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Thursday, October 13
 

6:30pm EDT

CONFERENCE KICK OFF EVENT - PANINI'S BAR & GRILL
Help us kickoff the 2022 Teach Better Conference! Join us Thursday evening for some networking fun!
Thursday October 13, 2022 6:30pm - 11:30pm EDT
Panini's Bar & Grill 4200 Steels Pointe, Stow, OH 44224
  Networking Event
 
Friday, October 14
 

7:00am EDT

REGISTRATION
Enter the venue from Broadway street! 
Friday October 14, 2022 7:00am - 4:30pm EDT
Registration Table
  Meal

8:00am EDT

DAY ONE KICKOFF - Rae Hughart & Jeff Gargas - Big Team Welcome
Speakers
avatar for Rae Hughart

Rae Hughart

Chief Experience Officer, Teach Better Team
Rae Hughart is the CXO for the Teach Better Team, TEDx Speaker, Educator, and author of “Teachers Deserve It” and “Teach Better” books. Growing up with IEP support after being diagnosed SLD in Reading, Writing, and Math, Rae has worked with other educators and districts on... Read More →
avatar for Jeff Gargas

Jeff Gargas

COO / Co-Founder, Teach Better Team
Jeff is the COO/Co-founder of the Teach Better Team and co-author of “Teach Better.” He works with educators to increase student engagement and improve student success. Jeff previously owned an online marketing firm, where he worked with entrepreneurs and small businesses. He... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 8:00am - 8:30am EDT
Great Room sponsored by Road to Awesome
  Keynote

8:30am EDT

KEYNOTE- CHAD OSTROWSKI - Back to Better
Speakers
avatar for Chad Ostrowski

Chad Ostrowski

CEO / Co-Founder, Teach Better Team
As a former MS Science teacher in a High Needs inner city district created and developed The Grid Method - Mastery Framework which helped catapult the creation of and founding of The Teach Better Team. He is now the CEO of Teach Better and works with schools and districts across the... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 8:30am - 9:10am EDT
Great Room sponsored by Road to Awesome
  Keynote

9:30am EDT

Branding Your Classroom to Create Community and Inclusivity
Branding (or marketing) can transform your classroom into a community of students who feel connected through the brand of your classroom. In this session, participants will learn about the positive impact of branding a classroom and leave with ideas that they can use for their own classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Elijah Carbajal

Elijah Carbajal

Title I Reading Interventionist, Albuquerque Public Schools
Elijah has been teaching in the state of New Mexico since 2014, currently working in the Albuquerque Public School district. He is the host of the Shut Up and Teach Podcast. He strives to make school a place that students love to be at by creating fun, safe, and engaging experiences... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 9:30am - 9:50am EDT
Room 504 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Teach Better Talk

9:30am EDT

Dispositions of Emotional Intelligence
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a major shift in education and both teachers and administrators are leaving the profession in masses. The question is: what can educators do in order to make a difference in children and still enjoy their lives. This talk will address those specific needs with emotional intelligence and how to improve it. When the educator is the master of their own emotions, students can only benefit.

------Message sent to those registered a few hours before the event:

Hello and good morning!

I feel so fortunate that you are considering joining this Teach Better Talk: Dispositions of Emotional Intelligence.

I believe you will be:
-enthralled by the stories and research-based ideas I will share with you
and
                   -that you will leave the session with a few more skills in your bag of tools that you can use today 

I will leave you with this quote:
                                          "Because
                                               as you visit your limits,
                                                       those limits will expand.”

Peace and calm, EM
Speakers
avatar for Efrain Martinez, EdD

Efrain Martinez, EdD

Principal, North Shore School District 112/ Northwood Middle School
Dr. Efrain Martinez is a father, husband, and the principal of Northwood Middle School in Highland Park, IL. He reflects and interviews luminary figures on his podcast Wisdom & Productivity. His one word is #improvement and he strives to do all he can to make the world better.

Friday October 14, 2022 9:30am - 9:50am EDT
Room 505 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Teach Better Talk

9:30am EDT

"Good Teachers" Don’t Always Teach Better: Redefining A Profession In Peril
Empowering educators to show up authentically in their classrooms and in their lives by examining identity, redefining antiquated norms, and prioritizing core values. 
Speakers
avatar for Alexis Shepard

Alexis Shepard

Educational Activist & Wellness Educator, The AfroEducator
Alexis Shepard is a veteran educator with over a decade of experience in South Carolina public schools. Her career began as an elementary teacher where she taught 2nd and 4th grades before transitioning to the middle school setting. Alexis currently teaches 6th grade ELA where she... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
Room 302 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

9:30am EDT

ALL IN! Taking a Gamble in Education
Are you ready to take a gamble on new ideas to reenergize your mindset and learning space? Visit our EDUCasino where we share 7 “bets” that every educator should make. Double down on risk-taking from the unique perspective of a classroom teacher and a former district administrator. Play games of chance as we share practical strategies to help leverage risk-taking, relationships, and equity for all learners.

As school and district leaders, we strive to be connected learners, developing relationships that will guide our organizations forward. Modeling and promoting continuous professional learning for ourselves and others, leaders who are “all in” engage in learning networks to collaboratively learn with and mentor other professionals. While this is a leadership standard, it applies to all levels; administrators, teachers, and students.

Educators are leaders in their classrooms and throughout their organizations. They deliberately seek out opportunities for leadership to support student empowerment, success, and to improve teaching and learning. Connected educators understand the ways they can empower others using technology as a tool to enhance personal and professional learning.

The relationships that school and district leaders build with connected educators focus in on one common goal and that is a focus on our students. We make choices as educators that allow us to empower our students. We can do this when we leverage technology to advance student learning. We can give students ownership, as they take an active role in choosing, achieving and demonstrating competency in their learning goals.

As teachers, leaders, and learners we set personal learning goals, develop strategies to achieve those goals and reflect on the learning process itself to improve learning outcomes for all.
Speakers
avatar for Kristen Nan

Kristen Nan

Educator, Hopewell Area School District
As an educator for the last 25 years, Kristen Nan’s passion for building relationships with her students, colleagues, and community continues to ignite change for the better! Kristen has served as an emotional support teacher, learning support teacher, and classroom teacher from... Read More →
avatar for Jacie Maslyk

Jacie Maslyk

Instructional Coach and Educational Consultant, Solution Tree
An educator for the last 25 years, Dr. Jacie Maslyk, has served as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, elementary principal, and assistant superintendent. She is the author of several books including Unlock Creativity: Opening a World of Imagination With Your Students and ALL... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
Room 303 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

9:30am EDT

Controlling the Chaos Hacks
Are you ready to learn how to learn quick hacks that you can use to help control the chaos in your classroom? During this session you will learn and take away resources. Some of the topics we will cover are ways to help your students with executive functioning skills, classroom management skills, and making your classroom run effectively. 
Speakers
avatar for Stephanie Howell

Stephanie Howell

Instructional Technology Coach, Pickerington
Stephanie is the CEO of Gold EDU, Control the Chaos EDU, and is also the EdTech Lead for the Pickerington Local Schools District. Stephanie has spoken at conferences around the world. Her most recent achievements are being apart of the team named ISTE’s Distinguished District, WOSU... Read More →
avatar for Tara Ruckman

Tara Ruckman

Instructional Intervention Specialist Coach
Tara is currently the Crisis Prevention Intervention certified instructor and has lead 22 CPI training opportunities just in 2021-2022. She is a behavior coach in a district of 14 schools and works district wide.  In addition to CPI training she provides a multiple verbal de-escalation... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
Room 304 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

9:30am EDT

Creating a Culture of Belonging in the Classroom
Students bring with them diverse viewpoints, values, beliefs and come to us from many different social and cultural backgrounds which can make connecting with others challenging. To build collaborative, engaging classrooms, educators must help students build relationships from the very start of the school year and throughout. In this breakout session, teachers will discover strategies for cultivating a sense of belonging as well as gain access to a unique Mastery Grid that allows students to tap into relationships while making extraordinary connections to learning!

Link to Session Resources: TeachBetter2022_Belonging_Harris
Speakers
avatar for Dawn Harris

Dawn Harris

Educator, Author, Curriculum Specialist, Franklin City Schools
A Curriculum Specialist, author, and high school educator of the gifted & talented, Dawn’s primary goal in all things is to support educators with planning learning that ignites curiosity and that engages and inspires students in ways that impact their growth and achievement every... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
Room 305 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

9:30am EDT

Experience Before Explanation: Making STEM Lessons Accessible For All
Come learn how you can make your STEM lessons more accessible for all students by making a few simple changes to your instructional sequence.  During this session you will experience an engaging, hands-on lesson that models what this structure can look like in a real classroom. We will also discuss the research behind allowing students to experience concepts before introducing students to new vocabulary terms and how this can give all students an entry point into learning STEM content.  
Speakers
avatar for Leslie Silbernagel

Leslie Silbernagel

STEM Outreach Director, Northern Kentucky University
Leslie Silbernagel is the STEM Outreach Director for CINSAM at Northern Kentucky University. Prior to moving into her current role, Leslie worked as a Supervisor of Innovation and Instructional Technology, Curriculum Supervisor, Science Curriculum Specialist and High School Science... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
Room 306 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

9:30am EDT

Exploring the Microcosmos
The objective of this session is to get educators to learn what a Foldscope microscope is, how to use it, and how to teach with it. There will be time to assemble the Foldscope, instruction on how to prepare slides, and an opportunity for exploration with the Foldscopes. Throughout the entire session, ideas for how to incorporate this into daily instruction will be provided. Every attendee of this session will leave with their very own Foldscope to keep and use. This is a session for classroom teachers of all grade levels, as well as administrators, looking to find new and innovative ways to spark scientific curiosity and fun into their instructional practice.
Speakers
avatar for Holly Stuart

Holly Stuart

Education Specialist, Foldscope Instruments
Holly Stuart is an Education Specialist with Foldscope Instruments and a former 8th grade science and design teacher in South Carolina. Her educational passions include finding new and innovative ways to help teachers feel comfortable teaching science, increasing student interest... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
Room 401 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

9:30am EDT

Going Gradeless in a Grades Based School
Does your current grading encourage growth and reflection or compliance and point grabbing? Mike Szczepanik has been going gradeless since 2017. He will present the case for going gradeless even if your school requires grades and hear some of the peaks and valleys of the journey. Expect to reflect on your own grading practices and see how a paradigm shift in grading could lead to student growth and deeper learning. Then leave with an idea of how a gradeless classroom could be done even at a school that has grades.
Speakers
avatar for Mike Szczepanik

Mike Szczepanik

Teacher, Hilton Central School District
Mike has been teaching Biology at Hilton High School, outside of Rochester NY since March 1996.  Mike is a Teach Better Ambassador, part of the NYS Master Teacher Program and the Cornell Institute of Biology Teachers.  He has presented at numerous conferences and events including... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
Room 405 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

9:30am EDT

How to THRIVE (not just survive) as a New Teacher
This session will focus on intention in our service-oriented profession, and guide participants towards leaning into opportunities of joy and purpose. While we will explore areas of unique challenge for newer teachers, educators at all levels of experience will leave this session with a toolbox of resources to set them up for long-term success in education. 
Speakers
avatar for Erin Healey

Erin Healey

Speakers Network Manager, Teach Better Team
Erin Healey holds bachelors degrees from the University of Rhode Island in English Literature and Secondary Education, as well as a master’s degree from the University of Connecticut in Education Psychology with a concentration in education technology. After teaching high school... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
Room 501 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

9:30am EDT

Punk Rock Classrooms - Bringing PASSION, UNITY, and DIY to School
Mike and Josh grew up in the punk rock scene and believe the lessons they learned and the ethos of punk rock are perfect for giving students the best education possible. In this session, they will share the punk rock mindset and how the ideas of PASSION, UNITY, & DIY can create classrooms and schools where students and staff are engaged, are ALL part of the culture and learning, and have ownership of what happens at school. This interactive and story driven session will be turned up to 11!
Speakers
avatar for Michael Earnshaw

Michael Earnshaw

Principal, Oak Glen Elementary School - Lansing SD 158
Michael Earnshaw is a father, husband, and elementary school principal. He is the author of The EduCulture Cookbook: Recipes and Dishes to Positively Transform School and Classroom Culture with EduMatch Publishing and co-host of the Punk Rock Classrooms Podcast. Michael strives to... Read More →
avatar for Josh Buckley

Josh Buckley

Title 1 Specialist, Mesa Unified District
Punk Rock Classrooms believe that the punk rock mindset is perfect for education and the ideas of PASSION, UNITY, & DIY found in punk rock can create classrooms and schools where students and staff are engaged, are ALL part of the culture and learning, and have ownership of what happens... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
Room 412 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

9:30am EDT

The Coaching Framework: A Plan for Coaches
In this session instructional leaders will define their campus/district coaching plan, create role clarity & clear expectations for instructional coaching. Participants will leave with a customized coaching framework and plan that meets the needs of their campus/district needs.
Speakers
avatar for Ashley Hubner

Ashley Hubner

Instructional Coach & Educational Consultant, ACCESS Coaching & Consulting
My name is Ashley Hubner, founder of ACCESS Coaching & Consulting, a company dedicated to helping school communities thrive through professional development and coaching.Since 2013, I have been an Instructional Coach and Curriculum Specialist. My background contains experience in... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
Room 418 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

9:30am EDT

Trauma, Poverty, Detached Parents, and IEPs, PLEASE HELP ME!
Poverty and trauma are all too common in America’s schools. What's rare is an opportunity for educators to sit and absorb first-hand from a former at-risk student who dropped out, endured a mother abusing drugs, absent father, and learning disability.  In this engaging session participants will unlearn perceived fallacies about students from poverty. One thing more important than what you teach is who you teach. Knowing and understanding your students emotionally can yield tremendous relational dividends. Trauma occurring in the early years can have a substantial impact on an adolescent's social-emotional development, academic performance, and behavior. This session will provide necessary knowledge to become a trauma-responsive educator and empower students healing from trauma. 50% of any interaction with a student is you. Students cannot learn effectively when they are burdened by the effects of trauma and poverty.  Craig’s trademark slogan, GED to PHD is a concrete paradigm that educators should never give up on any student.
Speakers
avatar for Craig Boykin

Craig Boykin

Consultant, Craig Boykin LLC
REAL - AUTHENTIC - UNFILTEREDCraig is known as one of the top minds when it comes to systemic poverty and trauma in America. Craig is a seven-time author and former decorated Army veteran. Craig’s self-made success comes from his hustle, his grit and his relentless desire to never... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
Room 406 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

10:00am EDT

Celebrate the Whole Child With Spaces
Every teacher and student is a whole person. When we bring our full selves to the classroom, we model that for our students. When we as educators can tap into what makes students stand out and feel special, learning and growth are exponential. Spaces can capture that growth, through its app and platform, and help students and parents see the real growth that takes place over a school year as opposed to a single snapshot from a standardized test. The growth we make is worthy of celebration. 
Speakers
avatar for Melody McAllister

Melody McAllister

Events Marketing, Spaces
Dedicated educator who naturally forms community with students and families. 2017 Garland NAACP Educator of the Year. Author of children's book, the #ImSorryStory. Formally Logistics Manager for EduMatch Publishing and currently Events & Marketing Specialist for Spaces by myBlueprint... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 10:00am - 10:20am EDT
Room 506 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Teach Better Talk

10:00am EDT

How to Create Grid Method Tracking Using Glide App
This fast paced session will teach attendees how to create a Grid Method tracking sheet that allows teachers the ability to track a class of students’ progress in a single Google Sheet, while giving students the ability to track their individual progress in a virtual phone app that only they have access to. They will leave with knowledge of how start their Glide App to track a single level of a Grid, and will be shown examples of the possibilities of the App if they choose to continue further.
Speakers
avatar for John Alesch

John Alesch

Teacher, Plano School District 88
I am a passionate CS educator who has taught across all grade levels K-12. I have a masters in Educational Technology and another in K-12 Online Teaching and love helping both students and educators grow. I believe all students should be able to learn at their own pace and the role... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 10:00am - 10:20am EDT
Room 504 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Teach Better Talk

10:00am EDT

Moving toward Cultural Proficiency in the Classroom
Intersectionality impacts student achievement. Our responsibility as educators is to raise student achievement and increase student engagement; reduce opportunity gaps, and provide meaningful experiences. Let's explore the cultural competence continuum and discuss culturally responsive teaching strategies in the classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Colissa Jordan

Colissa Jordan

Educational Consultant, Hamilton County ESC
My name is Colissa Jordan. I am an Educational Consultant for Hamilton County Educational Services in Cincinnati, Ohio. I am a founding member of the Teach Better Ambassadors and a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Dayton.

Friday October 14, 2022 10:00am - 10:20am EDT
Room 505 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Teach Better Talk

10:30am EDT

Atomic Interactions: Impactful Relationships Help You Feel Joyfully Alive
How often have you had to overcome adversity and struggled to find joy in life? Come ready to discover NEW heartfulness practices that will open your eyes to cultivate more joy. What’s the secret? No secret! It’s ALL in the relationship we have with ourselves and the ones we intentionally build with others. Not only will you gain a desire to choose a new lens on life with simple action steps, you will take away physical gifts that will serve as key visual reminders to help you cope with challenges AND feel more joyfully alive in your life journey. Learn to invest in YOU & your communities through every “atomic interaction”. Transformative personal SEL! PLUS use these ideas with students and staff when you return home!

Speakers
avatar for Livia Chan

Livia Chan

Digital Content Coordinator, Teach Better Team
Livia Chan is an author, blogger, and speaker deeply passionate about community, leading with heart, and daily lifelong learning. She believes in the power of connections and thoroughly enjoys building relationships. Livia lives by the belief that it is through every ATOMIC interaction... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 10:30am - 10:50am EDT
Room 506 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Teach Better Talk

10:30am EDT

Education Blueprint: Building the future of education as one interactive Professional Learning Community
In March of 2021, the founder of Education Blueprint, Dr. Kelly Pascarella, completed her dissertation titled, “An Examination of Teacher Access, Management, and Evaluation of Digital Education Resources Amid the Covid-19 Pandemic and Emergency Remote Teaching.” This research led to the creation of the Education Blueprint tool, an interactive PLC to build and maintain educator capacity in knowledge of and access to resources that make for the best classroom learning experiences.

Education Blueprint is a free, interactive PLC resource for K-12 educators built by research and curated by educators. This workshop will share the research behind the need for the one stop shop platform and give educators the opportunity to log in and begin sharing and rating resources that make for the best learning experiences.

Objectives:

Understand the history and research behind the Education Blueprint platform
Discuss current trends in digital education collaboration
Explore the interactive PLC platform designed for preK-12 educator resource sharing
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Kelly Pascarella

Dr. Kelly Pascarella

Executive Director, Education Blueprint
Dr. Kelly Pascarella is a 16 year public school educator in the Pittsburgh, PA region. Her dissertation, "An Examination of Teacher Access, Management, & Evaluation of Digital Education Resources Amid the Covid-19 Pandemic and Emergency Remote Teaching" led to the creation of an interactive... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 10:30am - 10:50am EDT
Room 505 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Teach Better Talk

10:30am EDT

Brain-Based Planning Tips for Leveraging and Regulating Teens and Tweens’ Emotions
Strategies evoke emotion and emotion regulates attention, behavior, attitude, and cognitive flow. Join us to learn and experience a proven process for linking evidence-based strategies together in a way that leans into the brains of middle schoolers and their natural need to shift. Capture attention, reduce disruptions, integrate SEL, and meet your learning goals. We will share a free resource with 100's of evidence-based strategies, organized to support this process in the classroom.  
Speakers
avatar for Marcey Aronson

Marcey Aronson

Co-founder, BrainZones
Marcey Aronson has over thirty years of inner-city school experience as a teacher and as an instructional coach. She developed and utilized affective strategies to create a model for recognizing, understanding, and controlling emotional shifts. This facilitated a groundbreaking and... Read More →
avatar for Debbie Leonard

Debbie Leonard

cofounder, BrainZones
Debbie Leonard M.Ed. and Certified Master Teacher has over 30 years experience serving students and educators in urban public schools as an educator and instructional coach. Debbie is an avid reader of research, and throughout her career she collaborated with experts, working to translate... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 10:30am - 11:20am EDT
Room 305 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

10:30am EDT

Create Better With Littles
Would you like to find “better” ways to empower our youngest scholars to create using technology? If so, this session is perfect for you!. First, discover easy ways to promote student agency using tech tools by  explicitly teaching students icons and giving them the tools they need to navigate a digital world. Next, learn about Debbie's 3 Cs of Creation- Choice, Collaborative and Clickable and see how tools like Wixie, Pear Deck, Flipgrid, and Google Slides offer the 3 Cs to our littles!
Speakers
avatar for Debbie Tannenbaum

Debbie Tannenbaum

School Based Technology Specialist, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA
An educator with over twenty years of experience, Debbie Tannenbaum works each and every day to “transform” learning using technology. During her time in education, she has served  both as a classroom teacher in various grades and as an elementary technology coach. Outside of... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 10:30am - 11:20am EDT
Room 401 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

10:30am EDT

Educational REHAB: How to Save our K-12 Public Schools
Our K-12 public education system is in crisis and it is only escalating, exponentially, as politics, the pandemic, and new-age curricula divide communities and pit opposing viewpoints against one another. This is a time like no other in history. As a nation, we ask you, what do we truly value and what will you do to save a system? We have an unprecedented opportunity to fully reform K-12 public education through the allyship of relevant, authentic, and knowledge-building learning environments which must involve all community members, not just educators, if true reform is going to take place. Our vision must become a national conversation, altogether, if change is going to occur. Educational REHAB is a call for total system analysis and reform, community voice, full transparency, and accountability at the federal, state, and local levels in order to ensure high quality teaching and learning for all students in the midst of exiting our pandemic which made us all scratch our heads and wonder about where we should go next. We believe that our K-12 public education system is worth saving, instead of bulldozing the system, at large, and we will fight system-killing-cynics to make our system even greater than before.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Rick Jetter

Dr. Rick Jetter

Co-Founder, Pushing Boundaries Consulting, LLC
Dr. Rick Jetter is a Co-Founder of Pushing Boundaries Consulting, LLC; author of various books for educators, speaker and trainer, and the Asst. Head of Schools at WNY Maritime Charter School. He is ranked #6 in the World’s Top 30 Global Gurus in Education. You can learn more about... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 10:30am - 11:20am EDT
Room 405 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

10:30am EDT

Engineering 4 The Creative Experience
Looking to level up your Grid?  Learn to use the simple 6 step Engineering the Future design process to help make inquiry learning, hands on learning, and project based learning come to life for your DOK 4 section of your Grid. We will also include planning your "pirate" moments and gamifying your Grid Tracker.  
Speakers
avatar for Tracey Taylor

Tracey Taylor

Art Teacher, Albuquerque Public Schools
Tracey is an artist, educator, and activist currently living and working in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Tracey graduated from Western New Mexico University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a specialty teaching field in Fine Art.  Adding a Master’s Degree of Education... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 10:30am - 11:20am EDT
Room 501 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

10:30am EDT

Grading from the Inside Out
The development of a standards-based mindset is the oft overlooked, but essential first step for long-term grading reform. This session will outline how to take a standards-based approach to grading, even when a traditional grading and reporting paradigm exists. The non-negotiable grading true north of accuracy and confidence will be featured, as well as the three essential practices that serve as the cornerstone for developing a standards-based mindset will be explored.
Speakers
avatar for Tom Schimmer

Tom Schimmer

Education Consultant, Schimmer Education Consulting
Tom Schimmer is an independent education author, speaker, and consultant from Vancouver, BC. Over the course of his career, he has been a classroom teacher, school administrator, and district level leader. Tom is an internationally recognized leader and expert in the areas of assessment... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 10:30am - 11:20am EDT
Room 302 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

10:30am EDT

It's All Elementary: Implementing The Grid Method in a Primary Classroom
Have you ever wondered how The Grid Method looks in an elementary classroom? In this session, you will work through your very own grid, one that allows you to see different ways that mastery learning has worked with elementary students. There will be ideas and examples for set up, management, and more! You'll leave with easy to implement ideas that will make a huge difference in your classroom!
Speakers
avatar for Amanda Bolon

Amanda Bolon

Community Relations Manager, Teach Better Team
Amanda is a coffee-obsessed second grade teacher from southeast Ohio. She enjoys teaching littles and thinking creatively to help her students learn. Amanda thrives on collaboration with peers in order to someday achieve her goal- change the world, one student at a time! Amanda is... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 10:30am - 11:20am EDT
Room 304 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

10:30am EDT

Objectively Speaking
Oftentimes objectives are two things to educators: wallpaper or a compliance checkbox on lesson or unit plans. Objectives can be and are so much more though. This session was developed to truly understand the meaning, difference and importance of Content and Language Objectives in every lesson, mastering writing Objectives, and most of all how to use them with students and utilize them as sheltered instruction strategies and a best practice to assure triangular alignment in lesson design. Participants will walk away knowing how to easily put these skills into immediate practice.
Speakers
avatar for Eli Casaus

Eli Casaus

Coach/Trainer, engage2learn
Eli Casaus is from and lives in Los Lunas, NM. Eli holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Education Administration. Eli has taught PE and grades 4-8, as well as served as a principal prior to launching into Professional Development Coaching and Training full... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 10:30am - 11:20am EDT
Room 406 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

10:30am EDT

Relationships & Communication: 3 Strategies for Success at Work and Home
Session Description: Studies show that adults who are active participants in SEL are less stressed, and improve students' social-emotional and academic outcomes. In this session, we will explore 3 simple use and easy-to-remember strategies that support educator well-being and social-emotional competence. 
To impact students, we have to support teachers; this SEL skill-building course will help you improve your well-being while removing stress.  
Academic curriculum alone isn't enough to prepare our students for a global economy; we have to start with Relationships & Communication.
In this workshop, we will explore three relationship and communication strategies, to help you 
  • Have better conversations with people you don’t usually connect with (Less stress!)
  • Understand where the tension comes from in personal and professional relationships 
  • How to create win-win outcomes in your classroom and school community (More Well Being) 
Adult SEL Impact report - https://bit.ly/3mGT10h
Teach Better Conference Resources - https://bit.ly/3RCcls4
 
Speakers
avatar for Tre Gammage

Tre Gammage

SEL Consultant, SEL Educators
Tre’ is a Social Emotional Learning Specialist, and Education Consultant helping schools support teachers to impact students.His mission is to make it easier to do what you love because when you see someone living their dream, it makes you either want to be a part of that dream... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 10:30am - 11:20am EDT
Room 303 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

10:30am EDT

Teach Your Class Off
Don’t wait to be the teacher you’ve always dreamed of becoming! In this session, we will cover some of the most difficult topics educators attempt to navigate and how they can take their classrooms from surviving to thriving. From creating student engagement to building strong student/teacher relationships, classroom management, time management, and more. New and veteran teachers will learn practical skills that they can implement immediately to help them teach their class off.
Speakers
avatar for CJ Reynolds

CJ Reynolds

CEO, Real Rap With Reynolds
CJ Reynolds has been a classroom educator for 16 years, teaching high school Literature and The History of Hip-Hop in West Philadelphia. He is also the author of Teach Your Class Off: The Real Rap Guide to Teaching and the creator of the Real Rap with Reynolds YouTube channel. CJ... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 10:30am - 11:20am EDT
Room 412 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

10:30am EDT

The Expert Effect: Connecting Your Students to the World
In this session, we share our three-part system on how to get your students to learn from experts outside the classroom, become experts through PBL, and teach as experts to authentic audiences. We share practical strategies, resources, and templates that make it easy to integrate. We blend research, classroom experiences, and best practices to inspire and guide you to amplify student voices. Whatever grade, you'll find inspiration and ideas that will engage your students in an unforgettable way.
Speakers
avatar for Grayson McKinney

Grayson McKinney

Elementary Educator / Author, Troy School District
Zach and Grayson are award-winning upper elementary teachers from Troy, Michigan, and co-authors of The Expert Effect: A Three-Part System to Break Down the Walls of Your Classroom and Connect Your Students to the World as well as The Expert Expedition: A Classroom Companion to The... Read More →
avatar for Zach Rondot

Zach Rondot

4th Grade Teacher, Troy School District

Friday October 14, 2022 10:30am - 11:20am EDT
Room 418 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

10:30am EDT

Using Hope Science to Improve School Well-Being, Happiness, and Resilience
The current mental health crisis has driven many teachers to leave the profession while students struggle with engagement and anxiety. Trauma-informed coping mechanisms are helpful, but this session goes a step further by incorporating much-needed but often missing support to help learners feel hopeful and provide educators with resources to care for themselves.

Based on research using the psychological science of hope, this session provides strategies educators can use to help students feel secure, build relationships, and improve academic outcomes. Included are actions and interventions that can be woven into classrooms and schools to foster mental wellness, achievement, and happiness, such as:

Classroom materials, tools, and reproducible
Scientific resources to quickly assess and monitor hope
Simple plans of action to support hope, engagement, and motivation with literacy
Vignettes from classrooms and the author’s own experiences with children who have experienced extreme trauma

Backed by the latest research, this session will increase hope, encourage higher academic attainment, equity, and inspire a sense of deeper fulfillment for students and educators.
Speakers
avatar for Cathleen Beachboard

Cathleen Beachboard

Teacher, author, and researcher, Fauquier County Public Schools
Cathleen Beachboard is a teacher, writer, researcher, speaker, and mental health advocate.She is the author of The School of Hope: The Journey from Trauma and Anxiety to Achievement, Happiness, and Resilience, 10 Keys to Student Empowerment and her work has been featured by TED-Ed... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 10:30am - 11:20am EDT
Room 504 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

11:00am EDT

Student Voice and Choice: Protocols and Practices to Get Kids Doing, Thinking, and Learning
Student voice is not always audible, but should always be present. In this session we will explore paths and practices to give students at all grade levels opportunities to share, debate, dialogue, and discuss their thoughts, ideas, and understandings.
Speakers
avatar for Dave Schmittou

Dave Schmittou

Director of Leadership and Development, Teach Better
Dave Schmittou is a father of four, former classroom teacher, school administrator, district administrator, and college professor. He has been a professional educator for more than two decades, working hard to enhance the learning experience for all, so that school is not just a... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 11:00am - 11:20am EDT
Room 506 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Teach Better Talk

11:30am EDT

EXCLUSIVE BLOGGER HANGOUT - *Invite Only*
This EXCLUSIVE INVITE ONLY Blogger event is open to any of our guest bloggers.
Come socialize with fellow writers before you grab lunch!
Speakers
avatar for Livia Chan

Livia Chan

Digital Content Coordinator, Teach Better Team
Livia Chan is an author, blogger, and speaker deeply passionate about community, leading with heart, and daily lifelong learning. She believes in the power of connections and thoroughly enjoys building relationships. Livia lives by the belief that it is through every ATOMIC interaction... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 11:30am - 11:50am EDT
Room 302 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  INVITE ONLY

11:30am EDT

EXCLUSIVE PODCAST NETWORK HANGOUT - *Invite Only*
This EXCLUSIVE PODCAST NETWORK HANGOUT is for members of the Teach Better Podcast Network. 
Speakers
avatar for Joshua Stamper

Joshua Stamper

Podcast Network Manager, Teach Better
Joshua Stamper is a middle school Assistant Principal for a North Texas School District, where he's had the amazing opportunity to serve at four campuses and in two school districts. Prior to Joshua's current position, he was a classroom art educator and athletic coach for 6 years... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 11:30am - 11:50am EDT
Room 304 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  INVITE ONLY

11:30am EDT

EXCLUSIVE SPEAKERS NETWORK HANGOUT - *Invite Only*
This event is open to anyone in the Teach Better Speakers Network! 
Speakers
avatar for Erin Healey

Erin Healey

Speakers Network Manager, Teach Better Team
Erin Healey holds bachelors degrees from the University of Rhode Island in English Literature and Secondary Education, as well as a master’s degree from the University of Connecticut in Education Psychology with a concentration in education technology. After teaching high school... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 11:30am - 11:50am EDT
Room 305 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  INVITE ONLY

12:10pm EDT

LUNCH - Sponsored by Teq
Grab lunch from “Eat Better” (Level 1) and head to the Cafe (Level 2), Power Zone (Level 1), Collaboration Circle (Level 1) or Green Terrace (Outside on level 3) to eat!

Lunch is sponsored by Teq! 

Friday October 14, 2022 12:10pm - 1:30pm EDT
  Meal

1:30pm EDT

Strategic Planning with Purpose
Learn how to create, support and execute a high impact strategic plan that will move the needle in your school, district, or classroom from concept to completion! Learn how Teach Better Team works with Schools to set up and execute successful strategic plans from concept to action.
Speakers
avatar for Chad Ostrowski

Chad Ostrowski

CEO / Co-Founder, Teach Better Team
As a former MS Science teacher in a High Needs inner city district created and developed The Grid Method - Mastery Framework which helped catapult the creation of and founding of The Teach Better Team. He is now the CEO of Teach Better and works with schools and districts across the... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 1:30pm - 1:50pm EDT
Room 505 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Teach Better Talk

1:30pm EDT

WEIRD smells, WILD noises, + WONDERFUL differences: Celebrating the JOYFUL Classroom
Students have incredibly unique gifts and talents to celebrate.
What do they need from us?

Words of affirmation.
To be a cheerleader in their corner to convince them that they are exceptionally remarkable humans, each one his or her own person.

There is no reason to fear being different.
There is NO reason to fear being out of the ordinary.

This session will be an honest sharing of the journey with learning differences in my family + a few lessons learned along the way. Leaving with practical suggestions for differences with joy.

We will seek to refocus our approaches, remodel our boundaries, and reframe our differences with flexibility + a compassionate heart.
Speakers
avatar for Jillian DuBois

Jillian DuBois

Professional Learning Guide, Forward Edge/Edge•U
Jillian is a self-proclaimed repurposed elementary educator from Clearwater, FL, and currently serves as a Professional Learning Guide for Forward Edge/Edge•U in Ohio. Her passion is to infuse joy to those in educational leadership by focusing efforts on listening, serving, and... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 1:30pm - 1:50pm EDT
Room 504 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Teach Better Talk

1:30pm EDT

"In the Ring" Collaboration Session
Leaders are "In the Ring" day in and day out. We float like butterflies, we sting like bees. Our killer instincts help us roll with the punches, but sometimes, we get a blow below the belt. This session is for anyone who has ever felt like an underdog.  Let's get together to discuss problems we’ve faced in leadership and our unique approaches to solving them. Bring your energy and enthusiasm- this session is all about embracing our power, together. One thing's for sure, we WON'T be throwing in the towel. (Boxing gloves not required.)
Speakers
avatar for Maria Montroni-Currais

Maria Montroni-Currais

Director of Curriculum and Instruction, PreK-8, Somerdale School District
Maria began her career in NJ public schools in 2009. She received an M.Ed in Teaching ESL from The College of New Jersey, and obtained her Supervisor and Principal certifications through NJExcel. She currently serves as the Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction for a PreK-8 school... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Room 506 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

1:30pm EDT

Assessment and Grading: Opening Pandora's Box
Assessment is more than multiple choice and filling in bubbles. Assessment should always help us plan for what’s next, not just what was. In this session we will explore ways to better capture evidence of learning, not to develop a label, but to craft a plan. Be ready to learn about ALL of the next steps so you can create your roadmap for success.
Speakers
avatar for Dave Schmittou

Dave Schmittou

Director of Leadership and Development, Teach Better
Dave Schmittou is a father of four, former classroom teacher, school administrator, district administrator, and college professor. He has been a professional educator for more than two decades, working hard to enhance the learning experience for all, so that school is not just a... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Room 501 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

1:30pm EDT

Creativity - A Foundation for the 4 Cs
Creativity frequently tops the list of skills most desired by employers. Creativity is an important part of the learning process in student-centered classrooms. Some of the most memorable learning experiences provide students with opportunities to share their voice in creative ways as part of the learning experience. Attendees will explore creative digital student voice resources that can engage students in visual design, video creation, verbal responses, and more. Let’s get them creating and make learning stick!
Speakers
avatar for Steve Wick

Steve Wick

Science Teacher & Instructional Technology Coordinator, Neuqua Valley High School
I am a Science Teacher & Instructional Technology Coordinator in the Indian Prairie School District. I have taught Science & Social Studies at the middle school and high school level for more than 20 years. My focus as a learner is strongly connected to the 4Cs, Instructional Technology... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Room 305 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

1:30pm EDT

Destroy the Box
Research shows that all students, young/old, black/white, rich/poor, benefit from the arts and creativity in the classroom. It is time for all teaching to reflect that. Let’s throw away the textbooks for hands-on, engaging, creative, arts infused lessons. Any subject, any grade, this professional development session includes brainstorming ideas, growing staff creativity, observing model lessons. During this session, you will learn some unique ways to bring creativity and the arts into every lesson you teach. Join me, as we destroy the confines of  “the box: from the inside out.
Speakers
avatar for Jed Dearybury

Jed Dearybury

Educator, Author, Illustrator, mrdearybury.com LLC
Jed Dearybury began his education career in 2001. During his 13 year early childhood classroom tenure, Jed received numerous awards. He was featured in GQ Magazine as Male Leader of the Year, met President Obama as the South Carolina honoree of the Presidential Award for Excellence... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Room 302 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

1:30pm EDT

Find Your Resilience, Nurture Perseverance, Lead Into the Future
Join Dr. Rob, "Resiliency Guy," as he guides you through a few steps to tap into your personal resilience recipe and collect the ingredients that you can use to assist you as you move through your fulfilling career. By recognizing and using the talents you already have you can advance your own strategies to become a better instructor, leader, community builder, wherever you are in your system. Our students, colleagues, and communities will be better served by educators who are ready to nurture and support perseverance, and you will be more apt to lead into the future with the skills you need at your fingertips. Let's cook up some "Recipes for Resilience" together.  
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Rob Martinez

Dr. Rob Martinez

Chief of Human Resources, Antioch Unified School District
Dr. Rob Martinez, “Resiliency Guy,” has served the broader educational community for 35 years. He has continually focused on improving and expanding educational opportunities and access for students by striving to provide engaging, innovative educational environments based on... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Room 306 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

1:30pm EDT

It's Bigger than Hip Hop
There have been dramatic shifts in education since schools first opened in the USA in 1647. From educational priorities to classroom sizes to demographics to technology, schoolhouses look wildly different than Horace Mann’s original design. While innovation has catapulted us into the 21st century, unfortunately, some schools are still working to catch up. But hope is not lost. The pandemic has presented us with the possibility to reimagine education and build a system where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. Though we haven’t fully capitalized on that opportunity yet, our time is coming. It involves a shift in mindset that allows ourselves to be more creative, compassionate, and critical. And it all boils down to just two words: Hip Hop.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Jason Rawls

Dr. Jason Rawls

Associate Professor of Instruction, Patton College of Education, Ohio University
Dr. Rawls is not only a scholar and an educator, but he is also a practitioner of Hip-Hop. Dr. Rawls contributed production on the album Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star, which was critically acclaimed as one of the best albums of 1998 and was a major force in the late-1990s underground... Read More →
avatar for John Robinson

John Robinson

Educator / Author, Beatvizion Music
The South Bronx born, Far Rock Queens & Central NJ raised MC John Robinson has built a career in music as both an artist and entrepreneur. J.R. Debuted w/ his crew Scienz Of Life in 1997 and since has released more than 25 albums (group, solo and countless collaborations worldwide... Read More →
avatar for Vinson “Wordsworth” Johnson

Vinson “Wordsworth” Johnson

Teacher, Wordsworth Productions, LLC
Vinson “Wordsworth” Johnson, is an author, musician, and graduate of the University of Miami’s, Frost School of Music, with a Masters of Music Business, a graduate of Grand Canyon University, with a Masters of Secondary Education, and also a graduate of S.U.N.Y Old Westbury... Read More →
avatar for James Miles

James Miles

Executive Director, Bumbershoot
James Miles worked as an educator in the New York City public schools for almost 20 years prior to moving to Seattle in 2016. An Assistant Professor at Seattle University, James is also the Executive Director of Third Stone, the non profit that operates the beloved Bumbershoot... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Room 401 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

1:30pm EDT

Not Your Momma's Dioramas
As the world is almost a quarter of the way through the twenty-first century, it is time for us to make sure we are preparing our students for their exciting futures.  We need to provide our students with authentic, engaging opportunities to help them gain skills they will need as the innovators of tomorrow.  In this session, you will hopefully feel encouraged and see examples of this kind of learning as we get our students ready not only "for next year" but for a lifelong commitment to learning, innovation, and world-changing!
Speakers
avatar for Patrick Hausammann

Patrick Hausammann

Coach & Supervisor of Instructional Technology, Clarke County Public Schools
Patrick Hausammann is a coach and supervisor of ed tech fueled by perpetual optimism and the belief in the power of a #growthmindset to #failforward en route to creativity and innovation. He is the founder of UnisonEDU.org, co-founder of #EdcampNSV, and an ASCD Emerging Leader. He... Read More →
avatar for Phil Strunk

Phil Strunk

Teacher, Loudoun County Public Schools
Phil Strunk is a middle school history teacher in Loudoun County, VA since 2021 and has been teaching since 2015, teaching as a long term sub in Pennsylvania before receiving his first full time teaching position in Virginia in 2016. Phil received his undergraduate degree from Messiah... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Room 406 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

1:30pm EDT

Take Me Home
This presentation will:
-share the story of "Take Me Home" and deliver a student view of what it's like to become bilingual in America
- provide background information on our EL students in the U.S/Laws protecting them
- model how to use tomorrow resources such as Interpretalk, Talking Points, TRANSACT, C-Pen Readers, FlipGrid, Speech to Textify, and Google/iPhone tricks for staff and leaders to communicate with EL families immediately
-teach the 10 essential questions to ask when receiving an EL student
-supply a platform of questions to consider in order to team up with support teams to relieve fears of working with EL students
-engage attendees in an immersion activity to experience what it feels like to be an EL
-celebrate the work teachers are currently doing nationwide.

Its ultimate goal is to ask teaching teams to do better: to flip the script and embrace the idea that when they are meeting a person who is learning English, to always treat that time in their life as an asset, and not a handicap.
Speakers
avatar for Andrea Bitner

Andrea Bitner

EL Educator, Author, Presenter, Interboro SD
Andrea Bitner is a proud wife and mother of two beautiful daughters. She lives on the East Coast among some of the fastest-speaking people in the country! She has worked with students in grades K-12 through her twenty-two years in public education from all around the world. Her work... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Room 303 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

1:30pm EDT

The Power of SELove
"Rizo" shares an inspiring message with adults on Social Emotional LOVE & the competencies, as well as the importance of building positive climates in their classrooms, connecting with their students' hearts before teaching their academic minds.
Bringing educators of all levels together to help children grow through workshops on pouring LOVE, care of their own SELF, and being the love their students need.
Speakers
avatar for Laura Rizo

Laura Rizo

School Counselor. Speaker. Leadership Consultant., El Paso ISD
Born and raised in the projects, Laura Rizo's life experiences relate to both youth and adults. Her messages on overcoming poverty, depression, alcoholism, an identity crisis, and a lack of self love reaches the hearts of her audience. She connects to youth through experiences she... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Room 418 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

1:30pm EDT

The Show Must Go On: Educator Mental Health
The focus in education has zeroed in on student mental health issues and what mindfulness can do in the classroom, but the topic of teacher mental health, resilience and social-emotional support for educators still remains taboo. This session addresses educator mental health issues that can lead to disengagement, and areas of educator support that can complete a trauma-informed system. Yes, it'll address burnout, but attendees will learn that there's so much more to disengagement than that!
Speakers
avatar for Mandy Froehlich

Mandy Froehlich

Educator, Consultant, Author, Mandy Froehlich Education Consulting
Mandy Froehlich is a former educator, technology integrator, and Director of Innovation and Technology turned technology and mental health consultant. Her passion lies in reinvigorating and re-engaging teachers back into their profession as well as what’s needed to support teachers... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Room 304 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

2:00pm EDT

How to eat an elephant: Small bites toward equitable grading
Equitable grading has been encouraged for years, but COVID-19 shed light on how traditional grading hurts students. Teachers are looking for ways to grade better by making grading more equitable. This session looks at how traditional grading contributes to inequity and what teachers can do to combat it. With a focus on rubrics specifically, participants will analyze features of equitable rubrics and apply that to the revision or design of a rubric for their class.
Speakers
avatar for Megan Balduf

Megan Balduf

Teacher, Fairfax County Public Schools
Megan Balduf has been a classroom teacher for close to twenty years. Throughout her career, Megan continues to grow and learn to be a better teacher today than she was yesterday. Since early 2020, she has put her focus on grading better, consciously working toward more equitable grading... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 2:00pm - 2:20pm EDT
Room 504 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Teach Better Talk

2:00pm EDT

The Stress Detective: How a Tweet Forever Changed How I See and Respond to Misbehavior
What if student misbehavior was more than what it seems? Find out how a single, serendipitous Tweet prompted me to look past the surface of what students do to uncover the why--as well as reveal the capacity and potential that the behavior is masking. Join me for a practical, reassuring and inspiring opportunity to get curious and compassionate about student behavior--and become a stress detective! 

When we see a child differently, we see a different child!
Speakers
avatar for Brad Hughes

Brad Hughes

Training & Development Specialist, Teach Better Team
Brad is an elementary school principal and Chief Encouragement Officer in Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada with 30 years of experience educating children and youth. Before becoming a school leader, Brad taught for 16 years in classrooms from Kindergarten to eighth grade, most rec... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 2:00pm - 2:20pm EDT
Room 505 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Teach Better Talk

2:30pm EDT

Mastery Learning Fundamentals
Whether an educator is seeking a quick overview or an integrated and sustained level of support in implementation, Mastery learning training equips educators with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to move students forward in any learning progression. Built around the major tenants of best practices and supportive feedback, this session will provide a structured process for moving any student forward towards mastery of standards utilizing principles and practices of the universal design for learning. Not a curriculum or a resource, just a framework designed to support any existing instructional paradigm and process.
Speakers
avatar for Rae Hughart

Rae Hughart

Chief Experience Officer, Teach Better Team
Rae Hughart is the CXO for the Teach Better Team, TEDx Speaker, Educator, and author of “Teachers Deserve It” and “Teach Better” books. Growing up with IEP support after being diagnosed SLD in Reading, Writing, and Math, Rae has worked with other educators and districts on... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 2:30pm - 2:50pm EDT
Room 505 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Teach Better Talk

2:30pm EDT

Breaking the Blockbuster Model: Seeing "What's Next" in Classrooms
Breaking the Blockbuster Mode examines teaching practices we've long-considered traditional and how classrooms can transform for the better with edtech and accessibility in mind. By taking audiences through the three metaphors of The Movie Theatre Model, the Blockbuster Model, & the Streaming Model, we'll take a hard look at long-standing pedagogical practices like direct instruction, textbooks, grades, and late-work penalties and explore how to change those paradigms to better meet the needs of students and families.
Speakers
avatar for Nate Ridgway

Nate Ridgway

Teacher, Teaching From The Ridge
Nate is a tech-loving history teacher from Indianapolis, Indiana and author of two books on teaching. Don’t Ditch That Tech: Differentiation in a Digital World, and Breaking the Blockbuster Model: Using Edtech and Accessibility to “See What’s Next” in Classrooms. He was the Indiana Connected Educator of the Year in 2020 and his work has been featured in such publications as the New York Times and Washington Post. He also holds a Master’s Degree in History from the University of Indianapolis... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Room 506 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

2:30pm EDT

Dynamic Duo: Maximizing Mastery Learning in a Co-taught Classroom
Two co-teachers = one dynamic duo.  Fictional and real dynamic duos have stood the test of time by bringing their respective unique expertise and combining forces to achieve successful results.  This session will be presented by a current dynamic duo that utilizes mastery learning in their 7th grade co-taught math classroom. Participants will explore how co-teachers can mix and apply research-based co-teaching and mastery learning strategies to maximize learning for all students. “Holy, Batman!” Everyone’s teacher toolbox will include brand new co-teaching and mastery learning practical tips and resources. 
Speakers
avatar for Kathleen Kuntzman

Kathleen Kuntzman

7th Grade Math Teacher, Plano CUSD #88
My name is Kathleen Kuntzman and I teach 7th grade math at Plano Middle School. I have been a teacher for 10 years at Plano Middle School. Before starting my teaching career, I attended Illinois State University and received a degree in Middle Level Education. I also attended Northern... Read More →
avatar for Meghan Pahlke

Meghan Pahlke

7th Grade Special Education, Plano Middle School
Meghan Pahlke is a 7th Grade Resource Special Education Teacher at Plano Middle School.  She has earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Special Education at Illinois State University.  Throughout her career, she has had the honor to work alongside eight phenomenal... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Room 304 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

2:30pm EDT

Empowering Inclusion
Inclusion is more than just a seat in the classroom.  This session will provide copious amounts of information to help create a successful inclusive classroom that helps all individuals (staff and students) feel a sense of belonging.  It includes information on collaboration, communication, co-teaching, whole group social-emotional lessons, interventions that are versatile and much more.
Speakers
avatar for Melinda Arnost

Melinda Arnost

Intervention Specialist/Author, Empowering Inclusion
Melinda Arnost is a witty K-12 Intervention Specialist that is always thinking outside of the box. This curly-haired educator loves everything about teaching minus the paperwork and standardized tests.  Melinda has her master’s degree in education, a personal trainer for students... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Room 305 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

2:30pm EDT

Flipping the Script on Instructional Rounds – A Strength Focused Approach
Instructional rounds, executed to build on educator strengths, improves school culture while  growing teacher practice. Based on the Lead Like a Pirate Guide Book, 'Lead With Instructional Rounds – Creating a Culture of Professional Learning', educators will discover a protocol for bringing teachers out of the isolation of their classrooms to observe the strengths of their colleagues and talk about best practices.   
Speakers
avatar for Vicki Wilson

Vicki Wilson

Principal, Author, Consultant, Wyandotte Public Schools - Wyandotte, MI
Vicki Wilson is a practicing principal in Michigan at a school that values both student and adult collaborative learning.  In her recent book, Lead with Instructional Rounds, Vicki shares how to develop teachers by highlighting their strengths through instructional rounds, growing... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Room 306 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

2:30pm EDT

Lights, Cameras, TEACH! engagement, culture, and relationships
Lights, Cameras, Teach -engagement, culture, and relationships plays off Kevin's experiences working in Hollywood by comparing the similarities between movie directors and classroom teachers. The main ingredients in creating a blockbuster classroom are the relationships teachers form with their students and the experiences they make for them.  Throughout this session, Kevin will share ideas on building classroom culture by engaging students in active learning.  Attendees will participate in playing academic games that teachers can immediately implement in their classrooms. 
Speakers
avatar for Kevin Butler

Kevin Butler

Teacher, none
Kevin began teaching in New York at a suburban public school. Seven years ago, he relocated to California to work at a startup school. Kevin teaches fifth grade and is the K-6 curriculum and instructional coordinator at an independent school in Los Angeles, CA. Kevin's instruction... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Room 302 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

2:30pm EDT

Next In Line to Lead: The Voice of the Teacher Leader
In this session, participants will explore the different roles of teacher leaders and examine the impact of teacher leadership on school improvement.

Participants will reflect on their own leadership skills and style and self assess their own competencies as teacher leaders.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Sharon H. Porter

Dr. Sharon H. Porter

Principal, PGCPS
Dr. Sharon H. Porter is a lifelong educator serving in North Carolina and Maryland. Dr. Porter has served as an elementary and middle school classroom teacher, elementary and middle school principal, assistant principal, Instructional Coordinator, Test Development Specialist, Regional... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Room 303 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

2:30pm EDT

Not Yet...And That's Ok: How Productive Struggle Fosters Student Learning
In this interactive presentation, Peg will highlight the Not Yet approach which focuses on designing and creating a classroom culture that encourages the learning process while accepting setbacks and obstacles as part of that process. The goals of the Not Yet approach is 1) promoting school culture where not yet is an expected part of the learning; 2) demonstrating how productive struggle during daily lessons is part of academic growth, and 3) sharing opportunities that show how students can learn from and reflect on their learning process. In addition, we will share examples of how the Not Yet approach empowers students, normalizes encountering and overcoming obstacles, contextualizes setbacks and obstacles as trial-and-error opportunities, and finally how to graciously accept setbacks and obstacles so students can better themselves. Reproducibles and links will be available to participants.
Speakers
avatar for Peg Grafwallner

Peg Grafwallner

Instructional Coach/Reading Specialist, Milwaukee Public Schools
Peg Grafwallner, M.Ed., is an Instructional Coach/Reading Specialist at Ronald Reagan College Preparatory High School in Milwaukee, WI. Currently, Peg models, coaches and assists teachers in creating comprehensive literacy lessons meant to enhance skill-building; in addition to providing... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Room 405 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

2:30pm EDT

School Culture & SEL: A Road to Awesome Journey
Why does it always have to be about what they do wrong? Why can’t it be about what they do RIGHT? These two questions transformed a leader, energized a team, and drove a school to a BIG SHIFT in culture and climate. We know that school culture is an essential element in the social and emotional well-being of students but often SEL and school culture are disconnected. This session will help you find your school’s critical 411, energize and streamline your social emotional learning efforts, and propel you to leaving an impactful legacy. Come join Darrin and get YOUR school’s culture rolling down the Road to Awesome.
Speakers
avatar for Dr Darrin M Peppard

Dr Darrin M Peppard

Speaker, Author, Leadership Coach, Publisher, Road To Awesome, LLC
Dr. Darrin Peppard is a leadership coach, consultant, and speaker focused on organizational culture and climate, and coaching emerging leaders. Darrin is the best-selling author of the book Road to Awesome, and is the host of the Leaning into Leadership podcast. As a ‘recovering... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Room 406 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

2:30pm EDT

The Most Powerful Education Tool You Never Knew You Had
Many schools & districts are constantly searching for “the next best thing” when it comes to an age appropriate, comprehensive, engaging, & meaningful programs and practices in their schools.  Whether for math, reading, behavior, or SEL, schools are constantly trying to increase the effectiveness of what they can offer in their classrooms. Most of the time, schools don’t realize the powerful tool they already have at their disposal…MOVEMENT! Recess, free play, movement breaks, physical education, & school sports are drivers of learning, regardless of content.  This session will discuss the important roles physical activity and movement play in learning and holistic development, why we should incorporate more movement into our schools, & how to best utilize these drivers to benefit the students we serve!
Speakers
avatar for Michael Jennings

Michael Jennings

Director of PE & Character Development, Athlos Movement & Character Program
Michael Jennings has spent over a decade teaching & coaching at nearly every level. He has been a physical education teacher, strength & conditioning coach, football coach, youth athletic development trainer, and now program director for PE & character development. He is passionate... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Room 501 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

2:30pm EDT

Three Keys to a 40-Hour Teacher Work Week
If pandemic teaching has taught us anything, it’s that teachers need their time back. Feel empowered to take on the 2022-2023 school year with tools and strategies to increase your efficiency without compromising your effectiveness as an educator. With a focus on actionable strategies, we will explore ways to streamline your workload and class processes to help you feel good about working your contracted hours while still making time for the things that are most important to you.
Speakers
avatar for Jen Manly

Jen Manly

CEO, Strategic Classroom LLC
Jen Manly is the CEO of The Strategic Classroom. She has taught middle school, high school, and university computer science and written curriculum. She is a skilled facilitator and has presented to thousands of educators at the local, state, and national levels, including at CSTA... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Room 412 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

2:30pm EDT

Using Brain Science to Teach Self-Control
Joseph enters a classroom, enraged.  He’s just been made fun of by another student in the hallway, an altercation that turned into pushing and name-calling. He feels that he has no choice but to react.

Can you imagine if Joseph had the skills to use self-control, and avoid the negative consequences of that anticipated behavior.

In today’s schools the stressors of daily life can cause students and educators to feel frustrated, overwhelmed and the loss of control. In this session we will show you how students can learn to recognize, understand and self-regulate their emotions.
Speakers
avatar for Marcey Aronson

Marcey Aronson

Co-founder, BrainZones
Marcey Aronson has over thirty years of inner-city school experience as a teacher and as an instructional coach. She developed and utilized affective strategies to create a model for recognizing, understanding, and controlling emotional shifts. This facilitated a groundbreaking and... Read More →
avatar for Debbie Leonard

Debbie Leonard

cofounder, BrainZones
Debbie Leonard M.Ed. and Certified Master Teacher has over 30 years experience serving students and educators in urban public schools as an educator and instructional coach. Debbie is an avid reader of research, and throughout her career she collaborated with experts, working to translate... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Room 418 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

3:00pm EDT

Old-school fun!
There are so many awesome digital tools available to increase student engagement, but that’s not the only way to have fun with your students and learn at the same time! In this session suitable for educators of any grade level, we will all become students and actually try out some of my favorite ways to make learning more interactive and get kids out of their seats… and comfort zones when you walk back into the classroom on Monday!
Speakers
avatar for Andrea Kalchbrenner

Andrea Kalchbrenner

Educator, Teach Better
Andrea is a Secondary Education English Language Arts teacher from the Chicago suburbs who has a Master's degree in Reading. Although she initially started teaching high school over 15 years ago, she soon realized middle school was her true calling, spending the majority of her career... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 3:00pm - 3:20pm EDT
Room 505 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Teach Better Talk

3:00pm EDT

The Power of Questioning
Moment by moment feedback promotes growth better and faster than summative assessment. How do we get feedback? With questions! Knowing which questions promote comprehension, discourse, reasoning, etc. changes the nature of our teaching from reactive to prepared and from uncertain to clear. This session is not just for math teachers, but for anyone interested in learning more about how to question in their classrooms.
Speakers
avatar for Denis Sheeran

Denis Sheeran

University Education Professor, Author, Consultant, Montclair State University
Denis Sheeran is an author, consultant, former high school math teacher & administrator and currently serves on the Math Ed faculty of Montclair St. Univ. Denis’ two books, Instant Relevance, and Hacking Mathematics address the major change work necessary for today’s math classrooms... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 3:00pm - 3:20pm EDT
Room 504 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Teach Better Talk

3:30pm EDT

KEYNOTE - DAVE SCHMITTOU - This Little Light of Mine
Speakers
avatar for Dave Schmittou

Dave Schmittou

Director of Leadership and Development, Teach Better
Dave Schmittou is a father of four, former classroom teacher, school administrator, district administrator, and college professor. He has been a professional educator for more than two decades, working hard to enhance the learning experience for all, so that school is not just a... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 3:30pm - 3:50pm EDT
Great Room sponsored by Road to Awesome
  Keynote

3:50pm EDT

DAY ONE CLOSING KEYNOTE - GENEIN LETFORD- Intercultural Creativity - Building Classroom Connections Across Cultural Lines
Creative thinking is now the #1 skill needed in the workforce so our students need to be prepared.

Why?

With the advancement of AI technology and now the effects of the pandemic, companies need employees who can imagine, create and courageously contribute fresh ideas to the market.

Genein is a national voice on creative thinking and reigning a ‘child-like’ imagination. Her keynotes (which are full of stories, laughs and wow moments) help build the foundational creative skills needed to produce innovative ideas for an unknown future. She shares her signature 7 Gems of Intercultural Creativity™ and encourages your educators and administrators that they too can regain their creative genius and develop their students innate intercultural creativity.


Students that build a culturally creative mindset are more engaged, creative and productive at work. Let Genein inform, inspire and transform your educators to fulfill their creative potential while achieving your educational goals.


Attendees will learn how to:
-rebuild their innate creative mindset
-build culturally creative connections within their curriculum
-Recognize and implement funds of knowledge and cultural capital of students
-expand the imaginative abilities of their students to increase cultural competence
Speakers
avatar for Genein Letford

Genein Letford

Former Educator, Speaker, Author, CAFFE strategies
As the 2019 LA Lakers Business Woman and the 2015 CA Charter Teacher of the Year, Genein is a national thought leader and creator of the concept of ‘Intercultural Creativity®’.  She is the founder and Chief Creative Officer of CAFFE Strategies,  which trains administrators... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 3:50pm - 4:50pm EDT
Great Room sponsored by Road to Awesome
  Keynote

5:30pm EDT

** EXCLUSIVE AMBASSADOR HANGOUT - Invite only! **
Gather with fellow Ambassadors before the networking event officially starts!

This event is exclusive for Teach Better Ambassadors and Team members only! 
Speakers
avatar for Andrea Kalchbrenner

Andrea Kalchbrenner

Educator, Teach Better
Andrea is a Secondary Education English Language Arts teacher from the Chicago suburbs who has a Master's degree in Reading. Although she initially started teaching high school over 15 years ago, she soon realized middle school was her true calling, spending the majority of her career... Read More →
avatar for Meghan Hosey

Meghan Hosey

Teacher, Teach Better
Meghan is a Middle School Math Teacher in the suburbs of Nashville, Tennessee.  She has a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and is a Nationally Board Certified Teacher.  She spent her first 9 years teaching 7th and 8th grade math in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois... Read More →

Friday October 14, 2022 5:30pm - 6:30pm EDT
BARLEY HOUSE 222 S Main St #1B, Akron, OH 44308
  INVITE ONLY

6:30pm EDT

NETWORKING EVENT - BARLEY HOUSE
Networking is the foundation of the 2022 Teach Better Conference!
Join us Friday evening for some networking fun!
Friday October 14, 2022 6:30pm - 11:30pm EDT
BARLEY HOUSE 222 S Main St #1B, Akron, OH 44308
  Networking Event
 
Saturday, October 15
 

5:00am EDT

Conference Run with Chad & Dave
All runners welcome! We'll keep it at a nice, easy pace. We have two potential routes ready to go; 2 miles or 4 miles. We'll make a call the morning of the run, and we'll go with the distance everyone is comfortable with. If you're looking to put in a few extra miles, Dave will be going 20 miles that morning as part of his marathon training. Come for 2, 4, or help Dave hit 20! 
Speakers
avatar for Chad Ostrowski

Chad Ostrowski

CEO / Co-Founder, Teach Better Team
As a former MS Science teacher in a High Needs inner city district created and developed The Grid Method - Mastery Framework which helped catapult the creation of and founding of The Teach Better Team. He is now the CEO of Teach Better and works with schools and districts across the... Read More →
avatar for Dave Schmittou

Dave Schmittou

Director of Leadership and Development, Teach Better
Dave Schmittou is a father of four, former classroom teacher, school administrator, district administrator, and college professor. He has been a professional educator for more than two decades, working hard to enhance the learning experience for all, so that school is not just a... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 5:00am - 5:45am EDT
Courtyard by Marriott Downtown 41 Furnace St, Akron, OH 44308
  Networking Event

8:00am EDT

DAY TWO KICKOFF - RAE HUGHART - Each Day's Promise
Saturday October 15, 2022 8:00am - 8:20am EDT
Great Room sponsored by Road to Awesome
  Keynote

8:20am EDT

KEYNOTE - MICKEY SMITH JR. - KEEP ON GOING
Feeling burnt-out? Demoralized? Mickey Smith Jr. understands that everyone is facing unprecedented challenges. Mickey himself nearly stepped away from it all just before he saw the sound. That is why this 7-time Teacher of the Year and GRAMMY Music Educator is now helping others KEEP ON GOING so they can SEE THE SOUND. As this year's keynote speaker Mickey will share a motivational mixture of music & message to help you KEEP ON GOING to a SOUND school year.
Speakers
avatar for Mickey Smith, Jr

Mickey Smith, Jr

The Educator Encourager, SOUND180 EDUCATORS
EDUCATOR.ENCOURAGER.ENTERTAINING.Those are just a few ways that some would describe Mickey Smith Jr. As the 2020 recipient of the Grammy Music Educator Award, Mickey has inspired both children and teachers throughout the world with his motivational mixture of music and message. As... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 8:20am - 9:10am EDT
Great Room sponsored by Road to Awesome
  Keynote

9:30am EDT

It's All About That Data! Data Collection With Google Forms
In this session, participants will learn about how we can make the most of Google Forms through data collection. Google Forms is a powerful tool educators can use in the classroom to track IEP goals, student behavior, attendance, entrance slips/exit slips, and create formative assessments to monitor our students' academic progress and social emotional needs.  At the end of this session, participants will walk away with strategies and resources on how to get started collecting data with Google Forms. If there is time permitted, we will create Google form together.
Speakers
avatar for Cheryl Graff

Cheryl Graff

Special Education Teacher, Lake View High School, Chicago Public Schools
Cheryl Graff is a Special Education Teacher in Chicago, IL. She is a Google Certified Trainer, a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, an ISTE Certified Educator, and an ambassador for Wakelet, Book Creator, Pear Deck, Nearpod, Buncee, Kahoot, and Microsoft Flip. Recently, Cheryl... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 9:30am - 9:50am EDT
Room 504 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Teach Better Talk

9:30am EDT

Motivating Students Using a Classroom Economy System
Keeping students motivated in the classroom can be difficult sometimes.  Whether you are using the Grid Method and keeping students accountable for their learning or you are not using the grid and just need an idea to engage your students more, a classroom economy could be the answer.  In this session participants will learn how to motivate and engage their students using a classroom economy system. 
Speakers
avatar for Meghan Hosey

Meghan Hosey

Teacher, Teach Better
Meghan is a Middle School Math Teacher in the suburbs of Nashville, Tennessee.  She has a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and is a Nationally Board Certified Teacher.  She spent her first 9 years teaching 7th and 8th grade math in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 9:30am - 9:50am EDT
Room 506 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Teach Better Talk

9:30am EDT

Unlock Your Creativity!
Are you creative? YES! We all have a little creative genius inside of us. Sometimes, we just need to know how to unleash it. We will explore 3 simple ideas that can be applied to any classroom setting (or PD for adult learners) to open up our imaginations. Together we will build creative habits and share the skills to fuel creativity for ALL learners. Let’s build our creative agility and unlock creativity!
Speakers
avatar for Jacie Maslyk

Jacie Maslyk

Instructional Coach and Educational Consultant, Solution Tree
An educator for the last 25 years, Dr. Jacie Maslyk, has served as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, elementary principal, and assistant superintendent. She is the author of several books including Unlock Creativity: Opening a World of Imagination With Your Students and ALL... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 9:30am - 9:50am EDT
Room 505 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Teach Better Talk

9:30am EDT

A Kaleidoscope View: Creative Perspective Taking for Education
Psychological safety is developed by students and teachers who take the perspective of others. Whether it is your colleagues or your students, understanding the perspectives of others will help you not only be better at your jobs but also be a better ally for justice in the classroom. This session, which is backed by brain science, shows that seeing ourselves, our students and the curriculum from multiple perspective is critical for inclusion, creativity and innovation.  Perspective taking is also required for building an inclusive culture of psychological safety.

Attendees will
- Reflect how students perspectives’ and their own perspective may differ
- Implement various perspective strategies to strengthen their cultural competence ability
- Integrate communication and questioning strategies to acknowledge and bridge difference perspectives
Speakers
avatar for Genein Letford

Genein Letford

Former Educator, Speaker, Author, CAFFE strategies
As the 2019 LA Lakers Business Woman and the 2015 CA Charter Teacher of the Year, Genein is a national thought leader and creator of the concept of ‘Intercultural Creativity®’.  She is the founder and Chief Creative Officer of CAFFE Strategies,  which trains administrators... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
Room 303 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

9:30am EDT

An Introduction to The Grid Method - Mastery Learning Framework
This session will introduce participants to The Grid Method Mastery Framework from the creator himself. It will review the components of The Grid Method as well as the basics of mastery learning and how to make it a reality in your classroom, school or district so all students can thrive.

Speakers
avatar for Chad Ostrowski

Chad Ostrowski

CEO / Co-Founder, Teach Better Team
As a former MS Science teacher in a High Needs inner city district created and developed The Grid Method - Mastery Framework which helped catapult the creation of and founding of The Teach Better Team. He is now the CEO of Teach Better and works with schools and districts across the... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
Room 501 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

9:30am EDT

Beyond the Newsletter: Reconstructing Our Ideas of Family Engagement
What does it mean to move beyond the newsletter for the families we serve?  It's time to reflect on our beliefs, check our own biases, uproot problematic practices, and plant and nurture strong partnership strategies that can help us to better serve families in our community! We will explore tips and tools, discuss our communication habits, and share ways to strategically partner with community resources and agencies. Together, let's move beyond the newsletter and better serve our families!
Speakers
avatar for Carly Spina

Carly Spina

Multilingual Education Specialist, Illinois Resource Center
Carly Spina has 15 years of experience in Multilingual Education, including her service as an EL teacher, a third-grade bilingual classroom teacher, and a district-wide Multilingual Instructional Coach. She is currently a multilingual education specialist at the Illinois Resource... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
Room 304 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

9:30am EDT

Chart A New Course: Essential Skills for Tomorrow's World
Preparing students with the essential skills for the future requires all educators to create a collaborative culture for learning that sparks curiosity and creativity. It also means that we need to take risks so that we can provide the best learning experiences to prepare our students for the future. Explore methods and tools that will boost student engagement, ignite creativity and foster collaborative learning and development of SEL skills!  We will talk about PBL, Choice Boards, Scavenger Hunts, AR/VR and look at tools like Book Creator, iBlocks,  Spaces,Tract and more!
Speakers
avatar for Rachelle Dené Poth

Rachelle Dené Poth

High school teacher, Riverview Jr Sr High School
Rachelle is an edtech consultant, presenter, attorney, author, & Spanish and STEAM Emerging Technology teacher. She has a Juris Doctor Degree , a Master’s in Instructional Technology, and is pursuing a doctorate in Educational Technology. Rachelle is an ISTE Certified Educator... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
Room 305 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

9:30am EDT

Heartleading: Setting free the love in your leadership
Participants will explore the practical tools of Heartleading, as they apply to igniting one's call to serve, uncovering trauma origins, creating relationship engagement, and increasing one's emotional aperture, the love lens, in K-12 communities. 
Speakers
avatar for Matthew J. Bowerman

Matthew J. Bowerman

School Administrator, Author, Storyteller, Matthew J. Bowerman (Self)
Matthew Bowerman...Educator and Storyteller; Trainer of Trauma-responsive educators; award-winning writer/director; Artist; Author of Heartleader.Ask me about Heartleading,and let's talk about serving through a love lens; let's discuss our origins, and collaborate around trauma responsive... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
Room 306 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

9:30am EDT

Making Communication Visual
Communication is foundational for strong relationships, making people feel valued, and sharing information. But in a world of information overload, do you feel like your message often gets lost in the shuffle? In this session, I will share tips for captivating your audience, whether it’s students, teachers, or parents, and the tools I use to create the magic. Use these tips and tools to spice up your newsletter, social media, student portfolios, digital lessons, and more!
Speakers
avatar for Ariel Jankord

Ariel Jankord

Instructional Coach, Spring Hill School District
Ariel Jankord is an Instructional Coach in Spring Hill, KS. Her entire career has been in the elementary world at a variety of grade levels and as a STEM teacher. But she found, during her time in the classroom, she loved working with educators just as much as the students.Ariel is... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
Room 401 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

9:30am EDT

Strategies to Nurture the Whole Teacher
Every teacher brings his or her whole self to school: their dreams, their personal challenges, their hopes and fears, along with their desire to be valued, to be connected and to learn and grow. We have a duty to create school environments that can nurture every part of a teacher, that can help them stay connected to their why, and fulfill their servant hearts. We will break down the specific components of the whole teacher in this session and dive into strategies that will help create the environment that teachers need in order to thrive. Whether you are a teacher looking to reconnect with your why or a leader looking to create a more supportive environment for teachers, this session will leave you refreshed, recharged and with a list of new things to try.
Speakers
avatar for Allyson Apsey

Allyson Apsey

Keynote Speaker, Allyson Apsey LLC
Allyson Apsey has been an educator for 23 years; a school leader for 19 of those years. She is passionate about students and staff and leads others through their strengths. She tries to be transparent, vulnerable and supportive, and she doesn’t ask questions unless she wants the... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
Room 302 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

9:30am EDT

Supporting ALL Learners with Alternate Assessment Methods
In this interactive session, we will discuss factors that influence student learning and how we can maximize the effectiveness of our pedagogy by supporting these factors through our assessment practices.
Speakers
avatar for David Frangiosa

David Frangiosa

Teacher, Pascack Hills HS
Dave is a HS science teacher from NJ and co-author of Going Gradeless. His research has led him to focus on the impact of grades, equity and inclusion, and SEL on student learning.

Saturday October 15, 2022 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
Room 405 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

9:30am EDT

The #Edtech Throwdown: Tools For ALL Learners
The #Edtech Throwdown features educational technology (#edtech) that can be used in remote, hybrid, and in-person classrooms for all types of learners!  Eric and Nick take turns introducing edtech tools and activity templates for the classroom!  The attendees will have a chance to vote on the person who presented the best tools!
Speakers
avatar for Stephanie Howell

Stephanie Howell

Instructional Technology Coach, Pickerington
Stephanie is the CEO of Gold EDU, Control the Chaos EDU, and is also the EdTech Lead for the Pickerington Local Schools District. Stephanie has spoken at conferences around the world. Her most recent achievements are being apart of the team named ISTE’s Distinguished District, WOSU... Read More →
avatar for Eric Guise

Eric Guise

Media Specialist/Technology Coach, Hopewell Valley Central High School
Eric Guise is a media and technology coach.  As co-creator of GotTechED the Podcast, Guise has teamed up with Nick Johnson, to share their edtech expertise with teachers from all over. Guise was named the 2016 Biology Teacher of Year by the NJBTA and has an EdD in Educational Te... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
Room 406 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

9:30am EDT

The Joy of Learning: Increasing Engagement in the Primary Grades
If I asked you to name one of the biggest problems you're facing in your classroom today, chances are one of your top answers would be student engagement. In this session I will share tips and tricks I've learned to make learning FUN! We will learn strategies for building community, using games, and finding new uses for everyday objects.  And of course we will discuss how mastery learning and student choice play a role as well.  You'll walk away with easy to implement activities that you can use in your primary classroom tomorrow.  
Speakers
avatar for Maggie Gifford

Maggie Gifford

1st grade teacher, Morgan Local Schools
Maggie is a first grade teacher in Morgan County, Ohio and has almost 20 years of experience.  She started her career as an intervention specialist and has taught 1st-3rd grades.  Maggie is also a proud wife and mom to two; Grace and Thomas.  She has the privilege of teaching in... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
Room 412 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

9:30am EDT

When am I Ever Going to Need This?
Every math teacher’s worst nightmare: “When am I ever going to need this?!” Nightmares no more–it’s time to Get Real. Learn how a project based approach can take your math class from seemingly pointless procedures to powerful projects. Ignite and excite your math students with real, relevant and rigorous mathematics and never hear that question again! Together let’s co-construct a resource bank for all math teachers and walk away with a framework to show our students just how real math can be!
Speakers
avatar for Kristen Moore

Kristen Moore

Curriculum + Instruction Coach, Moore than Just X, LLC
Inspired by Teen Talk Barbie's "Math class is Tough", Kristen set out to change the way students experienced math. From memorizing procedures, asking "When am I ever going to need this?" to exploring real, relevant and rigorous mathematics through student-centered practices and project-based... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
Room 418 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

10:00am EDT

Aspire to Lead with Support
Leadership is lonely and we can feel like we are on an island. It's time to get off the lonely leadership island and find your way onto a beach vacation full of supportive colleagues aiming to support your success! Join "Aspire to lead with Support" to explore the Characteristics of an impactful mentor including...
  • Coaching - How often are you meeting to gain constructive feedback?
  • Direction - What campus/ district projects and initiatives are they allowing you to take over?
  • Opportunity - What experiences are being provided by your mentor?
It's time to take action steps to find someone outside of your building and develop a professional learning network to carry you through your next leadership role! Aspiring Leaders welcome!
Speakers
avatar for Joshua Stamper

Joshua Stamper

Podcast Network Manager, Teach Better
Joshua Stamper is a middle school Assistant Principal for a North Texas School District, where he's had the amazing opportunity to serve at four campuses and in two school districts. Prior to Joshua's current position, he was a classroom art educator and athletic coach for 6 years... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 10:00am - 10:20am EDT
Room 505 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Teach Better Talk

10:00am EDT

Effective Components to a Self-Paced Learning Environment
Tips and tricks I have learned along the way of transforming my classroom to self-paced.  How to manage students, work load, and assessments to make your classroom more effective and efficient.
Speakers
avatar for Lori Schroeder

Lori Schroeder

Teacher, Ottawa-Glandorf Schools
Middle School Math Educator for 8 years, STEAM teacher for 3 years, and Maker Space start up and manager for 3 years.  Involved with Ohio Blended Collaborative group for 4 years collaborating with other educators from all around Ohio and participated in Enablewise coaching servi... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 10:00am - 10:20am EDT
Room 504 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Teach Better Talk

10:00am EDT

Relationships & Communication: Relieving stress & Improving well being
There's going to be stress and tension in your life one way or another, but there's two powerful questions you can ask about any person you've just met or your best friend that will help you ease stress instantly. This session isn't all talk, it's all practice! 
Speakers
avatar for Tre Gammage

Tre Gammage

SEL Consultant, SEL Educators
Tre’ is a Social Emotional Learning Specialist, and Education Consultant helping schools support teachers to impact students.His mission is to make it easier to do what you love because when you see someone living their dream, it makes you either want to be a part of that dream... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 10:00am - 10:20am EDT
Room 506 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Teach Better Talk

10:30am EDT

Restoring School Communities and Culture
The importance of building strong, trusting relationships with your students is by far the most important thing in order to ensure all students feel safe to express their needs and wants, and in turn come to school to learn. You do not have to be a master at restorative practices in all systems within the school, but you can try a few actionable steps to ensure students feel heard, seen and protected within your classroom space, developing a strong culture for both learning and being their best selves.

Restorative practices have been in existence for quite some time, especially within our indigenous populations. It focuses on building emotional intelligence by addressing the harm done by an individual's action(s) to the community. However, it does not stop there. The end goal is to ensure the community is restored and all parties involved have addressed the issue and learned and understood one another's perspective, building emotional empathy towards one another. It allows all parties to be reentered into the community and not be defined by their wrong(s). Instead, they're supported to build upon their strengths and given the skills needed to understand how their actions impacted themselves and others. It provides the skills necessary to be proactive in their decisions instead of reactive for the following situation that may occur in the future. Restorative justice practices push for communal efforts and belonging, not exclusion and shunning which allows for inclusivity for all learners.
Speakers
avatar for Davina Ruiz

Davina Ruiz

Educational consultant and leader, eduGrind
Davina Ruiz has been an educator for 15 years holding many positions such as teacher, coach, district administrator, assistant principal, dean of school culture, etc. Davina is a firm practitioner of restorative practices and collaborative, problem based interdisciplinary units of... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 10:30am - 10:50am EDT
Room 504 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Teach Better Talk

10:30am EDT

The 4W's
The 4 W’s presentation is a walk through my personal journey of becoming the best version of myself. I originally gave a talk centered around these 4 practices to our National Honors Society. Since that time I have been inspired to share the message with as many people as possible. Why? Because these 4 W’s have radically changed my life. The first W asks the question: What are you feeding your mind? W number 2: What is your foundation. The third W asks: Who are you leading? The last W asks: Who are you serving? These 4 W’s require me, and challenges others, to live a life of reflection and intentionality. They hold me accountable. Every day I ask myself if the content I am feeding my mind is helping me become a better husband, father, or educator. The second W is a reminder that in the midst of storms in life and in our profession I must have a firm foundation. My foundation is stabilized by my WHY.  Who am I leading is the next question I ask on a daily basis. Staying mindful of my role as a husband, father, and teacher keeps me aware of how every word I say, and every action I am involved in screams loudly to those I am around. I must lead with integrity. Lastly, when I ask myself who I am serving it is an immediate reminder that life is about service to others. On those days I am not “feeling it” I serve even more. The 4 W’s is my way of staying accountable, and my way of encouraging others to live life on purpose with purpose. It aligns perfectly with the value of “being better today than yesterday, better tomorrow than today!”
Speakers
avatar for Mark Horner

Mark Horner

Teacher, Tallmadge High School
Mark Horner is a proud husband and father. He has been married to his college sweetheart, Jennifer for over 20 years. The two of them met at the University of Akron and have been together ever since.They have two children: Kelsie, currently a student at Kent State University, studying... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 10:30am - 10:50am EDT
Room 505 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Teach Better Talk

10:30am EDT

3 Powerful Ways to Incorporate Authentic PBL Opportunities
Taking the time to plan and implement a PBL unit can be daunting and intense. It doesn’t have to be! I’m going to share with you three powerful ways to incorporate an authentic PBL in your classroom  and each one is  a win for your kids, your community, and your school.   These experiences extend your reach  beyond  the classroom and empower students to be thinkers and make a positive impact on the the world around them. 
Speakers
avatar for Jen Molitor

Jen Molitor

Principal, Blanchester local schools
Jen’s ability to instantly connect with educators, administrators, parents, and students has led her to be a sought after speaker in both the field of gifted education and teacher leadership. With 21 years in education, she has experience working with students in grades K-8 and... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 10:30am - 11:20am EDT
Room 501 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

10:30am EDT

Classrooms that Matter: Making PBL a Reality
What if classrooms were beacons of curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, as well as instruments of social change and community building? Discover project-based learning units that integrate instruction into authentic experiences that engage students in making the world a better place. Explore specific units and discover how to implement these projects in your classroom. Come ready to be that teacher students will never forget. Leave with lesson-by-lesson project ideas to make it happen.
Speakers
avatar for Terra Tarango

Terra Tarango

Thursday Opening Keynote and Feature Speaker
Terra Tarango serves as Director of the Van Andel Institute for Education, overseeing innovative student programs, game-changing teacher professional development, and the implementation of Blue Apple projects where teachers inspire students to make the world a better place. She is... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 10:30am - 11:20am EDT
Room 304 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

10:30am EDT

From "Do Now" to "Think Now"
How do you start class? Homework review? a “Do Now” question? Does this really actively engage the thinking minds of your students, or does it instead just fit into a section of the lesson plan template. This session will explain why the traditional start to class may not be the best way to get the best out of your students, and provide new techniques and technology for moving your students from Do Now to Think Now!!
Speakers
avatar for Denis Sheeran

Denis Sheeran

University Education Professor, Author, Consultant, Montclair State University
Denis Sheeran is an author, consultant, former high school math teacher & administrator and currently serves on the Math Ed faculty of Montclair St. Univ. Denis’ two books, Instant Relevance, and Hacking Mathematics address the major change work necessary for today’s math classrooms... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 10:30am - 11:20am EDT
Room 306 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

10:30am EDT

Learning with a Growth Mindset
Join the conversation about connecting with students while empowering learning with a growth mindset.  Explore actionable and relevant ideas that will help educators learn 1) how to create a culture that empowers students to embrace and overcome productive mistakes, challenges, and misunderstandings, and 2) activities that help students practice, apply, and analyze growth mindset skills.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Erik Youngman

Dr. Erik Youngman

Assistant Superintendent, Libertyville District 70
Dr. Erik Youngman is an education leader who is passionate about topics such as homework, growth mindset, grading, and leadership.  Published books he has written include, "The Magic of Growth Mindset," and "12 Characteristics of Deliberate Homework," as well as a chapter for, "100... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 10:30am - 11:20am EDT
Room 401 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

10:30am EDT

Project You: Design a Life Made for You
You can’t anticipate all that life will bring you, but you can take action to design a life that is made especially for you.  Using the hallmarks of design thinking and the LEADER framework, you will create a solution to a personal or professional challenge that either you or your team is facing. You will leave ready to implement your 30 day action plan and brimming with ideas for how you might use this creative thinking process with your students. Each participant will receive a Project You: 30 Day Action Planner. 
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Michele Schmidt Moore

Dr. Michele Schmidt Moore

Life Design Coach, Moore Creative Learning
For over two decades Dr. Michele Schmidt Moore, host of the Design Lessons podcast, has worked as a district and school level administrator, instructional designer, coach, and teacher.  Through individual coaching sessions and workshops, Michele uses design thinking and project-based... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 10:30am - 11:20am EDT
Room 405 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

10:30am EDT

Safe, Welcome, Invited: Creating an Inclusive Classroom
We all agree that the classroom environment is vital to the success of each student. We tend to spend a lot of time at the beginning of the year to establish norms and build relationships. Yet, are we maximizing our attention to this necessary factor and truly building overt practices to ensure all students are included? Join Dr. Gupta as he provide insights and strategies using the Whole Child Tenets in creating an inclusive classroom for all students to feel safe, welcomed, and invited. 
Speakers
avatar for Neil Gupta

Neil Gupta

District Administrator, Farther Together
Dr. Neil Gupta serves as the Director of Secondary Education for Worthington Schools in Columbus, Ohio. With over 15 years of experience as a district administrator in rural and suburban settings, he has a passion for leadership, building culture, and coaching leaders. Neil presents... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 10:30am - 11:20am EDT
Room 302 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

10:30am EDT

Sketchnoting MAGIC For Next Level Notetaking
Discover the magic that happens when text and doodles unite in the form of sketchnoting! In this interactive session, I will share a powerful form of visual note taking that will help students connect, retain, and focus on the information they are learning. Come away with an understanding of the what, why, and how of sketchnoting as well as many strategies and fun doodle challenges you can use immediately with your students.
Speakers
avatar for Tisha Richmond

Tisha Richmond

Student Engagement & PD Specialist, Medford School District
Tisha is an innovative district Student Engagement & Professional Development Specialist, speaker, and author from Southern Oregon. She has taught Family and Consumer Science for 25 years and has served in various leadership roles locally and nationally. Tisha is the author of the... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 10:30am - 11:20am EDT
Room 406 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

10:30am EDT

Student-Focused Learning: P.A.V.E. the Way to Learner Agency
Giving students choice in the classroom can feel uncomfortable for us as teachers and make us feel as if there is a lack of control. Knowing how to plan opportunities for learners to have agency in their learning gives us the confidence to make this shift in teaching and learning. In this session, learn how to find Entry points for agency and choose Vehicles for teaching students. We can P.A.V.E. the way for the kind of learning experiences we know is integral to making learning relevant.
Speakers
avatar for Nicole Dissinger

Nicole Dissinger

Professional Learning Facilitator, Plan Z Professional Learning Services
Nicole Dissinger is a mentor teacher, professional learning facilitator, and curriculum developer. She has experience teaching and leading across three countries: Singapore, Ukraine, and the United State (Flagstaff, Arizona) for 15 years. Nicole holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 10:30am - 11:20am EDT
Room 412 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

10:30am EDT

The ABCs of Developing Rapport
As educators, we know the importance of building relationships with the students we serve, but is that enough? This session will outline why building relationships is good, but developing rapport is better.  Participants of this session will learn what rapport means, why it's ideal, and practical strategies for developing it with the students in their classes.  Armed with the information in this session, educators will not only be able to better engage students in learning, but get the most out of each of their classes!
Speakers
avatar for Michael Jennings

Michael Jennings

Director of PE & Character Development, Athlos Movement & Character Program
Michael Jennings has spent over a decade teaching & coaching at nearly every level. He has been a physical education teacher, strength & conditioning coach, football coach, youth athletic development trainer, and now program director for PE & character development. He is passionate... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 10:30am - 11:20am EDT
Room 303 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

10:30am EDT

The Power of the Doodle
There is no wrong way to doodle. It’s fun. It’s whimsical. It’s a scientifically based method of learning and it makes information stick. Let’s talk about nonlinguistic representations and how it can help you be a better thinker, learner, and educator. Art skills are NOT required for this hands-on experience.
Speakers
avatar for Jed Dearybury

Jed Dearybury

Educator, Author, Illustrator, mrdearybury.com LLC
Jed Dearybury began his education career in 2001. During his 13 year early childhood classroom tenure, Jed received numerous awards. He was featured in GQ Magazine as Male Leader of the Year, met President Obama as the South Carolina honoree of the Presidential Award for Excellence... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 10:30am - 11:20am EDT
Room 506 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

10:30am EDT

What's Love Got to Do with It?
Learn how to use Dr. Gary Chapman's 5 Love Languages to define your internal desire to be cared for and appreciated. With the knowledge of the five love languages, you will in turn be able to have better and more meaningful connections with your family, colleagues, and students. 
Speakers
avatar for Brianna Shaner

Brianna Shaner

Teacher, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy
Brianna Shaner is a teacher with a passion for personal connection and deeper relationships with students and colleagues. She has over 10 years of experience teaching upper elementary/middle school in both Ohio and Florida. As a Teach Better Ambassador, she develops professional learning... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 10:30am - 11:20am EDT
Room 418 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

11:00am EDT

Believing the Dog Really Did Eat their Homework
How many times have we all heard the “I thought I put it in my backpack… ” and sighed, “not again…”

Too often students are expected to absorb organizational modeling, but with the rise of EF issues and unconventional homes, that’s not the case.  I will share some simple tools and methods that have worked, not only for raising three boys on the spectrum, but classrooms of students over the years. Everything can be used on paper or electronically depending on what’s at hand to prepare the next generation to be more, “I got this.”
Speakers
avatar for Karla Hailer

Karla Hailer

Teacher, Cornerstone Academy Northborough, MA
Karla Hailer has spent her whole life wearing as many hats as possible so she could learn everything and anything along the way. Her favorite hats are that as a mom and as a teacher (in one capacity or another) most of her life. After being told, “You should write a book,” about... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 11:00am - 11:20am EDT
Room 504 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Teach Better Talk

11:00am EDT

The Educator You Always Wanted to Be
Inside of each of us is the educator and human being we always wanted to be. This session will help you find your way back home - back to your joy, back to your purpose, back to your best teaching. Because your students need the best version of you now more than ever. With some small moves and intentionality, you can make a deeper, more meaningful impact on yourself and those you serve every day.
Speakers
avatar for Meghan Lawson

Meghan Lawson

Director of Secondary Teaching and Learning, West Clermont
Meghan is a thought leader who studies and implements the conditions and systems needed for transformational change. A lover of learning who believes in the goodness of people, Meghan works to cultivate necessary space that honors the humanity of all people. She promotes storytelling... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 11:00am - 11:20am EDT
Room 505 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Teach Better Talk

11:20am EDT

KEYNOTE BOOK SIGNING & MEET n GREET
You will find Genein Letford and Mickey Smith Jr. in the Great Room, right by the bookstore, signing their books! Grab a copy of one of these amazing books and get it signed before you head to lunch! 
Speakers
avatar for Genein Letford

Genein Letford

Former Educator, Speaker, Author, CAFFE strategies
As the 2019 LA Lakers Business Woman and the 2015 CA Charter Teacher of the Year, Genein is a national thought leader and creator of the concept of ‘Intercultural Creativity®’.  She is the founder and Chief Creative Officer of CAFFE Strategies,  which trains administrators... Read More →
avatar for Mickey Smith, Jr

Mickey Smith, Jr

The Educator Encourager, SOUND180 EDUCATORS
EDUCATOR.ENCOURAGER.ENTERTAINING.Those are just a few ways that some would describe Mickey Smith Jr. As the 2020 recipient of the Grammy Music Educator Award, Mickey has inspired both children and teachers throughout the world with his motivational mixture of music and message. As... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 11:20am - 12:20pm EDT
Great Room sponsored by Road to Awesome
  Networking Event

11:30am EDT

EXCLUSIVE EDUPRENUER MASTERMIND HANGOUT - *Invite Only*
This EXCLUSIVE INVITE ONLY HANGOUT SESSION is open to anyone in our Eduprenuer Mastermind group.

Speakers
avatar for Jeff Gargas

Jeff Gargas

COO / Co-Founder, Teach Better Team
Jeff is the COO/Co-founder of the Teach Better Team and co-author of “Teach Better.” He works with educators to increase student engagement and improve student success. Jeff previously owned an online marketing firm, where he worked with entrepreneurs and small businesses. He... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 11:30am - 11:50am EDT
Room 302 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  INVITE ONLY

11:30am EDT

EXCLUSIVE MASTERMIND NETWORK HANGOUT - *Invite Only*
This EXCLUSIVE ADMIN MASTERMIND HANGOUT is for participants of the Admin Mastermind. 
Speakers
avatar for Brad Hughes

Brad Hughes

Training & Development Specialist, Teach Better Team
Brad is an elementary school principal and Chief Encouragement Officer in Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada with 30 years of experience educating children and youth. Before becoming a school leader, Brad taught for 16 years in classrooms from Kindergarten to eighth grade, most rec... Read More →
avatar for Joshua Stamper

Joshua Stamper

Podcast Network Manager, Teach Better
Joshua Stamper is a middle school Assistant Principal for a North Texas School District, where he's had the amazing opportunity to serve at four campuses and in two school districts. Prior to Joshua's current position, he was a classroom art educator and athletic coach for 6 years... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 11:30am - 11:50am EDT
Room 304 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  INVITE ONLY

11:30am EDT

OH STEM LEARNING NETWORK
INVITE ONLY for STEM Learning Network
Saturday October 15, 2022 11:30am - 11:50am EDT
Room 305 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  INVITE ONLY

11:50am EDT

LUNCH - Sponsored by Teq
Grab lunch from “Eat Better” (Level 1) and head to the Cafe (Level 2), Power Zone (Level 1), Collaboration Circle (Level 1) or Green Terrace (Outside on level 3) to eat! 

Lunch is sponsored by Teq!

Saturday October 15, 2022 11:50am - 1:00pm EDT
  Meal

1:00pm EDT

Beat Burnout Better!
Burnout doesn't start with exhaustion and a feeling of being overwhelmed. It actually starts with a passionate commitment to your profession. This is why teachers are at such great risk of burning out.

This session will introduce the burnout cycle and show you how to break the cycle before burnout interrupts your hard work, passion, and desire to teach better!
Speakers
avatar for Kevin Leichtman

Kevin Leichtman

Adjunct Professor and Education Consultant, Florida Atlantic University / Team Leichtman Consulting
Kevin Leichtman is the co-founder of Team Leichtman Consulting. He received his Ph.D. from Florida Atlantic University, studying new teacher burnout. He is the author of two books.Kevin is also an adjunct professor at Florida Atlantic University, teaching equity and diversity courses... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 1:00pm - 1:20pm EDT
Room 504 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Teach Better Talk

1:00pm EDT

Changing the Behavior Conversation
Fresh out of ideas for adding play to your days? Limited on time? This session will explain the reasons why you want to keep playing in schools and will give you steps to take to advocate for recess time!
Speakers
avatar for BreAnn Fennell

BreAnn Fennell

Training and Development Specialist, Teach Better Team
BreAnn Fennell is a Training and Development Specialist for the Teach Better Team. She is the 2021 Regional Ohio Teacher of the Year. She is an author, most recently of children’s books entitled Choose Your Cheer and Play? Yay! Baby Talk. She loves her job as a second and third-grade... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 1:00pm - 1:20pm EDT
Room 506 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Teach Better Talk

1:00pm EDT

We Can't Do it Alone: Engaging Parents in Digital Leadership
As educators, we are limited in terms of what social media we can use in our classrooms, and yet we know that students are using social media at younger ages and with greater frequency than ever before. Digital drama often impacts our ability to meet our curriculum expectations. Our kids need mentorship when it comes to digital citizenship and digital and media literacy but we can't always provide it within the limitations of our classroom. We are also bound by privacy laws. In this talk, Jennifer will share ideas for how to bring parents into the conversation around technology and social media. We will reflect on the many ways we engage parents in low-prep, high impact ways, and look at resources available to support teachers as well as strategies which have worked for me.The goal: connect parents, nurture their own understanding of digital leadership through your students and ultimately help support your students and your learning community at large. 
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Casa-Todd

Jennifer Casa-Todd

Teacher Librarian, Jennifer Casa-Todd
Jennifer Casa-Todd is wife, mom, and a Teacher-Librarian,  and a former Literacy Consultant. Jennifer holds a Masters in Education and Digital Technologies from Ontario Tech University with a specialization in social media, digital citizenship and education. She is a Google Certified... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 1:00pm - 1:20pm EDT
Room 505 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Teach Better Talk

1:00pm EDT

5 Great Ways to Structure Student Led Learning
Know that you want to make student led learning a priority but aren’t sure how best to organize content for students? Then this is the session for you! Come learn about HyperDocs, Choice Boards/Playlists, Digital Breakouts, Interactive Classrooms, & Choose Your Own Adventure lessons. Bonus items & tips will be included as time permits! Come learn some great ways to help organize your lessons for student led learning!
Speakers
avatar for Patrick Hausammann

Patrick Hausammann

Coach & Supervisor of Instructional Technology, Clarke County Public Schools
Patrick Hausammann is a coach and supervisor of ed tech fueled by perpetual optimism and the belief in the power of a #growthmindset to #failforward en route to creativity and innovation. He is the founder of UnisonEDU.org, co-founder of #EdcampNSV, and an ASCD Emerging Leader. He... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT
Room 304 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

1:00pm EDT

EduCulture Cooking: Enhancing Classroom & School Culture through Positive Relationships
Enter the kitchen with EduChef, Michael Earnshaw, to takeaway recipes today to enhance classroom & school culture tomorrow! Attendees will learn about activities and approaches to create positive relationships that showcase collaboration, empathy, and an understanding of one's strengths and areas of growth to help move everyone towards changing the world. 
Speakers
avatar for Michael Earnshaw

Michael Earnshaw

Principal, Oak Glen Elementary School - Lansing SD 158
Michael Earnshaw is a father, husband, and elementary school principal. He is the author of The EduCulture Cookbook: Recipes and Dishes to Positively Transform School and Classroom Culture with EduMatch Publishing and co-host of the Punk Rock Classrooms Podcast. Michael strives to... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT
Room 305 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

1:00pm EDT

Empowering Learners Through Outdoor Education
Come join the conversation about intentional and engaging use of the outdoors in your own educational practices. Hear about getting starting, continuing, or leveling up your use of the outdoors through stories, photos, videos, example projects, and time to plan an experience for your learners!
Speakers
avatar for Becky Schnekser

Becky Schnekser

Educator Explorer, YELLOWHAB
Becky Schnekser is an explorer, teacher, author, and public speaker dedicated to positive disruption of centuries old educational practices, especially for young explorers. Using field experiences as personal and professional development, her passion for being outdoors, Becky makes... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT
Room 306 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

1:00pm EDT

Human-Centered Creativity
Students have figured out the game of school. They have pulled back the mysterious curtain and this was long before the pandemic hit! Our students want meaning, purpose and relevance in their learning. Isolated content, disparate facts, and constant testing does not engage students today. What if learning was more human centered? What if learning was about asking questions, making connections and developing more meaningful relationships? This is at the heart of what human centered creativity is all about.
Speakers
avatar for Jason Blair

Jason Blair

Educator, GrowCreativeThinkers
Jason Blair believes the creativity of our children will change the world. A 20 year veteran arts educator, everyday he steps into his arts studio, he learns from the creative geniuses he teaches. He believes to empower students to tap into their creative capacities,  educators must... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT
Room 401 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

1:00pm EDT

Next In Line to Lead: The Voice of the Assistant Principal
In this session, participants will explore the changing roles of assistant principals and examine the impact of school leadership on school improvement and student achievement.

Participants will explore the The Professional Standards for Educational Leaders 2015. 
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Sharon H. Porter

Dr. Sharon H. Porter

Principal, PGCPS
Dr. Sharon H. Porter is a lifelong educator serving in North Carolina and Maryland. Dr. Porter has served as an elementary and middle school classroom teacher, elementary and middle school principal, assistant principal, Instructional Coordinator, Test Development Specialist, Regional... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT
Room 302 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

1:00pm EDT

Overcoming Obstacles, Accelerating Results, and Crushing Your Goals
What is the ONE thing that, if you just did it, would make everything else easier or unnecessary? You’ve got a goal, a plan…but you’re just not sure where and how to get started. Through their experience as teachers, school leaders, entrepreneurs, and more, Darrin & Brandon provide you with the tools to Unlock Unlimited Potential on your own Road to Awesome. Join them as they walk you through a guided coaching experience designed to deliver successful results.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Brandon Beck

Dr. Brandon Beck

Teacher, Author, Speaker, Coach, Unlocking Unlimited Potential
Dr. Brandon Beck is an 18 year National Board Certified educator, speaker, coach, consultant, and author of "Unlocking Unlimited Potential." He is the host of the "#UUPotential Stories Show," a live show and podcast interviewing inspiring people sharing their inspiring stories. He... Read More →
avatar for Dr Darrin M Peppard

Dr Darrin M Peppard

Speaker, Author, Leadership Coach, Publisher, Road To Awesome, LLC
Dr. Darrin Peppard is a leadership coach, consultant, and speaker focused on organizational culture and climate, and coaching emerging leaders. Darrin is the best-selling author of the book Road to Awesome, and is the host of the Leaning into Leadership podcast. As a ‘recovering... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT
Room 501 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

1:00pm EDT

Student Engagement Strategies for a captivating Classroom
What is Student Engagement? Are your kids engaged, motivated and excited about learning?  In this session you will leave having a plethora of ideas to keep our kids engaged, motivated and wanting MORE!  I will share strategies/ideas on how to  build a classroom filled with positivity, encouragement and excitement for learning.  We will be discussing various tech tools, making learning more of an experience, and more.  These ideas are not only for our face to face learners but our hybrid or virtual learners too. The more our kids are engaged the more motivation kids will have to participate in class, enjoy achieving their own learning goals, Are more likely to persist through challenges in learning & feel intrinsically motivated to gain new and deeper understanding. Let's want all of our kids to enjoy school and get excited about learning! 
Speakers
avatar for Melisa Hayes

Melisa Hayes

2nd Grade Teacher, Hilliard Crossing Elementary
Melisa's been happily married to Daniel for 23 years. She resides in Hilliard, Ohio with two wonderful girls, Madison (19) who just started her freshman year at OU, and Abigail (14) who is an eighth grader at Weaver Middle School and their dog Shadow. Melisa received her Bachelors... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT
Room 406 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

1:00pm EDT

Teach Like a C.E.O: Create Frameworks for Student-Centered Learning
Learn the C.E.O. method to master student-centered learning practices. “Stop being a sage on the stage and become a guide on the side” focuses on replacing lectures with student-led activities. If teachers only focus on this one instructional approach, it won’t transfer true ownership to the students.  Learn how to use systems to establish a strong Culture of learning. Create Empowering experiences to replace traditional lessons. Finally, focus on the Operations of management to encourage decision making.  When all three components are in-sync, a teacher will be a true C.E.O. and transfer ownership to students.
Speakers
avatar for Ken Ehrmann

Ken Ehrmann

Instructional Coach, Pennridge
Ken Ehrmann is a Pennsylvania Department of Education 2019 Teacher of the year Finalist. He is an instructional coach for the Pennridge School District, formerly an elementary STEM and 5th grade teacher.  Ken's is passionate about empowering children with student-centered learning... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT
Room 412 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

1:00pm EDT

Turning Your Grid into an Escape Room with Genially
This hands on session will introduce teachers to the interactive tool Genially and show them how they too can take a single level of a grid and turn it into an escape style game. Attendees will see an example of what is possible with Genially and will get practice using the basic features of Genially to begin their journey of making their grids more interactive. Teachers will have supported work time to create their first escape room and will leave with access to a variety of escape templates.
Speakers
avatar for John Alesch

John Alesch

Teacher, Plano School District 88
I am a passionate CS educator who has taught across all grade levels K-12. I have a masters in Educational Technology and another in K-12 Online Teaching and love helping both students and educators grow. I believe all students should be able to learn at their own pace and the role... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT
Room 418 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

1:00pm EDT

What's Your Sound Quality: What's in it for me?
A teacher who is aware of their values, strengths, and can also affirm their purpose is both sound and unstoppable. Mickey speaks to and works with groups on their promise (i.e. realized potential). Understanding your motivation for life and work makes you more likely to respond to challenging situations in ways that are consistent with your defined purpose and bounce back from any setbacks with poise. Join Mickey as he helps you answer the question, what’s in it for me?
Speakers
avatar for Mickey Smith, Jr

Mickey Smith, Jr

The Educator Encourager, SOUND180 EDUCATORS
EDUCATOR.ENCOURAGER.ENTERTAINING.Those are just a few ways that some would describe Mickey Smith Jr. As the 2020 recipient of the Grammy Music Educator Award, Mickey has inspired both children and teachers throughout the world with his motivational mixture of music and message. As... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT
Room 303 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

1:30pm EDT

Moving from Trauma to Resiliency: Interoception in Action
Our students come to school with many adverse childhood experiences that make self-regulation challenging. How can we move them from trauma toward resiliency? The answer may lie in interoception– a lesser-known sense that helps one connect to their physical body. Students must master this foundation of bodily awareness prior to successful self-regulation. This TED-style talk will introduce educators to one teacher's experience using Kelly Mahler's Interoception Curriculum and provide practical tips to use in your classroom next week!
Speakers
avatar for Karen Evans

Karen Evans

Digital Content Editor, Teach Better Team
Karen Evans is a 6th grade special education teacher in Muskegon, Michigan. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education, a Master’s in Measurement and Evaluation, and has studied Educational Leadership with an emphasis on Special Education Administration at Grand Valley... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 1:30pm - 1:50pm EDT
Room 506 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Teach Better Talk

1:30pm EDT

Slow down now, to go fast later!
What if elementary teachers were told to SLOW DOWN in their classrooms?   Slow down and allow time for your students to develop.  Let them play and have fun – that is how kids learn.  Teach them strategies for gaining a positive perspective.  Help them to believe that they can do hard things.  Help them to discover their own unique gifts and talents.  Slow down to help them develop an organic love for learning.
What would happen if Elementary Teachers slowed down and focused more on developmental areas?
I believe that by the time they reach upper elementary, they will be better prepared for the hustle and rigor of education today.
Considered what we know:
• We know that students’ anxiety rates (and suicide rates, by the way) are higher than ever before.
• We know that some school districts’ mentality of “race to the top” has forced teachers to replace certain learning activities with more complex academics.
• We know that in primary education, the standards are higher than ever before, while the development of kids remains the same.
• We know that developing the brain’s frontal lobe would enable students to be better organized, focused, and in control of their inhibitions.
• We know that teaching students about perception and mindset would make all the difference.
• We know that you can’t expect a student to write a paragraph if they don’t have the muscle control and strength in their hands to do the writing.
• We know that children are curious. They have a need to explore and discover.
• We know that science, technology, engineering, arts, and math are topics of interest and necessity.
• We know that kids need to have fun.
• We know that teachers needed to know they are doing what is best for their students.
Slowing down to focus on developmental growth will make a difference. Just as an archer slowly pulls the arrow back, taking time to focus on what is important, we can hit our targeted goals by doing the same—slowing down to focus on Executive Function Skills, Growth Mindset, Motor Skills, Handwriting, Sensory Integration, Foundations of Literacy, Play-Based Learning, and Our Own Teaching Pedagogy
I will share practical strategies for building a firm foundation for learning by focusing on the areas of developmental growth. In a time when education has become so fast paced, are you ready to be the one who slows down, builds the foundation, equips your students developmentally, and makes a difference?
Speakers
avatar for Erin Mengeu

Erin Mengeu

Author, Blogger, Elementary Educator, Be Their Difference
Erin Mengeu has enjoyed teaching and inspiring kids for 20 years. She has been an elementary classroom teacher in many different classroom settings, including Project-Based Learning, co-teaching experiences, and full inclusion. She earned her B.A. in Education from Mount Union College... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 1:30pm - 1:50pm EDT
Room 504 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Teach Better Talk

1:30pm EDT

What Educators Should Know about ASD
The CDC estimates that 1 out of every 44 children is being diagnosed with ASD, Autism Spectrum Disorder.  Faced with the growing prevalence of ASD, educators should become familiar with the diagnosis and how students may respond to the demands of school.  The goal of this session is to share the history of autism, the significant features of the disability, information about ABA, and the concept of neurodiversity. 
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Maribeth Edmunds

Dr. Maribeth Edmunds

Educational Consultant, Edmunds OUT Enterprises, LLC.
Dr. MB Edmunds is the founder and Chief Learning Officer of Edmunds Out Enterprises, an educational consulting firm, designed to support school districts in their quest to improve teaching and learning for all children. A former teacher, principal and central office director, Dr... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 1:30pm - 1:50pm EDT
Room 505 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Teach Better Talk

2:00pm EDT

Achieving enduring success through baby steps and grace.
This session will help educators identify and support priority standards in all curriculum areas and discern how those standards scaffold throughout the elementary and middle school grades. These small baby steps will help build confidence in students and increase teacher satisfaction in return. Attendees will learn grace-filled strategies to help build a school community that allows students meaningful interactions and the ability to make mistakes leading to critical thinking and success.
Speakers
avatar for Karen Phillips

Karen Phillips

Math Intervention Specialist, Houston County Board of Education
Karen Phillips' mission is to build and grow successful students. A veteran teacher of 30 years, she has learned through experience that no matter the standard to be learned, taking baby steps and teaching with grace creates students that are intrinsically motivated, academically... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 2:00pm - 2:20pm EDT
Room 504 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Teach Better Talk

2:00pm EDT

Relevancy Through Classroom Internships
Relevancy must be at the forefront of instructional learning opportunities. With more standards being thrown at students every day than we can count, without students understanding the WHY behind their content, your content can easily go in one ear and out the other. Before addressing your targets, let's explore how the information is relevant to your student's daily lives by partnering with community members and businesses to bring your content to life! STEM, PBL, UDL - Oh My! It's more than fluff over here friends. This is learning done Better!
Speakers
avatar for Rae Hughart

Rae Hughart

Chief Experience Officer, Teach Better Team
Rae Hughart is the CXO for the Teach Better Team, TEDx Speaker, Educator, and author of “Teachers Deserve It” and “Teach Better” books. Growing up with IEP support after being diagnosed SLD in Reading, Writing, and Math, Rae has worked with other educators and districts on... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 2:00pm - 2:20pm EDT
Room 505 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Teach Better Talk

2:00pm EDT

Better PD: Breaking all the rules of traditional Professional Development
Here's the truth: Teachers are tired of sitting through boring, irrelevant professional development sessions. Educators agree that differentiating content for students based on their level of understanding and performance is critical to success in the classroom. But, with the growing body of research backing up personalized models, and increasing focus on delivering these kinds of experiences to students, why aren’t more districts considering a similar approach to professional development for teachers? Participants joining this session want to change the Professional Development model for the betterment of themselves and their colleagues. In this session, you will discover and explore techniques for delivering effective and relevant PD. You'll explore how one district switches up staff meetings using the technology we already have (and no we don't mean email) or technologies that are FREE; such as: "Badges” or micro-credentials, Bite-Sized/Take-and-Go PD, A School/District Podcast, Magazines, and much more.
Speakers
avatar for Danae Acker

Danae Acker

Digital Integration Specialist, Anderson School District Five
Danae is an educator, instructional designer, innovator, and business professional. She is a relationship builder, which helps reach learners and clients in a personalized way. She uses a learner-centered teaching style because when the learner is the focus of what you're doing, it... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
Room 303 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

2:00pm EDT

Easy Accommodations to Benefit Everyone in the Classroom
Often when the word accommodation is used, it applies to our students with individual education or 504 plans. However, research has shown that providing an accommodation for a small population of individuals can benefit the whole of the larger population. This lecture-style presentation will discuss the research behind accommodating for all, how to effectively accommodate, and specific apps, programs, or other tools that can be used easily within the classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Marie McCumber

Marie McCumber

Elementary Teacher, Ohio State School for the Blind
Marie McCumber is an elementary teacher at the Ohio State School for the Blind, currently teaching the 5th grade. Previously she worked as a multiple disabilities and low-incidence teacher, serving students from preschool through the 7th grade, working in both public and private school... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
Room 304 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

2:00pm EDT

Healing Through Self-Compassion & Micro-resilience Strategies
Understanding who we are and how we can best take care of ourselves through self-care is one of the best ways to support our human and prepare our best selves for those we serve. In this session you'll realize practical strategies for the four types of self-care, and discuss resilience strategies and activities that contribute to developing a strong foundation for healing.

Speakers
avatar for Mandy Froehlich

Mandy Froehlich

Educator, Consultant, Author, Mandy Froehlich Education Consulting
Mandy Froehlich is a former educator, technology integrator, and Director of Innovation and Technology turned technology and mental health consultant. Her passion lies in reinvigorating and re-engaging teachers back into their profession as well as what’s needed to support teachers... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
Room 302 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

2:00pm EDT

Hidden Disabilities in the Classroom
Having sat in classrooms while often trying to hide my own disability, I know first-hand how difficult it can be. When a student has a disorder or struggle that is often hidden, it can be incredibly difficult. Just as it can be hard for a teacher to know how to maneuver around that student’s needs. With stories that range from bad to exceptional, I will bring the audience into my world to show how one simple act can change a student’s life inside of the classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Britney Wolf

Britney Wolf

Order Fulfillment Specialist, Nestlé
Britney Wolf has one mission – to create an environment in which every person in the room feels validated and cared about. After being diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome at 7 years old, she made a promise to herself and to the entire Tourette Community that she would educate, spread... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
Room 501 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

2:00pm EDT

How the Hell Do We Motivate These Kids?
For years, schools have used grades as the carrot to try and get kids to play the game of school. We hold these in front of them, making them compliant under threat of giving them poor grades. This worked well for the child who cared about grades or were motivated by them, but what about those who do not? How do we get them excited about learning? We cannot subscribe to a one-size fits all education where we teach a certain way and expect kids to fall in line. Instead of dangling this single carrot, we need to think of education as being ‘a la carte, where students have choice in how and what they are learning. We need to approach school as though every student has different things that motivates them and it is our job to figure out what this is, and how to provide it for them. 
Speakers
avatar for Todd Stanley

Todd Stanley

teacher/gifted coordinator, Todd Stanley
Todd Stanley is the author of many teacher-education books including Teachers’ Toolbox for Gifted Education, Promoting Rigor Through Higher Level Questioning, and Inquiry-Learning in the Gifted Classroom. He served as a classroom teacher for 18 years and is currently the gifted... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
Room 305 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

2:00pm EDT

Knowing Is Half the Battle! Teaching and Learning for DOK
Depth of Knowledge continues to be a focus and priority in education. However, if your understanding of DOK as a concept and framework is unclear, you're not alone. In this session, you will learn what exactly Depth of Knowledge is and how the DOK Levels can be used to plan and provide teaching and learning experiences that are standards-based, socially emotionally supportive, and student responsive.
Speakers
avatar for Erik Francis

Erik Francis

Author / Educator / Presenter, Maverik Education
Erik M. Francis, M.Ed., M.S., is an international author, educator, and presenter, and professional development provider with over 25 years of experience in education. He is the author of Deconstructing Depth of Knowledge: A Method and Model for Deeper Teaching and Learning published... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
Room 306 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

2:00pm EDT

Tabletop Gaming: Old School Tech for New School Learning
In today’s learning environment, educators often look to the newest technological tools to help their students connect, create, collaborate, communicate, and think critically. However, we can use the power of unplugging with tabletop gaming to help students connect with one another and their learning! Learn how modern tabletop games can help your students apply core 21st century skills in any learning task! Participants will have time to try out games that they can use in their classrooms!
Speakers
avatar for Alex T. Valencic (Test)

Alex T. Valencic (Test)

Professional Learning Coordinator, Freeport School District 145
Alex T. Valencic is an educator, former small business owner, Boy Scout leader, volunteer drug prevention specialist, and geek of all things. Alex has worked as a substitute teacher, fourth grade teacher, and curriculum coordinator. Since July 2021, he has been serving as the Professional... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
Room 405 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

2:00pm EDT

Teach Happier this School Year
In this interactive session, you will learn realistic, manageable and proactive strategies based in positive psychology that will help us achieve work/life satisfaction as we navigate this unique time of teaching. These small and manageable shifts, practiced over time, will help us teach happier, parent happier, partner happier, work happier, and increase our overall happiness and well-being.   
Speakers
avatar for Suzanne Dailey

Suzanne Dailey

Instructional Coach, Central Bucks School District
Suzanne Dailey is an instructional coach in the Central Bucks School District, where she has the honor and joy of working with over 600 elementary teachers and 9,000 students. She teaches model lessons, facilitates professional development sessions, and mentors teachers to be the... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
Room 406 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

2:00pm EDT

Turn Teach Better INSPIRATION into ACTION
The Teach Better Conference is full of amazing ideas to help you, well, teach better! But how do you capture those ideas and ensure they make it into the classroom? Attend this session. You'll take the time NOW to organize your ideas to craft a plan to implement Teach Better inspiration and resources. Plus, gain strategies to increase the impact of any future PD. Get your creative juices flowing and make the most of your time as you continue to teach better. 
Speakers
avatar for Darcy Bakkegard

Darcy Bakkegard

Co-Founder & PD Coach, The Educators' Lab
Darcy is an English/Theatre teacher and professional development coach who got tired of traditional sit-n-get PD and now creates the type of PD she always wanted. With 10 years of experience teaching English and Theatre, Darcy specializes in interactive strategies for the classroom... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
Room 412 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

2:00pm EDT

You Are #1
You remember your favorite teacher, don’t you?

How about your least favorite teacher?

Some were good…

Some were not so good…

Some were REALLY good…

And, some were just plain AWFUL!

Teachers have remarkable impacts on everyone. YOUR students deserve to have the best teacher in front of them at all times. In You Are #1, stories and science merge in order to create an understanding about how the power of a teacher stays with everyone for the rest of their lives. See why YOU remember those individuals from YOUR days in school and learn how YOU can become the #1 best teacher and role model for each and every one of your students who learns from YOU every single day.

In YOU ARE #1, Blair and Jetter outline research-based characteristics and brain research to explain how teachers SHOULD be and how they WOULD WANT to be in order to improve education EVERYWHERE for all eternity!
Speakers
avatar for Holly Blair

Holly Blair

Executive Director, Maine Principals' Association
Dr. Holly Blair is an educator, author, speaker, and state executive director.  She has worked in education for over 20 years.  She has held the positions of: elementary and middle level teacher, principal, Assistant Executive Director and Executive Director for the Maine Principals... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Rick Jetter

Dr. Rick Jetter

Co-Founder, Pushing Boundaries Consulting, LLC
Dr. Rick Jetter is a Co-Founder of Pushing Boundaries Consulting, LLC; author of various books for educators, speaker and trainer, and the Asst. Head of Schools at WNY Maritime Charter School. He is ranked #6 in the World’s Top 30 Global Gurus in Education. You can learn more about... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
Room 418 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Breakout Session

2:30pm EDT

BElieve, BE Awesome, BE YOU!
Get ready to experience the Power of Positive Energy as Niki introduces core principles that will transform your personal and professional life! Niki is a former Head Start Teacher and Parent who empowers audiences to BElieve! BE Awesome! BE YOU!  Niki encourages audiences to look for beauty underneath the struggle so that they're focused on the possibilities in every moment.  This session will inspire you to create your best life NOW!
Speakers
avatar for Niki Spears

Niki Spears

Business Owner, Culture Cre8ion
Niki Spears is a former Head Start Parent, Teacher and Administrator who ignites passion for understanding personal culture and taking 100% responsibility for your thoughts, behaviors, and results to move audiences create the life of their dreams! In her book, The Beauty Underneath... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 2:30pm - 2:50pm EDT
Room 504 National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School
  Teach Better Talk

3:00pm EDT

CLOSING KEYNOTE - RAE HUGHART & JEFF GARGAS - The Challenge of A Lifetime
Speakers
avatar for Rae Hughart

Rae Hughart

Chief Experience Officer, Teach Better Team
Rae Hughart is the CXO for the Teach Better Team, TEDx Speaker, Educator, and author of “Teachers Deserve It” and “Teach Better” books. Growing up with IEP support after being diagnosed SLD in Reading, Writing, and Math, Rae has worked with other educators and districts on... Read More →
avatar for Jeff Gargas

Jeff Gargas

COO / Co-Founder, Teach Better Team
Jeff is the COO/Co-founder of the Teach Better Team and co-author of “Teach Better.” He works with educators to increase student engagement and improve student success. Jeff previously owned an online marketing firm, where he worked with entrepreneurs and small businesses. He... Read More →

Saturday October 15, 2022 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Great Room sponsored by Road to Awesome
  Keynote

6:30pm EDT

NETWORKING EVENT - WING WAREHOUSE
Help us wrap up the 2022 Teach Better Conference!
Join us Saturday evening for some networking fun!

ADDRESS: 4165 Wyoga Lake Rd, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44224
Saturday October 15, 2022 6:30pm - 11:30pm EDT
Wing Warehouse
  Networking Event
 
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