How to Talk to Your Students About Test Anxiety

Session Description:
Since the start of the pandemic, young people have struggled to stay on top of their academics, attend extra-curricular activities, and adjust to the loss of social support. Although we are working through these challenges, some after-effects remain, including test anxiety. Join Támara Hill, Licensed Child & Family Therapist, and Certified Trauma Therapist, as she shares how to recognize the signs of test anxiety and strategies for having meaningful conversations with your students. You will also walk away with resources to support students and families as they manage test anxiety. 

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the signs of test anxiety and discover strategies for having meaningful conversations with students.

• Discover resources to support students and families as they manage test anxiety.  

Assessment 

Participants will have communication and collaboration opportunities throughout the training to demonstrate their understanding of the workshop objectives and reflect on their learning. 

Go Global with Virtual Field Trips

Session Description:
No permission slips required! With virtual field trips, you and your students can travel the world without ever leaving the classroom. Join Dr. Jayme Linton as she shares ideas and resources that you can use to plan and organize these enriching, interactive learning experiences. You will also walk away with tips and tricks for facilitating effective virtual field trips that will engage your students and appeal to a wide variety of learning styles.

Learning Objectives

• Discover resources to plan, organize, and facilitate effective virtual field trips that will engage your students and appeal to a wide variety of learning styles. 

Assessment:  

Participants will complete an exit ticket to demonstrate their understanding of the session objectives and reflect on their learning. 

Implementing Differentiated Instruction - Simplified

Session Description:
Differentiated instruction is one of the most challenging tasks for teachers because we want to ensure that we reach each of our students daily, but we also need to find the time to plan for that instruction. Join Reba Gordon Matthews as she shares how to implement the differentiated instruction elements introduced by Carol Ann Tomlinson in a simplified way using the time and strategy tools that are readily available in your learning space. You will also learn best practices to help your students perform to the best of their unique abilities based on their readiness, interests, and learning profiles.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the teacher’s role in connecting the key pillars of differentiated instruction: content, process, and product.
• Recognize how students respond to their learning based on readiness, interest, and learning profiles.
• Discover ways to use time and strategy tools within the learning space to assist with differentiating instruction.

Assessment 

Participants will join a collaborative backchannel chat and discuss the elements of differentiated instruction to demonstrate their understanding of the session objectives and reflect on their learning.

Total Participation Techniques to Engage Every Learner

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.

Learning Objectives:

• Define Total Participation Techniques and explain how TPTs allow students to demonstrate active participation and cognitive engagement.
• Design a content-specific lesson or activity that incorporates Total Participation Techniques 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.

Let's Get Jiggy with FigJam!

Session Description:
FigJam by Figma is an exciting new online tool that is free for educators and students. Figjam can be used as a collaborative whiteboard, a presentation platform, and so much more! Join Lauren Boucher and explore how to use this versatile tool, discover how to implement it in your classroom, and locate ready-made templates. Participants will also have an opportunity to utilize FigJam to create a lesson, presentation, or activity that they can immediately use with their students, so let’s get jiggy! 

Learning Objectives:

• Explore the various features of FigJam as an online whiteboard space to organize and deliver course content, facilitate engaging group activities, provide interactive feedback, and build community within the classroom. 

• Use FigJam ready-made templates to create a lesson, presentation, or activity that can be used to increase student engagement in the classroom. 

Special Technology Instructions

Participants will need access to an internet device, a non-school personal Google account, and a free educator account at https://www.figma.com/education. SimpleK12’s Google Classroom will be utilized for the interactive and hands-on components of this workshop. 

Assessment 

Participants will share their FigJam creations and implementation ideas throughout the training to demonstrate their understanding of the workshop objectives and reflect on their learning. 

Life After Teacher Burnout

Session Description:
As an educator, protecting your own mental health and well-being often feels like an obstacle that continues to be overlooked. You work with students, colleagues, and parents around the clock while juggling numerous tasks and making sure everyone is taken care of first before yourself. That is why it is no surprise that at some point in time, many teachers will experience burnout due to this complex environment - exhaustion during the day or too much work on top of classroom duties. Join Dr. Courtney Teague as she shares proven steps you can take to effectively cope with the symptoms of teacher burnout and get back on track! With the helpful strategies that you will learn in this training, you will be able to recover from burnout more quickly and efficiently - enabling you to carry on with the noble task of educating our future generations. 

Learning Objective:

• Describe the symptoms of teacher burnout and identify steps you can take to effectively recover and get back on track. 

• Reflect on your “why” for becoming an educator and identify strategies to help you reconnect daily with the reasons why you teach. 

Assessment 

Participants will complete an exit ticket to demonstrate their understanding of the session objectives and reflect on their learning.  

Talking with Purpose: Unleashing the Potential of Academic Talk in Education

Session Description:
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 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 

1. Understand the pivotal role and importance of academic talk in promoting student engagement and deep learning.  

2. Learn practical and effective strategies for incorporating academic talk into your daily teaching practice that can be tailored to suit diverse classroom settings.  

3. 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. 

4. Gain insights into assessing the effectiveness of academic talk and learn how to use feedback and reflection to continuously improve your practice.

Learning Objective:

• Identify the key components of effective academic talk and understand their significance in the learning process. 

• Understand the impact of academic talk on student learning outcomes. Learn how it can enhance comprehension, retention, and application of knowledge. 

• Apply strategies for integrating academic talk into classroom instruction. Learn how to facilitate meaningful and purposeful discussions. 

• Analyze the effectiveness of academic talk in your own classroom. Reflect on your practice and identify areas for improvement. 

• Develop a comprehensive plan for implementing academic talk in your teaching practice. Learn how to align it with your instructional goals and objectives. 

• Assess the impact of academic talk on student engagement and learning. Learn how to use various assessment tools and techniques to measure its effectiveness. 

Assessment

Participants will have communication and collaboration and opportunities throughout the training to demonstrate their understanding of the workshop objectives and reflect on their learning.  

Nurturing Introverts: Classroom Strategies and Technologies to Reach Even the Quietest Kids

Session Description:
Have you ever wondered how to create an inclusive classroom where every student, including the quietest ones, feels valued and heard? Introverted students often possess unique strengths like deep reflection, creativity, and empathy, and they thrive when provided with an environment that values these qualities. Join Chrissy Romano Arrabito for this timesaving, to-the-point session as she provides insights into creating an inclusive learning environment where introverted students can truly thrive. Get ready to revolutionize your teaching approach and create a classroom where every student, including the quietest ones, can excel academically and socially! Chrissy's passion for inclusive education will provide you with practical strategies to enhance your teaching skills and empower your introverted students to reach their full potential. 

Key Takeaways 

1. Gain a deeper understanding of introversion and the unique qualities it brings to the classroom. Learn to recognize and celebrate the strengths of your quieter students. 

2. Discover an array of classroom strategies that support introverted students. Explore techniques for nurturing participation, collaboration, and confidence among your quieter learners. 

3. Unlock the power of technology as a tool for engaging and empowering introverted students. Learn how to integrate digital resources and platforms to provide introverts with opportunities for self-expression and active learning. 

4. Dive into practical strategies for boosting the confidence and active participation of introverted students. Learn how to cultivate a classroom where every voice, especially the quieter ones, is valued and heard. 

Learning Objectives:

• Recall key characteristics of introverted students, demonstrating an understanding of their unique strengths and attributes. 

• Comprehend the significance of creating an inclusive classroom environment for introverted students, explaining how it contributes to their academic and social development. 

• Apply the classroom strategies discussed in the webinar to your teaching practices, adapting them to suit the specific needs and personalities of introverted students. 

• Evaluate your current teaching methods and identify areas where you can better support and engage introverted students. 

• Develop customized lesson plans and activities that cater to the needs of introverted students. 

• Assess the effectiveness of your efforts to nurture introverts in their classrooms, seeking continuous improvement in your teaching practices. 

Assessment

Participants will have collaboration and sharing opportunities throughout the training to demonstrate their understanding of the session objectives and reflect on their learning.  

Crafting Your Power Resume and Cover Letter for Educators

Session Description:
Are you ready to elevate your teaching career by mastering the art of designing a compelling resume and cover letter? Your resume and cover letter are your first impression - make them powerful and impossible to ignore. Join Dr. Samantha Fecich for this hands-on, interactive workshop and discover strategies for crafting your power resume and cover letter, including effective formatting, keyword optimization, and tailoring techniques for specific positions. Get ready to explore the secrets to positioning yourself as a standout educator in a competitive job market! Samantha’s expertise in career development will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need to design a resume and cover letter that emphasizes your unique strengths and dedication to education. 

Key Takeaways

• Learn essential techniques for crafting a resume that tells your story, emphasizing your unique strengths and dedication to education. 

• Discover the art of writing cover letters that go beyond formality, resonating with hiring managers and reflecting your commitment to student success. 

• Understand how to craft a resume that grabs hiring managers' attention and lands you an interview.  

• Explore the concept of personal branding and learn how to infuse it into your resume and cover letter for a standout professional identity.

Learning Objective:

• • Recall the key elements that make a resume and cover letter impactful in the field of education. 

  • Understand the significance of strategic communication in resume and cover letter crafting for educators. 

  • Apply techniques for strategic resume building to tell your unique story and showcase your commitment to education. 

Our Big Beautiful Brains: What Every Educator Should Know

Session Description:
Did you know that current research indicates that our brains – both students' and adults' - are changing? Have you heard that the brain works best when the temperature is between 68 and 72 degrees? And did you know that the color palettes of yellows and pinks can improve memory, while greens and blues can help students relax and support increased concentration? Join Naomi Harm for this brain-based teaching and learning session, as she provides a roadmap of how you can infuse brain-based teaching practices throughout your school's environment. She will share how to optimize physical learning spaces and experiences so that every child can discover their student-driven passion and personalized learning potential.

Assessment:

Participants will have communication and collaboration opportunities throughout the training to demonstrate their understanding of the session objectives and reflect on their learning.

The Knowledge Journey: Ways to Keep Students Learning During Breaks

Session Description:
Summer is right around the corner, so how in the world do we keep our students engaged in learning when they are out of the classroom? No matter what type of school break, whether it is for a couple of days, weeks, or months, we can inspire our students to continue their knowledge journey in fun and creative ways! Join Shelly Terrell as she shares many easy-to-implement, low-cost ideas and resources to keep students connected to learning over breaks. You will also discover how these activities can quickly be adapted for student projects that can be used throughout the school year.  

• Discover ideas and resources that will inspire students to continue their knowledge journey during breaks from school. 

• Discuss how these activities can quickly be adapted for student projects that can be used throughout the school year.

Assessment

Participants will have communication and collaboration and opportunities throughout the training to demonstrate their understanding of the workshop objectives and reflect on their learning.