We Get Together! Communication & Collaboration with the Whole Team!
Molly Turner and Nancy Harr
(K-5)
SFHB 148
Communication and collaboration are vital to student success in education today. As teachers of the deaf, it is essential that we communicate and collaborate with all team members on a frequent basis. Team members include; parents/guardians, related service providers, general education teacher, special education teacher, director of special education, serving district, and home district. Just as the old saying goes, "TEAM--Together Everyone Achieves More" the thought still remains true. All team members bring unique expertise and experiences to the table and when we communicate and collaborate we can better meet the needs of everyone involved. This 50-minute presentation will be equipped with real-life examples and hands-on activities to help any educator understand the importance of effective communication and collaboration. View presentation.
Harvesting the Fruits of Your Own Professional Learning Network
Anna Smith, Rae Hughart, William Rodriguez Nieves
(6-12)
McCormick 255
Where do you go for ideas for your next lesson or activity? With new technologies and social media, you are no longer limited to teachers down the hall. In this session, two teachers will share how they have grown, nurtured, and reaped the benefits of a Professional Learning Network (PLN). Your PLN is the network of people around the world with whom you can pose questions, bounce off ideas, and get linked to new resources. Come learn about PLNs and find what classroom ideas these teachers learned from their PLNs this year.
Five Strategies for Teaching English Language Learners
Miranda Lin
(PK-5)
McCormick 260
In this presentation, five teaching strategies based on Herrell and Jordan' (2012) research will be demonstrated. The presentation will start with a short introduction on the Herrell and Jordan's research on teaching English language learners. Next, why and how to use games to teach English language learners will be discussed. Five games created by the presenter then will be demonstrated. Participants will learn how to use simple materials/supplies available in their classrooms to create games in this hands-on session. View presentation.
Introduction to Restorative Practices and Utilizing Circles Effectively
Kevin Jones
(K-12)
McCormick 262
This presentation explores the fundamental principles, philosophy, theories, practices, models and skills of restorative practices. Special emphasis will be placed on proactive and responsive circles, restorative conferencing and the informal application of these processes. Issues critical to the development of restorative practices, such as models of human interaction, theories of behavior and current research will be considered. Students will assess the role of human emotion, especially shame, in social relationships. Strategies and resources will be shared.
Taylor Mali, Keynote Speaker
SFHB 139 - Caterpillar Auditorium
Taylor Mali is one of the most well-known poets to have emerged from the poetry slam movement. He is one of the few people in the world to have no job other than that of “poet.” Articulate, accessible, passionate, and downright funny, Mali studied drama in Oxford with members of The Royal Shakespeare Company and puts those skills of presentation to work in all his performances. He was one of the original poets to appear on the HBO series Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry and was the “Armani-clad villain” of Paul Devlin’s 1997 documentary film SlamNation. His poem “What Teachers Make” has been viewed over 4 million times on YouTube and was quoted by the New York Times’ Thomas Friedman in one of his commencement addresses.
Mali is a vocal advocate of teachers and the nobility of teaching, having spent nine years in the classroom teaching everything from English and history to math and S.A.T. test preparation. He has performed and lectured for teachers all over the world; and in 2012 he reached his goal of creating one thousand new teachers through “poetry, persuasion, and perseverance.” Based on the poem that inspired a movement, his book of essays, What Teachers Make: In Praise of the Greatest Job in the World, is his passionate defense of teachers drawing on his own experiences, both in the classroom and as a traveling poet. Mali is a highly sought-after keynote speaker.