RSAC 2024

A sense of belonging within a school community is perhaps our most powerful tool to promote not only student well being and resilience but to enhance student academic engagement. A sense of belonging is associated with higher academic achievement, better attendance, improved behavior, and reductions in mental health problems, among many other benefits. Unfortunately, there is a crisis of belonging in our schools. Drawing upon research from brain science, social sciences, education and 30 years of practice within schools, this session will help participants uncover the positive impact of a belonging community on students and staff, discuss factors that threaten a student's sense of belonging and provide strategies that can be implemented immediately to create a belonging community in our classrooms and in our schools.

Are you looking for strategies to improve student focus, supplement class instruction, and boost test scores? This session offers instructional tips for incorporating physical activity into the classroom. Learn how to integrate brain breaks and energize your classroom.

This presentation will review how education and our society has moved from a “we” ideology to a “me” focus. From tracing the words, we use, actions of schools, and historical antidotes the audience will gain a sense of how far from community we have come. By using my journey as a first-year principal in the COVID era and being candid about grief, depression, anxiety, imposter syndrome, humor, love, embracing the chaos, contact tracing, trauma, building student self-esteem, and the triumph of students, the audience will learn how to build a school based “we” that fosters finding peace within themselves and how that builds a better school and fosters community. The audience will leave with the understanding that they too can foster their own “we” by looking deep into their “me”. If someone in the audience has considered their “why” from a perspective of anxiety, stress, or even contemplated leaving the field, but retains the resolve to remain in education – this presentation will provide them with the insight and tools to sustain their energy and mental health to do the work, and to share what they have learned with others. So that our “we” can support and retain “me”.

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!

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!

What does curiosity look like in the math classroom and how do teachers cultivate a culture of curious learners? Together we will look at how to engage students in rich math tasks, puzzles, and games. We will explore and dive into multiple tasks (K-algebra) while wearing our “student hat.” By the end of our time together, you will have the start of a task toolbox with ideas to transform your students from compliant to curious.

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.