Moving the Middle Forward
PLEASE NOTE: This Conference Has Now Transitioned to Individual Sessions Online; It Will No Longer Take Place on March 12
Spend a Day with Other Middle Level Educators
We understand that this was not the right time to offer a Saturday conference. We are planning to offer some of these sessions online instead, and will also start to plan an in-person conference, perhaps next fall.
We were not hoping to hold this conference to make money: we were offering this as a service to allow middle level educators an opportunity to have some positive experiences in the presence of other advocates for adolescents. Our board members have told us that they are "zoomed out" and would like to see people in person! We made this mid-day Saturday so that you would have time to do things before and after, and would not need to worry about substitute teachers.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
What Encanto Can Teach Us About our PLCs
You've seen the movie, heard the songs, and aren't quite sure if you ever want to hear the name Bruno again. But! Have you considered the connections between the Family Madrigal and dynamics of your own professional learning communities? If you're looking for a light-hearted AND seriously relevant session that will help you better support your teachers by helping them better understand, empathize, and support one another in their PLC teams, then this session is for you. From school administrators, to teachers, to counselors and support staff--we're all important members of our school families, and we all need a strong sense of belonging to bring our best selves to the table. This interactive session will help you dive deep (quickly) into team dynamics, and you'll leave with tangible takeaways you can use with your staff (to bring a little bit of Encanto to their days!)
Tools, Toys, and Mentor Texts for Teaching SEL Skills
As a classroom teacher, you know that it is not only a challenge to meet students' academic needs, but also their unique social and emotional needs. Learn strategies to deal with some of these issues and how to help kids develop appropriate mindsets and coping strategies in a positive way. As a teacher for 25 years, from first grade through college level, I have helped create programming and lessons for the social and emotional growth of students for my district. I have also written many books on the topic.
I will share ideas for helping our students who need to hone their leadership skills, provide tips for giving perfectionists a proper perspective, help you develop confidence in your shy students, and give teachers tools to motivate their unmotivated students. This session is packed with practical strategies, props that aid in remembering the lessons, mentor text recommendations, and hands-on lessons you will use for years to come.
Shannon will also have some of her books available for purchase.
Using Quantiles to Differentiate Your Math Classroom
Jeff Harker, now at Keep Indiana Learning, is a 32 year veteran of Mathematics education, many of them at the middle level. He also spent 5 years as a Literacy Coach and has conducted workshops at the district, state, and national levels. He is leading a free series at KIL on grading during February.
Boredom Busters: Transforming Worksheets, Lectures, and Grading into Engaging Learning Experiences
Sometimes we have the perfect activity to support a lesson. And sometimes...we don't. What do we do when our lesson plan just reads, "page 147"? Boredom Busters are low- or no-prep activities that transform our ordinary worksheets and lectures into novel, exciting, engaging learning experiences, perfect for any grade level or content area. Curious? Your students will be too. And they'll want to come back for more tomorrow. Bonus: From Katie's new book, Frustration Busters, learn a new way to look at common classroom management frustrations!
Participants will be engaged through a "choose your own adventure" interactive approach using Pear Deck and will participate in many of the strategies covered. Participants will leave the session with many ready-to-implement ideas.
(We've also encouraged Katie to bring some of her books for purchase)
YA Development: Who Are These People, And What Do I Do With Them?
How and Why You Should Be An LGBTQ+ Ally
Presenter: Kimberly Fidler
There are many questions for all school employees about how and why they should be allies to LGBTQ+ students and adults. Participants in this session will receive answers to these questions and learn about how to help others become allies with a curriculum that offers a variety of activities that can be used for training for new and more experienced school employees. There will also be tips about how to make the community more affirming for LGBTQ+ people.Tech Updates with Five-Star Technnology
Also from IDOE: Supports for Students
Feel Free to Check Out Our Website & Our Most Recent Newsletter
Indiana Middle Level Education Association
Email: IMLEA_ED@iasp.org
Website: www.imlea.org
Location: 11025 East 25th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46229
Phone: 317.894.2937
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IMLEA-Indiana-Middle-Level-Education-Association-170748717595
Twitter: @imlea_org