How can we use high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) to design more equitable systems? Join us to consider how leaders rally interest and build internal capacity for the selection and effective implementation of high-quality instructional materials. Work with other leaders to consider strategies to make the case for change toward more equitable systems that support all learners in the system and the role of HQIM in leading ongoing science improvement efforts.
Ticketed event - register here: https://my.nsta.org/event/2024NEW_LEADERSHIP

TAKEAWAYS:
Consider how high-quality instructional materials can be used to design more equitable systems. Discuss how to share the vision, support implementation, and build internal capacity for ongoing support for curriculum implementation.

SPEAKERS:
Janna Mahfoud (BSCS Science Learning: Laveen, AZ), Susan Gomez Zwiep (BSCS Science Learning: Long Beach, CA), Jody Bintz (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO), Bianca Deliberto (Central Community School System: Baton Rouge, LA), Jim Short (BSCS Science Learning: Ridgefield, NY), Jenine Cotton-Proby (BSCS Science Learning: Waldorf, MD)

Come to this engaging, hands-on session where we will use science activities to demonstrate effective professional learning practices! If you present at NSTA, facilitate professional learning, or just want to learn, this session is for you!

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn specific practices they can incorporate into their NSTA presentations or professional learning experiences.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Abbott (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA), Deanna Taylor (Interactive Learning Solutions LLC: Columbia, SC), Leah Litz (Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium: Omaha, NE), Jesse Wilcox (University of Northern Iowa: Cedar Falls, IA)

This new version of the Quick-Reference Guide (aka The Purple Book) is a must-have reference tool for working with NGSS and other Framework-based, 3D standards. This session will review the features of the book and show how to use the tools and resources in it to unpack the crosscutting concepts.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to unpack the three dimensions using the tools and resources in the Quick-Reference Guide and will gain insights into the meaning of the crosscutting concepts.

SPEAKERS:
Ted Willard (Discovery Education: Derwood, MD)

Explore the NSTA website with us and learn how to maximize your member benefits! NSTA provides high-quality digital resources and opportunities—all within a professional community—that supports professional learning and classroom instruction. NSTA staff will be available to answer questions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will become knowledgeable about their member benefits, the plethora of digital resources available on NSTA’s website, about the live events, and professional learning community that can help them enhance their knowledge and improve their teaching practices.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Phillips (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Flavio Mendez (NSTA: Owings Mills, MD)

NextGen TIME is a free suite of tools and processes that supports districts in preparing to evaluate instructional materials for quality and design for NGSS. This collaborative process helps you plan for next steps including customization to improve student outcomes and effective implementation.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how NextGen TIME supports the evaluation of current instructional materials to strengthen their design for NGSS and how NextGen TIME tools and processes can serve as critical components of curriculum-based professional learning. You’ll walk away with free access to NextGen TIME resources.

SPEAKERS:
Jenine Cotton-Proby (BSCS Science Learning: Waldorf, MD)

Sponsoring Company: Science Bits

Learn to double student learning gains by increasing fidelity to the 5E instructional model in your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Charlene Wetzel (Archbishop Rummel High School: Metairie, LA)

Far too often, equity efforts are relegated to the sidelines instead of being embedded in core curriculum leadership tasks. Join us to consider how anchoring science leadership in equity principles can remove barriers to science teaching and learning through curriculum implementation efforts.

TAKEAWAYS:
The implementation of HQIM can lead to more equitable systems when barriers to equity are confronted and removed. The process of confronting barriers includes collaborating for justice, taking small actions to learn, and continual reflection and revision of implementation plans based on data.

SPEAKERS:
Susan Gomez Zwiep (BSCS Science Learning: Long Beach, CA), Jenine Cotton-Proby (BSCS Science Learning: Waldorf, MD), Janna Mahfoud (BSCS Science Learning: Laveen, AZ)

Many schools need high-quality units to meet their state standards, especially if they vary significantly from the NGSS. BSCS Science Learning has extensive experience with designing, and adapting Storylines units. Come to this session to apply a BSCS design tool that can be used for adaptation.

Please note: space is limited.

TAKEAWAYS:
Experience with a tool to unpack and compare target standards by clarifying key ideas, listing prerequisites and challenges, and considering what students should “figure out” and not just “learn about." Consider and share how to apply tools and processes for adapting HQIM in your local context.

SPEAKERS:
Elaine Klein (BSCS Science Learning: Houston, TX), Jean Flanagan (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO)

Learn how the Central Indiana Educational Service Center provided Indiana educators an opportunity to elevate their teaching and ignite their creativity with Teacher Industry Experiences in Indiana (TIE-IN), an exclusive initiative designed to bridge the classroom with the dynamic world.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will gain insights into how they can create their own teacher industry experiences in their communities.

SPEAKERS:
Christina Hilton (Central Indiana Educational Service Center: Indianapolis, IN)

Educating students in science and engineering requires awareness of our practices and beliefs. What tools exist to keep these reflections in mind throughout the year? Learn about protocols that focus on classroom conditions for student belonging, identity development, and scientific sensemaking.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will deepen their understanding of learning conditions necessary for student identity development, safety, engagement, and scientific sense-making. Participants will experience a ready-to-use reflective protocol to guide strategic planning for cultivating these learning conditions.

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Stults (Loyola University Chicago: Chicago, IL), Kayla Cherry (Loyola University Chicago: Chicago, IL)

Come engage in activities (elementary, middle, and high school) to experience how to embed social-emotional learning alongside the NGSS! We will explore teaching strategies that can be used in any lesson, connect with the 3 dimensions, and embed essential SEL skills along the way.

TAKEAWAYS:
You will learn strategies to embed SEL instruction into existing NGSS lessons in ways that engage students with both content and social-emotional growth.

SPEAKERS:
Kathryn Borton (Science Teacher and Ed.D Student: Nevada, IA)

The Atlas is a collection of 62 maps of the practices, core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and performance expectations in NGSS and other Framework-based standards. The maps show how goals in science are meant to build upon each other and relate to each other over a student’s K-12 education.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to read the maps and use other tools in the Atlas to understand and interpret standards and plan instructional sequences as part of their work in curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

SPEAKERS:
Ted Willard (Discovery Education: Derwood, MD)

This presentation delves into the journey of a two-year program designed to elevate teacher leadership practices and foster a supportive and reflective community of practice. Throughout this session, we will explore the program's objectives, methodologies, and the impact it has on individuals.

TAKEAWAYS:
This presentation offers an overview of a two-year professional learning program dedicated to empowering educators, enhancing leadership capacity, and fostering a vibrant collegial community through a blend of theory, practical application, and reflective practice.

SPEAKERS:
Taissa Lau (Chicago Public Schools: Chicago, IL)

Join members of NSTA’s Professional Learning Committee for a discussion regarding professional learning! We will explore NSTA’s new professional learning statement.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will leave the discussion with a framework for professional learning and strategies to implement professional learning!

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Abbott (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA), Deanna Taylor (Interactive Learning Solutions LLC: Columbia, SC), Leah Litz (Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium: Omaha, NE), Jesse Wilcox (University of Northern Iowa: Cedar Falls, IA)

Unleash their potential! Middle School is an exciting time for trial and error! Students are beginning emerge into the leaders they will one day become. This session is designed to explore teaching moves to improve classroom collaboration and develop future leaders!

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will walk away with a few new teaching moves for improving collaboration and discourse among students in the science classroom. The use of these moves will tap into the leadership potential inside each of your learners.

SPEAKERS:
Kat Chamberlain (Ridgetop Middle School: Silverdale, WA)

Explore a unit of instruction developed in partnership with researchers from UC San Diego. From experiencing and analyzing the unit, you will identify design principles that promote specific pedagogical routines for teachers. You will leave with specific strategies for collaborating with researche

TAKEAWAYS:
Experience science curriculum design principles based on equity design centered instructional frameworks. Learn and apply a protocol for partnering with researchers to generate curriculum resources that support both teacher and student learning.

SPEAKERS:
Alec Barron (UC San Diego)

Feeling burned out by unmotivated students? Join us to reveal motivational gems hidden in your class. Attendees will gain strategies to provide SEL support, including methods allowing students to share their input and assessment practices to increase participation.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will discover how things they may already be doing can be adapted to boost student motivation and build confidence. Walk away with strategies to implement tomorrow!

SPEAKERS:
Amber Richards (Chatsworth Elementary School: Chatsworth, GA)

Explore how leaders can use the new BSCS Anchored Inquiry Learning (AIL) instructional model to support teachers in creating learning experiences that motivate students with significant, real world phenomena and problems! Learn how AIL cycles of inquiry and sensemaking culminate in student agency!

TAKEAWAYS:
The research-based BSCS Anchored Inquiry Learning instructional model succeeds the 5Es and forms the basis for high-quality instructional materials. Leaders can leverage this model to support teachers in creating a student centered classroom that provides effective teaching and learning for all.

SPEAKERS:
Cynthia Gay (BSCS Science Learning: Steamboat Springs, CO)

Come learn about the NSTA press books addressing the three dimensions: Helping Students Make Sense of the World Using Next Generation Science and Engineering Practices, Disciplinary Core Ideas: Reshaping Teaching and Learning, and Crosscutting Concepts: Strengthen Science and Engineering Learning

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn techniques to use these three books to help educators have a deep understanding of practices, core ideas, and crosscutting concepts to foster better student learning in their classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Ted Willard (Discovery Education: Derwood, MD)

Learn how the STEM Observation Protocol – a tool that highlights integrated STEM practices – can be used for creating curricula, instructional coaching, and formative assessment on practice. This workshop will address observing lessons, modeling coaching conversations, and reflecting on practice.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will gain a better understanding of how to bring integrated STEM education into their current science classrooms. Resources – including access to a set of online learning modules – will be provided to support teacher growth and practice beyond the workshop.

SPEAKERS:
Emily Dare (Louisiana State University: Baton Rouge, LA)

After a year of diving into the implementation of the OpenSciEd curriculum, learn about our experience. We will share reflections on the experience in implementing OpenSciEd through a curriculum-based professional learning model to foster collective efficacy and curriculum implementation.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn pros and cons, and strategies for a “ripping off the Band-Aid” approach to curriculum implementation, including analysis of curriculum-based professional learning for student and teacher growth; partnership and coaching for ongoing implementation support.

SPEAKERS:
Matthew Wlodarczyk (Capitol Region Education Council: Wethersfield, CT), Julie Christianson (CREC Magnet Schools: Hartford, CT)

NSTA provides in-person, online, and blended personalized professional learning experiences for cohorts of K–12 educators. All programs engage educators with digital resources, virtual experiences, the larger online community, and expert staff. NSTA membership included.

TAKEAWAYS:
District and school leaders will learn about the variety of professional learning opportunities that NSTA offers, delivered in-person, online, and blended that give their teachers the power to personalize their learning as well as the ability to learn with their peers. Membership is included.

SPEAKERS:
Tricia Shelton (NSTA: Clarksville, TN), Flavio Mendez (NSTA: Owings Mills, MD)

Sponsoring Company: Savvas Learning Company

Whether you are brand new in education or just not as experienced with teaching science, this workshop is for you. Lifelong educators and science textbook authors Dr. Zipporah Miller and Dr. Mike Padilla will show you how you can be successful teaching Elementary or Middle School Science and love it

SPEAKERS:
Michael Padilla (retired: Athens, GA), Zipporah Miller (Educational Consultant: Bowie, MD)

Sponsoring Company: Science Bits

Learn why pre-assessment, summative assessment and formative assessments should form part of your lessons and how to make DQs, retrieval practice and formative assessment work for you and your students. This workshop includes roleplay and an internet enabled device is required.

SPEAKERS:
Paul Banti (Learning Bits Inc.: Miami, FL)

Want to better understand your standards? In this session, we walk through the process of breaking down a standard using a learning progression protocol. This will result in teachers involved having an intensive understanding of their standards and a list of scaffolded student "skill" statements.

TAKEAWAYS:
A process and resources for walking through the process from standards/big ideas through scaffolded student skill statements.

SPEAKERS:
Delsey Olds (Tolleson Union High School District: Phoenix, AZ)

Teacher Leaders are the superheroes of education. In this session participants will investigate the Domain I of the Teacher Leader Model Standards. In this deep dive, modeling effective skills in listening, presenting ideas and leading discussions among colleagues will be addressed.

TAKEAWAYS:
Through participant dialogue, each attendee will walk away with a list of the Teacher Leader Model Standards, as well as ways to collaborate and support colleagues.

SPEAKERS:
Jenne VandePanne (Michigan Technological University/Newaygo Public Schools: Newaygo, MI), Jessica Wagenmaker (Holton Middle School: Twin Lake, MI)

Empower educators to inspire and support female students in STEM fields by showcasing women who have made significant contributions. Learn about their achievements, impact, and pathways to success to gain valuable insights and resources for guiding female students toward successful STEM careers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will gain valuable insights and resources to inspire and support female students in STEM. By learning about the achievements, impact, and pathways to success of prominent women in STEM, educators will be equipped to encourage and guide their female students toward successful STEM careers.

SPEAKERS:
Kim Harding (Van Andel Institute)

Immersing educators in a locally relevant context is a powerful way to foster professional learning, enhance curriculum, and boost student engagement. This session will present successful examples of immersive professional learning that have impacted hundreds of educators across the country.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about the benefits of immersive and place-based learning and how it can bring the sensemaking process to life. We will explore how immersive professional learning can surface local phenomena that can be leveraged to support curricular modifications and enhance relevance.

SPEAKERS:
Rick Henningfeld (Vivayic, Inc.), Craig Rebich (Relevant Classroom: Lawrenceburg, IN), Brian Beierle (Relevant Classroom, a Division of Vivayic, Inc.: Wauwatosa, WI)

In this session participants will examine and discuss the Teacher Leader Model Standards. Digging into the standards they will describe key actions and practices for each of the seven domains. Participants will be asked to reflect on their role as a teacher leader in science education.

TAKEAWAYS:
Through participant dialogue, each attendee will walk away with a list of the Teacher Leader Model Standards, as well as ways to become an effective leader improving science instruction for all students.

SPEAKERS:
Jenne VandePanne (Michigan Technological University/Newaygo Public Schools: Newaygo, MI), Jessica Wagenmaker (Holton Middle School: Twin Lake, MI)

Transdisciplinary STEM learning that positions students in the context of real-life scenarios and to problem solve authentic issues can increase students' conceptual understanding of content area knowledge, inspire community connections, as well as increase student engagement in their learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn why transdisciplinary and convergence education matters for the twenty-first century and how this type of learning can be framed and developed, with an overall understanding of how this type of learning and teaching could transform our country and world.

SPEAKERS:
Stefanie Holloway (Greater Oregon STEM Hub: La Grande, OR)

This immersive and engaging workshop is designed to empower and cultivate teacher leaders in science education. It will provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective leaders in their schools and communities, driving positive change in science education.

TAKEAWAYS:
One key takeaway related to leadership in science is the importance of raising awareness of implicit bias in science education. Implicit bias refers to the unconscious attitudes and stereotypes that influence our perceptions and actions, often leading to inequities in educational settings.

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Kay Williams (KEDE Educational Business, LLC: Woodstock, GA)

Sponsoring Company: Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

Did you know the federal government offers numerous internships, fellowships, and institutes for teachers? Join us as Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) recipients share their own experiences working with federal agencies like NASA, NSF, and more.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will hear from presidential award-winning teachers that excelled in their careers through professional development opportunities. These opportunities could be correlated to winning a PAEMST and been recognized by the National Science Foundation and Office of White House Technology Policy.

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Alfred Hall (National Science Foundation: Alexandria, VA)

The NSTA Sensemaking Tool can support teachers shifting their instruction to create opportunities for student sensemaking. Gain experience using the tool to identify “look and listen fors” in classroom observations and to facilitate productive discussions about successes and overcoming challenges.

TAKEAWAYS:
Use the NSTA Sensemaking Tool for classroom observations and providing feedback.

SPEAKERS:
Kate Soriano (NSTA: Jersey City, NJ)

The implementation of high-quality instructional materials requires support as teachers make the shifts needed for effective use. Dig into Change Management from The Elements of curriculum based professional learning to figure out how key lessons can help you lead change.

TAKEAWAYS:
Join other leaders to consider key lessons from change and dig into Change Management from The Elements: Transforming Teaching through Curriculum-based Professional Learning.

SPEAKERS:
Jody Bintz (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO), Jim Short (BSCS Science Learning: Ridgefield, NY)

Want to learn how LSTA is representing science educators in our state? Interested in being involved in science education in your region and/or at the state level? Join us for the annual LSTA meeting! Hosted by BrainPOP Science, LSTA members will mix and mingle with regional representatives, other members of the board and network with both formal and informal science educators to get the inside scoop on upcoming LSTA events, science opportunities and much more. During the meeting we will also take a closer look at the BrainPOP Science platform and get a peek at the new engineering projects. You don’t want to miss this special LSTA members only event. If you aren’t an LSTA member, you can join at the door! See you there!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will mix and mingle with regional representatives, other members of the board and network with both formal and informal science educators to get the inside scoop on upcoming LSTA events, science opportunities and get a sneak peek of the new BrainPop engineering projects.

SPEAKERS:
Bianca Deliberto (Central Community School System: Baton Rouge, LA)

Once you’ve adopted high-quality instructional materials, how do leaders ensure effective and sustained implementation, especially at high school? Join us to explore features of transformative professional learning that address a range of concerns teachers may have about implementation and change.

TAKEAWAYS:
Effective and sustained implementation of high-quality instructional materials requires planning for change prior to implementation, generating excitement, providing transformative professional learning, monitoring implementation progress and using data to support continuous improvement.

SPEAKERS:
Jody Bintz (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO), Jim Short (BSCS Science Learning: Ridgefield, NY), Cynthia Gay (BSCS Science Learning: Steamboat Springs, CO)

NSTA’s suite of instructional coaching tools support teachers, coaches and leaders in making the best use of instructional coaching cycles to support students’ sensemaking in the classroom. Become familiar with all of our OER coaching tools and try a few out a few in this session!

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to use NSTA’s suite of instructional coaching tools to support instructional coaching cycles in your school/district.

SPEAKERS:
Kate Soriano (NSTA: Jersey City, NJ)

Through discussions and workshopping, participants consider ways to leverage the curriculum adoption process, including setting an instructional vision, developing criteria, and evaluating materials, to develop teacher leaders in science and support understanding of rigorous science instruction.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will develop a plan for using K-12 curriculum adoptions to develop teacher leadership, support deep professional learning around the NGSS/Framework, and increase stakeholder buy-in.

SPEAKERS:
Shannon Wachowski (EdReports.org: Lander, WY), Matthew Christiansen (Oceanside High School #7: Oceanside, NY)

Students in upper school engineering classes were challenged to solve the big, small, exciting, and mundane problems that teachers face. From a traffic study to nature miniature golf to a guinea pig habitat fit for royalty, creativity shone in this collaborative effort.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will experience the breadth and depth of some of the problems solved by upper-school engineering students. We will teach you what we learned about organizing problems, meeting with teachers and facilities, collaborative design, and manufacturing.

SPEAKERS:
Matilde Robbe (Savannah Country Day School: Pooler, GA), Carrie Vetrovsky (Savannah Country Day School: Savannah, GA)

Learn how to use the NSTA Student Work Analysis tool and protocol to evaluate students’ three-dimensional learning. We’ll focus our discussions on what counts as evidence of students’ ownership of targeted elements of the three dimensions and how to use collected student data to inform instruction.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to evaluate students’ three-dimensional learning using the NSTA Student Work Analysis tool and protocol.

SPEAKERS:
Kate Soriano (NSTA: Jersey City, NJ)

Learn how students have revolutionized cultrually and linguistically sustaining teaching and learning in Denver Public Schools. Engage with student stories, research, and district leaders to understand how one district is changing the narrative of how to select high quality instructional materials.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with knowledge and resources to determine what science instructional materials are culturally and linguistically sustaining.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Johnston (Denver Public Schools: Denver, CO), Matthew Christiansen (Oceanside High School #7: Oceanside, NY)

30 years of teacher leadership development have generated impressive results in Wisconsin. Three iterations of summer institutes shaped the science education field, formed lifelong professional networks of educators, and cultivated teacher leaders that steer our state science teachers' association.

TAKEAWAYS:
Fueling educator’s passion and building strong professional networks can work hand-in-hand to develop leadership in your region or state. This session will provide a recipe for a leadership development program certain to transform careers and invigorate your state science teacher association.

SPEAKERS:
Sue Whitsett (NSTA: Waupaca, WI), Chad Janowski (The Einstein Project: Green Bay, WI), Matthew Christiansen (Oceanside High School #7: Oceanside, NY), Dennis Rohr (Seymour Community High School: Seymour, WI)

Lead professional learning for your colleagues, school or district using NSTA's Professional Learning Units (PLUs)! These PLUs are designed to deepen educators’ understanding of three-dimensional teaching to help boost all students’ science learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Lead your professional learning community’s learning using NSTA PLUs.

SPEAKERS:
Zoe Evans (Bremen City Schools: Carrollton, GA), Kristin Rademaker (NSTA: Freeport, IL)

Are you a lead science teacher in your district or school? Are you well versed in implementing high quality curricula? If so, how would you like the opportunity to network, chat and share ideas with other science teacher leaders from across our state? In this session, participants will discuss their

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will gain the opportunity to network and share ideas as well as identify high quality implementation successes, discuss implementation struggles and brainstorm potential solutions.

SPEAKERS:
Lindsay Duet (K-12 Assessment Coach: Baton Rouge, LA), Bianca Deliberto (Central Community School System: Baton Rouge, LA)

From seeds to sprouts to leafy greens we've got you covered to help you "grow" a middle school program. Using hydroponics to boost student engagement and belonging in middle school.

TAKEAWAYS:
Takeaways include: Hydroponics 101; an example of a hydroponics model as well as ideas on how to adapt it for your school program; alignment to NGSS; and ideas of how to go beyond the classroom and help your community (e.g. foodbank, cafeteria, restaurants, zoo).

SPEAKERS:
Kelly Hartings (Indian Hill Middle School: CINCINNATI, OH), Vera Hayslip (7th grade Science: Cincinnati, OH)

Sustaining the use of high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) requires monitoring progress throughout implementation. Join us to consider how leaders from one district gathered and analyzed data to inform decisions and how lessons learned can help refine your plan for the sustained use of HQIM.

TAKEAWAYS:
Deepen understanding of data collection tools and how to use them to inform planning to support the sustained and effective use of high-quality instructional materials.

SPEAKERS:
Jody Bintz (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO)

Discussing how the body works and how it grows and changes during puberty into young adulthood can be a difficult process for students, teachers, parents, and even the school or district to navigate. This presentation would discuss tools teachers can use to both teach these subjects and create plans

TAKEAWAYS:
There are many ways to create a lesson plan on the human body and make the discussion of the changes to the body part of a larger conversation of how the body works and what to expect as you get older. Schools can teach these subjects with science and knowledge as the primary focus of the lessons.

SPEAKERS:
Charlie MacDonald (Dexter Southfield School: Brookline, MA)

I will review the process, give tips and advice, and answer questions about the Fund for Teachers Fellowship. I have received three Fund for Teachers Fellowship grants (2012, 2018, and 2023). I've also scored grants in years that I haven't applied.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will feel confident writing and submitting their Fund for Teachers grant proposal. This is still highly selective, so no promises can be made about people getting awarded the grants, but they will be able to make a strong application.

SPEAKERS:
Kristen Maier (Skinner North Classical School: Chicago, IL)

Educators agree that interdisciplinary projects benefit students, but enthusiasm wanes when confronted with inadequate meeting time and differing assessment strategies. We will show you how to increase the efficiency and efficacy of interdisciplinary learning through distinct models of collaboration

TAKEAWAYS:
Applying knowledge across disciplines encourages authentic learning, but teachers must facilitate these opportunities through strategic collaboration and curricular design.

SPEAKERS:
Lauren De Beer (8th Grade English Teacher: Lexington, KY), Jason Hurst (The Lexington School: Lexington, KY)

Join us to master the art of leading interactive and impactful workshops with facilitation checklists and planning templates.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will use a facilitation checklist and planning template to plan, deliver, and receive feedback on a mock professional learning activity for disseminating best practices for NGSS instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Kayla Cherry (Loyola University Chicago: Chicago, IL), Sarah Stults (Loyola University Chicago: Chicago, IL)

Starting with empathy, we can create inclusive learning environments rooted in people’s needs. Learn how human-centered design principles can be applied to create meaningful, engaging, and effective learning experiences for educators and students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave this session equipped with human-centered design strategies and tools to guide their PLCs and to design impactful learning experiences for their students.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Beierle (Relevant Classroom, a Division of Vivayic, Inc.: Wauwatosa, WI)

The Power of Perception, when educators demonstrate an understanding of students' perspectives, fosters trust and rapport. Students feel valued and respected when their experiences and perceptions are acknowledged, which strengthens the student-teacher relationship and is conducive for learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
The intrinsic value of understanding how students perceive their environment is imperative for their future selves. Helping students and teachers understand their perceptions empowers them to take ownership of their learning journey, and navigate complexities with confidence.

SPEAKERS:
Autumn Nowlin (Autumn's Academy: Jacksonville, FL)