Are you making the most of your instructional time? Structured schedules and efficient transitions are key to maximizing instructional time and ensuring smooth classroom operations. Join Lauren Boucher for this hands-on, interactive workshop as she shares actionable strategies for bell-to-bell instruction that will help you take control of your classroom schedule and make every moment count. Get ready to unlock the potential of every classroom minute and keep your students learning and engaged from the first bell to the last! Lauren’s expertise in instructional design will provide you with tools and resources to teach with intentionality, streamline transitions, and maximize instructional time while keeping students engaged throughout the day. This is workshop two of six for the series titled “Next Level Lesson Planning: A Teacher’s Guide to Effective Lessons.” Key Takeaways Learn how to design a classroom schedule that maximizes learning opportunities. Discover practical strategies for efficient transitions that minimize downtime. Explore creative ways to sustain student engagement from start to finish. Gain time management tips to ensure every minute of your day supports meaningful learning. Presented by Lauren Boucher Lauren Boucher is a Regional Consultant for Digital Teaching and Learning with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. She holds a master's degree in elementary education and boasts a rich teaching background, including third-grade instruction and gifted education at both elementary and middle school levels. Her expertise also extends to serving as an Instructional Technology Specialist for Pitt County Schools and she shares her insights through both in-person and online presentations at conferences across the nation.

Have you ever wondered how to help your students develop deep listening skills in group discussions? Enacting the power of partners and groups helps students learn to listen deeply so they can respond intentionally. Join Natalie Mitchell for this hands-on, interactive workshop as we explore strategies for considering personality types as a means for guiding student conversations. Get ready to foster a classroom environment where every voice is heard and valued! Natalie’s expertise as a literacy consultant will provide you with the tools and resources you need to encourage your most extroverted talkers to listen closely and your most introverted thinkers to join conversations with confidence. This is workshop three of three for the series titled “Classroom Talk: Navigating Talk as a Process for Exploration.” Key Takeaways Understand the purposes for teaching active listening in the classroom. Learn how to gather evidence from students to confirm and encourage active listening. Examine student dynamics and personalities to coach effective classroom talk and listening. Develop strategies to guide student conversations, fostering an environment where everyone listens and responds thoughtfully. Presented by Natalie Mitchell Natalie Mitchell is a literacy consultant who has worked as a staff development expert and literacy coach for over a decade. With her foundational roots in elementary education, she helps educators develop powerful teaching practices while growing a love for literacy in their classrooms. Natalie holds a master's degree in educational leadership, and she works alongside literacy coaches, campus leadership teams, and program directors to strengthen community and school culture.

Are you seeking practical techniques for designing instruction that is grounded in research and proven to be effective in promoting student engagement, comprehension, and mastery? Aligning instructional resources with evidence-based practices involves selecting and implementing teaching strategies, materials, and assessments that are shown to be effective in improving student learning outcomes. Join Lauren Boucher for this hands-on, interactive workshop as we explore strategies for designing materials that support all learners, including English Language Learners, gifted and talented students, and those with learning differences. Get ready to revolutionize your instructional design by creating inclusive, engaging, and effective instructional materials! Lauren’s expertise in instructional strategies will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to locate, develop, and adapt instructional materials to meet diverse student needs while maintaining rigor and relevance. This is workshop two of four for the series titled “Mastering the Art of Curating and Crafting High-Quality Instructional Resources.” Key Takeaways - Gain a deeper understanding of evidence-based instructional practices and their role in promoting student learning and achievement. - Learn practical strategies for aligning your instructional resources with evidence-based practices, including selecting appropriate teaching strategies, materials, and assessments based on research and student needs. - Explore tools and resources for implementing evidence-based instructional practices effectively in your classroom, including lesson planning templates, instructional guides, and professional development opportunities. - Discover best practices for successful implementation of evidence-based instructional practices, and gain insights into how these practices can transform teaching and learning experiences.

How can flexible seating transform your elementary classroom? Flexible seating is more than a trend—it is a transformative approach that enhances student engagement, comfort, and creativity by creating adaptable learning environments. Join Chrissy Romano-Arrabito for this timesaving, to the point session as explore how flexible seating can transform your elementary classroom into an adaptable, student-centered space. Learn about several types of seating options, strategies for implementing flexible seating arrangements effectively, and how to set expectations that foster student ownership and responsibility. Get ready to combine comfort and creativity to create an adaptable learning space that inspires your students to thrive! Chrissy's expertise in evidence-based teaching practices will provide you with tools and resources for designing a layout that promotes collaboration, boosts motivation, and supports students’ overall well-being. Key Takeaways Discover the transformative impact of flexible seating on student engagement and creativity. Explore several types of flexible seating options that cater to diverse learning styles and preferences. Learn strategies for implementing flexible seating arrangements, setting expectations, and encouraging student ownership. Gain practical tips and resources for designing a classroom layout that enhances collaboration and boosts motivation. Presented by Chrissy Romano-Arrabito Chrissy Romano-Arrabito is a first-grade educator at Nellie K. Parker Elementary School in Hackensack, New Jersey. With an extensive career spanning over three decades, she possesses a wealth of expertise in nurturing the educational growth of elementary and middle school students. Chrissy's educational philosophy is rooted in her deep commitment to nurturing the complete development of each child. She is a fervent advocate for innovation within the classroom, continually seeking ways to facilitate authentic and engaging learning encounters for her students.

How can you set the tone for a productive class, capture students' attention, and ensure they leave with a solid understanding of the day's concepts? Starting your class with an engaging activity can capture students' attention and get them excited about learning. Similarly, ending with a reflective exercise can solidify their understanding and provide a clear takeaway. Join Sofia Guerrero for this timesaving, to the point session and discover practical strategies to kickstart your lessons with engaging activities and wrap them up with meaningful reflections. From energizing starters to impactful closures, you'll discover practical tips to create a classroom environment that promotes learning and retention. Get ready to enhance your instructional toolkit and make every minute count! Sofia’s expertise as an instructional specialist will equip you with the tools and resources you need to energize your teaching and maximize student engagement from start to finish. Key Takeaways Discover engaging opening activities that stimulate interest and readiness to learn. Explore reflective closing strategies that solidify student understanding and retention. Learn effective questioning techniques to maintain student engagement throughout the lesson. Gain insight into structured routines that create a consistent and productive classroom environment. Presented by Sofia Guerrero Sofia Guerrero currently serves as a district math instructional specialist in Houston, Texas. Throughout her career, she has excelled in various roles, including middle school teaching and leadership in digital integration as an EdTech coach. Sofia is deeply committed to nurturing a robust foundation of instruction, providing students with many opportunities to express and demonstrate their thoughts and learning, driven by her genuine passion for education.

Are your learning goals challenging your students sufficiently, and how can you ensure your success criteria accurately reflect the depth of understanding required for mastery? Establishing clear learning targets and success criteria and aligning assessments using Depth of Knowledge (DOK) allows students to engage more deeply with the content and demonstrate higher-order thinking skills. Join Lauren Boucher for this hands-on, interactive workshop as you discover how to set clear learning goals and success criteria with the DOK framework to enhance content mastery and deepen understanding. You will also learn how to align assessments with DOK levels and employ strategic questioning techniques to elevate students' critical thinking skills. Get ready to elevate your teaching and inspire your students to reach new levels of mastery with DOK! Lauren’s expertise in instructional strategies will empower you with the tools and resources to create DOK-based learning activities and assessments that push students beyond surface-level understanding. This is workshop two of four for the series titled “Cracking the Learning Code with Depth of Knowledge.” Key Takeaways Discover how to craft precise and impactful learning goals that align with DOK levels. Learn techniques for creating success criteria that clearly define what mastery looks like at various DOK stages. Understand how to align your assessments with DOK levels to ensure they measure the intended depth of understanding. Explore strategic questioning methods that promote critical thinking and deepen student engagement. Presented by Lauren Boucher Lauren Boucher is a Regional Consultant for Digital Teaching and Learning with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. She holds a master's degree in elementary education and boasts a rich teaching background, including third-grade instruction and gifted education at both elementary and middle school levels. Her expertise also extends to serving as an Instructional Technology Specialist for Pitt County Schools and she shares her insights through both in-person and online presentations at conferences across the nation.

Are you looking to deepen your understanding of how students process and engage with content? Applying Depth of Knowledge (DOK) in the classroom allows teachers to scaffold learning effectively, ensuring that students are not only absorbing information but are also able to analyze, evaluate, and create based on their understanding. Join Lauren Boucher for this hands-on, interactive workshop where she will demystify Depth of Knowledge, clarifying its various levels and addressing common misconceptions. You will also discover why DOK is crucial for effective student learning and how it can revolutionize your instruction. Prepare to transform your teaching approach and empower your students to achieve new heights with DOK! Lauren’s expertise in instructional strategies will provide you with the tools and resources needed to implement DOK-based approaches in the classroom that will guide students from basic recall to applying knowledge in new and challenging contexts. This is workshop one of four for the series titled “Cracking the Learning Code with Depth of Knowledge.” Key Takeaways Gain a comprehensive understanding of the four DOK levels and how they influence lesson planning. Learn strategies to incorporate higher DOK levels into everyday instruction, encouraging deeper student engagement. Discover how to assess student learning through the lens of DOK, ensuring alignment with curriculum standards. Explore practical examples of DOK in action across various subjects and grade levels. Presented by Lauren Boucher Lauren Boucher is a Regional Consultant for Digital Teaching and Learning with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. She holds a master's degree in elementary education and boasts a rich teaching background, including third-grade instruction and gifted education at both elementary and middle school levels. Her expertise also extends to serving as an Instructional Technology Specialist for Pitt County Schools and she shares her insights through both in-person and online presentations at conferences across the nation.

Have you ever wondered how to turn everyday classroom conversations into powerful insights that inform your teaching practice? Whether students are talking socially, academically, or to explore their curiosities through inquiry, we can use their classroom conversations to discover student needs. Join Natalie Mitchell for this hands-on, interactive workshop as we explore how classroom talk can be a powerful tool for formative assessment as well as strategies that support talk and help us gather important data on our students' thinking. Get ready to harness the power of classroom talk to gather real-time feedback on student understanding and drive instruction forward! Natalies’s expertise as a literacy consultant will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to implement strategies that allow you to listen, gather information on your students' needs, and then paraphrase those needs into short, actionable goal statements. This is workshop three of three for the series titled “Unlocking Student Potential: Harnessing the Power of Ongoing Formative Assessment in Teaching Practices.” Key Takeaways Explore effective strategies for leveraging classroom talk as a formative assessment tool, including questioning techniques, discussion protocols, and peer collaboration activities. Learn how to create a supportive classroom culture that fosters open dialogue, active listening, and respectful communication, empowering students to share their thoughts and ideas freely. Discover practical techniques for analyzing classroom talk to identify patterns, misconceptions, and areas of need, and for using that information to inform instructional decisions and interventions. Gain insights into the importance of ongoing reflection and adjustment in using classroom talk as a formative assessment tool to support student learning and growth. Presented by Natalie Mitchell Natalie Mitchell is a literacy consultant who has worked as a staff development expert and literacy coach for over a decade. With her foundational roots in elementary education, she helps educators develop powerful teaching practices while growing a love for literacy in their classrooms. Natalie holds a master's degree in educational leadership, and she works alongside literacy coaches, campus leadership teams, and program directors to strengthen community and school culture.

Have you ever wondered how to transform casual classroom conversations into academically purposeful discussions? Understanding the natural flow of conversation can help us be intentional about how we coach student talk, making even the most casual social conversations academically purposeful. Join Natalie Mitchell for this hands-on, interactive workshop as we follow the lead of Shana Frazin and Katy Wischow in the text "Unlocking the Power of Classroom Talk," and dive into talk as a process, just as we think about the writing process. Get ready to transform your approach to classroom talk, ensuring your students are engaged in meaningful and academically enriching conversations! Natalie’s expertise as a literacy consultant will provide you with the tools and resources you need to guide student talk more effectively, making it a powerful tool for academic exploration. This is workshop one of three for the series titled “Classroom Talk: Navigating Talk as a Process for Exploration.” Key Takeaways Gain a comprehensive understanding of the talk cycle and its parts. Learn the significance of each part of the talk cycle and how it contributes to effective classroom discussion. Create a plan for integrating talk opportunities that establish social talk and enhance academic discussions. Develop strategies to assess students informally on their natural flow in the talk cycle, enhancing their conversational skills. Presented by Natalie Mitchell Natalie Mitchell is a literacy consultant who has worked as a staff development expert and literacy coach for over a decade. With her foundational roots in elementary education, she helps educators develop powerful teaching practices while growing a love for literacy in their classrooms. Natalie holds a master's degree in educational leadership, and she works alongside literacy coaches, campus leadership teams, and program directors to strengthen community and school culture.

Are you looking for innovative ways to effectively teach English Language Arts standards in science and social studies? Learning stations provide a dynamic and interactive way to differentiate instruction and keep students engaged with diverse informational texts. Join Melissa Mann for this timesaving, to the point session as we explore strategies to harness the power of informational texts through innovative learning stations, ensuring your students meet English Language Arts standards while staying engaged and motivated. Get ready to discover how learning stations can revolutionize your classroom! Melissa’s expertise in instructional strategies will equip you with the tools and resources you need to integrate learning stations into your science and social studies curriculum and empower your students to become proficient readers and critical thinkers. Key Takeaways Discover how to set up and manage learning stations that focus on various aspects of informational texts. Learn strategies to effectively integrate English Language Arts standards into your science and social studies curriculum. Understand how to use learning stations to differentiate instruction and meet the needs of all learners. Gain insights into assessing student understanding and progress through activities at learning stations. Presented by Melissa Mann Melissa Mann serves as a dedicated special education educator within the Madison County School System. Her teaching experience spans across a wide range of student settings, from self-contained classrooms to collaborative environments, covering grades kindergarten through sixth. Melissa's qualifications include dual certifications in both elementary education and special education, and she holds a master's degree in school counseling, further enhancing her skill set as a certified school counselor. Melissa’s impact also extends beyond the classroom where she shares her expertise at numerous in-person and virtual conferences, including the Alabama Educational Technology Conference.

Are you looking for ways to support your students in developing strong language skills to thrive both inside and outside the classroom? Effective communication is essential for academic success, enabling students to comprehend complex texts, express their ideas clearly, and engage in meaningful discussions. Join Michelle Dragalin for this timesaving, to the point session as we explore strategies for developing academic and social language skills, including vocabulary, grammar, nonverbal communication, and active listening. Get ready to delve into the crucial connection between language skills and middle school success! Michelle’s expertise in instructional design will equip you with the tools and resources you need to enhance students’ academic performance, build stronger social relationships, and improve their confidence and self-esteem. Key Takeaways Explore the connection between academic and social language skills and their impact on students' overall success in middle school. Learn practical strategies for promoting academic language development, including explicit vocabulary instruction, language-rich learning environments, and scaffolded language support. Discover ways to integrate social language instruction into the middle school curriculum, fostering effective communication, active listening, and respectful dialogue among students. Gain insights into the importance of differentiated instruction and personalized support to meet the diverse language needs of middle school learners. Presented by Michelle Dragalin Michelle Dragalin is a versatile online freelance writer, curriculum developer, adjunct professor, and instructional designer. With a master's degree in curriculum and instruction, as well as a specialist’s degree in educational technology, Michelle brings a wealth of expertise to the field. Her background includes roles as a paraprofessional and head start teacher, along with extensive experience in catering to diverse learners across Pre-K to tenth grades.

Are you wondering how to best support teachers in implementing instructional materials to maximize student learning outcomes? Effective support for educators may include comprehensive professional development, ongoing coaching and feedback, access to instructional resources and tools, and opportunities for collaboration and sharing best practices. Join Lauren Boucher for this hands-on, interactive workshop as we explore strategies for integrating materials into the curriculum and providing support for teachers, including ways to effectively monitor progress, gather feedback, and make data-driven adjustments to optimize learning outcomes. Get ready to take the first step towards maximizing the impact of instructional materials on student learning! Lauren’s expertise in instructional strategies will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to support educators in implementing instructional materials with fidelity and achieving excellence in education. This is workshop four of four for the series titled “Mastering the Art of Curating and Crafting High-Quality Instructional Resources.” Key Takeaways Gain insights into best practices for supporting teachers in the design and implementation of high-quality instructional materials, including selecting appropriate resources, aligning materials with standards, and integrating technology effectively. Learn practical strategies for designing professional development opportunities that meet the diverse needs of teachers and provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to implement instructional materials effectively. Explore tools and resources for providing ongoing support to teachers, including coaching models, peer collaboration platforms, and online communities of practice. Discover best practices for successful implementation of support structures for teachers in using instructional materials, and gain insights into how these strategies can enhance teacher effectiveness and student achievement. Presented by Lauren Boucher Lauren Boucher is a Regional Consultant for Digital Teaching and Learning with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. She holds a master's degree in elementary education and boasts a rich teaching background, including third-grade instruction and gifted education at both elementary and middle school levels. Her expertise also extends to serving as an Instructional Technology Specialist for Pitt County Schools and she shares her insights through both in-person and online presentations at conferences across the nation.

Have you ever wondered how to make your classroom discussions more engaging and purposeful? Academic talk, when incorporated effectively, can transform the dynamics of a classroom, fostering a vibrant learning environment that encourages critical thinking and active participation. Join Lauren Boucher for this timesaving, to the point session and explore strategies to create dynamic, intellectually stimulating environments where students confidently articulate their thoughts, building a foundation for lifelong learning. Get ready to discover the untapped potential of academic talk to enhance student learning for all ages and abilities! Lauren’s expertise in collaborative learning will provide you with the tools and resources you need to facilitate meaningful discussions in your classroom and foster a classroom culture that values every voice. Key Takeaways Understand the pivotal role and importance of academic talk in promoting student engagement and deep learning. Learn practical and effective strategies for incorporating academic talk into your daily teaching practice that can be tailored to suit diverse classroom settings. Discover how to create a safe and inclusive space for students to express their thoughts and ideas, fostering a classroom culture that values every voice. Gain insights into assessing the effectiveness of academic talk and learn how to use feedback and reflection to continuously improve your practice. Presented by Lauren Boucher Lauren Boucher is a Regional Consultant for Digital Teaching and Learning with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. She holds a master's degree in elementary education and boasts a rich teaching background, including third-grade instruction and gifted education at both elementary and middle school levels. Her expertise also extends to serving as an Instructional Technology Specialist for Pitt County Schools and she shares her insights through both in-person and online presentations at conferences across the nation.

Presented by: Megan Fuciarelli Public libraries can provide students, teachers, and families with so much more than access to books, research materials, and a place to work or study. Join Michelle Dragalin as she shares how libraries can engage students over the summer by providing active learning experiences that are positive, experiential, educational, but most importantly, fun! You will also learn tips for helping students obtain their first library card and gain access to some of the lesser-known resources that their local libraries have to offer. Assessment: Participants will join a collaborative backchannel chat to discuss public library resources to demonstrate their understanding of the session objectives and reflect on their learning.

Presented by: Lauren Boucher Session Description:Are you looking for fun, creative ways to engage your students in the learning process? Look no further than educational protocols. Join Lauren Boucher to learn what they are, why they're valuable, and dive into exploring protocols for activating and engaging in content, exploring new information, and integrating new learning. Participants will leave with step-by-step directions and templates to use tomorrow!

Presented by: Lauren Boucher Session Description:Are you looking for fun, creative ways to engage your students in the learning process? Look no further than educational protocols. Join Lauren Boucher to learn what they are, why they're valuable, and dive into exploring protocols for brainstorming and generating ideas, classroom discussions, and more. Participants will leave with step-by-step directions and templates to use tomorrow!

Have you had students scribbling in their notebooks during class only to find that they are not taking notes but doodling? Do you know there are surprising benefits to doodling? Join Chrissy Romano-Arrabito for this hands-on, interactive workshop as she shares the benefits of sketch noting in the classroom. She will discuss how to introduce the concept of visual notetaking to your students, how to get started with sketch noting, and creative ways to infuse sketch noting in the K-12 classroom. Participants will also walk away with a set of resources that can be modified for use in any grade level or subject area. Presented by Chrissy Romano-Arrabito Chrissy Romano-Arrabito is currently a first-grade teacher at Nellie K. Parker Elementary School in Hackensack, New Jersey and she has over 30 years of experience working with elementary and middle school students. Chrissy is dedicated to teaching the whole child, supporting innovation in classrooms, and striving to provide authentic learning experiences for all her students.

Presented by: Deb Norton Session Description: It is understood that literacy provides students with access to valuable information. Educators want readers & writers to engage in literacy in all its wonderful forms and possibilities including written text, digital text, videos, podcasts and so much more. Join Deb Norton as she shares reliable, useful, creative, and engaging resources and perspectives on literacy and learning. You will also gain insights on tools and resources that will help students develop the skills to inform and be informed, to entertain and be entertained, to persuade and be persuaded as well as to ponder, explore, and speculate. Assessment: Participants will use a template to collect takeaways from the session to encourage them to implement ideas into their classroom, or role as an educator.

Presented by: Courtney Teague Session Description: Think: the itsy bitsy spider. Small but powerful. During this webinar session, academic coaches and school leaders will learn how to take traditional face to face trainings and transform them into powerful microlearning units for teachers. Join Dr. Courtney Teague as she explores the world of Micro-Learning, specifically for Academic Coaches.

Whether you are a new teacher looking to build your instructional toolkit, or an experienced educator seeking to deepen your understanding of effective teaching practices, this training is for you. Join Lauren Boucher for this hands-on, interactive workshop as she shares proven classroom strategies, based on John Hattie’s research, that will help your students reach their goals and achieve success. Participants will also walk away with a bevy of ideas and resources that they can implement quickly and easily the very next day! Presented by Lauren Boucher Lauren Boucher is a Regional Digital Teaching and Learning Consultant for the state of North Carolina. She earned her Master's degree in Elementary Education and she has taught third grade, as well as elementary and middle school gifted education. Lauren also has experience as an Instructional Technology Specialist for Pitt County Schools and she presents at face-to-face and online conferences across the nation.

Presented by: Naomi Louise Session Description:Are you interested in exploring some new frameworks and protocols to help your students take ownership of their learning and plan for their futures? Join Naomi Louise as she models effective teaching and learning strategies post COVID-19, supported with next generation career-focused resources, tools and instructional approaches. You will also learn a variety of techniques to maximize your students' level of engagement and motivation.

Presented by: Deb Norton Session Description:Accelerated learning strategically prepares students for success in current grade-level content by bridging the gap between unfinished learning and new ideas and information. Join Deb Norton as she shares strategies for accelerated learning and renewal due to the challenges of Covid-19. You will also learn best practices for supporting students' academic and social-emotional development, including resources for recovery.

Presented by: Naomi Louise This is session four of six for the series titled "The Ultimate Tips - Tricks and Technology Teaching Hacks!" NOTE: While we recommend that you attend all sessions of the workshop series to meet the learning objectives, each workshop can be attended as a standalone. Premium Members have access to view the recordings on demand and earn up to six continuing education credits. Workshop Description: EduProtocols are instructional lesson frames that are designed to engage students in learning through critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity. Join Naomi Louise as she shares a multitude of EduProtocol templates and activities that can be easily adapted for use in your specific grade level and content area. Participants will also have an opportunity to create their own personalized learning experience that they can immediately use with their students. Special Technology Instructions: Participants will need access to an internet device and a non-school, personal Google account. SimpleK12’s Google Classroom will be utilized for the interactive and hands-on components of this workshop. Assessment: Participants will complete an inclusive opening and an optimistic closing activity as well as share their completed digital projects to demonstrate their understanding of the workshop objectives and reflect on their learning.

Presented by: Naomi Louise This is session one of six for the series titled "The Ultimate Tips - Tricks and Technology Teaching Hacks!" NOTE: While we recommend that you attend all sessions of the workshop series to meet the learning objectives, each workshop can be attended as a standalone. Premium Members have access to view the recordings on demand and earn up to six continuing education credits. Workshop Description: Let's put on a new educational designer hat and learn how to teach like a park ranger! Join Naomi Louise as she models four innovative instructional strategies that will transform your teaching to meet your students where they are and actively engage them in their learning. Participants will also have an opportunity to create their own personalized learning experience that they can immediately use with their students. Special Technology Instructions: Participants will need access to an internet device and a non-school, personal Google account. SimpleK12’s Google Classroom will be utilized for the interactive and hands-on components of this workshop. Assessment: Participants will complete an inclusive opening and an optimistic closing activity as well as share their completed digital projects to demonstrate their understanding of the workshop objectives and reflect on their learning.

New students, new parents, new experiences: while the first week of school is exciting, it is important to start off on the right foot to set the tone for the rest of the academic year. Join Michelle Dragalin for this time-saving, to the point session as she shares a variety of strategies to support your students from the very first day of school. You will also walk away with done-for-you templates that will help you build community, connections, and healthy boundaries from day one and keep the momentum going throughout the entire school year. Presented by Michelle Dragalin Michelle Dragalin is an online freelance writer, curriculum developer, adjunct professor, and instructional designer. She holds a Master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and a Specialist’s degree in educational technology. Michelle has experience as a paraprofessional, a head start teacher, and working with diverse learners in grades Pre-K through ten.

Presented by: Emily David Session Description: In most schools, the majority of learning is done in classes or groups. But students must also learn how to learn independently. Often times, students are not naturally inclined to learn or work this way. However, independent learning skills are not only necessary for their future, but there are times when independent work is necessary in the classroom. Learn how to help your students become more independent to work on their own. Teaching students to work independently, not only sets them up for success in the future, but also gives you, the teacher, more time for small group instruction and intervention. Learn strategies and techniques to help students work through challenging tasks without constantly begging for assistance while fostering critical thinking and deeper learning.

Presented by: Naomi Louise Session Description:Have you ever imagined what it would look like if your students were leading instruction as peer coaches and designing the driving questions in your classroom? Join Naomi Louise as she shares how to create personalized learning opportunities that will motivate, engage, and change the mindsets of how students approach problem-solving. You will also walk away with a plan of action to make an immediate instructional change in your classroom the very next day!

Presented by: Michelle Dragalin Session Description: Keeping students engaged at the end of the school year can seem like a monumental task - especially once you are finished with high-stakes testing. Join Michelle Dragalin as she shares a variety of strategies (that do not involve projects or worksheets) to end the school year in a way that is both meaningful for students and manageable for teachers. You will also have access to a lesson plan template that will have you and your students sailing through the final days of school and into the summer break. Assessment: Participants will create an end of the year lesson plan to demonstrate their understanding of the session objectives and reflect on their learning.

Presented by: Michelle Dragalin Session Description: Keeping students engaged at the end of the school year can seem like a monumental task - especially once you are finished with high-stakes testing. Join Michelle Dragalin as she shares a variety of strategies (that do not involve projects or worksheets) to end the school year in a way that is both meaningful for students and manageable for teachers. You will also have access to a lesson plan template that will have you and your students sailing through the final days of school and into the summer break. Assessment: ​Participants will create an end of the year lesson plan to demonstrate their understanding of the session objectives and reflect on their learning.

Presented by: Lauren Boucher This is session five of six for the series titled Using Design Thinking to Empower Learners NOTE: While we recommend that you attend all sessions of the workshop series to meet the learning objectives, each workshop can be attended as a standalone. Full members will also have access to view the recordings on-demand and earn up to six continuing education credits Workshop description: Design Thinking is a problem-solving process that involves five key steps: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test. Join Lauren Boucher and Brian Whitson as they dive deep into steps three through five of the Design Thinking Process and explain how to develop a plan for utilizing effective problem-solving projects with students. Participants will also have an opportunity to access done-for-you templates and support materials to create their own content-specific learning experiences that they can immediately use with their students. Special technology instructions: Participants will need access to an internet device and a non-school, personal Google account. SimpleK12’s Google Classroom will be utilized for the interactive and hands-on components of this workshop. Participants will also need access to two devices: one to view the training and one to participate in the make-and-take component. In addition, access to a digital creation tool will be required, such as Google Slides, Google Drawings, Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, etc.

Presented by: Naomi Louise Session Description:Today's students will be curious young adults by the year 2030, and our schools CAN prepare them for jobs of tomorrow that have not yet been created. Join Naomi Louise as she shares instructional approaches that will empower your students and build a stronger, more compassionate community of learners. You will also learn a variety of strategies to co-design and co-facilitate teaching experiences right alongside your students.

Presented by: Dr. Robert Furman Session Description:While the far-reaching impacts of COVID-19 affect almost every aspect of life, one area hit particularly hard is education. Join Dr. Robert Furman as he shares a myriad of issues that have come to light due to the pandemic and how they will change the future trajectory of education. Rob will also discuss the challenges that we still need to overcome, as well as some positives that have arisen from the pandemic.

Presented by: Lauren Boucher This is session four of six for the series titled Using Design Thinking to Empower Learners NOTE: While we recommend that you attend all sessions of the workshop series to meet the learning objectives, each workshop can be attended as a standalone. Full members will also have access to view the recordings on-demand and earn up to six continuing education credits Workshop description: Design Thinking is a problem-solving process that involves five key steps: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test. Join Lauren Boucher and Brian Whitson as they dive deep into steps one and two of the Design Thinking Process and explain how to develop a plan for utilizing effective problem-solving projects with students. Participants will also have an opportunity to access done-for-you templates and support materials to create their own content-specific learning experiences that they can immediately use with their students. Special technology instructions: Participants will need access to an internet device and a non-school, personal Google account. SimpleK12’s Google Classroom will be utilized for the interactive and hands-on components of this workshop. Participants will also need access to two devices: one to view the training and one to participate in the make-and-take component. In addition, access to a digital creation tool will be required, such as Google Slides, Google Drawings, Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, etc.

Presented by: Naomi Louise Session Description:Research shows that children’s brains are being rewired by constant interaction with technology, prompting educators to change their methods of instruction to reach young digital natives, known as our Generation Alpha and Gen Now students. Join Naomi Louise as she shares strategies to address changes in students' attention systems, memory networks, cognitive processes, and social skills. You will also walk away with a variety of tools and resources to incorporate into your lessons that will keep students motivated to learn.

Presented by: Naomi Louise Session Description:EduProtocols are a series of instructional lesson frames that are designed to engage students in learning through critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity. Join Naomi Louise as she shares a variety of EduProtocols that will inspire and motivate your students. You will also learn how to customize EduProtocols for any subject area and grade level to create personalized learning opportunities for every student.

Presented by: Lauren Boucher This is session two of six for the series titled Using Design Thinking to Empower Learners NOTE: While we recommend that you attend all sessions of the workshop series to meet the learning objectives, each workshop can be attended as a standalone. Full members will also have access to view the recordings on-demand and earn up to six continuing education credits Workshop description: Just like sprints in track and field, Design Sprints are short projects that are structured to help students learn the steps in the Design Thinking Process. Join Lauren Boucher and Brian Whitson as they share the value of starting with Design Sprints when introducing Design Thinking, including best practices for implementing the framework with your students. Participants will also have an opportunity to access done-for-you templates and support materials to create their own content-specific learning experiences that they can immediately use with their students. Special technology instructions: Participants will need access to an internet device and a non-school, personal Google account. SimpleK12’s Google Classroom will be utilized for the interactive and hands-on components of this workshop. Participants will also need access to two devices: one to view the training and one to participate in the make-and-take component. In addition, access to a digital creation tool will be required, such as Google Slides, Google Drawings, Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, etc.

Presented by: Deb Norton Session Description:Design thinking creates learning experiences that prepare our students for the future through innovation and critical thinking. Join Deb Norton as she shares how problem-solving and creative solutions are at the heart of design thinking. You will also learn a variety of teaching strategies that will have a positive impact in your classroom and increase student engagement.

The need for the education system to upskill and train our students for the vast impact that globalization and technological innovations have had on the workplace existed long before the world stopped for coronavirus. Join Reba Gordon Matthews for this time-saving, to the point session as she discusses why many Generation Z graduates feel their education is not adequately preparing them for today’s careers. You will also learn the importance of embedding project-based experiences to help students upskill and develop the most in-demand 21st-century skills. Presented by Reba Gordon Matthews Reba Gordon Matthews is an educational consultant with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, a freelance coach, and instructional designer. She has over 20 years of teaching experience and holds master’s degrees in instructional design and educational technology. Reba is also the co-founder and executive director of The Jamal Gordon Hill Foundation. This organization supports at-risk young people with academic tutoring, technology training, and college scholarships.

Presented by: Deb Norton Session Description: Upskilling is the process of adding to a skill set to better oneself for future tasks and endeavors. Join Deb Norton as she shares how educators can set students up for success by offering opportunities to upskill in a variety of different areas including study skills, technology, soft skills, creativity, test-taking skills, and much more. You will also learn strategies for enhancing student performance and knowledge through updating skill sets and preparing our students to be their best version of themselves going forward. Assessment: Participants will collaborate in a word cloud activity to share their ideas for upskilling their students to demonstrate their understanding of the session objective(s) and reflect on their learning.

Presented by: Lauren Boucher Session Description:Are you looking for innovative activities that celebrate the festive holiday season while engaging your students in the learning process? Join Lauren Boucher as she shares how to use digital tools to create winter-themed learning experiences for students of all ages. You will also learn where to find pre-made activities, templates, and more!

Have you ever wondered how to help move your students from answering questions to exploring ideas? Encouraging students to engage in debate and discussion enhances their ability to think critically and articulate their thoughts, pushing beyond surface-level responses. Join Natalie Mitchell for this hands-on, interactive workshop as we uncover strategies that will elevate your classroom talk from “yes or no” answers to rich, idea-driven conversations, using tools such as talk stems and conversation mats. Get ready to empower your students to explore their ideas with confidence and curiosity! Natalie’s expertise as a literacy consultant will provide you with the tools and resources you need to shift student talk from simple answers to deep exploration of ideas, fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity. This is workshop two of three for the series titled “Classroom Talk: Navigating Talk as a Process for Exploration.” Key Takeaways Discover techniques to guide students from answering questions to exploring ideas. Learn how to foster a classroom environment that encourages debate and curiosity. Understand the use of talk stems and conversation tools to enhance classroom discussions. Gain insights into implementing talk strategies in both whole group and small group settings. Presented by Natalie Mitchell Natalie Mitchell is a literacy consultant who has worked as a staff development expert and literacy coach for over a decade. With her foundational roots in elementary education, she helps educators develop powerful teaching practices while growing a love for literacy in their classrooms. Natalie holds a master's degree in educational leadership, and she works alongside literacy coaches, campus leadership teams, and program directors to strengthen community and school culture.

Presented by: Lauren Boucher Session Description:If a picture is worth a thousand words, Hexagonal Thinking is a strategy that will pay dividends! Join Lauren Boucher to learn more about this powerful strategy that helps students brainstorm, make connections, and organize their thinking in a fun, visual way that helps bring the abstract into focus. You will also walk away with a variety of practical tips and templates to help you get started.

Are your lesson plans truly challenging your students and how can you ensure that your activities push students to think critically and deeply? By integrating Depth of Knowledge (DOK) levels into the planning process, teachers can systematically challenge students at various cognitive levels, making learning more dynamic and fostering a deeper understanding of the content. Join Lauren Boucher for this hands-on, interactive workshop as she guides you through the essential steps of designing effective lesson plans and learning activities with DOK in mind. You will also discover how to incorporate DOK levels into your planning process, create engaging activities, and see practical examples and templates. Prepare to transform your lesson planning and ignite your students' critical thinking skills with the power of DOK! Lauren’s expertise in instructional strategies will empower you with the tools and resources to seamlessly integrate DOK levels into your planning process, elevating the rigor of your instruction and guiding students toward meaningful learning outcomes. This is workshop three of four for the series titled “Cracking the Learning Code with Depth of Knowledge.” Key Takeaways Learn how to align lesson plans and activities with DOK levels to enhance student engagement and critical thinking. Explore practical examples and templates for integrating DOK into your daily teaching practices. Understand the importance of strategic questioning techniques that align with DOK levels to foster deeper understanding. Gain insights into creating a balanced curriculum that addresses all levels of DOK, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience. Presented by Lauren Boucher Lauren Boucher is a Regional Consultant for Digital Teaching and Learning with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. She holds a master's degree in elementary education and boasts a rich teaching background, including third-grade instruction and gifted education at both elementary and middle school levels. Her expertise also extends to serving as an Instructional Technology Specialist for Pitt County Schools and she shares her insights through both in-person and online presentations at conferences across the nation.

This is session one of six for the series titled Using Design Thinking to Empower Learners Are you looking for an innovative way to foster creativity, inspire innovation, and engage every student in your classroom? Implementing Design Thinking can help unleash the creative potential of your students, while allowing them to pursue their individual interests and passions! Join Lauren Boucher and Brian Whitson to learn more about the Design Thinking process and how it can be used with any grade level or subject area. Participants will also have an opportunity to access done-for-you templates and support materials to create their own content-specific learning experiences that they can immediately use with their students. Special technology instructions: Participants will need access to an internet device and a non-school, personal Google account. SimpleK12’s Google Classroom will be utilized for the interactive and hands-on components of this workshop. Participants will also need access to two devices: one to view the training and one to participate in the make-and-take component. In addition, access to a digital creation tool will be required, such as Google Slides, Google Drawings, Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, etc.

EduProtocols are instructional learning frames that teachers can use to plan their lessons with students’ needs in mind. Join Dr. Matt Bergman as he shares an overview of EduProtocols and how you can use them to create quick and easy formative assessments and activities. You will also learn how to use EduProtocols to increase student engagement and help your students connect the dots between past, present, and future lessons.

Are you curious about transforming your classroom into a dynamic hub of collaborative learning? Peer-to-peer instruction can promote active student engagement and a deeper understanding of concepts. Join Michelle Dragalin for this timesaving, to the point session she shares valuable insights into how students can learn effectively from each other, fostering a sense of shared knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Get ready to harness the power of student agency through peer-to-peer instruction and revolutionize the way your students engage with course content! Michelle’s expertise in instructional strategies will equip you with the tools and resources you need to to transform your classroom into a space where students actively participate, collaborate, and lead their learning journey. Key Takeaways Explore the benefits and strategies for implementing peer-to-peer instruction. Learn techniques to foster meaningful and constructive peer-led discussions. Discover how peer-to-peer instruction enhances students' analytical and problem-solving skills. Gain insights into assessing and measuring the impact of peer-to-peer instruction. Presented by Michelle Dragalin Michelle Dragalin is a versatile online freelance writer, curriculum developer, adjunct professor, and instructional designer. With a master's degree in curriculum and instruction, as well as a specialist’s degree in educational technology, Michelle brings a wealth of expertise to the field. Her background includes roles as a paraprofessional and head start teacher, along with extensive experience in catering to diverse learners across Pre-K to tenth grades.