When schools closed in the spring of 2020, many educators felt as though they could only be reactive instead of proactive, with many pieces constantly in flux. As we consider the 2020–2021 school year, many questions remain. Join us as we process what remote learning looked like and provide a space to process what the upcoming year may look like (remote, hybrid, or in-person). Through a Q&A moderated by Denver Public Schools science team lead Renee Belisle, the panelists will describe their approaches to STEM learning in a remote environment, describing how teachers facilitate learning in traditionally hands-on subjects during the spring, as well as discussing ideas for the fall.

SPEAKERS:
Reneé Belisle Kelly (Amplify: Brooklyn, NY), Phil Kim (KIPP Schools: San Francisco, CA), Stephanie Hervey (Denver Public Schools: Denver, CO), Meghan Gardner (Guard Up's Guardian Adventures: Burlington, MA)

Studies continue to show a low representation of women in STEM careers, even though the number of jobs available grows year after year. A key component to combat this growing gap involves providing young women in middle school and high school with opportunities to connect with role models and mentors so that they can see themselves in these STEM careers. Moderated by Mellisa Blankenship, Kentucky Science Center programs director, this panel will explore how programs that inspire and reengage students with hands-on STEM concepts and career mentorship can help young women build confidence and encourage them to pursue STEM subjects academically, as well as elevate them through the STEM career pipeline.

SPEAKERS:
Mellisa Blankenship (Kentucky Science Center: Louisville, KY), Gabi O'Daniel (Mercy Academy: Louisville, KY), Mackenzie Bardin (Tates Creek Middle School: Lexington, KY), Patrick Burton (Mercy Academy), Stacey Hubbard (Westport Middle School: Louisville, KY), Kathleen Riley (Tates Creek Middle School: Lexington, KY)

Join us to explore a holistic view of the challenges, as well as learn tips and strategies to successfully implement distance learning in your middle school classrooms. Moderated by Kavita Gupta, panelists will share experiences and wisdom gained toward driving equity across learning styles, changing assessments, and addressing interventions. Participants will walk away equipped with best practices in distance learning, including a new educational context.

SPEAKERS:
Kavita Gupta (Monta Vista High School: Cupertino, CA), Charu Gulati (Tierra Linda Middle School: San Carlos, CA), Jessica Holman (Boone County High School: Florence, KY), Tara Krishnan (Tierra Linda Middle School: San Carlos, CA), J. T. Hardin (National Geographic Society: Washington, DC)