Building Engagement for young writers would have a learning goal that attendees would leave with a few concrete strategies for how to get kids excited about writing. We would select a few strategies that we use often and showcase how we do them, but that they are transferable to other writing projects as well. From classroom podcasts to letters to the mayor, all with the ultimate goal of giving writing a purpose outside of the classroom and enhancing student engagement.
In this session we explore how shared writing experiences can foster inclusion, empathy, and a stronger sense of “Writer Identity.” Participants will explore lessons and the intent behind creating the shared experience that allows students to confidently and collaboratively share ideas, listen to diverse perspectives, and build inclusive writing communities. We will look at the value that a writing community brings to all writers through experiential learning, a zoom out for ‘teacher moves” and the research that supports it. The session will include model lessons, activities, and opportunities to reflect on how inclusive writing practices support social-emotional learning and literacy development. Admin and teachers will leave with routines, strategies as well as conferencing techniques to create a classroom culture where every writer feels seen, heard, and valued.
High school media students produced audiobooks, transferred them to themed Tonies, and donated them with Tonieboxes to elementary students. This session explores this project's process, benefits, and impact on literacy and inter-grade collaboration. We will share how to replicate this project.
Missy Rivera has over 15 years of experience as a library professional and currently serves as the Instructional Media Center Coordinator at Anna Middle & High School. Known for her results-driven approach, she has a proven track record of implementing successful literacy programs... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CDT Mundelein 404
I will showcase data driven PLCs led by teachers. Structures and protocols to keep the PLCs focused on data and structures to determine intervention strategies. I will share resources and structures used in PLCs and what data tools are used with individual teacher meetings and whole school meetings to anaylze data and create next steps to improve our practices with entire staff that include teachers and paraprofessionals. ALL is apart of our strategy to move students.
I have 30 years of experience in education serving at all levels. I am currently serving as an Elementary Principal who started her career as a Biology Teacher. I am married with 5 children and 3 grandchildren .
Tuesday July 22, 2025 3:40pm - 4:25pm CDT Mundelein 404
Spark curiosity and bring learning to life with Mystery Science! This session will equip educators with seamlessly integrating inquiry-based lessons that align with standards while fostering deeper student exploration. Join us to discover how Mystery Science can transform your classroom and empower students to think, question, and learn in exciting new ways!
Getting started with Mystery writing would be more similar to a PD about how to use the product and what it offers for students. More like a product showcase for: people who are interested in the product, people who have it for next year and don’t really know what it is or how to teach it, or a “you may have heard about this Mystery Writing thing before… but what is it really? Let’s take a look” This session would also showcase how Mystery Writing has embedded best practices for supporting ALL students as writers.
Explore to myriad of possibilities with Discovery Education Science as we look at ways to make science classes more engaging than ever before with practical tools, instructional strategies, and lesson ideas that will bring excitement and joy the science classroom.
Brad is a passionate educator with over 20 years of educational experience. He began his career teaching in a 3-5 multi-age classroom in rural North Carolina where he utilized some of the earliest educational internet based web resources. He launched one of the first technology based... Read More →
Hailey Adams is the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Engagement for Science at Discovery Education. Hailey attended North Carolina State University graduating with a degree in secondary science education with a speciality in life sciences. Hailey has 10 years of experience... Read More →
Ted Willard is a Senior Subject Matter Expert in Science for Discovery Education where he develops three-dimensional, phenomenon-based science curricula. Before joining Discovery Education, Ted spent eight years as the in-house standards expert for the National Science Teaching Association... Read More →
Thursday July 24, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CDT Mundelein 404
Join us for a collaborative feedback session where educators can share insights, suggestions, and ideas to improve our Social Studies Techbook. Your valuable input will help shape engaging, relevant, and effective learning materials for students. Let’s continue building something meaningful together!
Join fellow Middle School math educators to co-design the future of DreamBox Math! This interactive session will explore potential features including student goal setting and progress monitoring, enhanced teacher controls, student motivation strategies, and social learning experiences. Your feedback will directly influence our product roadmap for grades 6–8.
Kevin is a seasoned product leader with 13 years of experience shaping innovative education technology solutions across K–12 and Higher Education. He currently leads the product strategy and roadmap for the student experience at DreamBox Math, where he focuses on delivering effective... Read More →
Thursday July 24, 2025 3:40pm - 4:25pm CDT Mundelein 404
