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Monday, December 9
 

9:30am CST

**FEATURED SPEAKER** - Custom AI Chatbots for Personalized Student Learning
Monday December 9, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Conference Dining Room
Feedback Survey
AI chatbots are a powerful way to provide safe, monitored, personalized learning experiences for students. Chatbots can be used for a wide range of engaging activities such as interviewing a historical figure, discussing a book, learning about a career, assessing understanding, providing tutoring, or diving into any topic. With AI these chatbots adjust to each student individually to meet their specific needs and interests. In this session we will explore traditional AI chatbots, as well as tools such as SchoolAI, Mizou, Khanmigo, and MagicSchoolAI where you can choose from a wide range of pre-made chatbots or easily create your own. For more details see: https://bit.ly/curts-chatbots
Speakers
EC
Monday December 9, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Conference Dining Room
  **FEATURED SPEAKER**, Technology

9:30am CST

Beyond the Answer: Math Talks Matter
Monday December 9, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Sugar Maple
Feedback Survey
This session explores the power of math discussions in fostering confident mathematicians and stronger problem-solving skills at all levels. Math discussions create a safe space for students to share ideas, clarify understanding, and learn from each other. By explaining their thought processes and listening to others' approaches, students refine their reasoning skills. Students learn from different perspectives, build communication skills, and develop a sense of shared responsibility for solving problems. Discussions showcase the beauty of mathematics, encouraging students to be creative and adaptable in their problem-solving approaches. Effective communication empowers individuals to tackle complex problems in all areas of life. By fostering a culture of discussion, we can nurture confident mathematicians with strong reasoning and problem-solving abilities. We make math a conversation, not just a set of procedures.
Speakers
avatar for Tina Sheedy

Tina Sheedy

Teacher, Mundelein School District 75
avatar for Jenni Rodeghero

Jenni Rodeghero

Teacher/Math Interventionist, Mundelein Elementary School District 75
Monday December 9, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Sugar Maple
  Instruction, Math

9:30am CST

Digging Deeper: How Coaches’ Questioning Can Lead to Student Improvement
Monday December 9, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
La Grange
Feedback Survey
As an instructional coach, it is easy to fall into the “advice trap.” This does little to empower the teachers we work with as coaches. In this session, we will explore questioning techniques that uncover unknown thinking in our teachers and help to elevate instructional practices in order to raise student achievement. We will dive into the purpose of the questions that are the most effective and identify ways to incorporate these into our coaching conversations.
Speakers
SN

Stephanie Nicoletti

Instructional Coach, CCSD #46
LA
Monday December 9, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
La Grange
  Instruction, All

9:30am CST

Harnessing the Power of the Reader's Notebook
Monday December 9, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Oak Brook
Feedback Survey
One of the most effective ways to truly see if students are understanding what they are reading is to have them engage with a reader’s notebook. In this session, we are going to discuss different reading response strategies teachers can immediately use in their classrooms with students. These strategies will not only help students cultivate their identity as a reader, but will get them engaged in their reading and will have them engaging with each other.
Speakers
avatar for Dan Wolf

Dan Wolf

Literacy Coordinator, Woodridge School District 68
TM

Toni Mrozik

3rd Grade Teacher
Monday December 9, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Oak Brook
  Instruction, Reading/Language Arts

9:30am CST

Self-Paced Student Learning
Monday December 9, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Monarch
Feedback Survey
True differentiation allows students to move through learning at their own pace. Managing a classroom full of kids that all have different needs can seem overwhelming! In this session you will hear how the general idea of "The Modern Classroom Project" was applied to a middle school science class to achieve true differentiation and self-paced learning. These strategies can be applied to any content, any grade, but the focus of this session will be how it was implemented in middle school.
Speakers
avatar for Sarah Meador

Sarah Meador

Director of ROE Services, Regional Office of Education #8
With over two decades immersed in education, spanning the teaching of 3rd through 8th graders, Sarah Meador has gathered a breadth of knowledge and experience. Her focus on science education, engagement strategies, and technology integration has led her to achieve the honor of becoming... Read More →
Monday December 9, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Monarch
  Instruction, Cross Curricular

9:30am CST

Write Yourself Into Existence: The Power Behind Memoir Writing.
Monday December 9, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Ballroom I-J
Feedback Survey
Do you feel like fun has been removed from writing instruction? Are students groaning when informed they will be completing a writing assignment? Writing memoirs brings excitement back and allows students to explore their identities while improving writing abilities. By engaging in memoir writing, students will learn narrative techniques such as dialogue and figurative language. Writers must discover how to engage readers by addressing plot features and using effective word choice. Sharing memoirs can be cathartic while also building community within the classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Kathryn Hoving

Kathryn Hoving

ELA Teacher, Hampshire High School
Dr. Katie Hoving has been a high school teacher for 18 years. She taught special education for ten years with a focus on teaching Reading and English. She earned her Masters in Literacy from Judson University in 2009. Eight years ago, she made the switch to teaching general education... Read More →
KM

Kimberly Millard

Teacher, Hampshire High School
Kim Millard has been a special education teacher at the high school level for 12 years. She currently co-teaches English 10 and Literacy Lab, the reading intervention course, as well as these same courses at the resource (self-contained) level. However, she has been teaching some... Read More →
Monday December 9, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Ballroom I-J
  Standards, Reading/Language Arts

9:30am CST

Building Thinking Classrooms in Junior High
Monday December 9, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Ballroom A-B
Feedback Survey
Participants will get ideas of how to incorporate a "Thinking Classroom" into their junior high math classes by getting students up and moving around to promote engagement. This format allows all students to take part in randomized groups and collaboratively work together on solving curricular problems. Teachers will learn how to turn their current curricular questions into "thinking" questions that better allow their students to do the thinking. Teachers will also participate in a BTC lesson, so they can see how this looks in a classroom. Teachers will also be shown possible templates to use for their BTC problems and how to utilize them in their classrooms.
Speakers
avatar for Christine Alesia

Christine Alesia

Junior High Math Teacher, Murphy Junior High
I'm a junior high 6th and 7th grade math teacher in Oswego Illinois working on Building a Thinking Classroom last year and this year.
Monday December 9, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Ballroom A-B
  Student Engagement, Math

9:30am CST

Unpacking the Science of Learning - Utilizing Retrieval Practices in the Classroom
Monday December 9, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Clarendon Hills
Feedback Survey
The session will explore research in cognitive psychology and related disciplines, focusing on effective learning methods for lifelong learning and skill mastery. Participants will be provided with practical examples of these methods to utilize in their classrooms.
Speakers
avatar for Janet Flesch

Janet Flesch

Regional Specialist, Illinois SLD Support Project
Monday December 9, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Clarendon Hills
  Student Engagement, Cross Curricular

9:30am CST

Relationships before Rigor
Monday December 9, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Doral
Feedback Survey
Using STEAM practices, this session will help to build staff confidence in relationship ideas and increase student classroom engagement. We will focus on priority standards, how to address your teachers and students, ways to build bridges between STEAM and your classroom, and opening a door for future school development conversations.
Speakers
JW

Jessica Winn

STEAM Educator, NIU
Monday December 9, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Doral
  Technology, Cross Curricular

10:45am CST

Maps Aren’t Just for Social Studies Anymore! GIS Maps in Your Curriculum
Monday December 9, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Pebble Beach
Feedback Survey
Maps can be used in any subject area to provide a unique look at the world - to visualize data, observe patterns and relationships, and seek new insights based on analysis. This session will introduce you to two free, GIS mapping platforms that only require Internet connectivity.

MapMaker, a National Geographic and Esri, Inc. collaboration, allows teachers and students to explore and design maps, using basic GIS tools. Students can add map symbols and layers of curated data to show information. Swipe and filtering tools make it easy to compare and analyze data.

GeoInquiries™ are free, ready-to-use, GIS-based mapping activities, based on inquiry methods. An amazing array of introductory GIS map activities, created by Esri’s Education Team, connect to curriculum for various subjects at multiple grade levels. You can present an activity with one computer or as a hands-on activity for students. They gently introduce the teacher and the students to the interactive world of digital maps and help you see traditional content in new ways.

See how a map can enhance a topic you are teaching and engage your students in GIS mapping and inquiry.
Speakers
avatar for Judith Bock

Judith Bock

Geography and GIS Education Consultant
Monday December 9, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Pebble Beach
  Instruction, Cross Curricular

10:45am CST

Saved by the Bell... Curve: Using your data to drive competency based instruction
Monday December 9, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Clarendon Hills
Feedback Survey
Level Up Your Teaching with a Student-Centered Approach! This session dives into competency-based instruction (CBI) and data-driven decision making, a powerful combination for maximizing student achievement. What You'll Learn: The Core of CBI: Discover how CBI focuses on mastering specific skills and knowledge, ensuring students progress at their own pace. Data as Your Guide: Explore how to leverage student data from assessments and activities to identify learning gaps and tailor instruction accordingly. Actionable Strategies: Leave with practical techniques to implement CBI in your classroom, including effective assessment methods and data analysis tools. Benefits for You and Your Students: Personalized Learning: Meet the needs of all learners by differentiating instruction based on individual strengths and weaknesses. Increased Engagement: Foster a mastery-oriented environment where students take ownership of their learning journey. Data-Driven Decisions: Make informed choices about instruction based on concrete evidence of student progress. Join us and unlock the potential of a dynamic and personalized learning experience!
Speakers
avatar for Christian Thurwanger
avatar for Mollie Momenteller

Mollie Momenteller

Instructional Coach, Sycamore CUSD 427
This is Mollie's second year as an instructional coach for Sycamore High School. She previously taught English for seven years in two different school districts, most recently Sycamore High School.
Monday December 9, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Clarendon Hills
  Instruction, Cross Curricular

10:45am CST

Using the 5Es with STEAM
Monday December 9, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Ballroom I-J
Feedback Survey
Are you eager to ignite a dynamic fusion of learning in your classroom? Dive into our session and discover the art of weaving together diverse content standards through the dynamic framework of the 5Es lesson design. Explore invaluable resources to seamlessly blend various subjects, empowering your students with engaging and interconnected learning experiences. Walk away equipped with the expertise and tools to cultivate impactful educational journeys in your classroom. Join us and unlock the potential of cross-curricular exploration!
Speakers
avatar for Rachel Priola

Rachel Priola

Instructional Coach, CCUSD 301
Monday December 9, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Ballroom I-J
  Instruction, Cross Curricular

10:45am CST

Unlocking High Achievement: Standards and Collaboration in Action
Monday December 9, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Westmont
Feedback Survey
This professional development session is designed to enhance your understanding of how to effectively unpack standards and integrate learning intentions into assessments and lesson planning. In this session, participants will delve into strategies for deconstructing standards to identify key concepts, skills, and knowledge. We will explore the importance of collaborating with your team to align learning intentions with standards to create meaningful assessments and lessons that promote growth, achievement, and equitable learning opportunities for all learners. This session will provide practical tools and resources that can be immediately applied in the classroom.
Speakers
JG
avatar for Elisa Cirone
Monday December 9, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Westmont
  Standards, Cross Curricular

10:45am CST

Gamify Instruction to Increase Engagement, Collaboration, and Reflection
Monday December 9, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Ballroom E
Feedback Survey
In this session, participants will leave with gamification ideas that can easily be implemented, are standards driven, empower students, and make learning fun. Using these student driven activities and giving students a voice and choice in their learning is just one more way to bring back the FUN and help increase engagement! We will reference our own experiences increasing engagement with gamifying as well as teacher and student feedback. Our inspiration comes from some of our favorite professional texts (Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics, Explore Like a Pirate, and Fully Engaged). Get inspired and bring in collaboration and creativity into your classroom.
Speakers
EO
Monday December 9, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Ballroom E
  Student Engagement, Cross Curricular

10:45am CST

Translanguaging... What is that??
Monday December 9, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Sugar Maple
Feedback Survey
This interactive session will being by exploring participants language profile. Then moving into terminology, theory, practice, examples and best practices of Translanguaging.
Speakers
AL

Amanda Larrivee

ML Teacher, CCSD 46
MP
Monday December 9, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Sugar Maple
  Subgroup Populations, Reading/Language Arts

12:00pm CST

**FEATURED SPEAKER** - Active Learning with Google Tools and EduProtocols
Monday December 9, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Conference Dining Room
Feedback Survey
EduProtocols are instructional templates that are designed to engage students in learning through critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity, in any subject or grade level. In this session you will see how engaging these can be for students by trying out several hands-on activities with Google tools such as Sketch and Tell, Iron Chef, Tier List, Thin Slides, and more. For more details see: https://bit.ly/curts-active
Speakers
EC
Monday December 9, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Conference Dining Room
  **FEATURED SPEAKER**, Technology

12:00pm CST

A Plan for Social Emotional Regulation
Monday December 9, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Torrey Pines
Feedback Survey
As we looked to increase academic rigor in our school we realized that many students struggled with self regulation when confronted with a difficult or rigorous task. Our School Improvement Leadership Team utilized the Cycles of Inquiry process to develop a systematic plan to track emotional responses and then provide consistent strategies to empower students to self regulate. Learn more about our process and the self regulation strategies that students learned in this process.
Speakers
LC
Monday December 9, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Torrey Pines
  Climate/Classroom Management, SEL

12:00pm CST

Home Court Advantage: Turning Your Classroom into Their Stadium
Monday December 9, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Ballroom E
Feedback Survey
Just as sports teams tend to perform better when they play at home, our students excel when they are in a comfortable classroom where they feel safe and encouraged. In this interactive session, participants will experience several activities that they can take back to their classrooms to help establish their own home court advantage. Building relationships is imperative, so we offer strategies to use not just in August but throughout the year to maintain the levels of excitement that sports fans feel when cheering on their favorite teams.
Speakers
KM
KH
Monday December 9, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Ballroom E
  Climate/Classroom Management, Cross Curricular

12:00pm CST

Conversations in the Classroom: Strategies for Interactive, Lively, Balanced Classroom Discussions
Monday December 9, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Augusta
Feedback Survey
Are you looking for strategies that facilitate lively, thoughtful classroom discussions? Are you hoping to spur more balanced dialogue that encourages all students to participate? Are you looking for strategies to help your students navigate challenging conversations in your classroom? Come hear about and try out a variety of different strategies that encourage and model ways to encourage student participation in any classroom discussion. This session will be interactive, focusing on tools and strategies that encourage a balanced, lively classroom discussion whatever the topic or content area. Both small and large group discussion techniques will be discussed and modeled.
Speakers
JD
Monday December 9, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Augusta
  Instruction, Cross Curricular

12:00pm CST

Effect of a Flipped Classroom Environment on Student Learning in High School Geometry
Monday December 9, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Sugar Maple
Feedback Survey
This presentation looks at the proven benefits of flipping the traditional model, where students engage with content outside class, enabling richer in-class experiences. We will look at activities that promote active learning, accommodating diverse learning styles and boosting student engagement and achievement. We will discuss a student-centered environment that cultivates success in Geometry and beyond.
Speakers
TC

Tami Clarke

High School Mathematics Teacher
Monday December 9, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Sugar Maple
  Instruction, Math

12:00pm CST

Equipping Educators: Strategies for Inclusive & Equitable Literacy Success
Monday December 9, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Hinsdale
Feedback Survey
This session equips educators with an understanding of how to address diverse reading challenges from Dyslexia to Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). Through the Simple View of Reading (Gough & Tunmer, 1986) framework, participants learn data analysis techniques and evidence-based interventions for word recognition, language comprehension, and reading comprehension difficulties. These strategies cultivate an inclusive culture of literacy success, aligning seamlessly with the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan to raise the literacy achievement of all students.
Speakers
avatar for Kellyn Sirach

Kellyn Sirach

Reading Content Specialist, IL SLD Support Project
Kellyn Sirach is a passionate and motivated educator who has committed her career to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn to read. Over the past year, she has served as the Reading Content Specialist for the IL SLD Support Project developing professional development... Read More →
Monday December 9, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Hinsdale
  Instruction, Reading/Language Arts

12:00pm CST

Mastering Metacognition: Empowering Students as Expert Problem Solvers
Monday December 9, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Ballroom G-H
Feedback Survey
Raising student achievement is about moving students from novice to expert. In mathematics, becoming an expert relies heavily on the ability to problem-solve. What I have discovered is that my typical homework assignments have removed a crucial step in the problem-solving process: identifying the deep structure of the problem. The questions on my assignments often provided only surface-level variations of questions with the same underlying problem structure. To become experts, students need experience identifying the deep structure of problems, selecting appropriate mathematical concepts, and planning strategies to apply those concepts. To provide this necessary experience to students, I began to integrate purposeful instruction in metacognition, utilizing a blend of mathematical tasks and journaling in my Algebra 2 classroom. In this session, we will explore the implementation of metacognitive instruction in the classroom along with its outcomes. Additionally, we'll examine existing assignments and brainstorm strategies to enhance them, fostering students' development as adept problem solvers.
Speakers
CS
Monday December 9, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Ballroom G-H
  Instruction, Math

12:00pm CST

Shifting the Focus from Keywords to Modeling in Word Problems
Monday December 9, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Ballroom I-J
Feedback Survey
Word problems are always an area of frustration for teachers as well as students. Identifying key words to solve world problems in math is a common practice that often confuses students. Come find out how to shift the focus from identifying keywords to modeling and making sense of problems that you can make work in your classroom tomorrow!
Speakers
avatar for Rachel Priola

Rachel Priola

Instructional Coach, CCUSD 301
Monday December 9, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Ballroom I-J
  Instruction, Math

1:15pm CST

**FEATURED SPEAKER** - The Future of Feedback - Guided Grading with AI
Monday December 9, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Conference Dining Room
Feedback Survey
One of the biggest challenges in education is the time required to provide detailed feedback on student work. Thankfully we now have powerful AI tools that can generate personalized feedback for student work based on the guidelines, rubrics, and style we suggest. This can include feedback on student writing from short answers to full essays, as well as feedback on spoken student explanations. In this session we will explore AI feedback tools such as Class Companion, Snorkl, EnlightenAI, and more. For more details see: http://bit.ly/curts-aigrading
Speakers
EC
Monday December 9, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Conference Dining Room
  **FEATURED SPEAKER**, Technology

1:15pm CST

Increase Your Vocabulary--Increase Reading Skills
Monday December 9, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Augusta
Feedback Survey
Adolescent readers struggle with comprehension when they aren't able to lift the words off the page, but what happens when they are fluent, but they still don't understand what they read? Explicit vocabulary instruction is an essential strand in the Reading Rope. This session aims to share ways to support vocabulary acquisition while supporting comprehension. Participants will walk away with ready-to-use strategies to increase vocabulary, and even build some background knowledge in the process!
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Lancaster

Jennifer Lancaster

Reading Specialist, West Aurora School District 129
Monday December 9, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Augusta
  Instruction, Cross Curricular

1:15pm CST

Unlocking Student Potential: Navigating the Science of Learning
Monday December 9, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Westmont
Feedback Survey
We’ve all heard about the Science of Reading, but what about the Science of Learning? This session unveils a roadmap empowering educators to optimize student learning. Journey through cutting-edge research illuminating the intricacies of how the brain learns. Dive deep into transformative learning strategies with proven impact and uncover their practical application in the classroom. Assess your current strategies to ensure you're maximizing efficacy and student outcomes. Join us to revolutionize your teaching approach and unlock the full potential of your students.
Speakers
avatar for Julie Gard

Julie Gard

Instructional Coach, Community Unit School District 300
@juliegard300
Monday December 9, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Westmont
  Instruction, Cross Curricular

1:15pm CST

Engaging Minds: Active Teaching through Object Based Learning
Monday December 9, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Hinsdale
Feedback Survey
Discover the transformative power of Object-Based Learning (OBL) in the modern classroom with our presentation on "Engaging Minds: Active Teaching through Object-Based Learning." This innovative educational approach leverages physical objects to stimulate student engagement, enhance critical thinking, and deepen understanding across various subjects.
Join us as we explore how OBL can bring abstract concepts to life by integrating tangible artifacts into lesson plans. Participants will gain insight into the diverse benefits of OBL, including improved retention, heightened curiosity, and the development of observational and inferential skills.
Our interactive presentation, inspired by the Smithsonian’s Teacher Innovator Institute, will showcase practical examples from different educational settings, demonstrating how everyday objects, historical artifacts, and art pieces can serve as powerful educational tools. Attendees will learn how to curate and incorporate objects into their own teaching practices, creating immersive and interactive learning experiences.
Additionally, we will discuss the logistical aspects of implementing OBL, such as sourcing objects, managing classroom dynamics, and aligning with curriculum standards. By the end of the session, educators will be equipped with actionable strategies to foster a more engaging and participatory classroom environment through the use of object-based learning.
Prepare to be inspired by this dynamic approach that not only captivates students but also enriches their educational journey, turning passive learning into an active exploration of the world around them.
Speakers
CO
avatar for Kristen Delisio

Kristen Delisio

Hinckley-Big Rock CUSD 429
Monday December 9, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Hinsdale
  Student Engagement, Cross Curricular

1:15pm CST

Executive Functioning: What Is It and How Does It Affect Our Students
Monday December 9, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Oak Brook
Feedback Survey
Executive functioning consists of many different processes that allow individuals to manage their everyday lives. It’s the skills we acquire that allow us to plan and organize our lives while managing ourselves emotionally. Without control of our executive functioning skills, we struggle to activate ourselves to take action, to stay focused and retain information to our long-term memory, to regulate our emotions and manage our frustrations. Our students require intense and explicit instruction in these areas more than ever before. Teachers will learn about each of the key components of executive functioning, the challenges of teaching executive functioning, and strategies to teach executive functioning skills in the classroom.
Speakers
avatar for David Brannstrom

David Brannstrom

Instructional Coach, Burlington Central #301
David Brannstrom is an instructional coach, with a specialization in special education, in Burlington, Illinois. David began his educational journey in 2004 as a middle school special education case manager and is currently an instructional coach/tech with an emphasis on special education... Read More →
Monday December 9, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Oak Brook
  Student Engagement, SEL

1:15pm CST

Legends in the Making: Crafting a Mythology and Folklore Course for High School Students
Monday December 9, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Ballroom I-J
Feedback Survey
What does Taylor Swift have to do with the Trojan War? What does Black Panther have to do with the Epic of Sundiata? Embark on a journey through the realms of mythology and folklore in this breakout session designed for educators seeking to develop an engaging curriculum for high school students. Mythology and folklore serve as windows into the collective imagination of cultures around the world, offering rich opportunities for exploration and interpretation. In this session, we will delve into the process of designing a comprehensive course that goes beyond Greek mythology and introduces students to the captivating tales, symbolic motifs, and cultural significance embedded within world mythology. Learn how to select compelling narratives from diverse cultures and time periods, fostering cross-cultural understanding and empathy among students. Discover innovative teaching strategies for bringing these ancient tales to life, from multimedia presentations to interactive storytelling activities. Gain practical tips for integrating critical analysis, creative expression, and multimedia resources into your curriculum to enhance student engagement and foster deeper connections with the material. Whether you're a seasoned mythology enthusiast or new to the world of folklore studies, this session offers valuable insights and resources for creating an immersive and transformative learning experience for high school students.
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Bartman

Jennifer Bartman

Teacher, FCUSD #6
avatar for Cindi Koudelka

Cindi Koudelka

Curriculum Director, Fieldcrest CUSD 6
Monday December 9, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Ballroom I-J
  Student Engagement, Reading/Language Arts

1:15pm CST

Level-Up Your Lessons: Fostering Engagement in the Middle Level ELA Classroom
Monday December 9, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Sugar Maple
Feedback Survey
Unlock the potential of your middle school ELA classroom with this session dedicated to fostering engagement within your classroom community. Dive into dynamic techniques and proven strategies designed to captivate and inspire young learners. From interactive activities to multimedia integration, discover practical methods to create an environment where every student thrives. Get inspired & revolutionize your approach to teaching ELA in the middle school setting.
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Swanson

Melissa Swanson

ELA Teacher
Monday December 9, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Sugar Maple
  Student Engagement, Reading/Language Arts

1:15pm CST

Stop, Collaborate and Listen
Monday December 9, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Salt Creek
Feedback Survey
Collaboration is fundamental in today's learning environment. Often, we assign collaborative tasks to students without explaining the key elements for success. This session is designed to unravel the core of collaboration and how it can be incorporated into the classroom. Get ready to discover various strategies for teaching people of all ages about teamwork. Participants will also have opportunities to experience digital and hands-on activities to promote and practice collaboration. Together, let’s make sure we’re supporting our learners to become strong collaborators for the classroom and beyond.
Speakers
KN

Katie Normoyle

Instructional Coach, CCUSD 301
avatar for Leah Herold

Leah Herold

Instructional Coach, Central District 301
Leah Herold is in her 17th year as an educator in Central District #301. This is her seventh year of being an Instructional Coach. Prior to this position, she taught 4th grade for nine years. Leah is a Level 1 & 2 Google Certified Educator. She holds an undergraduate degree in Elementary... Read More →
Monday December 9, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Salt Creek
  Student Engagement, Cross Curricular

2:30pm CST

**FEATURED SPEAKER** - Google Tools to Support all Learners
Monday December 9, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Conference Dining Room
Feedback Survey
There are many Google tools, apps, extensions, and features available to assist all learners. In this session we take an in-depth hands-on look at a wide range of technology tools to assist any and all learners. These can include text-to-speech, speech-to-text, readability, reading comprehension, artificial intelligence tools, audio support, organization, focus, and more. Learn what tools are available and how to access and use these free tools with your students. For more details see: https://bit.ly/curts-support
Speakers
EC
Monday December 9, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Conference Dining Room
  **FEATURED SPEAKER**, Technology

2:30pm CST

Differentiation and Adaptations: Reaching More Students in Your Classroom
Monday December 9, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Pebble Beach
Feedback Survey
Differentiation is a method of approaching teaching and learning that takes into account how students learn and their level of preparedness before the lesson. In this session, participants will learn how to plan for differentiation by making adjustments to the content, process, product, and learning environment based on students' readiness, interests, and learning profile. Additionally, resources for implementing differentiation will be provided.
Speakers
MM
Monday December 9, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Pebble Beach
  Instruction, Cross Curricular

2:30pm CST

Enhancing Your Curriculum with Creative Applications
Monday December 9, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Augusta
Feedback Survey
By offering students creative ways to showcase and share their knowledge, we not only help them understand the content better but also teach them how to use design thinking in navigating their learning path. This thinking and creating approach can be adjusted and applied to different subjects.

Join Camille, a seasoned art teacher with 18 years of experience, as she introduces techniques to enhance your current curriculum by introducing imaginative avenues for students to display their learning. Discover numerous chances to inspire your students to explore their studies more deeply, boosting their confidence and giving them tools for real-world situations. We will explore contemporary artists who serve as examples for demonstrating learning, such as those who have transformed weather data into sculptures and musical compositions.

You will also create your own samples to prepare yourself for offering these opportunities to your students. For instance, you can use Adobe Express AI text-to-image for ELA students to visually represent character descriptions. With certifications in Google Level 1, Adobe Creative Educator Level 1 & 2, and as an Adobe Creative Educator Innovator, Camille will showcase basic techniques using Google and Adobe Express to improve student outcomes. Our primary focus will be on utilizing free computer-based tools, so please bring a device of your choice.
Speakers
avatar for Camille Strode

Camille Strode

Art Education
Monday December 9, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Augusta
  Instruction, Cross Curricular

2:30pm CST

Play Based Learning in Elementary classrooms
Monday December 9, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
La Grange
Feedback Survey
We will demonstrate how to use play based learning in elementary school classrooms as a method of instruction in both large and small scale opportunities to help engage students in authentic and meaning learning opportunities.
Speakers
AH
Monday December 9, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
La Grange
  Student Engagement, Reading/Language Arts
 
Tuesday, December 10
 

9:30am CST

"Empathy in Action: Nurturing Social-Emotional Skills for Student and Staff Success"
Tuesday December 10, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Doral
Feedback Survey
This breakout session will explore the vital role of empathy in fostering a positive school environment and enhancing students' and staffs' social-emotional development. Through discussions and engaging activities, participants will discover how empathy cultivates understanding, compassion, and resilience among students. By highlighting real-world examples and research-based strategies, this presentation empowers educators to integrate empathy-building practices into their schools, creating a supportive community where everyone feels valued and understood.
Speakers
SP

Susan Parker

School Counselor
Tuesday December 10, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Doral
  Climate/Classroom Management, SEL

9:30am CST

"Do I Have to Read the Whole Book?" A Student Centered Novel Study For All Learners
Tuesday December 10, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Heron
Feedback Survey
Students often ask: “Do I really have to read the whole novel from cover to cover?” And the answer is: NO! Join us in this interactive workshop to explore how to design a student-centered novel study that will work for all types of learners. Participants in this workshop will practice a variety of strategies that will engage students in deep analysis of sections of meaningful text, while giving them the tool to discuss larger ideas presented throughout the entire novel. We will examine how these targeted learning experiences provide students with a specific purpose for reading when they are working with the novel on their own. Participants will walk away with a toolbox stuffed with planners, possible learning experiences, and authentic assessments. At the end of this workshop, teachers will be able to plan for an interactive novel study that supports all learners using any text.
Speakers
AM

Andrea Mear

instructional coach
DJ
Tuesday December 10, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Heron
  Instruction, Reading/Language Arts

9:30am CST

Fabulous Foundational Fun: Strategies for Phonics Instruction
Tuesday December 10, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Ballroom I-J
Feedback Survey
In this session you will learn how we transformed our foundational skills instruction to better meet the needs of our students. You will leave with practical ideas to implement in your classrooms right away. With this information you will be able to build a consistent daily routine that will help your students’ reading skills soar.
Speakers
LW

Lindsey Wendt

Second Grade Teacher
avatar for Lindsay Cortez

Lindsay Cortez

Second Grade Teacher
Tuesday December 10, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Ballroom I-J
  Instruction, Reading/Language Arts

9:30am CST

Rolling Towards Math Achievement: Engaging Games and Activities for Classroom Success
Tuesday December 10, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Cardinal
Feedback Survey
This session is designed for educators seeking innovative approaches to enhance student learning in math through games. Delve into a dynamic session packed with dice games and activities to foster both classroom management and mathematical proficiency. Discover how these engaging strategies not only captivate students' attention but also cultivate a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. Attendees will explore a diverse range of activities that can be tailored to many grade levels. With practical tips and adaptable resources, educators will leave equipped with tools to create an inclusive and stimulating learning environment where every student can thrive. Don't miss this opportunity to roll towards math achievement and transform your classroom into a hub of success!
Speakers
avatar for Jody Aldrich

Jody Aldrich

Teacher, Signal Hill School
Tuesday December 10, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Cardinal
  Instruction, Math

9:30am CST

Supporting All Learners: Modifications and Supports in the General Education Classroom
Tuesday December 10, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Ballroom C-D
Feedback Survey
This session aims to educate general education teachers about the use of learning modifications in the general education classroom. With the rise of blended settings and co-teaching, many teachers are expected to support diverse learners in the general education setting. We will introduce the difference between accommodations and modifications, explore the nine different types of modifications, and then apply our learning while making modifications to a lesson or unit we already use in our classrooms.
Speakers
EM

Erin Moloney

Lead Bilingual Special Education Teacher
Tuesday December 10, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Ballroom C-D
  Instruction, Cross Curricular

9:30am CST

Reaching Students with a Short Attention...Squirrel!!!
Tuesday December 10, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Sugar Maple
Feedback Survey
Let's face it...everyone in a school setting has a short attention span. Students and teachers alike are usually looking at screens or thinking about looking at screens. While that is not entirely bad, getting students to focus on the task at hand is a challenge. In this session, we will discuss all of the aspects of student/teacher engagement: from creative and practical ways to engage today's students (and teachers) in daily lessons, activities, and assessments to successfully breaking the trend of students spending more time staring into outer space than being "present" in the classroom.
Speakers
JB

Jeff Bayer

6th Grade Math teacher, Eureka Middle School
I am a 17 year "veteran" teacher working on my 10th year teaching solely 6th grade math. First and foremost, I want my students to enjoy coming to class each day to try and eliminate the negative stigma that so many students have that coincides with my subject area.
Tuesday December 10, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Sugar Maple
  Student Engagement, Cross Curricular

9:30am CST

Boost Productivity: Harnessing AI for Time-Saving Solutions in the Classroom
Tuesday December 10, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Salt Creek
Feedback Survey
Discover how artificial intelligence can revolutionize your teaching workflow. Join us as we delve into ways to leverage AI effectively, making everyday tasks more efficient and freeing up valuable time for what truly matters—engaging with students and enhancing their learning experience.
Throughout the session, we'll explore various AI-powered tools and applications and look at ways to simplify routine administrative tasks, streamline instructional planning, and personalize student learning with minimal effort. We will collaborate to develop practical examples, ensuring you can immediately implement these solutions in your classroom. By the end of the session, you'll have a clear understanding of how to harness AI to not only save time but also improve your overall productivity and effectiveness as an educator.
Join us to transform your teaching practice and unlock the potential of AI, making your workday more manageable and your instructional approach more impactful. This session is perfect for teachers at all levels who are eager to embrace innovative technologies and enhance their professional skills.
Speakers
AE
NB

Nancy Battaglia

Director of Instructional Technology
Tuesday December 10, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Salt Creek
  Technology, Cross Curricular

10:45am CST

**FEATURED SPEAKER** - Let’s Talk About Talking
Tuesday December 10, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Mallard
Feedback Survey
Talking in math class sounds like a good idea, but is talk for the sake of talking a strong enough rationale? If math is a disconnected set of facts to memorize with rules to mimic, what is there to talk about? If, on the other hand, math is figure-out-able, then talking becomes a crucial part of the learning. And creating that discourse is not a trivial task. But we can do it! And it’s so worth it. Come learn why, when, and what to talk about.
Speakers
PH
Tuesday December 10, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Mallard
  **FEATURED SPEAKER**, Climate/Classroom Management

10:45am CST

Start Strong to Stay Strong!
Tuesday December 10, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Torrey Pines
Feedback Survey
"Start Strong to Stay Strong!" is a session designed to equip educators with the tools and strategies necessary to establish a conducive learning environment right from the beginning of each school day. The program emphasizes the implementation of rituals and routines aimed at fostering a sense of safety, belonging, community, and self-efficacy among students. By incorporating elements such as personalized greetings, purposeful partnering, community building activities, dedicated family time, and goal setting exercises, educators will learn how to create a nurturing atmosphere that sets the stage for successful learning experiences.

Participants will explore the significance of each component of the "Strong Start" framework and discover practical techniques for seamlessly integrating them into their daily routines. By prioritizing relationship-building and social-emotional development, educators will not only enhance student engagement but also cultivate a classroom culture where every individual feels valued and supported.

Moreover, "Strong Start" recognizes the crucial role of a positive classroom climate in optimizing tier one instruction. By laying the groundwork for a cohesive learning community, educators can facilitate more effective teaching and learning experiences, ultimately leading to improved academic outcomes for all students.

Join us in "Start Strong to Stay Strong!" and embark on a journey towards creating a classroom environment where students thrive, relationships flourish, and learning happens from the very first bell.
Speakers
EH

Elizabeth Hand

Instructional Coach, Rockford Public School District #205
ES
Tuesday December 10, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Torrey Pines
  Climate/Classroom Management, SEL

10:45am CST

Crafting and implementing impactful and measurable coaching goals.
Tuesday December 10, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Ballroom C-D
Feedback Survey
You have signed a teacher for a coaching cycle. Now what? In this session, participants will work with real coaching situations and learn how to create a measurable goal for the most common coaching requests. In addition, we will look at how to collect data on these goals for a more impactful and successful coaching experience. Participants will have a very active role in this session and will leave with goals for many common coaching scenarios.
Speakers
avatar for Stacey Hodits

Stacey Hodits

Math/Science Coordinator, Lake ROE
Tuesday December 10, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Ballroom C-D
  Data, Cross Curricular

10:45am CST

Tech Tools to make us AI-Ficcient
Tuesday December 10, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Monarch
Feedback Survey
Join me in leveraging technology to maximize efficiency and effectiveness in the classroom, with a special focus on AI integration. Whether you're a tech-savvy educator or just dipping your toes into the digital realm, this session promises practical strategies to enhance your teaching practices.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore a range of AI-driven technologies, and brainstorm creative ways to integrate AI into their teaching toolkit. Whether you're interested in data-driven insights, adaptive learning algorithms, or virtual assistants, this session will equip you with the knowledge and skills to harness the power of AI for greater productivity and impact.
Speakers
avatar for Kimberly Radostits

Kimberly Radostits

Teacher, Oregon High School
I am National Board Certified Spanish Teacher at Oregon High School with a passion for teaching Freshmen. In our district, I lead a freshmen team and run an intervention program for students that at-risk of not graduating on time. A role model of mine once said that teachers should... Read More →
Tuesday December 10, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Monarch
  Technology, Cross Curricular

10:45am CST

The Dos, not Don'ts, of Digital Citizenship: Navigating the Digital Landscape Responsibly
Tuesday December 10, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Ballroom A-B
Feedback Survey
The presentation emphasizes proactive strategies for responsible digital citizenship rather than focusing solely on prohibitions or "don'ts." It encourages educators to empower students with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the digital world safely and ethically.
Speakers
HL
BC

Brooke Cahill

Technology Integration Specialist, Wilmington School District 209U
Tuesday December 10, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Ballroom A-B
  Technology, Cross Curricular

12:00pm CST

Understanding classroom disruptive behaviors: Breaking the cycle
Tuesday December 10, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Sugar Maple
Feedback Survey
Do you ever find yourself stuck in a cycle of student disruptive behavior? You send the student to the office or redirect/reprimand them just to have the student return and continue with disruptive behavior. During this breakout session, we are going to discuss the two most common reasons for student disruptive behavior in the classroom. These two reasons drive many students to engage in disruptive behaviors in the classroom. Understanding those two reasons and trying some simple strategies may just stop some of the disruptive behavior cycles in your classroom. As a former classroom teacher and current School based Behavior Analyst, I have encountered many of these cycles and have worked with staff to break the cycles. Not all disruptive behaviors need extensive behavior plans to make meaningful changes in student behavior. Sometimes the simplest strategies can make the biggest difference.
Speakers
avatar for Christina Moran Happ

Christina Moran Happ

Behavior Anaylist, Knox Warren Special Education
Tuesday December 10, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Sugar Maple
  Climate/Classroom Management, Cross Curricular

12:00pm CST

Become a Better Writer and Teacher of Narrative Writing
Tuesday December 10, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Ballroom G-H
Feedback Survey
All students deserve to acquire writing skills. Most teachers are ill-prepared to teach writing. In this session, I demonstrate how to write narrative essays aligned to the Common Core State Standards. Session participants’ writing skills will be improved as will their learners’. During this workshop, I model strategies for brainstorming ideas, selecting an idea, planning a story, and writing the essay. Participants participate in each step, collaborate and share ideas, as writers often do.
First, I have participants craft a writing oath to themselves, agreeing not to be critical of their writing. Next, I model two methods of generating ideas and allow participants to practice creating a list of story ideas. Then, I model how to select an idea and turn it into a “first, then” statement. Participants will select an idea and do the same. Afterward, we discuss time order transitions and create a quick plan of the essay. We review the plan and make adjustments. We then consider elaboration strategies and add details to our plan. Lastly, I model turning my plan into a narrative story. Participants then do the same.
All participants leave this session with both resources and links to resources so they are able to return to their classrooms with the skills and confidence to teach their students to write. As a result of this session,, they will be able to model their thinking, decision-making, and writing for their students. Later, they will coach and support their students while following the process.
Speakers
avatar for Julie Bradshaw

Julie Bradshaw

Educator
Julie Bradshaw (Esparza) has 27 years experience in education and has taught third, fourth, and fifth grades. Additionally, she was a district professional development provider and gifted coordinator in a school district of 12,000 students where she contributed to expanding services... Read More →
Tuesday December 10, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Ballroom G-H
  Instruction, Reading/Language Arts

12:00pm CST

Research Lesson Study: Using an Inquiry Cycle to Experiment, Observe, and Improve Teaching & Learning
Tuesday December 10, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Ballroom A-B
Feedback Survey
In this session we will describe the effect that Lesson Study cycles have had on our middle school math classroom. Looking at our school-wide learning goals as articulated in our research theme, we designed and studied units and lessons intended to:

Teach scholars to make sense of problems and persevere in solving them by teaching math through problem-solving.

Teach scholars to construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others through note-taking, board work, and students’ discourse.
Promote student discourse through the implementation of engagement strategies.
Come and learn how to use Lesson Study as a professional learning structure to explore professional teaching and learning problems with a group of fellow educators. In this session, we will share how we have used continuous cycles of lesson design, peer observation and data collection, and post-lesson conversations to deepen our understanding of teaching, while cultivating a school culture that supports inquisitive teachers working together on teaching and learning solutions in our school. We’ll share what we have done, what we have learned, and where we’re going next with Lesson Study to drive continual improvement.
While our lesson content and research themes have been centered around mathematics instruction through problem-solving, the Lesson Study process can be applied to any content area or grade level; Lesson Study can be the catalyst for improved learning for students in any classroom where teachers want to be better teachers!
Speakers
NB

Nicole Blackburn

Instructional Coach
AF

Andrew Friesema

Math Teacher, GMS
Hi!  I'm an 8th grade math teacher at GMS.  This is my first year in CCSD 46 after 19 years in Chicago Public Schools.
Tuesday December 10, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Ballroom A-B
  Instruction, Cross Curricular

12:00pm CST

ARCing your way to Motivation
Tuesday December 10, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Monarch
Feedback Survey
In this 60-minute session, we'll delve into the psychology behind motivation and its crucial role in academic success. Discover techniques to ignite enthusiasm, foster resilience, and cultivate a growth mindset among your students.

Led by Kimberly Radostits, the 2022 Illinois Teacher of the year, this session goes beyond theory, offering practical tips and proven strategies gathered from real classroom experiences. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from each other and actively engage in hands-on activities that have been successfully implemented in diverse educational settings.

Don't miss this chance to revitalize your approach to teaching and learning, and leave with actionable ideas to enhance student motivation and engagement in your classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Kimberly Radostits

Kimberly Radostits

Teacher, Oregon High School
I am National Board Certified Spanish Teacher at Oregon High School with a passion for teaching Freshmen. In our district, I lead a freshmen team and run an intervention program for students that at-risk of not graduating on time. A role model of mine once said that teachers should... Read More →
Tuesday December 10, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Monarch
  Student Engagement, Cross Curricular

12:00pm CST

Building Successful Scholars
Tuesday December 10, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Ballroom I-J
Feedback Survey
It is no secret that teachers are facing intense learning barriers in the classroom today. In this session, teachers will work on worthwhile ways to build successful scholars from the ground up, igniting a love for learning along the way. Teachers will be introduced to the “Core 4” goals to develop a rigorous, meaningful classroom environment that increases student achievement.

What do you want your students to be able to do at the end of the year? We will lead teachers in developing individualized “Core 4” learning principles. From there, teachers will create a blueprint for success that establishes how to get to your students to reach new heights.

The cornerstone of this session will be creating Growth Mindset Gadgets. These student-generated building blocks are color-coded with meanings, positive affirmations, and can be used with any lesson across the curriculum. Scholars can continually monitor their learning process, offering opportunities for immediate intervention and student leadership. As a result, your classroom environment is transformed into a site where all stages of learning are celebrated.
Speakers
KK
KP
Tuesday December 10, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Ballroom I-J
  Student Engagement, Cross Curricular

12:00pm CST

Coyote Track: Exploring Real Science Data In Your Classroom
Tuesday December 10, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Augusta
Feedback Survey
Explore Coyote Track interactive visualization tool. This online site centers around coyote ecology and behavior related to data collected from radio-collared coyotes in urban and rural areas of Illinois. Using real data, this workshop will guide participants through the visualization data tool and standard-based lessons that support the unit. Participants will learn about how and why scientists are studying coyotes in Illinois including learning about telemetry and how the information is gathered. The workshop is geared toward teachers of Illinois high school and middle school students. Upper elementary teachers are also welcome as the information can be used with younger students.
Speakers
LS
Tuesday December 10, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Augusta
  Technology, Science

1:15pm CST

**KEYNOTE** - Hope in the Classroom
Tuesday December 10, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Ballroom F
Feedback Survey
Discover how psychological hope can profoundly influence relationships within educational settings. This session equips participants with practical tools and strategies to enhance hope levels for students, fostering psychological attachment that leads to resilient, supportive relationships. Learn how cultivating hope can empower school communities to drive positive change and achieve transformative outcomes.
Speakers
CB
Tuesday December 10, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Ballroom F
  **KEYNOTE**, Climate/Classroom Management

1:15pm CST

Build the Foundation
Tuesday December 10, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Monarch
Feedback Survey
The shift to structured literacy highlights the significance of foundational skills. For numerous educators, this signifies a fresh perspective or set of skills. In this session, teachers will understand the core principles of structured literacy instruction, covering phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. They will grasp how these elements improve reading instruction effectively for students of all levels. Participants will engage in and learn diverse hands-on and digital methods that can be readily applied in their classrooms.
Speakers
KN

Katie Normoyle

Instructional Coach, CCUSD 301
avatar for Leah Herold

Leah Herold

Instructional Coach, Central District 301
Leah Herold is in her 17th year as an educator in Central District #301. This is her seventh year of being an Instructional Coach. Prior to this position, she taught 4th grade for nine years. Leah is a Level 1 & 2 Google Certified Educator. She holds an undergraduate degree in Elementary... Read More →
Tuesday December 10, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Monarch
  Instruction, Reading/Language Arts

1:15pm CST

Confused to Confident: Empower Students with Math Word Problems
Tuesday December 10, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Ballroom G-H
Feedback Survey
Empowerment through problem solving word problem is possible! Discover practical strategies to engage students in deep thinking about math tasks through productive struggle and math discussions. Leave equipped to seamlessly integrate these techniques into your curriculum and empower your students in conquering word problems!
Speakers
MI
Tuesday December 10, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Ballroom G-H
  Instruction, Math

1:15pm CST

Make it Matter. Aligning CCSS with students' interests and bridging the gap between curriculum and what is relevant to today's students.
Tuesday December 10, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Ballroom I-J
Feedback Survey
With the 2010 inception of the ELA CCSS, the push for a cohesive, common curriculum and literacy experiences came to the forefront of schools. However, the resources and materials of the past do not necessarily connect with our current demographic of students. Research shows that students are motivated and engaged in texts and tasks when they perceive them as pertinent to their lives. Schools champion a focus on equity, inclusion, and the celebration of diversity, but the required curricula do not necessarily reflect these values and student voices. How can students use their schema to decipher, interact, and construct text if they lack the necessary background, experiences, tools, and the desire to do so? Literacy instruction should include the cultures, backgrounds, and language practices of all students. This session will provide strategies for bridging CCSS standards and texts with multimodality and relevancy that appeal to students’ interests, identity formation, and range of ability levels to account for multiliteracies and view language as a resource. These facilitate students’ self-efficacy, a primary motivational determinant of achievement and a critical precursor to student success. We help students redefine literacy beyond an emphasis on skill and drills to unlock the transformative power within the classroom community.
Speakers
avatar for Yvonne Schmid

Yvonne Schmid

Reading Specialist, CCSD 46
avatar for Jennifer Everett

Jennifer Everett

Reading Specialist, CCSD 46
My name is Jennifer Everett, I am the 7th grade reading specialist at Grayslake Middle School.
Tuesday December 10, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Ballroom I-J
  Instruction, Reading/Language Arts

1:15pm CST

Empowering Minds: Leveraging AI to Engage and Teach Critical Thinking Skills
Tuesday December 10, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Ballroom E
Feedback Survey
In this dynamic breakout session, educators will explore innovative strategies to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their teaching practices to enhance student engagement and develop critical thinking skills. Participants will gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI tools that can transform traditional classrooms into interactive learning environments. This workshop will cover practical methods to use AI for generating stimulating content, facilitating thought-provoking discussions, and creating personalized learning experiences. Attendees will leave equipped with the knowledge to effectively use AI to nurture a classroom atmosphere that not only delivers information but also cultivates essential analytical skills. Join us to unlock the potential of AI in education and foster a generation of critical thinkers!
Speakers
avatar for Steve Oertle

Steve Oertle

Assistant Superintendent, Roxana CUSD #1
Stephen Oertle is the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at Roxana Community Unit School District #1 in Southern Illinois, the founder and director of CourseMason LLC, and an independent consultant specializing in the development of curriculum, assessments, instructional... Read More →
Tuesday December 10, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Ballroom E
  Student Engagement, Cross Curricular

1:15pm CST

Engaging Students in Math Using 3-Act Tasks
Tuesday December 10, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Sugar Maple
Feedback Survey
Student engagement continues to be a struggle in math, especially as students get older and the purpose for learning the mathematical concept becomes less clear and interest wanes. But what if math could be taught through storytelling? In this session, the presenter will share how using Dan Meyer's "Three Acts of a Mathematical Story" in her 5th grade classroom increased engagement and excitement for math. In addition, attendees will learn the basics of creating their own 3 Act Tasks and will leave with an abundance of resources, organized by standard and grade level, that can be implemented in classrooms immediately.
Speakers
JS

Jana Southerland

5th Grade Teacher
Tuesday December 10, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Sugar Maple
  Student Engagement, Math

2:30pm CST

Everyday IAR: Proactive Prep, NOT an Extra Step
Tuesday December 10, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Torrey Pines
Feedback Survey
Illinois Assessment of Readiness: three words that bring anxiety and stress to many educators. What if you were given the resources to develop formative and summative assessments that mirror IAR? We will discuss how you can incorporate IAR-style assessments into your curriculum throughout the year so you can avoid the IAR prep that is crammed into the months of February and March.
Speakers
EH

Elizabeth Hand

Instructional Coach, Rockford Public School District #205
Tuesday December 10, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Torrey Pines
  Assessment, Cross Curricular

2:30pm CST

Get 'em to the Green
Tuesday December 10, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Ballroom G-H
Feedback Survey
This session will cover methods, assessments, and interventions to guarantee growth for all students. We will share systems to ensure success in ACT/SAT, AP, vertically aligned classroom instruction, and more.
Speakers
avatar for Anna Jakubowski

Anna Jakubowski

English Department Co-Ordinator, Westmont High School
Hi! My name is Anna! I am the English department coordinator at Westmont High School. I am also the building instructional coach. I have been teaching for about 15 years. My favorite grade level to teach is sophomore English. The best part of my job is working with students and building... Read More →
BR

Brian Roach

English Department Teacher
Tuesday December 10, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Ballroom G-H
  Data, Reading/Language Arts

2:30pm CST

Using AI to Support Multilingual Learners
Tuesday December 10, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Cardinal
Feedback Survey
Practice using AI to help classroom teachers implement support strategies for English learners. Please bring a device as well as unit or lesson plans for current/upcoming unit of study for your class.
Speakers
JG

Jennifer Gilley

Secondary Multilingual Teacher Leader, District 428
Tuesday December 10, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Cardinal
  Subgroup Populations, Cross Curricular

2:30pm CST

Four Ways To Use AI To Simplify Your Life in the K-6 Classroom
Tuesday December 10, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Ballroom A-B
Feedback Survey
The notion of using AI in the classroom can be controversial. While there is good reason to be cautious, this session introduces four basic strategies for using AI to simplify your teaching. Participants will learn about MagicSchoolAI and ChatGPT and have time to exchange implementation ideas and explore using either or both sites after each strategy is introduced.
Speakers
MO
Tuesday December 10, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Ballroom A-B
  Technology, Cross Curricular
 
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