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Monday, December 9
 

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

Implementing Enrichment through Whole School Intervention
Monday December 9, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Westmont
Feedback Survey
In this session, we will discuss how to create built-in intervention time that works specifically at the high school level. Participants will unpack the complexities of meeting both the academic & SEL needs of all learners by using data driven interventions and enrichments. Participants will leave with actionable strategies for their school centered around the use of the PLC process to drive data-driven targeted interventions. We will share how we have learned to meet the needs of not only struggling students but also high achieving students through enrichment activities that are meaningful to them and teachers within the building!
Speakers
avatar for Alyssa Carl

Alyssa Carl

MTSS Coordinator, Bradley Bourbonnais Community High School
Monday December 9, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Westmont
  Instruction, Cross Curricular

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

Strategies for Contextualizing, Rather Than Memorizing Vocabulary for Students in Kindergarten Through Grade 12 - Strategies for all, especially multilingual learners
Monday December 9, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Hinsdale
Feedback Survey
Knowing vocabulary words is imperative to reading comprehension as a student will only comprehend to their level of vocabulary knowledge, especially for English Language Learners. However, the knowledge of what vocabulary words mean is only part of the process. Learning about parts of words (prefix, suffix, and root words), and how they come together to make up the English language can help readers understand words while reading. Attend this session to learn more about evidence based vocabulary strategies that will help all learners, including multilingual/English learners contextualize, rather than memorize vocabulary. Strategies will cover Pre-Kindergarten through High School.
Speakers
avatar for Kari Harris

Kari Harris

Network Capacity Coach, IL MTSS Network/Northern Illinois University
Kari Harris is a Network Capacity Coach located in the northern region of Illinois. She has educational experience as a classroom teacher, a reading specialist, a literacy coach, and an instructional coach. Kari earned a Bachelor of Science from Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo... Read More →
Monday December 9, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Hinsdale
  Instruction, Cross Curricular

9:30am CST

Using Cartoons and STEM to develop Reading Comprehension Skills
Monday December 9, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Western Springs
Feedback Survey
Reading comprehension skills can be difficult to develop for many students. In this session we will explore a different approach of developing reading comprehension skills by using Cartoons and hands on STEM Activities.
Speakers
DM
Monday December 9, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Western Springs
  Instruction, Cross Curricular

10:45am CST

Cracking the Coaching Code
Monday December 9, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
White Oak
Feedback Survey
Education is a people business. Our hope as leaders is to create an environment and structure where deep, meaningful conversations happen consistently and teacher growth is the norm and not the anomaly.

This session uses personality archetypes to help leaders better understand themselves and how to communicate to others. Once we understand that we can continually adapt our communication styles to meet the diverse needs of those we serve, we crack the coaching code and can become a better leader for those we serve.
Speakers
avatar for PJ Caposey

PJ Caposey

Superintendent, Meridian CUSD 223
Award winning educator, author x 7, keynote speaker. https://www.amazon.com/P.-J.-Caposey/e/B00DVY1BMI%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
BW

Bryan Wills

Board of Education President
Monday December 9, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
White Oak
  Instruction, Cross Curricular

10:45am CST

Elevating Student Engagement through Instructional Coaching
Monday December 9, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Monarch
Feedback Survey
Instructional coaching offers a powerful approach to not only enhance teaching practices but also to profoundly impact student engagement. In this session, participants will explore the foundational principles of instructional coaching and its direct correlation to student engagement. We will unpack strategies for leveraging coaching techniques to create learning environments where every student feels seen, heard, and motivated to excel.
Speakers
avatar for Faye Licari

Faye Licari

Instructional Coach, Kane County Regional Office of Education
avatar for Elsa Glover

Elsa Glover

Instructional Coach, Kane County Regional Office of Education
Hello!My name is Elsa Glover and I'm an instructional coach for Kane County Regional Office of Education. I earned my Bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois in English and History. Then I earned my Master's in Arts and Teaching at Aurora University.My teaching career started... Read More →
Monday December 9, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Monarch
  Instruction, Cross Curricular

10:45am CST

Improving Student Learning with Teacher Teams through Learning Cycles
Monday December 9, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Augusta
Feedback Survey
Administrators will learn how to collaborate with teacher teams to address student learning problems. The session includes an overview of a research-based learning cycle that explicitly addresses the root cause of student learning problems while providing structures to administrators and teacher teams for collaboration. Learning cycles is a systemic approach to teacher teams collaborating to improve student learning by using data to identify a specific responsive strategy to improve student learning. This includes analysis of trend and learning gap data. Implementing a learning cycle promotes distributed leadership throughout the teacher team, addresses comprehensive data analysis and review, identifies needed resources, professional learning, and setting SMART goals to measure the effect of the selected responsive strategy.
Speakers
LS

Lisa Skelly

Professional Development Specialist, Regional Office of Education #17
SF

Stacie France

LEAD Hub Director
Monday December 9, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Augusta
  Instruction, Cross Curricular

10:45am CST

Leveraging Professional Learning to Improve Instruction
Monday December 9, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Doral
Feedback Survey
This session will focus on leveraging professional learning structures within the school day to improve quality instruction, increase rigor and challenge, and raise student achievement. There are two easy to implement systems any school can use, which will help support student learning and improve instruction: learning walks and a cohort PLC model. During this session, I will share how we utilized learning walks, including preparing our staff, partnering staff members, determining a focus, and collecting and sharing data. The other professional learning structure to support teachers and students is a cohort framework. I will share how our teachers successfully utilized an action learning cycle within a cohort focused on a professional learning topic. Staff members met on a regular basis, collaborated, and shared successes and next steps. I will share our successes and do-overs with topic selection, accountability, and how the cohorts moved forward on their professional learning journey, even with some being resistant. These two frameworks, learning walks and cohorts, allowed us to create and maintain consistent, in house professional learning that moved instruction and student learning forward over the course of two years.
Speakers
avatar for Katie Love

Katie Love

District Administrator for Mathematics, West Aurora School District 129
Monday December 9, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Doral
  Instruction, 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

Small Town STEM
Monday December 9, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Western Springs
Feedback Survey
In this session we will discuss the development and framework of a K-8 STEM program in a
the diverse, low income, rural school. Our STEM program explores coding/robotics, 3D design, and basic physics.
Speakers
DM
Monday December 9, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Western Springs
  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

When a Student Needs More: How to Intensify Tier 2 and Tier 3 Instruction and Interventions
Monday December 9, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Hinsdale
Feedback Survey
What do you do when student(s) are not responding to an intervention? This session will provide evidence-based strategies to improve intervention outcomes for these students. You will learn how to systematically make changes to an intervention’s strength, dosage, alignment and generalizability to improve learning outcomes. Join us to learn more and take helpful new ideas and tools back to your classroom to strengthen intervention for all your students!
Speakers
avatar for Kari Harris

Kari Harris

Network Capacity Coach, IL MTSS Network/Northern Illinois University
Kari Harris is a Network Capacity Coach located in the northern region of Illinois. She has educational experience as a classroom teacher, a reading specialist, a literacy coach, and an instructional coach. Kari earned a Bachelor of Science from Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo... Read More →
Monday December 9, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Hinsdale
  Instruction, 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

Enhancing Student Achievement Through Rigorous Math Problem Solving
Monday December 9, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Ballroom C-D
Feedback Survey
In this session, we'll delve into a range of rigorous problem-solving tasks designed to cater to the diverse needs of learners in your classroom. Through interactive discussions, we'll explore the effective use of small group instruction to tailor lessons that are intentional, targeted, and impactful in improving student achievement.


Our primary focus will be on the intricacies of lesson planning using the backward design approach, where we'll emphasize the importance of aligning instructional goals with rigorous problem-solving tasks. Additionally, we'll delve into the significance of integrating performance indicators and data analysis into your teaching practices to ensure student progress is accurately monitored and guided.


Expect to leave this session equipped with a comprehensive toolkit that includes ready-to-use resources and practical strategies, all geared towards immediate implementation in your classroom. Through hands-on activities and collaborative learning opportunities, you'll gain valuable insights into fostering differentiated instruction that caters to the unique learning needs of each student. By the session's end, you'll be empowered with the skills and knowledge to effectively guide your students towards reaching grade-level proficiency through personalized and data-driven instructional approaches.
Speakers
KT
KS
Monday December 9, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Ballroom C-D
  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

How m(AI) Use this with Students?
Monday December 9, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Salt Creek
Feedback Survey
In this session, discover how to enhance student learning with AI – at any age. Kelli will share specific teaching ideas and workflows that allow even the little students to learn how to learn with AI … even in the landscape of ever evolving tech.
Speakers
KL
Monday December 9, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Salt Creek
  Instruction, Cross Curricular

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

12:00pm CST

What is Basic Fact Fluency? Moving students through fluency and beyond
Monday December 9, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Monarch
Feedback Survey
Within the CCSS the term "Fluency" is used within all K - 5 grade level expectations. So just what exactly is "Fact Fluency", and how do we work as teachers of mathematics to develop student's fluency with their basic facts? This session is focused on providing an awareness of the research based progression of developing student's math fact fluency. Additionally, participants will leave with an understanding of supportive structures designed to assess student fact fluency while moving students toward a deep conceptual understanding of the basic facts that ultimately leads to fact automaticity.
Speakers
avatar for Lisa Winters

Lisa Winters

Instructional Coach, Sycamore CUSD 427
Lisa is currently the EC - 5 Instructional Math Coach for the Sycamore School District. 
Monday December 9, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Monarch
  Instruction, Math

1:15pm CST

"How to Herd Cats and Teach Humans: Instructional Strategies That Actually Work!"
Monday December 9, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Ballroom E
Feedback Survey
Are you tired of feeling like you're herding cats in the classroom? Do you find yourself assessing student engagement by counting the number of yawns per minute? In this session we’ll dive head first into a carefully curated list of instructional strategies that you can take home with you today! I’ll cover assessment, writing, discussion, SEL, grading, and AI strategies just to name a few! All strategies can be adjusted to fit your needs.
Speakers
SR
Monday December 9, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Ballroom E
  Instruction, Cross Curricular

1:15pm CST

How do People REALLY Learn?
Monday December 9, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Doral
Feedback Survey
Want students to be college and career ready in the 21st century? Start by designing student experiences based on the science of how people actually learn. Thanks to recent research from multiple fields, we now know how to radically increase student learning. In this interactive session, learn about the four major principles that can transform teaching practice, using concrete examples. Then, ground what we explore in the reality of your schools. Throughout the session, generate ideas for curriculum, instruction, and assessment that will lead to significantly greater success for your students.
Speakers
avatar for Mike Czerniawski

Mike Czerniawski

School Improvement Coordinator, West40 ISC #2
All students deserve a great education. To make that happen, I work with educational leaders to enhance district and school transformation efforts. I specialize in helping educators focus on the changes to leadership, instruction, professional learning networks, and climate and culture... Read More →
Monday December 9, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Doral
  Instruction, Cross Curricular

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

2:30pm CST

Building Emotional Intelligence: Picture Books as Tools for Teaching SEL
Monday December 9, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Hinsdale
Feedback Survey
In this engaging session, we will build basic knowledge of The Illinois Social Emotional Learning Standards. After delving into the standards, we will explore our go-to picture books, both old and brand new, that we can leverage to teach and lean into SEL topics and standards.
Speakers
avatar for Dan Wolf

Dan Wolf

Literacy Coordinator, Woodridge School District 68
TM

Toni Mrozik

3rd Grade Teacher
Monday December 9, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Hinsdale
  Instruction, Reading/Language Arts

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

Fluency is Fundamental
Monday December 9, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Ballroom C-D
Feedback Survey
Fluency is one of the 5 crucial pillars of literacy as identified by the national reading panel. It can be a crucial missing piece for a student once they have transitioned from learning to read and are on their way to reading to learn. In this session, participants will participate in fluency activities and leave with many tools for their tool belt to address fluency in their classrooms and schools.
Speakers
avatar for Jessica Berg

Jessica Berg

instructional coach
Monday December 9, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Ballroom C-D
  Instruction, Reading/Language Arts

2:30pm CST

The Future is Coming, and It's Moving Full STEAM Ahead
Monday December 9, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
White Oak
Feedback Survey
The future is coming and it’s moving full STEAM ahead. As we continue to adapt to the demands of the 21st century, it's imperative that our educational programs reflect the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) in preparing our students for the future. Our K-5 STEAM program aims to provide a dynamic learning environment where students can explore, create, and innovate across various disciplines.

This session will include information about how the STEAM program is set up at Pontiac #429, from how the STEAM program is utilized at each school to what a typical STEAM schedule looks like. Participants will learn what unique materials our STEAM program has and how we use STEAM projects to address the Next Generation Science Standards. Participants will also leave with access to three different STEAM projects, ready to teach in their own classrooms.
Speakers
JT
avatar for Kelsey Smith

Kelsey Smith

STEAM Teacher
Monday December 9, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
White Oak
  Instruction, Science

2:30pm CST

The Future of Teaching: Insights from the Danielson Framework 2022
Monday December 9, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Clarendon Hills
Feedback Survey
As education evolves, so do the frameworks that guide effective teaching practices. The Danielson Framework 2022 brings fresh perspectives and innovative strategies to enhance instructional effectiveness and student engagement. Join us for an insightful session where we delve into the latest updates of this renowned framework and discover how it can transform your teaching.
Speakers
SS
Monday December 9, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Clarendon Hills
  Instruction, All
 
Tuesday, December 10
 

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

Anxious Students - How do educators address the increasing needs of students with anxiety?
Tuesday December 10, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Ballroom A-B
Feedback Survey
Anxious Students - Jonathan Haidt, the author of The Anxious Generation, has spurred conversations on the possible root causes of increased anxiety and depression levels in children and adolescents. This session will provide all members of the educational staff an opportunity to share observations, insight, and strategies to address the increasing numbers of students with high-anxiety and depression in the educational setting. We will share and discuss information presented by Jonathan Haidt. What impact has high-speed internet, smartphones, and social media had on the mental health of children? Is this the root cause of the increase in anxiety and depression in children, especially females? What structural changes can be instituted? What changes can we make in the classroom?
Speakers
avatar for Daniel Donohue

Daniel Donohue

Math Interventionist, SD308
Tuesday December 10, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Ballroom A-B
  Instruction, Cross Curricular

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

INSPIRE: Harnessing Subscription Boxes for Educator Development
Tuesday December 10, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Pinehurst
Feedback Survey
In the ever-evolving landscape of professional learning, educators are constantly seeking innovative and engaging opportunities to enhance their practice. Enter the INSPIRE subscription box—a dynamic and immersive approach to professional development that offers educators curated resources, tools, and activities delivered right to their doorstep. In this session, participants will explore the transformative potential of subscription boxes as a viable and accessible avenue for continuous learning and growth.
Speakers
avatar for Jordan Eggleson

Jordan Eggleson

Professional Learning Coordinator, Kane County Regional Office of Education
My name is Jordan Eggleson, and I am the professional learning coordinator at the Kane County Regional Office of Education. I earned my Bachelor’s of Elementary Education degree from the University of Illinois-Chicago with a middle school math endorsement. I earned a Master’s... Read More →
Tuesday December 10, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Pinehurst
  Instruction, Cross Curricular

9:30am CST

Making Math Instruction Meaningful, Engaging & Authentic; A District's Story of Growth
Tuesday December 10, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Monarch
Feedback Survey
The Olympia District engaged with ROE 17 in 2019 to create a math framework that was rooted in responsive instruction and problem solving. The work with the ROE started with professional development around shifting the manner in which math was taught. The shift from memorizing algorithms to a strong number sense and problem solving foundation, was initially difficult for staff. After multiple years of professional development, work to make the framework more robust, and providing our staff with math coaching, our growth continues to climb. In the session we will share the key elements in our journey and provide participants with resources that they could (and should) use to move their math instruction, and student's math performance, forward.
Speakers
LO

Laura O'Donnell

Superintendent, Olympia Community Unit School District 16
SM
Tuesday December 10, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Monarch
  Instruction, Math

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

10:45am CST

Best Practices for Students Struggling in Math
Tuesday December 10, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Sugar Maple
Feedback Survey
This session will highlight the six best practices for students struggling in math. These practices are found in the What Works Clearinghouse IES practice guide and include: Explicit instruction protocols, precise vocabulary use, exposure to multiple representations, incorporation of number lines to enhance learning, word problem guidance, and fact fluency tips. Participants will learn attributes of students struggling in math and explore concrete tools that work best for these students. This includes Cuisenaire rods and cluster cards to help deepen student understanding of various concepts.
Speakers
avatar for Aubrey Durkin

Aubrey Durkin

Math Content Specialist, Specific Learning Disability Support Project
Aubrey Durkin has been working in education since 2009. She has taught or tutored students leveled pre-k to 12th grade. She completed an elementary math program through UIC in 2020 and has her Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a math endorsement (5-8). In the past... Read More →
Tuesday December 10, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Sugar Maple
  Instruction, Math

10:45am CST

Co-Teaching Take-Off: Soaring High Together
Tuesday December 10, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Cardinal
Feedback Survey
Welcome aboard, educators! Prepare for an exhilarating journey in our session, "Co-Teaching Take-Off: Soaring High Together," designed to elevate your instruction to new heights. Fasten your seatbelts as we embark on a quest that will transform your co-teaching dynamics.

In this session, you'll explore five co-teaching models like One Teach, One Observe; Station Teaching; Parallel Teaching; Alternative Teaching; and Team Teaching. You'll navigate these models through interactive in-flight simulations, gaining practical understanding through experiences.

Building strong co-teacher relationships is a crucial part of our flight plan. Through team-building exercises, you'll foster open communication and mutual respect with your co-teachers. Reflective discussions will help you identify your strengths and areas for growth, ensuring a smooth and collaborative flight path while avoiding turbulence.

By the end of this high-flying session, you'll be ready to co-pilot your classroom with confidence and collaboration. "Co-Teaching Take-Off: Soaring High Together" is not just a session, it's an adventure designed to propel your instruction to new altitudes. Join us on this journey and prepare to soar!
Speakers
avatar for Lindsay Tweedie

Lindsay Tweedie

Special Education Teacher, YIS
Innovative, passionate educator committed to empowering students with diverse needs. Pursuing a Master's in Curriculum & Instruction: Trauma & Resilience.
AB
Tuesday December 10, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Cardinal
  Instruction, Cross Curricular

10:45am CST

Showcasing Successful Instruction with Staff Taking the Lead Role
Tuesday December 10, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Pebble Beach
Feedback Survey
Ready to highlight successful strategies and celebrate best practices within your school setting? We’ll show you how to provide opportunities for colleagues to showcase their craft and learn from one another. See how we embrace five-star instruction and foster shared leadership through peer visits, share fairs, and more! It’s time to let your staff take the stage and shine!
Speakers
avatar for Amy Schneider

Amy Schneider

Instructional Coach, CCSD 46
avatar for Tami Singer

Tami Singer

Instructional Coach, Community Consolidated School District 46 Grayslake, IL
Tuesday December 10, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Pebble Beach
  Instruction, Cross Curricular

10:45am CST

Teach Your Students 1,000 Words a Year!
Tuesday December 10, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Heron
Feedback Survey
90% of the English language is derived from Latin roots and each individual word part is used in an average of 20 words! If you teach a handful of word parts a week, students will have access to over a 1,000 words by the end of the year! This interactive workshop will have participants rethink the way they teach words in any content. Using the ARCS method, participants will be deconstructing complex words and determining meaning from context clues and word parts. Participants will have the opportunity to design similar activities with words from their own curriculum that they can use in their classroom.
Speakers
AM

Andrea Mear

instructional coach
Tuesday December 10, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Heron
  Instruction, Cross Curricular

10:45am CST

The Principles, Purpose, and Key Components of Effective Co-Teaching Practices
Tuesday December 10, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Ballroom I-J
Feedback Survey
Co-teaching is a collaborative special education service delivery model designed to enhance learning outcomes for all students. In this approach, the general education teacher and special education teacher partner together to provide instruction in a shared classroom with a diverse student population. This session offers valuable insight for educators seeking to understand the principles, purpose, and key components of effective co-teaching practices.
Speakers
AL

Amber Lorenzatti

8th Grade Special Education Teacher
DB

Danielle Buerkett

8th Grade Literature Teacher
Tuesday December 10, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Ballroom I-J
  Instruction, Cross Curricular

10:45am CST

What Teacher Leaders Want You to Know About Professional Development
Tuesday December 10, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Pinehurst
Feedback Survey
Is the professional development in your building helping teacher grow? Or is it holding them back? In this session we will share feedback from teacher leaders all over Illinois regarding thier feelings about the current state of PD in their schools- and what they wish thier administration would recognize about thier professional development needs. We will walk through specific recommendations from teachers about how to make professional development meaningful and how to incorportate teacher voice into the development process.
Speakers
avatar for Renee Gugel

Renee Gugel

Associate Professor and Teacher Leader Program Cha, Natoinal Louis University
Biography: I began mycareer in education as a high school English and Theatre teacher. I went on to serve as Dean of Students, Department Chair, and Associate Principal in districts in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. I have also served as a school board member in Antioch... Read More →
Tuesday December 10, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Pinehurst
  Instruction, 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

Demystifying Tier 1 Interventions in the math classroom
Tuesday December 10, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Ballroom C-D
Feedback Survey
As educators, we know that Tier 1 instruction provides all students with high-quality, initial classroom instruction tied to standards and a viable resource program. Nerves set in with the thought of implementing Tier 1 interventions for one or multiple students in their classroom. In this session, teachers and coaches will learn how to plan math lessons complete with embedded interventions using their current classroom materials and resources. Participants will be guided through several scenarios and see how easy it is to provide simple yet effective Tier 1 interventions with minimal prep and little to no stress for all standards, and for all grade levels.
Speakers
avatar for Stacey Hodits

Stacey Hodits

Math/Science Coordinator, Lake ROE
Tuesday December 10, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Ballroom C-D
  Instruction, Math

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

The Art & Science of Tailored Teaching: Research-Based Strategies for Effective Specially Designed Instruction
Tuesday December 10, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Doral
Feedback Survey
The phrase specially designed instruction is not new, but is being used more and more in discussions about educating our students with disabilities. IDEA states that students eligible for special education services must receive specially designed instruction to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability. This session supports educators in developing essential knowledge and skills to ensure student success through SDI. Teachers will understand how to select and implement evidence-based interventions with fidelity to align with students' needs to provide the greatest educational benefit. Teachers will be able to refine their practices and discover ways to close the achievement gap for students with specific learning disabilities!
Speakers
avatar for Christie Johnson

Christie Johnson

Regional Specialist, IL SLD Support Project
I began my career in special education in 1996 and during my twenty-eight years in the field, I have held positions as a special education teacher, elementary school principal, an alternative education school principal and most recently, a special education administrator. During my... Read More →
Tuesday December 10, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Doral
  Instruction, Cross Curricular

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

Finding Focus: Designing School Improvement Plans
Tuesday December 10, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Pebble Beach
Feedback Survey
School improvement planning does not need to be complicated to yield results in student achievement. Join us to learn about a simple, yet effective way to structure focused improvement planning efforts. While our plan focuses on writing across the content areas, the process can be applicable to any area of focus.
Speakers
avatar for Kristin Johnson

Kristin Johnson

Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, Mokena School District 159
MR
Tuesday December 10, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Pebble Beach
  Instruction, Cross Curricular

1:15pm CST

How Does Your Classroom "Pop?": One School's Strategies For Fostering Excited and Engaged Learners of Varying Skill Levels in Reading and Math
Tuesday December 10, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Ballroom C-D
Feedback Survey
Just as kernels of popcorn from a bag do not all pop at the same time, our students all grasp and master concepts at different rates. Learn how we drastically improved student reading levels with our school-wide guided reading program and then adapted it to focus on improving our students' basic math skills, all while boosting students' confidence and excitement. Participants will walk away with methods and strategies for implementing these two programs and the reasons behind why we do what we do. This hands-on session will give educators a glimpse of the working pieces of our guided reading and math block programs.
Speakers
EO
DA

Deanne Aldridge

Special Education
Tuesday December 10, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Ballroom C-D
  Instruction, Cross Curricular

1:15pm CST

How to Design Engaging Middle School Advisory Curriculum: A Case Study of Hawthorn District #73
Tuesday December 10, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
White Oak
Feedback Survey
In this session, we will share a real life example of how we designed a Guaranteed Viable Curriculum (GVC) for the Middle School Advisory program in Hawthorn District #73. We will explore the process including the vision, leadership team formation, data collection, planning, and implementation stages. We will discuss how to create a middle school advisory framework and evidence-based practices that foster positive, strengths-based relationships between staff and students. We will also explore Community Circles, and the role they play in cultivating learning environments that are safe, positive, and inclusive of all learners. Participants will learn how they can replicate the process for their specific school setting.
Speakers
avatar for Lindsay Knoblauch

Lindsay Knoblauch

Consultant, SEL Integrations
With 18 years of experience in both the classroom and as a district level administrator, Lindsay is an educator at heart.  Lindsay's passion and talents are seamlessly embedding SEL and mindfulness practices into daily classroom routines, creating environments where trust and community... Read More →
MG
Tuesday December 10, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
White Oak
  Instruction, SEL

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

2:30pm CST

Designing Autonomy: Building a Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum (GVC) for Student-Led Learning
Tuesday December 10, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Ballroom E
Feedback Survey
This interactive breakout session is designed for educators who aim to empower their students through the development of a Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum (GVC) that promotes self-directed learning. Participants will delve into the core principles of a GVC and learn how to construct a curriculum framework that is both rigorous and flexible enough to adapt to diverse learning styles and needs. The workshop will provide practical tools and strategies for creating curricular units that encourage students to take initiative, make decisions, and drive their own learning processes. Through collaborative activities and expert-led discussions, attendees will leave with actionable insights on how to craft educational experiences that foster independence, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning. Join us to transform your educational approach and inspire your students to become proactive learners!
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 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Ballroom E
  Instruction, Cross Curricular

2:30pm CST

From Hesitant to High-Five: Strategies for Engaging Educators in Coaching
Tuesday December 10, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Ballroom I-J
Feedback Survey
Calling all instructional coaches! Are you looking to build buy-in for your coaching program? Join us to learn some tips and tricks for getting staff to embrace coaching and increase your interactions! We will discuss how to foster a collaborative environment and share ideas to build positive relationships by developing trust and mutual respect through engaging morale boosters. During the session, we hope to help you discover the "entrepreneur" within you and help you learn to advocate for yourself. We will discuss the importance of doing your own PR by mastering the art of self-promotion and effectively communicating your coaching expertise.
Speakers
ST

Sharon Tweed

K-5 Literacy Coach
avatar for Vicki Reilly

Vicki Reilly

K-5 Math Coach
Tuesday December 10, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Ballroom I-J
  Instruction, Coaching/PD

2:30pm CST

So Your School has eceived a Targeted Designation... Now What?
Tuesday December 10, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
White Oak
Feedback Survey
In early 2022, as schools were coming out of two years of interrupted instruction, Clinton Junior High School received a “targeted” designation from the state. Limited infrastructure was in place in terms of a building leadership team whose purpose was to focus on academic achievement. Join the building principal and a teacher member of the school’s instructional support team as they share their experiences of addressing the achievement gap and fostering a mindset of continuous school improvement. Learn about the process of analyzing Math and ELA data and building staff capacity for strategic improvements in designation Year 1, as well as plans for moving forward in Year 2.
Speakers
TT
JP
Tuesday December 10, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
White Oak
  Instruction, Cross Curricular

2:30pm CST

Standards-Based Literacy Instruction That Improves Student Outcomes
Tuesday December 10, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Sugar Maple
Feedback Survey
The Common Core State Standards provide us with clear student learning goals for each grade level, but what is instruction actually supposed to look like to realize those goals? Many educators and school districts assume that practicing the discrete skills outlined in the standards such as finding the main idea and determining cause and effect are what the authors of the CCSS had in mind. However, the authors actually wrote that “the standards themselves are not the goal of daily instruction; understanding the texts encountered and being able to express that understanding is.” This session will discuss the research and associated instructional practices one district used to significantly improve student literacy outcomes.
Speakers
BZ
Tuesday December 10, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Sugar Maple
  Instruction, Reading/Language Arts
 
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