Great Teaching Strand
What makes great teaching, and what does it look like in the classroom? Come find out! All sessions that form part of the strand are linked to the research evidence on the things that teachers know and do that have the biggest impact on learning. This stand is curated in partnership with Evidence Based Education.
Sessions to be announced.
Best Bets for Developing Great Teaching
Professional development is one of the few things that schools can influence that will have a considerable impact on student outcomes. As teachers’ knowledge, practices, and beliefs develop, so too does student learning (and achievement) increase. Given the importance of CPD, how should that time be spent? If time is one of most limited resources in education, we should ensure that it is used strategically—in a way that is likely to have an impact. What are the “best bets” for developing teacher expertise is most schools?
C.J. Rauch
Head of Teaching & Learning, Evidence Based Education
Teacher Stories of Creating a Supportive Environment and the Power of the Process
We know there is a link between creating a supportive environment and learning, but how does that translate into teachers intentionally making changes in their classrooms to minimize classroom threats? In this session, we’ll share a collection of middle school educators’ stories and the strategies they implemented to create a culture of risk-taking and a sense of belonging. The discussion will also explore how creating a space where educators feel safe to explore new approaches to teaching and learning is fundamental to the ability to successfully implement change.
Devon Rothschild DeLeonardo
Mentor Behaviour Coach, Carroll County Public Schools
Shannon Zepp
Principal, West Middle School
Making Co-Teaching Work for All Students
Let’s chat about co-teaching! In this collaborative, interactive session participants will learn practical strategies for elevating co-planning, co-teaching and co-assessing while created increased inclusion opportunities for students. Participants will walk away with resources for creating a dynamic, supportive learning environment that benefits all learners in the room!
Barbara Friedlander
Coordinator, Frederick County Public Schools
Planning & Supporting Instruction to Form Critical Thinkers
Students need to think critically about the world and make explicit connections between the classroom and the world. In order to do this in each classroom and school, it’s important to do intentional school wide, department, and individual planning so that students get a coherent experience across their school experience. In this session, we will examine how one school made a collective framework to define critical thinking across the school and aligned it to the post secondary vision for all students. We will look at a working framework one department is using to scaffold critical thinking and skills across their department to ensure that students are building and demonstrating their learning.
David Neagley
Principal, New Visions for Public Schools Humanities II
Illuminating the Interrelatedness of Curriculum, Pedagogy, & Evaluation of Instruction
In this session, participants will explore the connections between what we teach, how we teach it, and how we evaluate our success. Leaning on research and its translation to practice, TeVault will share case studies and examples of strategies to amplify your practice and embrace your school mission. You will gain insights into how to map curriculum, align your pedagogical approach, and evaluate your program to foster improved learning outcomes.
Dr. Darcie L. TeVault
Director Of Professional Learning, Virginia Association of Independent Schools
