Public education is experiencing many challenges in America today. More than ever, forces across the country are critical of our academic results, have their eyes on our funding streams, and many don't understand the depth and breadth of our work. This session will introduce participants to ways to engage with local legislators and to be kept informed at what is happening statewide with education policy.
Everyone knows JoJoe's Coffee Shop. But do you know the preparation, branding, forecasting, and strategic planning our students perform daily? We want the rest of the JHS staff to be aware of the benefits Marketing students gain through running the shop and being involved with DECA. Seeing students gain confidence and skills necessary for the workplace is why we have the coffee shop. To do this, we have prepared an interactive session to teach attendees how to create drinks, branding to increase sales, and calculating ROI.
We will be discussing the struggles and triumphs of effective co-teaching. There will be a description of common special education diagnosis typically seen in the general education classroom. We will provide strategies for how to reach all kiddos as well as the best ways for two teachers to become effective co-teachers from the prespective of teachers who have taught both special education and general education.
Ever feel like you are juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle on the edge of a cliff? Sometimes life just throws too much our way, and we need more than a few deep breaths to keep it all together. This session is all about building practical coping skills that work when life feels overwhelming. Whether you’re teaching students or just trying to survive the daily grind, you’ll leave with tools that are easy to use, easy to teach, and easy to share.
This roundtable discussion will be based around the experience of being torn out of the classroom in October and demoted into the role of interim assistant principal while trying to be a football coach and have a newborn, to having a tornado destroy the school and being put in charge of a building with another new assistant principal, to being demoted to being a new middle school principal, and finally being demoted to Assistant Superintendent of Operations and having to learn a whole new side of the school business. The discussion will provide the participants with a look at good and bad experiences, laughs, and maybe some tears.
Technology Services needs help! A rogue AI has become self aware and taken over systems through out the school. Work as a team to gather clues, troubleshoot and solve the technology themed puzzles to defeat the AI before time runs out and the grade book is deleted.
Public education is experiencing many challenges in America today. More than ever, forces across the country are critical of our academic results, have their eyes on our funding streams, and many don't understand the depth and breadth of our work. This session will introduce participants to ways to engage with local legislators and to be kept informed at what is happening statewide with education policy.
We will be discussing the struggles and triumphs of effective co-teaching. There will be a description of common special education diagnosis typically seen in the general education classroom. We will provide strategies for how to reach all kiddos as well as the best ways for two teachers to become effective co-teachers from the prespective of teachers who have taught both special education and general education.
This roundtable discussion will focus on the experiences of a 25-year educator and 19-year parent of a high-needs special education student. Sitting on both sides of an IEP as a parent and LEA has provided many unique insights into the IEP process. This session will provide participants with tools that can assist them in future IEP meetings as educators or parents.
As an educator myself, I've spent years wrestling with the challenge of balancing classroom demands, administrative tasks, and personal life—and I know I'm not alone in this struggle. In this session, I'll share practical strategies and tools that have genuinely transformed my own approach to time management, helping me become more efficient without sacrificing the quality of my teaching or time with my family. Together, we'll explore simple yet powerful productivity techniques that can help reduce the overwhelming feeling of always being behind and create more breathing room in our busy professional lives. I'm not promising a magic solution, but rather a collection of honest, field-tested approaches that have made a real difference for me and my colleagues. My hope is that you'll leave with a few concrete ideas that you can immediately implement to make your work life a little smoother and your personal time a little richer.
Technology Services needs help! A rouge AI has become self aware and taken over systems through out the school. Work as a team to gather clues, troubleshoot and solve the technology themed puzzles to defeat the AI before time runs out and the grade book is deleted.
Understanding why today’s students often seem more fragile and anxious is a question every educator is asking. Jonathan Haidt’s book, The Anxious Generation, provides powerful insights into the cultural and societal shifts contributing to these challenges, particularly the impact of early exposure to smartphones and social media. This workshop will equip educators with the knowledge to become advocates for healthier childhoods by sharing this vital information with parents. Together, we can empower families to make informed decisions—like delaying the introduction of cell phones and social media until at least age 16—to foster stronger, more resilient students in our community.
Everyone knows JoJoe's Coffee Shop. But do you know the preparation, branding, forecasting, and strategic planning our students perform daily? We want the rest of the JHS staff to be aware of the benefits Marketing students gain through running the shop and being involved with DECA. Seeing students gain confidence and skills necessary for the workplace is why we have the coffee shop. To do this, we have prepared an interactive session to teach attendees how to create drinks, branding to increase sales, and calculating ROI.
I have been in special education for 10 years (which isn't much and I am by no means an expert), but in my 10 years, I have taught students from 6th grade to 12th in cotaught and resource settings. Secondary education isn't always the easiest to accommodate in a "non-obvious" way. I will go through some of the more common accommodations that teachers may see in the IEPs at the beginning of the year and the ways to provide those accommodations that don't single out the student with an IEP. I will also provide teachers an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the session.
Even really good leaders can have specific areas they need to work on to be more effective. In this session, we'll focus on what key leadership skills are, why shared leadership in a building is so important, as well as how to cultivate leadership in yourself and your fellow teachers. These ideas will be shared from the book, Training Teacher Leaders in a PLC at Work by Jasmine K. Kullar. There will be self-evaluation tools and case scenarios to takeaway that can help guide you to keep cultivating long after the session is over.
As an educator myself, I've spent years wrestling with the challenge of balancing classroom demands, administrative tasks, and personal life—and I know I'm not alone in this struggle. In this session, I'll share practical strategies and tools that have genuinely transformed my own approach to time management, helping me become more efficient without sacrificing the quality of my teaching or time with my family. Together, we'll explore simple yet powerful productivity techniques that can help reduce the overwhelming feeling of always being behind and create more breathing room in our busy professional lives. I'm not promising a magic solution, but rather a collection of honest, field-tested approaches that have made a real difference for me and my colleagues. My hope is that you'll leave with a few concrete ideas that you can immediately implement to make your work life a little smoother and your personal time a little richer.
Some time as educators we put students in a box. Most of the students have behaved in different ways in our buildings to get labeled with in this way. I would like to talk to my fellow educators about the danger of a single story for these students. I have been only teaching In-School Suspension for 5 years, but in that time I have had several successes with my students. I would like to speak and then have a round table discussion about these student behaviors and success stories.
A deep dive into perspectives on the rise of violence in schools, the session is meant to explore this topic in a variety of ways, including possible ways we can confront this crisis in our school and community.
Understanding why today’s students often seem more fragile and anxious is a question every educator is asking. Jonathan Haidt’s book, The Anxious Generation, provides powerful insights into the cultural and societal shifts contributing to these challenges, particularly the impact of early exposure to smartphones and social media. This workshop will equip educators with the knowledge to become advocates for healthier childhoods by sharing this vital information with parents. Together, we can empower families to make informed decisions—like delaying the introduction of cell phones and social media until at least age 16—to foster stronger, more resilient students in our community.
Curious about starting your own beehive? This breakout session is designed for newcomers to the world of beekeeping! Learn the essentials of hive setup, bee care, and the basics of honey production. Whether you're interested in supporting local pollinators or harvesting your own honey, join us to explore the fascinating world of bees and discover how you can make a sweet impact in your own backyard!
You want to take it back to your earliest experience with clay? Let's get creative with pinch pots and get a little messy. Working with clay can provide a calming and meditative experience, reducing stress and anxiety. Plus you get to keep something really nice.
I am starting my 13 year teaching at JHS. I recieved my undergrad at MSSU in 2010. I have my masters in secondary education from PSU and my certificate of graduate studies in art from MSSU. I love teaching secondary art education to students. Their creativity amazes and inspires me... Read More →
This presentation will guide participants through the fascinating journey of chocolate production, from cacao bean to finished bar, while offering a hands-on tasting experience that highlights the diverse flavor profiles of chocolate.
Are your selfies more "Oops" than "Aww"? Pics of your children or grandbabies more shadows than smiles? Join me for a crash course in photography where we'll demystify your camera (or phone), capture and bend light like wizards, and finally make your pics look Instagram worthy! No jargon, just laughs, lens magic, and tips that’ll turn your snapshots into showstoppers!
Drawing on 12 years of experience in Student Activities at MSSU, this session will provide practical strategies for crafting memorable events. Learn how to develop engaging themes, master logistical challenges, manage budgets effectively, and tackle unexpected hurdles. Explore techniques for planning diverse event types while fostering community through interactive activities. We’ll conclude with key takeaways and a dynamic Q&A session tailored to your unique event needs. Whether you’re a seasoned planner or just starting out, this session will inspire you to elevate your event planning skills to the next level!
Native American fry bread is not just a delicious treat; it embodies a rich cultural heritage and tells the story of resilience and community. This class offers participants a unique opportunity to explore culinary traditions while gaining insight into the history and significance of fry bread in Native American culture. Fry bread is a staple in many Native American communities, symbolizing survival and adaptation, and learning to make it provides a deeper understanding of these cultural narratives. Participants will engage in a hands-on cooking experience, allowing them to learn valuable skills and techniques while fostering connections with others in the class. Cooking together encourages dialogue about cultural traditions and shared experiences, serving as a platform for building community. Additionally, fry bread can be enjoyed in various ways—sweet or savory—making it a versatile dish that appeals to a wide range of tastes. The class will also incorporate storytelling elements, where participants learn about the stories and traditions surrounding fry bread, enhancing the cultural experience beyond just cooking. This class promotes inclusivity and respect for diverse cultures, encouraging participants to appreciate and celebrate differences through food. Participants will conlcude the class with a delightful tast testing experience featuring a variety of sweet toppings.
Discover the art of creating beautiful, custom soaps with ease! This hands-on class introduces you to the melt and pour soapmaking method, perfect for beginners and crafters alike. Learn how to blend natural essential oils to create delightful scents, choose vibrant colors, and use molds to design unique soaps. By the end of the session, you'll take home your own small handcrafted soaps, perfect for gifts or personal use. No prior experience needed—just bring your creativity!
Join me as we make a true New York City classic, the Black and White Cookie- known for it's signature glossy half-and-half icing. This cake-like cookie was first popularized in the early 1900's by the city's Jewish bakeries. In this hands-on session, you’ll learn the secrets to perfecting this tender cookie and achieving that perfect black and white glaze.
Come learn how to take scraps of fabric and turn it into a beautifule wreath! We will take random pieces of fabric and create a tie know wreath. I will show you how anything cloth you own can be transformed into something creative and fun.
Have you ever said, I can't do Yoga because I'm not flexible or have pain? Please join me for a Yoga session that may change your mind. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced Yogi this class is for you. I will share physical poses with modifications, breathing techniques, and guided meditation that will leave you wanting more. Let me have the chance to change you mind about what Yoga is and what it can offer you. Meet me on the mat!
I have been in special education for 10 years (which isn't much and I am by no means an expert), but in my 10 years, I have taught students from 6th grade to 12th in cotaught and resource settings. Secondary education isn't always the easiest to accommodate in a "non-obvious" way. I will go through some of the more common accommodations that teachers may see in the IEPs at the beginning of the year and the ways to provide those accommodations that don't single out the student with an IEP. I will also provide teachers an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the session.
Drawing on 12 years of experience in Student Activities at MSSU, this session will provide practical strategies for crafting memorable events. Learn how to develop engaging themes, master logistical challenges, manage budgets effectively, and tackle unexpected hurdles. Explore techniques for planning diverse event types while fostering community through interactive activities. We’ll conclude with key takeaways and a dynamic Q&A session tailored to your unique event needs. Whether you’re a seasoned planner or just starting out, this session will inspire you to elevate your event planning skills to the next level!
Even really good leaders can have specific areas they need to work on to be more effective. In this session, we'll focus on what key leadership skills are, why shared leadership in a building is so important, as well as how to cultivate leadership in yourself and your fellow teachers. These ideas will be shared from the book, Training Teacher Leaders in a PLC at Work by Jasmine K. Kullar. There will be self-evaluation tools and case scenarios to takeaway that can help guide you to keep cultivating long after the session is over.
This session aims to explore the concept of inclusion in educational settings and how fostering an inclusive environment benefits all students, educators, and the broader school community. Through discussion, activities, and real-world examples, participants will gain a deeper understanding of what inclusion looks like in schools and why it is essential for creating a positive, equitable learning environment.
Some time as educators we put students in a box. Most of the students have behaved in different ways in our buildings to get labeled with in this way. I would like to talk to my fellow educators about the danger of a single story for these students. I have been only teaching In-School Suspension for 5 years, but in that time I have had several successes with my students. I would like to speak and then have a round table discussion about these student behaviors and success stories.
A deep dive into perspectives on the rise of violence in schools, the session is meant to explore this topic in a variety of ways, including possible ways we can confront this crisis in our school and community.
