The key to building tomorrow’s innovators might not be more structure, but more choice! This session will explore how giving students the freedom to pursue their interests can ignite creativity, deepen engagement, and foster real-world problem-solving skills. When learners have voice and choice, they don’t just participate; they take ownership, experiment, and innovate. Join this session to hear about how a new enrichment opportunity was developed and implemented at McHenry Middle School. We will share practical strategies for designing meaningful, flexible enrichment opportunities that empower students to think critically and create boldly.
Learning Media Center Director, McHenry District 15
I nerd out about dual language teaching, librarianship, and relationship-building. Besides "teacher things," I love cross stitching snarky things, color guard and marching band, and music (singing, playing, listening, etc).
Literacy is not just an ELA responsibility—it is the foundation of learning in every classroom. In this engaging and practical session, educators will explore how the structure of book clubs can be adapted across content areas to deepen comprehension, critical thinking, and student discourse.We will share ready-to-use strategies, discussion protocols, accountability structures, and assessment ideas that promote student ownership and meaningful academic conversation. Attendees will leave with: A clear framework for launching book clubs beyond ELA, Sample lesson ideas for multiple content areas, Strategies to scaffold discussion for diverse learners, Practical tools for managing groups and assessing participation, Ideas for building school-wide literacy through collaborative discussion Whether you’re an instructional coach, administrator, or classroom teacher, this session will provide actionable strategies to transform discussion into a powerful literacy tool across disciplines.
Are you ready to revolutionize career readiness in your district? Learn how 25% of our students graduate with real-world micro internship experience through a program that’s flexible, inclusive, and built to scale. In this session, discover how our innovative micro internship program engages students across CTE career clusters, supports state pathway endorsements by fulfilling work-based learning hours, and provides every student—not just a select few—with this transformative capstone experience. We’ll share the step-by-step structure of our program, from building and sustaining community partnerships to offering virtual options that make internships accessible to all. With internships ranging from 10 to 100 hours, this model combines flexibility with meaningful, real-world impact. Attendees will leave equipped with practical tools, templates, and strategies to launch or scale a micro internship program in their districts. Transform your district and graduate workforce-ready, purpose-driven students!
This session will begin with an overview of gamification. Attendees will then explore key research on student motivation. The presentation will feature exemplar units that have successfully implemented gamification across various content areas, including psychology, US History, and World History. The workshop will be highly interactive, allowing participants to engage in a gamified activity and collaborate to develop their own lesson frameworks. Educators will leave with practical, adaptable strategies and templates that can be implemented immediately, regardless of subject area or grade level.
Division Leader / Dual Credit Instruction, District 155
I’m committed to meeting students where they are—academically, emotionally, and developmentally. I use empirically supported strategies to foster meaningful learning and support student well-being, blending research with real-world classroom application.
My work centers around blended learning and positive psychology, two powerful frameworks that inform my teaching and leadership. I’ve presented on these topics at local and national conferences, helping other educators implement research-based strategies in their own classrooms... Read More →
Thursday June 18, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT Room 287
Shift your middle school classroom from passive consumption to dynamic creation using the power of EduProtocols! This workshop introduces a framework of highly engaging, structured lesson routines designed to empower students as critical thinkers and content creators. Participants will explore protocols like Iron Chef, which drives collaborative, evidence-based textual analysis, and Thin Slides, which prompt students to generate concise, multimedia explanations. With a focus on moving from digital consumption to authentic creation, this session offers practical, adaptable strategies that help students synthesize ideas, demonstrate understanding, and share their voices. You'll walk away with ready-to-use templates, hands-on experience, and ideas to transform your instruction. Whether you're new to EduProtocols or looking to expand your toolkit, this session will inspire new ways to elevate engagement and student ownership of learning.
In this hands-on session, educators will explore how LEGO® Education Science can be used to help Illinois students model, investigate, and redesign solutions to real-world environmental challenges. Participants will engage in collaborative design tasks focused on local systems such as climate patterns, land management, and human impact on the environment, while strengthening students’ skills in scientific modeling, data analysis, and evidence-based reasoning. The session highlights practical strategies aligned to the Illinois Learning Standards and NGSS practices, emphasizing systems thinking and sensemaking rather than single “right answers.” Educators will leave with adaptable lesson ideas, assessment approaches, and connections that make science learning relevant, rigorous, and grounded in students’ lived experiences across Illinois.
Welcome to LEGO® Education! There is magic when students are able to engage in impactful, hands-on experiences and I am here to support you and your student with that mission. Whether it is Early Learning, STEAM or Computer Science, we build student skills through the world of p... Read More →
Ideas on how to incorporate small group instruction in a secondary math classroom. Ideas on what to cover in small group, how to decide which students to pull, what should the remainder of the class be doing.
In this interactive session invites, we will explore how LEGO® Education Computer Science & AI can help Illinois students understand how automated systems make decisions—and why those decisions matter. Through hands-on modeling and guided discussions, participants will examine foundational concepts such as computational thinking, data inputs, and algorithmic behavior, while also addressing issues of bias, transparency, and responsible use of AI. Using real‑world contexts relevant to Illinois classrooms, educators will experience strategies for making abstract AI concepts concrete and age‑appropriate. The session emphasizes problem‑solving, collaboration, and ethical reasoning aligned with the Illinois Computer Science Standards and equips educators with practical and intuitive approaches for teaching AI as a tool students can question, refine, and improve.
Welcome to LEGO® Education! There is magic when students are able to engage in impactful, hands-on experiences and I am here to support you and your student with that mission. Whether it is Early Learning, STEAM or Computer Science, we build student skills through the world of p... Read More →
Literacy is not just an ELA responsibility—it is the foundation of learning in every classroom. In this engaging and practical session, educators will explore how the structure of book clubs can be adapted across content areas to deepen comprehension, critical thinking, and student discourse.We will share ready-to-use strategies, discussion protocols, accountability structures, and assessment ideas that promote student ownership and meaningful academic conversation. Attendees will leave with: A clear framework for launching book clubs beyond ELA, Sample lesson ideas for multiple content areas, Strategies to scaffold discussion for diverse learners, Practical tools for managing groups and assessing participation, Ideas for building school-wide literacy through collaborative discussion Whether you’re an instructional coach, administrator, or classroom teacher, this session will provide actionable strategies to transform discussion into a powerful literacy tool across disciplines.
Are you ready to revolutionize career readiness in your district? Learn how 25% of our students graduate with real-world micro internship experience through a program that’s flexible, inclusive, and built to scale. In this session, discover how our innovative micro internship program engages students across CTE career clusters, supports state pathway endorsements by fulfilling work-based learning hours, and provides every student—not just a select few—with this transformative capstone experience. We’ll share the step-by-step structure of our program, from building and sustaining community partnerships to offering virtual options that make internships accessible to all. With internships ranging from 10 to 100 hours, this model combines flexibility with meaningful, real-world impact. Attendees will leave equipped with practical tools, templates, and strategies to launch or scale a micro internship program in their districts. Transform your district and graduate workforce-ready, purpose-driven students!
Let's discuss the benefits of bringing environmental education into classroom, the role MCSEEP has in facilitating it and details about how our program works.
This session will begin with an overview of gamification. Attendees will then explore key research on student motivation. The presentation will feature exemplar units that have successfully implemented gamification across various content areas, including psychology, US History, and World History. The workshop will be highly interactive, allowing participants to engage in a gamified activity and collaborate to develop their own lesson frameworks. Educators will leave with practical, adaptable strategies and templates that can be implemented immediately, regardless of subject area or grade level.
Division Leader / Dual Credit Instruction, District 155
I’m committed to meeting students where they are—academically, emotionally, and developmentally. I use empirically supported strategies to foster meaningful learning and support student well-being, blending research with real-world classroom application.
My work centers around blended learning and positive psychology, two powerful frameworks that inform my teaching and leadership. I’ve presented on these topics at local and national conferences, helping other educators implement research-based strategies in their own classrooms... Read More →
Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT Room 287
Shift your middle school classroom from passive consumption to dynamic creation using the power of EduProtocols! This workshop introduces a framework of highly engaging, structured lesson routines designed to empower students as critical thinkers and content creators. Participants will explore protocols like Iron Chef, which drives collaborative, evidence-based textual analysis, and Thin Slides, which prompt students to generate concise, multimedia explanations. With a focus on moving from digital consumption to authentic creation, this session offers practical, adaptable strategies that help students synthesize ideas, demonstrate understanding, and share their voices. You'll walk away with ready-to-use templates, hands-on experience, and ideas to transform your instruction. Whether you're new to EduProtocols or looking to expand your toolkit, this session will inspire new ways to elevate engagement and student ownership of learning.
When kids drive through the town or area they live in it is engaging. All the towns in McHenry County share a very familiar history. It is easily placed into American and World History. We would explore where to tie in local history and provide resources where this information can be found.
This session would focus on how to integrate best practices in the areas of reading and writing in the content area classrooms (science, social studies, and math). Participants will gain an understanding of foundational practices that can support the content in their classroom while also reaching reading and writing standard goals.
This session will review the three strategies necessary for student success: attendance, doing the daily practice, and using resources. The presenter will discuss the role of adults (educators and parents) in helping students develop these three strategies and will also provide takeaways to implement.
How can science and chemistry classrooms better support all learners while maintaining rigor, engagement, and equity? This breakout session introduces educators to the Modern Classrooms Project (MCP) model and demonstrates how its core components, blended instruction, self-pacing, and mastery-based assessment, can transform science classrooms and any other classroom into inclusive, student-centered learning environments. Participants will explore how Modern Classrooms strategies support diverse learners, including students with IEPs, English language learners, advanced students, and those who need additional time or structure to succeed. The session will focus on practical applications in chemistry and science-based courses, including content delivery, lab work, assessments, and classroom management. These strategies can then be applied to any content and grade level. The Modern Classrooms model empowers students to take ownership of their learning while receiving targeted, timely support from teachers. By removing one-size-fits-all pacing and embracing mastery-based learning, this approach supports academic growth, builds confidence, and ensures that all students, regardless of ability level, can succeed in rigorous science classrooms. Educators will leave with actionable strategies, classroom examples, and ready-to-use tools that can be implemented immediately to improve student engagement, independence, and academic success. Intended Audience: K–12 Science and Chemistry Teachers, Instructional Coaches, Special Education Teachers, Administrators, Educators interested in Universal Design for Learning, MTSS, or student-centered instruction (No prior experience with Modern Classrooms is required.)
What if the most powerful learning moments in your school weren’t scheduled…but simply happened? Passive programming transforms everyday school environments into rich opportunities for growth, without adding to already packed schedules and responsibilities. From hallway displays that spark curiosity to subtle prompts that reinforce social-emotional learning, this approach meets students where they are and keeps learning alive beyond the classroom. Join us to explore how passive programming can quietly, but powerfully, shape school culture, increase engagement, and support student success. Walk away with practical, easy-to-implement ideas you can start using right away.
Learning Media Center Director, McHenry District 15
I nerd out about dual language teaching, librarianship, and relationship-building. Besides "teacher things," I love cross stitching snarky things, color guard and marching band, and music (singing, playing, listening, etc).
Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT Room 403
Ideas on how to incorporate small group instruction in a secondary math classroom. Ideas on what to cover in small group, how to decide which students to pull, what should the remainder of the class be doing.
Strong Tier 1 instruction is the foundation of an effective MTSS framework, yet it is often delivered primarily through whole-group lessons. This session focuses on how strategic differentiation in small groups can strengthen Tier 1 by meeting learners where they are while maintaining access to grade-level standards. Participants will explore how small groups function as a preventative, equity-driven approach within Tier 1 instruction and how they can reduce the need for more intensive interventions. Teachers will leave with practical strategies for differentiating instruction, scaffolds, and support in small groups to increase engagement, provide real-time feedback, and ensure more students experience success during core instruction.
Providing a shared experience from text or media-related content is one way to have students learn. Take your students one step further with a structured discussion, where they can listen to and understand their peers' opinions and experiences. Create a community-building environment, and they will discuss topics, practice higher-level questioning, analyze and evaluate situations, cite evidence, and debate constructively.
How do we move from teacher-led input to independent student output? This session introduces key GLAD strategies designed to bridge the gap between language acquisition and academic performance. Our goal is to demonstrate how high impact strategies with minimal preparation can meet the needs of all learners while providing teachers with data in real time. We will utilize the following GLAD strategies to enhance student oracy and writing: Observation Charts, Sentence Patterning Chart, Cooperative Strip Paragraph, 10/2 Academic Discussions Bring with you: At least 6 pictures that align with a unit you teach (think of the big ideas or concepts you will cover with your students), a list of important nouns related to your unit of study, a topic sentence demonstrating a key takeaway from the learning, a digital copy of a text you use with students.
The key to building tomorrow’s innovators might not be more structure, but more choice! This session will explore how giving students the freedom to pursue their interests can ignite creativity, deepen engagement, and foster real-world problem-solving skills. When learners have voice and choice, they don’t just participate; they take ownership, experiment, and innovate. Join this session to hear about how a new enrichment opportunity was developed and implemented at McHenry Middle School. We will share practical strategies for designing meaningful, flexible enrichment opportunities that empower students to think critically and create boldly.
Learning Media Center Director, McHenry District 15
I nerd out about dual language teaching, librarianship, and relationship-building. Besides "teacher things," I love cross stitching snarky things, color guard and marching band, and music (singing, playing, listening, etc).
Thursday June 18, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT Room 403
Literacy is not just an ELA responsibility—it is the foundation of learning in every classroom. In this engaging and practical session, educators will explore how the structure of book clubs can be adapted across content areas to deepen comprehension, critical thinking, and student discourse.We will share ready-to-use strategies, discussion protocols, accountability structures, and assessment ideas that promote student ownership and meaningful academic conversation. Attendees will leave with: A clear framework for launching book clubs beyond ELA, Sample lesson ideas for multiple content areas, Strategies to scaffold discussion for diverse learners, Practical tools for managing groups and assessing participation, Ideas for building school-wide literacy through collaborative discussion Whether you’re an instructional coach, administrator, or classroom teacher, this session will provide actionable strategies to transform discussion into a powerful literacy tool across disciplines.
Are you ready to revolutionize career readiness in your district? Learn how 25% of our students graduate with real-world micro internship experience through a program that’s flexible, inclusive, and built to scale. In this session, discover how our innovative micro internship program engages students across CTE career clusters, supports state pathway endorsements by fulfilling work-based learning hours, and provides every student—not just a select few—with this transformative capstone experience. We’ll share the step-by-step structure of our program, from building and sustaining community partnerships to offering virtual options that make internships accessible to all. With internships ranging from 10 to 100 hours, this model combines flexibility with meaningful, real-world impact. Attendees will leave equipped with practical tools, templates, and strategies to launch or scale a micro internship program in their districts. Transform your district and graduate workforce-ready, purpose-driven students!
During 32 years of teaching and 4 years supervising student teachers it became obvious that engagement was the key to the real learning in the Social Sciences and to creating active citizens using the knowledge from the Social Sciences. This presentation will be about thinking about real engagement in the Social Science classroom.
Let's discuss the benefits of bringing environmental education into classroom, the role MCSEEP has in facilitating it and details about how our program works.
Shift your middle school classroom from passive consumption to dynamic creation using the power of EduProtocols! This workshop introduces a framework of highly engaging, structured lesson routines designed to empower students as critical thinkers and content creators. Participants will explore protocols like Iron Chef, which drives collaborative, evidence-based textual analysis, and Thin Slides, which prompt students to generate concise, multimedia explanations. With a focus on moving from digital consumption to authentic creation, this session offers practical, adaptable strategies that help students synthesize ideas, demonstrate understanding, and share their voices. You'll walk away with ready-to-use templates, hands-on experience, and ideas to transform your instruction. Whether you're new to EduProtocols or looking to expand your toolkit, this session will inspire new ways to elevate engagement and student ownership of learning.
This session would focus on how to integrate best practices in the areas of reading and writing in the content area classrooms (science, social studies, and math). Participants will gain an understanding of foundational practices that can support the content in their classroom while also reaching reading and writing standard goals.
This session will review the three strategies necessary for student success: attendance, doing the daily practice, and using resources. The presenter will discuss the role of adults (educators and parents) in helping students develop these three strategies and will also provide takeaways to implement.
In this hands-on session, educators will explore how LEGO® Education Science can be used to help Illinois students model, investigate, and redesign solutions to real-world environmental challenges. Participants will engage in collaborative design tasks focused on local systems such as climate patterns, land management, and human impact on the environment, while strengthening students’ skills in scientific modeling, data analysis, and evidence-based reasoning. The session highlights practical strategies aligned to the Illinois Learning Standards and NGSS practices, emphasizing systems thinking and sensemaking rather than single “right answers.” Educators will leave with adaptable lesson ideas, assessment approaches, and connections that make science learning relevant, rigorous, and grounded in students’ lived experiences across Illinois.
Welcome to LEGO® Education! There is magic when students are able to engage in impactful, hands-on experiences and I am here to support you and your student with that mission. Whether it is Early Learning, STEAM or Computer Science, we build student skills through the world of p... Read More →
How can science and chemistry classrooms better support all learners while maintaining rigor, engagement, and equity? This breakout session introduces educators to the Modern Classrooms Project (MCP) model and demonstrates how its core components, blended instruction, self-pacing, and mastery-based assessment, can transform science classrooms and any other classroom into inclusive, student-centered learning environments. Participants will explore how Modern Classrooms strategies support diverse learners, including students with IEPs, English language learners, advanced students, and those who need additional time or structure to succeed. The session will focus on practical applications in chemistry and science-based courses, including content delivery, lab work, assessments, and classroom management. These strategies can then be applied to any content and grade level. The Modern Classrooms model empowers students to take ownership of their learning while receiving targeted, timely support from teachers. By removing one-size-fits-all pacing and embracing mastery-based learning, this approach supports academic growth, builds confidence, and ensures that all students, regardless of ability level, can succeed in rigorous science classrooms. Educators will leave with actionable strategies, classroom examples, and ready-to-use tools that can be implemented immediately to improve student engagement, independence, and academic success. Intended Audience: K–12 Science and Chemistry Teachers, Instructional Coaches, Special Education Teachers, Administrators, Educators interested in Universal Design for Learning, MTSS, or student-centered instruction (No prior experience with Modern Classrooms is required.)
Ideas on how to incorporate small group instruction in a secondary math classroom. Ideas on what to cover in small group, how to decide which students to pull, what should the remainder of the class be doing.
Writing instruction from nationally recognized Jim Kestner’s more than 30 years of experience as a dynamic speaker brings workshop participants an innovative, game-like approach to teaching writing skills, empowering teachers to differentiate instruction that truly meets a wide range of students’ individual needs simultaneously. The option of an incentives-based, game-like interface equips middle and high school English teachers to harness the power of avatars and individual-based skill progression to shatter barriers and generate excitement in students as they gain ever greater writing proficiency along a virtual expedition to climb Mt. Everest. Check out these exciting features:
* A series of 17 self-paced writing challenges adaptable to time frames ranging from a few units to an entire school year * Real potential for students who need extra time a chance to master skills while simultaneously propelling gifted students to pursue advanced concepts that typically lie beyond the time available during the school year * Instruction on customizing the curriculum to a variety of settings and applications * Data collection and reporting mechanisms * ELA standards-aligned curriculum for grades 6-12 * Web-based data and leaderboards for teachers who decide to gamify the program * Easily adaptable for remote learning
Providing a shared experience from text or media-related content is one way to have students learn. Take your students one step further with a structured discussion, where they can listen to and understand their peers' opinions and experiences. Create a community-building environment, and they will discuss topics, practice higher-level questioning, analyze and evaluate situations, cite evidence, and debate constructively.
In this interactive session invites, we will explore how LEGO® Education Computer Science & AI can help Illinois students understand how automated systems make decisions—and why those decisions matter. Through hands-on modeling and guided discussions, participants will examine foundational concepts such as computational thinking, data inputs, and algorithmic behavior, while also addressing issues of bias, transparency, and responsible use of AI. Using real‑world contexts relevant to Illinois classrooms, educators will experience strategies for making abstract AI concepts concrete and age‑appropriate. The session emphasizes problem‑solving, collaboration, and ethical reasoning aligned with the Illinois Computer Science Standards and equips educators with practical and intuitive approaches for teaching AI as a tool students can question, refine, and improve.
Welcome to LEGO® Education! There is magic when students are able to engage in impactful, hands-on experiences and I am here to support you and your student with that mission. Whether it is Early Learning, STEAM or Computer Science, we build student skills through the world of p... Read More →
Literacy is not just an ELA responsibility—it is the foundation of learning in every classroom. In this engaging and practical session, educators will explore how the structure of book clubs can be adapted across content areas to deepen comprehension, critical thinking, and student discourse.We will share ready-to-use strategies, discussion protocols, accountability structures, and assessment ideas that promote student ownership and meaningful academic conversation. Attendees will leave with: A clear framework for launching book clubs beyond ELA, Sample lesson ideas for multiple content areas, Strategies to scaffold discussion for diverse learners, Practical tools for managing groups and assessing participation, Ideas for building school-wide literacy through collaborative discussion Whether you’re an instructional coach, administrator, or classroom teacher, this session will provide actionable strategies to transform discussion into a powerful literacy tool across disciplines.
Let's discuss the benefits of bringing environmental education into classroom, the role MCSEEP has in facilitating it and details about how our program works.
When kids drive through the town or area they live in it is engaging. All the towns in McHenry County share a very familiar history. It is easily placed into American and World History. We would explore where to tie in local history and provide resources where this information can be found.
This session would focus on how to integrate best practices in the areas of reading and writing in the content area classrooms (science, social studies, and math). Participants will gain an understanding of foundational practices that can support the content in their classroom while also reaching reading and writing standard goals.
This session will review the three strategies necessary for student success: attendance, doing the daily practice, and using resources. The presenter will discuss the role of adults (educators and parents) in helping students develop these three strategies and will also provide takeaways to implement.
How can science and chemistry classrooms better support all learners while maintaining rigor, engagement, and equity? This breakout session introduces educators to the Modern Classrooms Project (MCP) model and demonstrates how its core components, blended instruction, self-pacing, and mastery-based assessment, can transform science classrooms and any other classroom into inclusive, student-centered learning environments. Participants will explore how Modern Classrooms strategies support diverse learners, including students with IEPs, English language learners, advanced students, and those who need additional time or structure to succeed. The session will focus on practical applications in chemistry and science-based courses, including content delivery, lab work, assessments, and classroom management. These strategies can then be applied to any content and grade level. The Modern Classrooms model empowers students to take ownership of their learning while receiving targeted, timely support from teachers. By removing one-size-fits-all pacing and embracing mastery-based learning, this approach supports academic growth, builds confidence, and ensures that all students, regardless of ability level, can succeed in rigorous science classrooms. Educators will leave with actionable strategies, classroom examples, and ready-to-use tools that can be implemented immediately to improve student engagement, independence, and academic success. Intended Audience: K–12 Science and Chemistry Teachers, Instructional Coaches, Special Education Teachers, Administrators, Educators interested in Universal Design for Learning, MTSS, or student-centered instruction (No prior experience with Modern Classrooms is required.)
What if the most powerful learning moments in your school weren’t scheduled…but simply happened? Passive programming transforms everyday school environments into rich opportunities for growth, without adding to already packed schedules and responsibilities. From hallway displays that spark curiosity to subtle prompts that reinforce social-emotional learning, this approach meets students where they are and keeps learning alive beyond the classroom. Join us to explore how passive programming can quietly, but powerfully, shape school culture, increase engagement, and support student success. Walk away with practical, easy-to-implement ideas you can start using right away.
Learning Media Center Director, McHenry District 15
I nerd out about dual language teaching, librarianship, and relationship-building. Besides "teacher things," I love cross stitching snarky things, color guard and marching band, and music (singing, playing, listening, etc).
Thursday June 18, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT Room 403
Providing a shared experience from text or media-related content is one way to have students learn. Take your students one step further with a structured discussion, where they can listen to and understand their peers' opinions and experiences. Create a community-building environment, and they will discuss topics, practice higher-level questioning, analyze and evaluate situations, cite evidence, and debate constructively.
Session Objectives: 1. Build a Collaborative Network - Establish connections among AP teachers across McHenry County to foster ongoing collaboration, resource sharing, and peer support throughout the academic year. 2. Identify and Share Effective Practices - Exchange successful strategies, curriculum resources, and instructional approaches that improve student access, engagement, and performance in AP courses across different school contexts. 3. Develop Actionable Next Steps - Leave with concrete ideas, resources, and at least one commitment for implementation that will enhance AP programming and student outcomes in participants' respective schools.
Assistant Superintendent, Nippersink D2 and Richmond-Burton D157
My career in education began in the AP Government classroom, where I spent years learning firsthand the dedication and rigor required to help students succeed in advanced coursework. While my path eventually led me through roles as a Principal and Assistant Superintendent, those ... Read More →
How do we move from teacher-led input to independent student output? This session introduces key GLAD strategies designed to bridge the gap between language acquisition and academic performance. Our goal is to demonstrate how high impact strategies with minimal preparation can meet the needs of all learners while providing teachers with data in real time. We will utilize the following GLAD strategies to enhance student oracy and writing: Observation Charts, Sentence Patterning Chart, Cooperative Strip Paragraph, 10/2 Academic Discussions Bring with you: At least 6 pictures that align with a unit you teach (think of the big ideas or concepts you will cover with your students), a list of important nouns related to your unit of study, a topic sentence demonstrating a key takeaway from the learning, a digital copy of a text you use with students.
Are you ready to revolutionize career readiness in your district? Learn how 25% of our students graduate with real-world micro internship experience through a program that’s flexible, inclusive, and built to scale. In this session, discover how our innovative micro internship program engages students across CTE career clusters, supports state pathway endorsements by fulfilling work-based learning hours, and provides every student—not just a select few—with this transformative capstone experience. We’ll share the step-by-step structure of our program, from building and sustaining community partnerships to offering virtual options that make internships accessible to all. With internships ranging from 10 to 100 hours, this model combines flexibility with meaningful, real-world impact. Attendees will leave equipped with practical tools, templates, and strategies to launch or scale a micro internship program in their districts. Transform your district and graduate workforce-ready, purpose-driven students!
During 32 years of teaching and 4 years supervising student teachers it became obvious that engagement was the key to the real learning in the Social Sciences and to creating active citizens using the knowledge from the Social Sciences. This presentation will be about thinking about real engagement in the Social Science classroom.
Let's discuss the benefits of bringing environmental education into classroom, the role MCSEEP has in facilitating it and details about how our program works.
Shift your middle school classroom from passive consumption to dynamic creation using the power of EduProtocols! This workshop introduces a framework of highly engaging, structured lesson routines designed to empower students as critical thinkers and content creators. Participants will explore protocols like Iron Chef, which drives collaborative, evidence-based textual analysis, and Thin Slides, which prompt students to generate concise, multimedia explanations. With a focus on moving from digital consumption to authentic creation, this session offers practical, adaptable strategies that help students synthesize ideas, demonstrate understanding, and share their voices. You'll walk away with ready-to-use templates, hands-on experience, and ideas to transform your instruction. Whether you're new to EduProtocols or looking to expand your toolkit, this session will inspire new ways to elevate engagement and student ownership of learning.
This session would focus on how to integrate best practices in the areas of reading and writing in the content area classrooms (science, social studies, and math). Participants will gain an understanding of foundational practices that can support the content in their classroom while also reaching reading and writing standard goals.
This session will review the three strategies necessary for student success: attendance, doing the daily practice, and using resources. The presenter will discuss the role of adults (educators and parents) in helping students develop these three strategies and will also provide takeaways to implement.
Teachers cannot be the only ones doing the cognitive heavy lifting in the classroom. For learning to stick and transfer, students must actively think about, monitor, and reflect on their own learning. Metacognition helps students make sense of what they are learning, recognize when they are stuck, and choose strategies that move them forward. This session focuses on practical strategies teachers can use to intentionally build students’ metacognitive skills. Participants will explore routines, prompts, and structures that help students plan, monitor progress, evaluate their work, and reflect on their learning across content areas. When metacognition is embedded into daily instruction, students become more strategic, flexible, and resilient learners who are better prepared to take shared ownership of their learning.
How can science and chemistry classrooms better support all learners while maintaining rigor, engagement, and equity? This breakout session introduces educators to the Modern Classrooms Project (MCP) model and demonstrates how its core components, blended instruction, self-pacing, and mastery-based assessment, can transform science classrooms and any other classroom into inclusive, student-centered learning environments. Participants will explore how Modern Classrooms strategies support diverse learners, including students with IEPs, English language learners, advanced students, and those who need additional time or structure to succeed. The session will focus on practical applications in chemistry and science-based courses, including content delivery, lab work, assessments, and classroom management. These strategies can then be applied to any content and grade level. The Modern Classrooms model empowers students to take ownership of their learning while receiving targeted, timely support from teachers. By removing one-size-fits-all pacing and embracing mastery-based learning, this approach supports academic growth, builds confidence, and ensures that all students, regardless of ability level, can succeed in rigorous science classrooms. Educators will leave with actionable strategies, classroom examples, and ready-to-use tools that can be implemented immediately to improve student engagement, independence, and academic success. Intended Audience: K–12 Science and Chemistry Teachers, Instructional Coaches, Special Education Teachers, Administrators, Educators interested in Universal Design for Learning, MTSS, or student-centered instruction (No prior experience with Modern Classrooms is required.)
Ideas on how to incorporate small group instruction in a secondary math classroom. Ideas on what to cover in small group, how to decide which students to pull, what should the remainder of the class be doing.
Providing a shared experience from text or media-related content is one way to have students learn. Take your students one step further with a structured discussion, where they can listen to and understand their peers' opinions and experiences. Create a community-building environment, and they will discuss topics, practice higher-level questioning, analyze and evaluate situations, cite evidence, and debate constructively.
