Eric Twadell, PhD, is the superintendent of Adlai E. Stevenson District 125 in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Prior to his role as superintendent, Dr. Twadell served Stevenson as a social studies teacher, curriculum director, and assistant superintendent for leadership and organizational development.
Stevenson High School recently received its fifth National Blue Ribbon Award and is one of only six schools to win the United States Department of Education (USD) National Blue Ribbon Award on five different occasions. Stevenson was also one of the first comprehensive schools designated as a New American High School by USDE as a model of successful school reform. Stevenson has been described by the United States Department of Education as “the most recognized and celebrated school in America.” In the popular press, Stevenson High School has been repeatedly cited as one of America’s top high schools and the “birthplace” of Professional Learning Communities at Work®.
In addition to his teaching and leadership roles, Dr. Twadell has been involved in coaching numerous athletic teams and facilitating outdoor education and adventure travel programs. He is a member of many professional organizations, including Learning Forward and ASCD, and he earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from Loyola University Chicago.
Tina McCord is the founder and CEO of ZUNI. She had 15 years of experience in business prior to entering the field of education. She has over 20 years of experience in the field of education. Tina holds certifications in K-8 general education and K-12 special education. Her... Read More →
Participants will experience a fun blend of dance cardio, strength training, and upbeat music designed for all fitness levels. Whether you’re a longtime fitness enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to boost your energy during PD Palooza, this session offers a great opportunity to relieve stress, build community, and prioritize wellness while having a blast!
Listening to our students, peers, and colleagues is easy. Listening *well* is difficult. In this session, we will review different “listening styles” and consider tips and suggestions for active and meaningful listening.
Organizational Development Manager, Conway Regional Health System
As the Organizational Development Manager for Conway Regional Health System, I manage and support the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs that promote the professional development and continuous learning of our team members - especially that of current and emerging... Read More →
TRIS exists because in Arkansas, two-thirds of youth will face at least one potentially traumatic event before adulthood and educators often see the impacts of those events on their campus. This presentation is an overview of the trainings, resources and supports TRIS offers to school staff to help them prepare, support and respond to traumatic events. At the end of this presentation the audience will walk away with access to trainings for school staff on how to help them become more trauma-informed and trauma responsive on their campus. Participants will gain knowledge on how to use the TRIS Crisis Support Toolkit in their school’s preparation and response to traumatic events.
Using real case studies and hearings before the Arkansas State Board of Education come learn how to avoid ethical pitfalls in the ever evolving world of education.
Description - Students’ brains are constantly developing, and their behavior, attention, emotional regulation, and learning needs reflect the stage of development they are in. This session will provide an overview of typical brain development across childhood and adolescence and explore how these developmental changes influence behavior and learning in the classroom. Participants will learn practical, developmentally appropriate strategies that can be implemented at different grade levels to support students’ cognitive, social, and emotional growth.
Objectives - By the end of this session, participants will be able to: Describe key stages of typical brain development across childhood and adolescence and how these stages influence learning and behavior. Apply developmentally appropriate instructional and behavioral strategies that align with students’ cognitive and self-regulation capacities. Adjust classroom expectations and supports to better match students’ developmental needs.
In this session, teachers will learn about how to use Google Chat and Google Space to effectively collaborate. These platforms have many advantages for both communication and organization which will be explained and demonstrated. Participants should bring their laptop.
Want students leaning in instead of checking out? Join us for an engaging session packed with fast, low-prep, and effective strategies to boost curiosity, participation, and active learning throughout your entire lesson. Teachers can expect interactive demonstrations, ready-to-use ideas, and tools that you can bring straight back to your classroom.
This session equips general education teachers with practical strategies to support students with diverse learning needs. Participants will learn to distinguish between accommodations and modifications, identify strategies that maintain high expectations while promoting student success, and apply grade-level appropriate supports directly to lesson planning. Emphasis will be placed on fostering student independence and confidence, and on collaborating effectively with special education staff to implement these strategies in the classroom. By the end of the session, teachers will be prepared to adapt at least one lesson to include targeted accommodations or modifications that enhance access and engagement for all learners.
Using literature to teach math in grades K–7 integrates storytelling with mathematical concepts to deepen understanding and engagement. Through carefully selected books, students can explore topics such as counting, patterns, measurement, geometry, and problem-solving in meaningful, real-world contexts. Literature helps make abstract ideas more concrete by connecting math to characters, situations, and visuals, which is especially beneficial for younger learners. It also supports vocabulary development, critical thinking, and discussion, allowing students to explain their reasoning and make connections across subjects. By embedding math within stories, teachers create a more inclusive and engaging learning environment that appeals to diverse learning styles and fosters a positive attitude toward mathematics.
Teachers will explore how to move beyond memorization of vocabulary words using various strategies to incorporate vocabulary usage in meaningful ways across the subjects.
Schools increasingly collaborate with outside providers such as ABA therapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and behavioral specialists who support students during the school day. While these partnerships can greatly benefit students, school staff often have questions about roles, communication, expectations, and maintaining a positive classroom environment. This interactive session will provide educators and administrators with practical strategies for working effectively with outside providers while maintaining the integrity of classroom instruction and school procedures. Participants will explore clear communication practices, collaborative problem-solving strategies, and ways to support students when multiple professionals are involved in the educational setting.
This session will focus on how to support ELL students with your GEN ED curriculum with appropriate modifications while also challenging your Emerging ELL students to engage with your content.
In this session, participants will practice speaking, listening, and having a short conversation in Spanish with the goal of being able to communicate with Spanish-speaking students and their parents.
Participants will learn how to transform the Rite Flight Comprehension Mystery strategies into a real-life who-dunnit unit that integrates reading and writing skills.
This training provides educators and school staff with a foundational understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including the different levels of support needs and the behavioral characteristics commonly observed in school settings. Participants will explore how autism can impact communication, social interaction, sensory processing, and behavior. The training will also address how these characteristics may present in the classroom and how staff can respond in ways that support student success and reduce misunderstandings about behavior.
Teachers face increasing demands on their time, from lesson planning and assessment creation to parent communication and administrative tasks. This session introduces educators to the free version of ChatGPT as a practical tool to improve efficiency and enhance instructional practices.
Participants will learn how ChatGPT differs from familiar tools such as Google Search and Google Drive, and how it can generate customized materials rather than simply locating information.
Through live demonstrations and guided practice, educators will explore how ChatGPT can support: lesson planning and instructional design, assessment and rubric creation, differentiation and scaffolding, communication with families and colleagues, routine administrative tasks
Session Objectives By the end of the session, participants will: understand how ChatGPT functions and how it differs from traditional search tools, identify multiple ways ChatGPT can save time and improve workflow, practice using effective prompts to generate classroom-ready materials, evaluate appropriate and responsible uses of AI in education
K-12 educational institutions are increasingly integrating digital resources and providing students with unprecedented access to information and learning tools. This digital expansion brings the critical responsibility of protecting students from inappropriate or harmful online content. With Blocksi, classroom screen monitoring gives you in-time control and an overview of what each student is doing, which helps boost classroom productivity. You can know exactly who is on the task at hand and who is distracted by something unrelated to class work. Let's explore these classroom management strategies within Blocksi to help our learners thrive!
District Technology Integration Specialist, Conway Public Schools
An enthusiastic educator with over 17 years of experience in teaching, staff development, and education technology. Serves as the Technology Integration Specialist for Conway Public Schools in Conway, Arkansas. Background in social studies and economics. Passionate about digital citizenship... Read More →
Thursday July 16, 2026 10:20am - 11:05am CDT CHS Project Lab 102Conway High School 2300 Prince St. Conway, AR. 72034
This professional development session will equip mid-level and secondary educators (5-12) with the foundational knowledge and practical tools needed to identify, support, and accelerate students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties using RITE Flight strategies grounded in the Science of Reading.
In this session, we will dive into specific lessons we teach in D3/G3, how the have the hard conversations with students, and beginning planning on your own D3/G3 groups. Through our efforts, we have been able to decrease disciplinary actions and increase GPA of our students.
My name is Chuck German. I am a father, husband and educator. I have been teaching for 16 years. I have coached baseball, softball, and girl's basketball. I have taught a variety of subjects from Driver's Education to Physics. I currently teach Health and Physical Education... Read More →
This workshop was developed for school teams who have started RTI but are still refining processes or experiencing challenges. The presenter has worked with hundreds of schools throughout North America and can help your school make RTI efficient, effective, and equitable. RTI work must be divided between collaborative teacher teams and two schoolwide teams (a leadership team and an intervention team). Together, the entire school assumes responsibility for the learning of every student.
Tina McCord is the founder and CEO of ZUNI. She had 15 years of experience in business prior to entering the field of education. She has over 20 years of experience in the field of education. Tina holds certifications in K-8 general education and K-12 special education. Her... Read More →
Participants will experience a fun blend of dance cardio, strength training, and upbeat music designed for all fitness levels. Whether you’re a longtime fitness enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to boost your energy during PD Palooza, this session offers a great opportunity to relieve stress, build community, and prioritize wellness while having a blast!
Conflict is inevitable for most of us. Learning to navigate conflict with our students, peers, and colleagues is an essential professional skill. In this session we will review several common conflict management modes (or styles) that many people use and provide recommendations for how to incorporate that knowledge into the conflicts we face.
Organizational Development Manager, Conway Regional Health System
As the Organizational Development Manager for Conway Regional Health System, I manage and support the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs that promote the professional development and continuous learning of our team members - especially that of current and emerging... Read More →
TRIS exists because in Arkansas, two-thirds of youth will face at least one potentially traumatic event before adulthood and educators often see the impacts of those events on their campus. This presentation is an overview of the trainings, resources and supports TRIS offers to school staff to help them prepare, support and respond to traumatic events. At the end of this presentation the audience will walk away with access to trainings for school staff on how to help them become more trauma-informed and trauma responsive on their campus. Participants will gain knowledge on how to use the TRIS Crisis Support Toolkit in their school’s preparation and response to traumatic events.
Learn how to make the most of Apptegy in this hands-on training session designed for educators and staff. Participants will explore tools and features that help streamline communication, share classroom and school highlights, and keep families informed and engaged. Whether you are new to the platform or looking to sharpen your skills, this session will provide practical tips and strategies for using Apptegy effectively and confidently.
This interactive professional development session models practical alternatives to lecture that preserve rigor while increasing engagement. Teachers will experience collaborative learning strategies specifically tailored to secondary social studies instruction. Participants will leave with ready-to-implement strategies and a redesigned lesson that shifts the cognitive load from teacher delivery to student thinking.
I wear many hats at CJHS: Civics Teacher, Social Studies Dept Chair, Student Leadership Council Advisor, Peer Tutoring Coordinator, and Cat Nation Christmas Co-Sponsor. I was the 2018 Teacher of the Year for CJHS and the 2019 Harry Readnour Exemplary History Day Teacher for the state... Read More →
Ever sit through a session and it is drier than the Sahara and it is a struggle to stay awake? Students face this struggle everyday with content that they feel is irrelevant to their daily lives or content that is simply "boring". With student attention spans becoming lower and lower the content needs to evolve. This session will show strategies that can take a boring and dry content and bring hands on learning strategies that keep the students wondering "What will happen next?"
Participants will be able to identify characteristics of engaging vs. non-engaging instructional practices and take the "bland" content and transform it into an engaging lesson that is fun for all learners.
This presentation aims to elevate the voices of neurodivergent females, their caregivers, and professionals, while identifying the systemic barriers that contribute to gender disparities in ADHD recognition and treatment. This presentation seeks to strengthen the understanding of this population by employing advocacy efforts and education to create a focused and impactful contribution for educators within their classroom and community.
Model how to collaboratively co-construct classroom social contracts that help students have buy-in to classroom culture. The goal of the social contracts is to create shared expectations that foster a positive, respectful, and inclusive learning environment. The process modeled promotes student ownership, accountability, and a sense of belonging, transforming classroom management from teacher-imposed rules to a shared, community-driven culture. Included with the process is a way to also incorporate a classroom vision that helps give a greater purpose to the learning as well.
We will share about our "community circle" strategy to make authentic connections with students as well as share stories of the impact teachers have on students.
Discover practical and meaningful ways to use formative assessment in the elementary classroom to drive student learning and engagement. This session will explore strategies for checking understanding, providing timely feedback, and using data to adjust instruction in real time. Participants will leave with ready-to-use ideas and tools that support student growth, encourage active learning, and help make instruction more responsive and effective across content areas
This session equips general education teachers with practical strategies to support students with diverse learning needs. Participants will learn to distinguish between accommodations and modifications, identify strategies that maintain high expectations while promoting student success, and apply grade-level appropriate supports directly to lesson planning. Emphasis will be placed on fostering student independence and confidence, and on collaborating effectively with special education staff to implement these strategies in the classroom. By the end of the session, teachers will be prepared to adapt at least one lesson to include targeted accommodations or modifications that enhance access and engagement for all learners.
Engagement isn’t accidental — it’s engineered. In this high-impact session, teachers will explore proven strategies that amplify student voice, increase cognitive demand, and foster sustained growth. Participants will leave with concrete structures, adaptable strategies, and a clearer understanding of how to build classroom momentum that lasts all year.
Want students leaning in instead of checking out? Join us for an engaging session packed with fast, low-prep, and effective strategies to boost curiosity, participation, and active learning throughout your entire lesson. Teachers can expect interactive demonstrations, ready-to-use ideas, and tools that you can bring straight back to your classroom.
This professional development focuses on clarifying teacher expectations of parental engagement in reading. Grounded in the Arkansas Right to Read Act, the session will outline the specific responsibilities teachers hold, including implementing evidence-based practices with fidelity, utilizing literacy screening and progress monitoring data, and maintaining accurate documentation of student support. In addition, the session will emphasize required parent engagement expectations, such as timely and clear communication of student progress, notification of reading deficiencies, and the development and sharing of read-at-home plans aligned to individual student needs. Teachers will gain a clear understanding of their role in ensuring compliance with state requirements while fostering transparent, consistent communication with families to support student literacy growth.
This session focuses on the collaborative “dance” between general education and special education teachers in a co-taught classroom. Participants will explore effective co-teaching models, communication strategies, and shared responsibilities that lead to improved student outcomes. The session emphasizes practical ways to plan, instruct, and assess together while supporting diverse learners, including students with IEPs and 504 plans. Teachers will leave with actionable strategies to create a balanced, engaging, and inclusive classroom where both educators actively contribute and all students can succeed.
Description - Early experiences shape brain development. While supportive relationships promote healthy development, exposure to chronic stress and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can alter how the brain develops and functions. These changes can influence attention, behavior, emotional regulation, and learning in the classroom. This session will provide an overview of how trauma and adverse childhood experiences affect the developing brain and how these impacts may appear in school settings. Participants will explore how trauma can influence students’ stress responses, executive functioning, and relationships with adults and peers.
Objectives - By the end of this session, participants will be able to: Describe how chronic stress and adverse childhood experiences can impact brain development. Recognize common classroom behaviors that may be linked to trauma-related stress responses. Explain how trauma can affect attention, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and learning.
The first part of my session would focus on opening paragraph writing techniques used (the WITS and BITS method that is used at the high school in AP World and AP US History respectively) that can start at lower grades and then build up to the high school level. The second part would focus on how teachers could help students with primary and secondary document analysis. The long-range goal is to provide vertical alignment so that when students reach the high school level, they will have a working knowledge of terminology and the basics of items they will see at the high school on a more in-depth level. Writing and document analysis have been among the biggest problems in the advanced courses, especially among students who have not previously taken an AP course.
K-12 educational institutions are increasingly integrating digital resources and providing students with unprecedented access to information and learning tools. This digital expansion brings the critical responsibility of protecting students from inappropriate or harmful online content. With Blocksi, classroom screen monitoring gives you in-time control and an overview of what each student is doing, which helps boost classroom productivity. You can know exactly who is on the task at hand and who is distracted by something unrelated to class work. Let's explore these classroom management strategies within Blocksi to help our learners thrive!
District Technology Integration Specialist, Conway Public Schools
An enthusiastic educator with over 17 years of experience in teaching, staff development, and education technology. Serves as the Technology Integration Specialist for Conway Public Schools in Conway, Arkansas. Background in social studies and economics. Passionate about digital citizenship... Read More →
Thursday July 16, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT CHS Project Lab 102Conway High School 2300 Prince St. Conway, AR. 72034
Participants will experience a fun blend of dance cardio, strength training, and upbeat music designed for all fitness levels. Whether you’re a longtime fitness enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to boost your energy during PD Palooza, this session offers a great opportunity to relieve stress, build community, and prioritize wellness while having a blast!
Be better prepared when your friends and/or colleagues may start to struggle with thoughts of self-harm. In this session, we will discuss answers to these kinds of questions: What are the risk factors for suicide? How do we ask about or assess for suicidal thoughts and behaviors? What do we do to help?
Organizational Development Manager, Conway Regional Health System
As the Organizational Development Manager for Conway Regional Health System, I manage and support the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs that promote the professional development and continuous learning of our team members - especially that of current and emerging... Read More →
TRIS exists because in Arkansas, two-thirds of youth will face at least one potentially traumatic event before adulthood and educators often see the impacts of those events on their campus. This presentation is an overview of the trainings, resources and supports TRIS offers to school staff to help them prepare, support and respond to traumatic events. At the end of this presentation the audience will walk away with access to trainings for school staff on how to help them become more trauma-informed and trauma responsive on their campus. Participants will gain knowledge on how to use the TRIS Crisis Support Toolkit in their school’s preparation and response to traumatic events.
Centers are one of the most powerful structures in a kindergarten classroom, but without clear systems they can quickly become overwhelming and difficult to manage. Centers That Work is designed to help educators create meaningful, engaging center experiences that promote independence, reinforce academic skills, and maximize instructional time.
In this session, participants will learn how to establish clear routines, introduce and manage centers effectively, and design activities that are purposeful without adding unnecessary prep. Emphasis will be placed on building student independence, setting expectations, and creating a classroom environment where centers run smoothly and productively through purposeful play.
Join the General Counsel for a course on how to navigate court connect, how to find court records, how to determine which records are important, and when to seek clarification.
Need help navigating purchasing procedures? Join this informative session led by one of our district bookkeepers to learn the ins and outs of using classroom and department funds. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of purchasing processes, required documentation, timelines, and best practices for submitting requests efficiently. Whether you’re new to the district or just need a refresher, this session will help make purchasing smoother and stress-free.
This professional development training is designed to deepen educators’ understanding of the disability categories recognized under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Participants will explore the characteristics, eligibility criteria, and educational implications of each disability category to better support students receiving special education services.
Objectives: 1. Identify and describe the disability categories defined under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 2. Differentiate between disability categories that may present with similar characteristics. 3. Recognize common characteristics and educational needs associated with each disability category.
Discover practical and meaningful ways to use formative assessment in the elementary classroom to drive student learning and engagement. This session will explore strategies for checking understanding, providing timely feedback, and using data to adjust instruction in real time. Participants will leave with ready-to-use ideas and tools that support student growth, encourage active learning, and help make instruction more responsive and effective across content areas
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
This is an engaging, practical professional development session designed to equip teachers with ready-to-use brain breaks that boost student attention, improve behavior, and increase engagement. Integrating brain breaks into instructional time will help students refocus, recharge, and return to the lesson ready to learn.
I wear many hats at CJHS: Civics Teacher, Social Studies Dept Chair, Student Leadership Council Advisor, Peer Tutoring Coordinator, and Cat Nation Christmas Co-Sponsor. I was the 2018 Teacher of the Year for CJHS and the 2019 Harry Readnour Exemplary History Day Teacher for the state... Read More →
Engagement isn’t accidental — it’s engineered. In this high-impact session, teachers will explore proven strategies that amplify student voice, increase cognitive demand, and foster sustained growth. Participants will leave with concrete structures, adaptable strategies, and a clearer understanding of how to build classroom momentum that lasts all year.
This session equips general education teachers with practical strategies to support students with diverse learning needs. Participants will learn to distinguish between accommodations and modifications, identify strategies that maintain high expectations while promoting student success, and apply grade-level appropriate supports directly to lesson planning. Emphasis will be placed on fostering student independence and confidence, and on collaborating effectively with special education staff to implement these strategies in the classroom. By the end of the session, teachers will be prepared to adapt at least one lesson to include targeted accommodations or modifications that enhance access and engagement for all learners.
This professional development will provide teachers with essential information for effectively incorporating parent volunteers into their classrooms. Participants will learn procedures for volunteer involvement, review a volunteer sign-up process, and explore ways volunteers can support literacy instruction. Teachers will leave with clear guidance on leveraging volunteers to enhance classroom literacy instruction.
This session addresses the growing challenge of student apathy, low participation, and reluctance to engage in classroom tasks. This workshop will explore the underlying causes of disengagement and provide practical, classroom-tested strategies to re-engage learners. Objectives: - Identify key factors contributing to student disengagement and apathy - Examine research-based strategies that increase student participation and motivation - Model and experience active learning techniques that can be used across content areas
Strong family partnerships are essential to student success, yet many teachers feel unsure about how to communicate academic progress and concerns clearly and confidently. This interactive session will provide elementary educators with practical strategies for building positive relationships with families and communicating student needs in a clear, supportive, and parent-friendly way. Participants will learn a simple framework for sharing strengths, concerns, and next steps, along with strategies for explaining academic data, navigating difficult conversations, and providing families with meaningful ways to support learning at home. Through collaboration and practice, teachers will leave with ready-to-use tools that can be implemented immediately to strengthen school–home communication and support student growth.
This professional development session will equip mid-level and secondary educators (5-12) with the foundational knowledge and practical tools needed to identify, support, and accelerate students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties using RITE Flight strategies grounded in the Science of Reading.
An engaging session designed to help you and your students unlock the transformative power of art therapy. In this workshop, we will explore creative techniques that free your mind and foster self-expression, providing a valuable extension to your existing frameworks. This session will offer practical strategies to incorporate art therapy into your teaching practice. This can help students express themselves more fully and explore their creativity in safe, meaningful ways. You and they may discover new perspectives and deepen your connection to the arts as a tool for healing and growth.
In this session, we will dive into specific lessons we teach in D3/G3, how the have the hard conversations with students, and beginning planning on your own D3/G3 groups. Through our efforts, we have been able to decrease disciplinary actions and increase GPA of our students.
My name is Chuck German. I am a father, husband and educator. I have been teaching for 16 years. I have coached baseball, softball, and girl's basketball. I have taught a variety of subjects from Driver's Education to Physics. I currently teach Health and Physical Education... Read More →
Education can drain the life out of us if we aren't careful. Stress and burnout are real, but they are less about individual coping skills or personality traits. They are more about organizational factors and the culture of a team, building, or district. This session will cover the organizational factors that contribute to stress and burnout and discuss ways to adjust accordingly.
Organizational Development Manager, Conway Regional Health System
As the Organizational Development Manager for Conway Regional Health System, I manage and support the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs that promote the professional development and continuous learning of our team members - especially that of current and emerging... Read More →
Participants will experience a fun blend of dance cardio, strength training, and upbeat music designed for all fitness levels. Whether you’re a longtime fitness enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to boost your energy during PD Palooza, this session offers a great opportunity to relieve stress, build community, and prioritize wellness while having a blast!
TRIS exists because in Arkansas, two-thirds of youth will face at least one potentially traumatic event before adulthood and educators often see the impacts of those events on their campus. This presentation is an overview of the trainings, resources and supports TRIS offers to school staff to help them prepare, support and respond to traumatic events. At the end of this presentation the audience will walk away with access to trainings for school staff on how to help them become more trauma-informed and trauma responsive on their campus. Participants will gain knowledge on how to use the TRIS Crisis Support Toolkit in their school’s preparation and response to traumatic events.
We will reflect on successes and challenges from the Arts and Letters pilot. Our focus will be on the successes, challenges, and navigating through the resources.
What if your campus could offer students one of the most respected leadership and service honors in the nation? In this session, we’ll explore how to establish a chapter of National Beta Club at your school and why it’s such a powerful opportunity for students and campuses alike.
Rooted in its four pillars—Achievement, Character, Leadership, and Service—National Beta recognizes and develops students who exemplify excellence both in and beyond the classroom. This is more than a club; it’s a prestigious honor society that celebrates high standards, cultivates servant leadership, and opens doors to scholarships, recognition, and lifelong impact.
This interactive PD session is designed to harness the collective expertise of both novice and veteran teachers. Rather than focusing on one “expert model,” participants will engage in structured collaboration to share real-world classroom management strategies that have worked for them. Teachers will leave with a classroom management toolkit, peer-tested strategies, and connections to colleagues for ongoing support.
I wear many hats at CJHS: Civics Teacher, Social Studies Dept Chair, Student Leadership Council Advisor, Peer Tutoring Coordinator, and Cat Nation Christmas Co-Sponsor. I was the 2018 Teacher of the Year for CJHS and the 2019 Harry Readnour Exemplary History Day Teacher for the state... Read More →
Centers are one of the most powerful structures in a kindergarten classroom, but without clear systems they can quickly become overwhelming and difficult to manage. Centers That Work is designed to help educators create meaningful, engaging center experiences that promote independence, reinforce academic skills, and maximize instructional time.
In this session, participants will learn how to establish clear routines, introduce and manage centers effectively, and design activities that are purposeful without adding unnecessary prep. Emphasis will be placed on building student independence, setting expectations, and creating a classroom environment where centers run smoothly and productively through purposeful play.
Did you know the CPSD Warehouse offers a wide variety of classroom and office supplies at low cost for teachers and departments? Join this session to learn how warehouse purchasing works, explore available materials, and discover budget-friendly ways to stock your classroom with the items you need. Participants will get an inside look at what the warehouse has to offer and how to make the most of this valuable district resource.
This professional development will explore what a high-quality elementary literacy block should include to ensure strong core instruction plus additional support for all students. Participants will examine key components such as data-driven decision making, whole group instruction, small group and partner reading, and gradual release of responsibility. The session will also cover focused skill instruction, word study, oral language development, and daily writing, providing teachers with strategies to maximize student engagement and literacy growth. If time permits, participants can discuss needs within their classroom with district reading specialists (resources and professional development).
This session will help general education teachers better understand how to effectively support English Learners (ELs) in the classroom. The session will focus on practical strategies that can be applied immediately during instruction. Participants will explore instructional supports and language accommodations that help English Learners access grade-level content while continuing to develop their English language skills. Teachers will review common ESOL supports, strategies for scaffolding instruction, and ways to build language development into daily lessons. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of their role in supporting multilingual learners while maintaining high expectations and equitable access to learning for all students.
This session equips general education teachers with practical strategies to support students with diverse learning needs. Participants will learn to distinguish between accommodations and modifications, identify strategies that maintain high expectations while promoting student success, and apply grade-level appropriate supports directly to lesson planning. Emphasis will be placed on fostering student independence and confidence, and on collaborating effectively with special education staff to implement these strategies in the classroom. By the end of the session, teachers will be prepared to adapt at least one lesson to include targeted accommodations or modifications that enhance access and engagement for all learners.
This training provides educators and support staff with an overview of how to respond to student misbehavior using a function-based approach. Participants will learn how to identify the most common functions of behavior (escape, attention, access to tangibles, and sensory/automatic reinforcement) and how adult responses can unintentionally reinforce problem behavior. The training will focus on practical strategies for responding to behaviors in ways that address the underlying function while teaching and reinforcing appropriate replacement behaviors. Staff will review common classroom scenarios and practice selecting responses that reduce problem behavior and support positive student outcomes.
You cannot pour from an empty cup. You cannot be the solid object your students hold onto if you're barely holding it together yourself. Self-care and "family-care" (specifically your "edu-team") are intentional investments that are critical to your success, wellness and growth. This session will include: What is the struggle bus? How did I get on it? How do I get off? and provide specific, actionable ways to protect your time and reignite your fire!
This session addresses the growing challenge of student apathy, low participation, and reluctance to engage in classroom tasks. This workshop will explore the underlying causes of disengagement and provide practical, classroom-tested strategies to re-engage learners. Objectives: - Identify key factors contributing to student disengagement and apathy - Examine research-based strategies that increase student participation and motivation - Model and experience active learning techniques that can be used across content areas
This session focuses on the collaborative “dance” between general education and special education teachers in a co-taught classroom. Participants will explore effective co-teaching models, communication strategies, and shared responsibilities that lead to improved student outcomes. The session emphasizes practical ways to plan, instruct, and assess together while supporting diverse learners, including students with IEPs and 504 plans. Teachers will leave with actionable strategies to create a balanced, engaging, and inclusive classroom where both educators actively contribute and all students can succeed.
Description - Early experiences shape brain development. While supportive relationships promote healthy development, exposure to chronic stress and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can alter how the brain develops and functions. These changes can influence attention, behavior, emotional regulation, and learning in the classroom. This session will provide an overview of how trauma and adverse childhood experiences affect the developing brain and how these impacts may appear in school settings. Participants will explore how trauma can influence students’ stress responses, executive functioning, and relationships with adults and peers.
Objectives - By the end of this session, participants will be able to: Describe how chronic stress and adverse childhood experiences can impact brain development. Recognize common classroom behaviors that may be linked to trauma-related stress responses. Explain how trauma can affect attention, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and learning.
