Many predicted that COVID could very well launch the transformation of education in the United States, given the upheaval it unleashed. After so much disruption, how could educators go back to the way things were? Meanwhile, inside districts, many educators have been managing a complex landscape with multiple crises that have been requiring their full attention. Grave concerns over student mental health and equity, mounting staffing shortages, and a divisive political landscape have combined to make instruction鈥攁nd leadership鈥攃hallenging and fraught.
While large-scale transformation might not be close at hand, this forum will focus on what must happen for transformation to occur鈥攏ot as a blue-sky proposition, but rather what educators and education leaders can do immediately and feasibly to incite lasting and productive change that will make a difference in the lives of their students.
Educators know that tinkering around the edges just won鈥檛 cut it right now, but they are also up against some of the biggest learning challenges not only of their careers but that the field of public education has faced in the last century. It鈥檚 time to figure out a path forward.
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Agenda
Welcome and Introduction
Industry Perspective: Curating Magical SEL Conversations
Forming strong relationships with your students is important all year long. In this session, you鈥檒l get ideas to engage your students in meaningful social and emotional classroom conversations and learn quick and easy ways to add joy and excitement to these conversations.
Panel Discussion: Why Can鈥檛 We Talk to Each Other Anymore?
Industry Perspective: Taking Professional Development to the Next Level for the New School Year
It鈥檚 a fact 鈥 informed and confident teachers are the cornerstone of school improvement.
Discover how professional development gives teachers and leaders the tools to help students master key concepts, especially in STEM and maker space environments. We鈥檒l explore different professional development options and delivery methods in this fun session.
Panel Discussion: How Can We Break Down the Barriers Standing in the Way of K-12 Transformation?
Industry Perspective: Encouraging Problem Solving Skills Development through Design Challenges
Today鈥檚 instruction must cover more than just academic practices and literacy skills. Learn how to build student confidence and nurture inquiring minds鈥攖wo skills that are vital to success in school and in life鈥攖hrough design challenge experiences. Join us for a 360-degree perspective on how education needs to evolve to cultivate the next generation of creative thinkers and doers.