Tuesday Breakout

Sessions

Session 1

Tuesday | February 27, 2024 | 10:40 AM - 11:30 AM

  • Building Relationships through Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices
    Culturally Sustaining practices assist educators in bridging the disconnect between home and school. Modern educators realize the need to intentionally focus on bridging this gap while identifying effective methods for employing culturally responsive practices. Understanding how to utilize CRPT and applying those strategies to build relationships in relevant, meaningful ways will impact the trajectory for closing the achievement gap and validating student identity. Join us for a session with a renowned educator and CRTP expert from Anchorage, Alaska. Leave with an increased understanding of culturally sustaining practices, as well as resources and activities to use with your teams and students.

    • Martha Gould-Lehe, Retired Educator, Network Alumni, Cultural Consultant Anchorage, AK

  • Unpacking Standards for Upper Elementary
    This session is designed to empower educators in the upper elementary grades (3-5) with the tools and strategies needed to effectively understand, interpret, and implement academic standards in their classrooms. Participants will delve into the process of unpacking standards, breaking down complex learning objectives into manageable and actionable steps.

    • Malia Bertoli, 4th Grade Teacher | Eastern York School District, PA

    • Jacqueline Hill, 4th Grade Teacher | Eastern York School District, PA

  • Personalize Learning through Student EXPLORATIONS
    In an effort to create opportunities for student choice, agency, and personalized learning, our staff implemented Exploration Mondays. These Explorations offer learning experiences that create a growth mindset, nurture creativity, and use real world tools. Learn how we designed, introduced, organized and offered various learning experiences for students preschool through 5th grades. You will see how Explorations have inspired students to develop a greater capacity, passion and tenacity for learning.

    • Christine Jezek, Instructional Coach | Douglas County School District, NV

    • Veronica Griffith, Assistant Principal | Douglas County School District, NV

  • Posts & Podcasts: Sharing Your Journey to Modern Learning on Social Media
    This session will spotlight the Eastern York School District’s efforts to use social media (Facebook) and a district podcast (The Eastern Edge) to share their journey into Modern Learning with all stakeholders of the Eastern York community. Designed with school administrators in mind (but all are welcome), the presentation will delve deep into the “how” and “why” social media is an ideal way for schools and school districts to share their stories. Discover firsthand the strategies the school district employs to share their experiences, successes, and the invaluable lessons learned from the bumps along the road. The session will answer questions like: Why is this work important? How can I enroll others? What do I need to create and share a podcast? Is it possible to overcommunicate?

    Attendees will leave the presentation empowered with actionable insights, inspired to craft their district’s narrative, and equipped to lead their schools through improved communication and transparency.

    • Dr. Doug Enders, Assistant Superintendent | Eastern York School District, PA

  • Unlocking Potential Through Connection: A Blueprint for Student Success
    Join Mike Dardaris, founding principal of the award-winning high school HFM P-TECH and current Senior Director of Education Business Development at Tallo, for an inspiring presentation on the transformative power of connections in education. In today's rapidly evolving world, fostering meaningful relationships between teachers and students is more crucial than ever. But the impact doesn't stop there. Our session delves deeper, exploring the profound influence of connecting students to relevant, authentic, and engaging experiences.

    Through a dynamic blend of theory and practical examples, Mike will demonstrate how to leverage a myriad of resources, including business partnerships, community involvement, work-based learning initiatives, career and technical student organizations, collegiate collaborations, and the guidance of caring adults. By forging these connections, we unlock a wealth of opportunities for students to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.

    Whether you're a seasoned educator or a forward-thinking administrator, this presentation promises invaluable insights and actionable strategies to enhance student engagement, motivation, and overall success. Don't miss your chance to be part of this transformative conversation. Join us and discover how the power of connections can shape the future of education.

    • Mike Dardaris, Sr. Director, Tallo | Reston, VA

  • Scaling the Peak: The Path to Stage 7 and Beyond
    Achieving convergence with modern personalized learning will transform the culture of a school and district. It’s tough work, it’s the right work, and it doesn’t stop once you reach Stage 7 in the Convergence Framework. Come learn key steps that helped Falcon Zone reach this milestone and how they are continuing their journey forward. Zone and School Leaders will share key elements that have helped to scale this work and our tipping points that have propelled us further ahead. See how our professional learning plan, digital ecosystem, curriculum workbench, instructional rounds processes, and more have further Empowered the Falcon Zone with personalized learning.

    • Brian Smith, Falcon Zone Superintendent | Falcon Zone, District 49, CO

    • Cari Brewer, Zone Community Liaison | Falcon Zone, District 49, CO

    • Elena Forehand, Principal Falcon Middle School Principal | Falcon Zone, District 49, CO

    • Jennifer Palazzolo, Principal Meridian Ranch Elementary | Falcon Zone, District 49, CO

    • Bethany Stegman, Principal Woodmen Hills Elementary | Falcon Zone, District 49, CO

    • Martina Meadows, Principal Bennett Ranch Elementary | Falcon Zone, District 49, CO

    • Ed Kulbacki, Principal Falcon Elementary | Falcon Zone, District 49, CO

  • Modern Teacher Demo Classroom
    Come experience a fully personalized classroom! Learn how three of the Hallmarks of Personalized Learning–Learner-Centered Culture, Transparency of Learning, and Student Ownership–are woven through the elements of the classroom. Attendees will build understanding, explore, and experience at their own pace.

    • Rebecca Bibri, Strategy Officer | Modern Teacher

    • Jasmine Montgomery, Strategy Officer | Modern Teacher


Session 2

Tuesday | February 27, 2024 | 11:40 AM - 12:30 PM

  • Co-Designing Learning Experiences with AI
    With a few core strategies and a small set of AI platforms, educators can co-design learning experiences, lesson plans, projects and curriculum units with AI. Through the lens of AI as a thought partner, session participants will know and understand how to leverage text generative AI to efficiently and creatively create classroom learning experiences. The goal and purpose of the session is to empower educators to create classroom content efficiently, to free up capacity to connect with students during face to face class time.

    • Greg Kulowiec, Keynote Speaker, Technology Director, Triton Regional School District, The Kulowiec Group, MA

  • A Guide on Where to Start Your Modern Learning Journey
    Whether you are a seasoned educator looking to refresh your approach or a new teacher eager to embrace modern practices, this session is tailored for educators seeking to navigate the evolving modern practices that engage and inspire today's learners. During your time with us, you will learn valuable insights and actionable strategies to kickstart your modern learning journey.

    • Malia Bertoli, 4th Grade Teacher | Eastern York School District, PA

    • Jeremy Young, Kindergarten Teacher| Eastern York School District, PA

  • Using Roadmaps and Data/Literacy Binders for Student Ownership
    In this session, attendees will be provided different styles of roadmaps and learn why the presenters chose those styles. Attendees will also learn about data/literacy binders/notebooks, including the different styles that the presenters use with an explanation as to why they use the ones they use in their classrooms. Attendees will take away ideas for roadmaps for each subject. They will also take away different ways to use data notebooks plus incorporate the literacy binder with their data notebooks to eliminate having so many places to house papers. There will be examples from different grade levels for K-5.

    • Angela Mable - 3rd grade teacher | Eastern York School District, PA

    • Jodi Winter - 3rd grade teacher | Eastern York School District, PA

  • From Modern Teaching to Modern Learning. How to involve all stakeholders
    In this interactive session, we'll share our journey into creating a modern learning environment for all and encourage participants to craft their own systems of literacy and fluency for engaging stakeholders beyond the classroom. Attendees will explore ways to pivot the educational focus from contemporary teaching towards modern learning experiences, fostering a collective commitment among educators to prioritize student-centered learning.

    • Dr. Tim Fountain, Director of Leadership and Learning | J.O. Combs Unified School District, AZ

    • Christine Murphy, Coordinator of Professional Learning | J.O. Combs Unified School District, AZ

    • Nancy Diab Scott, Coordinator of Teaching and Learning | J.O. Combs Unified School District, AZ

    • Santa Dunker, Principal Ellsworth Elementary | J.O. Combs Unified School District, AZ

  • PD Re-Imagined! How On-Demand Learning Empowers Educators
    The best professional development plans are those that offer a level of flexibility and choice for educators. This session will show how on-demand is helping to transform professional learning for educators. Participants will learn about the Stride Professional Development Center, a growing library of dynamic, on-demand PD courses that places the power of learning in the hands of those who need it most. Participants will learn how teachers, schools, and districts are utilizing this model to enhance PD and allow educators to learn at their convenience. If you are looking for ways to invest in yourself, your teachers, your school, or your school district/network, this session is for you!

    • Darren Reed, Senior Vice President, Stride PD Center | Reston, VA

  • Personalized Learning? Where’s the Data?... It’s right here!
    Have you been asked or wondered about the data behind personalized learning? Do stakeholders request data showing that this process works? How do you talk about personalized learning to your board, community, parents, and even staff? Many of our network members ponder and work through these questions as a part of second-order change. This session will focus on the data that motivated the building of the Modern Teacher Framework, the data supporting best practices of personalized learning, and current data in one of our Modern Teacher Network districts, Falcon Zone in District 49, that shows personalized learning is working. Come learn various ways to engage and communicate this data to stakeholders.

    • Brian Smith, Superintendent | Falcon Zone, District 49

    • Sue Holmes, Chief Learning Officer | Modern Teacher




Session 3

Tuesday | February 27, 2024 | 1:40 PM - 2: 30 PM

  • Addressing Accessibility & Equity in a World with AI
    In any classroom, there is often a wide spectrum of skills, abilities, and capacities of our learners. Students enter the classroom with unique backgrounds and experiences that educators navigate by creating learning experiences, materials, and assignments. Learner variability is a challenging prospect for educators attempting to meet the needs of all learners as well as for the learner who is attempting to successfully navigate and achieve in the classroom. The emergence of AI likely will not remedy these challenges. Yet, it can play a role in helping educators design accessible learning experiences and can help students receive the just-in-time, customized support they need.

    • Greg Kulowiec, Keynote Speaker, Technology Director, Triton Regional School District, The Kulowiec Group, MA

  • Eastern York Edge: Thriving in the Middle
    Join this dynamic and interactive presentation designed to transform your understanding of effective student -centered teaching practices. Buckle up for an engaging journey through the following topics: Data Notebooks: Learn how Data Notebooks can empower both educators and students by providing a personalized approach to goal-setting, tracking progress, and fostering reflective practices. Unpacking the Standards: Discover strategies for unpacking academic standards to unveil the essential components that drive effective instruction and learning. Roadmaps: Explore the concept of Roadmaps and how they serve as strategic guides, mapping out the learning journey for both educators and students.Pre-assessments: Delve into the importance of Pre-assessments in understanding your students and how to implement pre-assessments effectively. Flexible Grouping: Discover into the world of Flexible Grouping and how it can enhance learning experiences. Flexible Seating: Uncover the benefits of Flexible Seating and how it can create a dynamic, student-friendly, engaged, participatory learning atmosphere. Learning Plans: Tailor education to individual needs by exploring the concept of Learning Plans. Gain insights into creating effective learning pathways. Learning Walls: Transform your classroom into an immersive learning space by exploring the significance of Learning Walls SOPs, Vision, Code: Cultivate a culture of excellence through student voice.. Understand the importance of Standard Operating Procedures, Vision, and Code in establishing clear expectations and fostering a positive learning environment. Let's embark on this journey together towards an empowered and impactful educational experience!

    • Michelle Little, 6th Grade ELA Teacher | Eastern York School District, PA

    • Eric Hengst, 6th Grade Science Teacher | Eastern York School District, PA

  • Primary Personalization Pilgrimage
    Are you interested in discovering ways to personalize learning in the primary classroom for students and families? In this session, participants will have the opportunity to explore the option of making positive changes in their classroom that lead to a greater transparency of learning. The following elements will be shared: Data Notebooks, a Classroom Vision and Code, Standard Operating Procedures, a LIVE Report Card Badging System, Student Choice, Small Flexible Grouping, and Celebrating Student Success.

    • Brenda Laughman, Kindergarten Teacher | Eastern York School District, PA

  • Navigating the Changing Learning Landscape: Charting a New Journey in Teaching Transformation
    This session is a dynamic exploration of leveraging adaptive leadership strategies and Modern Learning concepts to guide educational staff through the complexities of second-order change. The session delves into the evolving landscape of teaching transformation, emphasizing the need for educators to embrace innovative methodologies and adaptability in the face of educational challenges. Attendees will gain insights into the principles of adaptive leadership, discovering how these approaches can empower educational leaders to effectively navigate the ever-changing learning horizon. The presentation will draw upon modern learning theories and change management practices, providing practical examples to illustrate successful implementation strategies

    • Dr. Amanda Mathieson, Assistant Program Director for Educational Support Services | Allegheny Intermediate Unit 3, PA

    • Dr. Kelly Noyes, Program Director of Educational Support Services | Allegheny Intermediate Unit 3, PA

  • Change from Within: A Collaborative Approach to Instructional Leadership
    Creating modern learning environments within individual classrooms is a challenge, let alone fostering a building or district culture that supports scaling these efforts. This session will explore the role of teacher leadership in defining an educational identity and helping to propagate it. By supporting those with a shared interest in expanding their practice and encouraging them to share their expertise, student-centered practices organically spread beyond the confines of professional development sessions.

    • Matthew Fried, Principal, Eastern York School District, PA

  • Turn-Over, Trailblazers, Resistors, and Box-Checkers
    Educators are diverse learners, just as students in the classroom. As the leaders of change in our district, we apply a learner-centered approach to teaching and supporting our adults as we differentiate to meet them where they are at. Come learn practical advice for overcoming barriers to change the culture in your district.

    • Kelli Bond, Instructional Coach | J.O. Combs Unified School District, AZ

    • Cindi Andrew, K-12 Math Content Coach | J.O. Combs Unified School District, AZ

  • Transforming the High School Experience: Come be part of crafting the future of the Network!
    This session will be interactive and collaborative as we explore these questions: What experiences do our students need to have that will support success post-graduation in today’s world? What components does a Modern High School need to have? How can we provide support for network districts to accomplish this? Learner-Centered at the High School level is a unique experience and has to be different than it is at the Elementary or Middle School levels. Let’s talk about it and develop a vision for The Modern High School. What is real-world relevance today? What pathways need to be options for all students? How do CBE, student agency, growth mindset, Career Pathways, and more fit into the Re-design of the High School experience? We will delve into these topics and more during this fast-paced session. This session is for leaders, teachers, and coaches. We need all voices in the discussion--see you there!

    • Dr. Ann Chavez, Co-Founder and CEO | Modern Teacher


Session 4

Tuesday | February 27, 2024 | 2:40 PM - 3:30 PM

  • Creating a Personalized Student Journey, at Scale - Learner Profiles
    School districts are charged with preparing all students for life after graduation, but the standard skill-building model puts too much reliance on students to connect their studies to life outside of the classroom.

    The session describes how J. O. Combs is inverting the typical college preparatory model to put the focus on the individual student with “Learner Profiles” that bring together:

    Student Interests

    Learning Styles

    Academic Performance

    Postsecondary Opportunities

    The session will provide information on strategies for personalizing the student experience and surfacing data that empowers all educators and district staff to build a more nimble academic pathway molded by student success.

    • Dr. Greg Wyman, Superintendent | J.O. Combs Unified School District

  • Learner Led Conferences
    Let the learners lead! It's time to make the learner the center of the parent-teacher conference. We'll share how we've designed elementary-level conferences to be a celebration of learning. Barriers will be addressed, as well as setting goals and creating an agenda that works for you and your learners.

    • Melissa Troiano, Elementary Instructional Coach | Manheim Central School District, PA

    • Kendra Fix, 1-2 Multiage Facilitator | Manheim Central School District, PA

  • A Haphazard Journey in Modern Learning
    My journey through modern learning has not been down a straight path. I resisted modern learning because I believed it was another "thing" an administrator found at a conference and brought back to us to implement and then let go of three years later. Through a series of events and my own decision to just implement modern learning, I have found the best and only way to truly differentiate for all my learners. I will never go back. Attendees will be validated in where they are in their own journey with Modern Learning and hopefully be inspired to continue the hard and invaluable work they are doing to truly meet the needs of their modern learners. Attendees will also be given tips on how and where to start.

    • Katy Gibe, 5th Grade Teacher | Falcon Zone, District 49, CO

  • Creating Success Together: Addressing District Challenges with Remote Teachers and Virtual Tutoring
    Stride Learning Solutions cordially invites you to engage in a dialogue on the integration of virtual tutoring and state-certified remote teachers in modern education. Our session will delve into how school districts can harness the power of state-certified, remote teachers to fill teacher vacancies, address learning loss, and offer evidence-based, high-dosage tutoring. With the nationwide challenge of teacher shortages, remote instructional services are a substantial, long-term solution to countering pandemic learning loss. Here, you’ll learn how remote teachers can provide high-quality, engaging learning experiences directly to students, transcending geographical and socio-economic barriers. This session will also illuminate how virtual tutoring by qualified teachers can support school districts and educators in delivering equitable education to help students rapidly overcome learning loss. As we present case studies and actionable insights, join us to envision and shape a future where modern learning is synonymous with inclusivity, adaptability, and excellence — ensuring every learner has access to the best education, no matter their location. Stride Learning Solutions has provided online and blended learning expertise to school districts of all sizes for more than 20 years. Join us to learn how we provide modern learning for any learner, anywhere.

    • Janet Keadle, Senior Instructional Leader, Stride Learning Solutions | Reston, VA

    • Eileen Kinley, Instructional Leader Stride Learning Solutions | Reston, VA

  • Celebrate Success! Transparency of Learning: From Individual Progress Monitoring to Standards-Based Grading
    After affirming the pivotal role of transparency in empowering our learners, this session will address a common challenge encountered when working with student groups of varying ability levels. The focus of this session will be to share our work related to standards-based grading and how we celebrate students’ achievements. Whether students are meeting grade-level standards or demonstrating growth on individualized measures, we should strive to empower them to take the driver’s seat in tracking their own progress toward goals.

    • Matthew Fried, Principal, Eastern York School District, PA

  • Empowering Educators: Enhancing Onboarding and Elevating Professional Learning
    This session for coaches and leaders will show how the Falcon Zone shifted the modules within the Modern Teacher platform to address the needs of staff in various stages of the learning process. A new module, EmpowerFZ 101, was created to onboard new teachers with the key elements and the common language to begin the school year successfully. Join the Falcon Zone coaches as they discuss the journey towards empowering teachers and enhancing professional development.

    • Amy Balk, MS Instructional Coach | Falcon Zone, District 49, CO

    • Jennifer Newberg, HS Instructional Coach | Falcon Zone, District 49, CO

    • Shawn Healy, K-5 Instructional Coach | Falcon Zone, District 49, CO

    • Natalie Miller, K-5 Instructional Coach | Falcon Zone, District 49, CO

    • Robyn Johnson, K-5 Instructional Coach | Falcon Zone, District 49, CO

    • Wendy Murphy, K-5 Instructional Coach | Falcon Zone, District 49, CO

  • Modern Teacher Demo Classroom
    Come experience a fully personalized classroom! Learn how three of the Hallmarks of Personalized Learning–Learner-Centered Culture, Transparency of Learning, and Student Ownership–are woven through the elements of the classroom. Attendees will build understanding, explore, and experience at their own pace.

    • Rebecca Bibri, Strategy Officer | Modern Teacher

    • Jasmine Montgomery, Strategy Officer | Modern Teacher