Teaching middle level learners is full of challenges, and the way you navigate those challenges can light you up or burn you out. In this session, you will gain tools and strategies for proactively keeping your teacher battery charged and for recharging when you feel depleted. If you want to stay longer, grow stronger, and make a bigger impact, this is the session for you.
Have you ever felt unsure about the best instructional practices for teaching, reaching, communicating, and collaborating with English Learners and families? Would you like to add more tools to your toolbox and increase student and family engagement? In this inspiring and engaging 45 minute session, you will walk away with use tomorrow strategies and resources to support you in increasing your and your team's skills in all of these areas!
Empower your students with hands-on science experiences using the Foldscope, a powerful paper microscope that magnifies up to 340X with a 2-micron resolution. In this interactive workshop, you’ll explore how to integrate this low-cost, high-quality tool into your classroom to inspire curiosity and meet NGSS standards. Whether in the classroom or outdoors, Foldscopes open up a world of discovery for students, making STEM education accessible and exciting. You’ll learn how to use a Foldscope, capture images and videos with your phone or tablet, and create interdisciplinary lessons that engage your students. Plus, you'll leave with your very own Foldscope 2.0 to start using right away! It is possible to provide equitable and accessible science equipment for your students, join this session to learn how to make it a reality!
This transformative workshop is designed for teachers who want to make a lasting impact on their students by connecting on a deeper emotional level. This session emphasizes the importance of building strong, trusting relationships with students to create an environment where learning thrives. Participants will explore techniques to foster emotional connections, understand the social and emotional needs of their students, and implement strategies that make students feel valued and supported. By touching the heart, teachers can unlock the full potential of their students' minds, leading to greater engagement and academic success.
Number sense is essential for students to develop middle-level math and science skills. In this session, participants will review "next day" strategies that will help students improve their understanding of number sense, why it's important to their academic success, and how they can apply what they’re learning in school and at home.
How can educators help students shift from math anxiety to math empowerment? In this interactive session, we’ll explore strategies for fostering positive math identities in middle school students. Participants will examine how past experiences shape students' beliefs about math and discover tools to help students rewrite their math narratives. Through guided activities, we’ll delve into recognizing and addressing math trauma, shifting mindsets, and creating classroom environments that emphasize growth, resilience, and a sense of belonging in math. Let’s empower students to view math not just as a subject but as a space where they can flourish.
In this session, you will learn to identify barriers to learning and apply effective visual, verbal, and written scaffolds tailored to diverse needs. You will also gain practical tools to use scaffolding strategies across disciplines and ensure all students engage with challenging content. Leave ready to evaluate and adapt scaffolds in real time, driving meaningful growth and success.
Curriculum Resource Teacher, Crayton Middle School
I am an evidence-informed public school educator and Curriculum Resource Teacher. My role extends beyond supporting teachers. I challenge assumptions, reframe instructional practices, and create opportunities for professional growth. I lead ongoing professional learning for over 100... Read More →
Tuesday March 25, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EDT
Symphony I
This session explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools within the framework of This We Believe. Join us to discover how to use AI to create 'Why' statements for instructional technology incorporation, assess progress, and use ISTE Student Standards and the Triple E Framework to guide instruction. Ideal for middle school administrators, teachers, and district leaders seeking innovative approaches to elevate student learning.
