Are you seeking research-based strategies to cultivate deep engagement that resonates with every learner, regardless of their background or learning style? Universal Design for Learning (UDL) emphasizes the importance of providing multiple means of engagement to tap into students' interests, motivations, and cultural backgrounds. Join Dr. Matt Bergman for this hands-on, interactive workshop as we dive into the neuroscience of learning, exploring how to hook interest, fuel perseverance, and cultivate self-regulation in diverse students. Get ready to ditch the choice fatigue and redefine engagement beyond bland options! Matt’s expertise in universal design for learning will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to create a classroom buzzing with focused enthusiasm and empowered learners that will rewrite the learning narrative in your classroom. This is workshop three of four for the series titled “The Transformative Power of Universal Design for Learning.” Key Takeaways Explore the foundational principles of engagement in UDL and how they can be applied to design inclusive and compelling learning environments. Learn practical strategies for leveraging UDL's engagement principle, including incorporating student interests, providing meaningful choices, and fostering autonomy and self-regulation Discover how to create learning experiences that stimulate curiosity, activate prior knowledge, and promote deeper levels of learning and understanding. Gain insights into the transformative impact of UDL on student motivation, participation, and academic success, and how to advocate for UDL implementation in your educational setting. Presented by Dr. Matt Bergman Dr. Matt Bergman is an Assessment and Curriculum Coordinator for the School of Graduate and Professional Studies at Elizabethtown College. He also has experience as a teacher, digital learning coach, adjunct professor, instructional designer, consultant, and professional development leader. In 2010, Matt launched the award-winning blog and YouTube channel, Learn Lead Grow, sharing practical UDL and technology integration strategies. Matt's accomplishments include being named the 2015 PAECT Teacher of the Year, serving a faculty member at Harvard University's UDL Institute, and he was awarded the 2024 Elizabethtown College Design Studio Fellowship to study how to enhance student learning through UDL and artificial intelligence.

Are you searching for innovative ways to keep your students engaged until the very last day of the school year? Implementing interactive teaching methods can reignite students' interest and motivation, making the final stretch of the school year productive and enjoyable for both educators and learners. Join Lauren Boucher for this timesaving, to the point session as we explore evidence-based teaching strategies that will foster hope and support student resilience, as well as fresh and creative methods to ignite excitement and curiosity in your classroom. Get ready to discover a treasure trove of digital tools that will revolutionize your approach to student engagement! Lauren’s expertise in differentiated instruction will equip you with the skills and resources you need to create a vibrant and engaging learning environment, ensuring that your students remain motivated and involved throughout the school year. Key Takeaways Unlock a toolbox of innovative teaching techniques designed to captivate students' attention and sustain engagement throughout the academic year. Explore creative ways to infuse technology into your lessons, transforming traditional learning experiences into dynamic and interactive adventures. Learn strategies for incorporating project-based learning, gamification, and other hands-on activities to make learning meaningful and memorable. Discover methods for building strong relationships with students, creating a supportive and inclusive classroom community where every voice is valued. 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: Reba Gordon Matthews Session Description: The past two years of virtual learning have revealed the tremendous impact that COVID-19 has had on our education system. Students dealt with many challenges which caused them to view their education as a secondary step to having a successful life. As a result, they began to distance themselves from interacting with their learning environment and classroom routines. Join Reba Gordon Matthews as she shares strategies to help rebuild student engagement by utilizing some of the most effective teaching and learning techniques from both virtual and in-person learning. You will also discover how to develop stronger teacher-student connections, raise the level of technology in the learning space, and communicate with parents in a way that will increase the number of responses. Assessment: Participants will join a collaborative backchannel chat and discuss techniques for rebuilding student engagement to demonstrate their understanding of the session objectives and reflect on their learning.

Presented by: Dr. Samantha Fecich Session Description:Blooket is an exciting new take on game-based learning that matches action with education to create the ultimate learning experience! Join Dr. Samantha Fecich as she shares how easy it is to get started using Blooket to increase student engagement. You will also learn how to create differentiated review games that can be used with all grade levels and subject areas.

Keeping the students in your classroom focused, eager, and on task can be a challenge. Are you looking for some quick and low prep ways to keep everyone actively engaged? Join Chrissy Romano-Arrabito for this hands-on, interactive workshop as she shares her toolbox of strategies for creating a captivating and engaging learning environment! Participants will also walk away with a side deck full of ideas, samples, and done-for-you templates that can be used in your classroom the very next day. 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: Dr. Matt Bergman Session Description:Baamboozle is a web-based tool for creating fun, interactive review games. Join Dr. Matt Bergman as he shares how to create customizable educational games to use in your face-to-face, hybrid, or virtual classroom. You will also learn how to use Baamboozle create slides, flashcards, and interactive Jeopardy-like games that you can use to review content and assess student knowledge.

Presented by: Dr. Jayme Linton Session Description: Total Participation Techniques (TPTs) are instructional strategies that allow all students to demonstrate, at the same time, active participation, and cognitive engagement. Join Dr. Jayme Linton as she models TPTs in this highly interactive session. You will also walk away with strategies and tools that you can immediately use to increase high cognitive engagement for every learner. Assessment: Participants will join a collaborative backchannel chat to discuss ideas for incorporating Total Participation Techniques into their curriculum to demonstrate their understanding of the session objectives and reflect on their learning.

Presented by: Michelle Cheasty Session Description:As a teacher, one of your biggest challenges is to plan lessons that inspire your students to stay actively involved in the learning process. Join Dr, Michelle Cheasty as she shares active learning strategies that will make learning more meaningful, engaging, and motivating for your students. You will also learn how to empower your students by providing them with opportunities to think about, talk about, and process information.