Thursday, Nov. 16
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Civil Discourse in the Secondary Classroom
The polarization of America has become palatable in the secondary classroom. It seems, since Covid, people seem to identify with an ideology and villainize those who do not adopt the same ideology. This presentation will explore this phenomenon and give strategies that allow teachers to objectively address difficult subjects without alienating individual students or empowering one ideology over another. K-12; Engagement of Learners
Presenter: Melissa Ross, Savannah School District
Enhancing Elementary Education: Harnessing AI for Efficient Teaching and Engaging Lessons
“Enhancing Elementary Education: Harnessing AI for Efficient Teaching and Engaging Lessons,” will explore the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the classroom. In this interactive session, we will discover how AI can assist teachers in creating engaging and personalized lesson plans, answer student queries, provide instant feedback, and even generate creative content. Join us in exploring the exciting possibilities of AI in education, revolutionizing the way elementary teachers streamline tasks and deliver captivating lessons. Together, we’ll unlock the full potential of AI to empower educators and enrich student learning experiences. K-5; Other -- AI
Presenter: Nicole Nowlin, Lee's Summit School District
Empathetic Teaching and Systems of Support Through a Student-Focused Lens
Have you ever wondered what your students were thinking as you administered an assessment you knew was beyond their level? Have you ever wished you could step inside the minds of your students for a few moments to figure out why the lesson you worked so hard to build isn’t clicking? Have you ever wondered why your gifted student is refusing to work, even though they are capable? We invite you to join us in experiencing firsthand what your students experience in a conversation centered around data-driven lessons and assessments and using accommodations and modifications in all aspects of learning. K-12; Standard Based Teaching & Learning
Presenters: Susan Stanton, Hollister School District & Emily Geisert, Logan-Rogersville School District
Flipping Forward: Bringing Flipped Classroom to 21st Century Problem Solving
Have you ever thought about “flipping” your classroom? Pandemic teaching pushed me to do it and now I wish I would have made the “flip” years ago. If you have taken or are ready to take the leap into “flipped,” let’s talk about best practices for flipped classrooms and maintaining rigorous and meaningful pedagogy. Geared to secondary world language but examples will be shared for different levels. 7-12; Blended Learning/Flipped Classrooms
Presenter: Jennifer Kidwell, DeSoto School District
Hidden Treasures: Funding Resources to Support Your Classroom and School
Need specific resources for your classroom, but lack the budget to purchase these items? Not sure where you can go to find funds? This presentation will introduce teachers to funding opportunities to support their school and classrooms. Every teacher will set up a Donorschoose account and work on writing and posting a project for their classroom or school. Grant writing strategies and grant opportunities for Missouri Teachers will be discussed. We will brainstorm ways to get important resources and experiences for our students even when there is no budget. Attendees will need a laptop or tablet for this workshop and should determine if their district allows teachers to use Donorschoose. K-12, Funding, Grant Opportunities, Free Resources, Community Collaboration
Presenter: Rachel Johnson, Waynesville School District
The Power of Visual Literacy: Using Art to Develoop Critical Thinking Skills
This presentation will highlight the value of visual literacy and explain how visuals can be used to enhance the ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate complex ideas. This will be an interactive presentation with examples of art-based activities that can be used in various content areas. K-12: Instructional Strategies & Engagement of Learners
Presenter: Kim Welch, Pettis R-12 School District
Proactive Strategies to Support Dysregulated Students
Do you have learners who struggle with self-regulation? Do you spend more time managing the behaviors of dysregulated students than teaching? Administrators and Educators, if you are ready to get on the proactive side of behavior and promote self-regulation in your students, this session is for you. Come see how implementing a multi-tiered support system utilizing the core components of neuroscience, trauma-informed practices, and self-regulation programs such as “Zones of Regulation” and “Move, Work, Breathe,” one school has significantly recaptured instructional time, increased test scores, and had an 80% decrease in ISS/discipline referrals. K-12; Behavior Management
Presenter: Sunnie Miller, Behavior Interventionist, Branson School District
PSRS -- Providing a Strong, Stable and Secure Retirement
This educational session will provide an overview of the Public School Retirement System, how the system is funded, potential legislation changes, general retirement planning considerations and resources that are available to our members. K-12; Retirement Benefits
Presenters: Amanda Wooten, Dearld Snider, Bill Betts; Public School Retirement Services
Reading Circle Book Share and Swap
Join the Reading Circle committee as they share book recommendations for various grade levels as well as lessons and activities attached to each one.
Following the presentation by the Reading Circle committee, attendees will split into groups and share some of their favorite books and the accompanying curriculum they used in their classrooms. Attendees are encouraged to bring an extra copy of one of their books to participate in an optional book swap at the end of the session. K-12; Instructional
Presenters: Jenn Baldwin, East Newton School District; Kayla Gilmore, St. Charles School District; and Lysha Thompson, Retired/Missouri State Library
School Should be FUN! Brain breaks, transitions, and fun in the classroom
I will demonstrate effective brain breaks and games to up engagement in the classroom. I will start with a game that only starts with one person (it’s hard to get volunteers in the beginning), then a game that uses an ordinary worksheet but is turned into a game called the amazing race (not the show). In total, I will demonstrate 5 games that can easily fill the last 5 minutes of a class, break up a lesson as a transition, or be used with curriculum to make it more engaging. K-12; Engagement of Learners
Presenter: Kristie Zorn, Fort Osage School District
4:45 - 5:45 p.m.
Balancing Act: Empowering Educators and Nurturing Students -- Strategies for Classroom Well-Being
In today’s educational landscape, the well-being of both teachers and students is a great concern. Join us in this engaging workshop as we explore innovative strategies that not only promote student well-being but also prioritize the mental and emotional health of educators. Through a blend of insightful discussions, practical exercises, and real-life examples, we will delve into the art of maintaining harmony in the classroom. Discover effective techniques for fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment, where students feel valued, supported, and motivated to thrive. Explore strategies that promote student engagement, enhance overall well-being, and encourage a love for learning. Simultaneously, we will delve into strategies that equip teachers with self-care tools, helping them navigate the challenges of their profession while maintaining their own mental and emotional well-being. Uncover the power of mindfulness, stress management techniques, and empowering strategies, all tailored specifically for the unique demands of the teaching profession. Learn how to create sustainable routines and boundaries that ensure teachers feel energized, inspired, and equipped to make a lasting impact on their students. Join us in this dynamic workshop and empower yourself with valuable insights and practical tips that will transform your classroom into a space where both students and teachers can flourish, paving the way for a holistic and fulfilling educational journey. K-12; Self-Care/Well-being
Presenter: Candace Kluba
Connecting the Dots: Using Reading to Learn Our History
The presenter will walk participants through the process of creating solid units for reading, writing, and social studies with some connections to math and science. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how to integrate content across the disciplines to create a more rigorous curriculum for the students by engaging in core reading and writing strategies that support the content. Participants will engage in the process of discussion and decision-making as part of the student experience within an integrated unit through historical fiction, relevant nonfiction texts, and simulations. Participants will walk away with a list of historical fiction books related to American History. K-5; Engagement of Learners
Presenter: Janice Edgar, Ripley Co. School District
Getting Your Feet Wet: Field Trip Activities for Geoscience Integration
The audience will be introduced to water-related, outdoor activities that can be used with students. These multidisciplinary activities were designed to increase awareness of geoscience careers while increasing students’ content knowledge in tested subjects such as math, chemistry, and biology. The presenter will share about this NSF grant where S&T Professors are conducting full-day workshops with teachers across the state. The teachers then facilitate the field trips with their middle and high school students. 7-12; Field-based Learning
Presenter: Michelle Schwartze
Make Them Think!
What are vertical non-permanent surfaces and why are they important? Why should you use random grouping, thin slicing, and consolidation? The Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) movement is taking over K-12 math classrooms. But why does math get to have all the fun? Building a thinking classroom can happen in any subject and at any grade level. Join an elementary and a secondary instructional coach as we show you thinking tasks in any classroom. We’ll explore the why behind the movement and take you through some BTC practices that can be used anywhere to engage all students! K-12; Engagement of Learners
Presenters: Robyn Haug & Stacy Alvord, Instructional Coaches, Ladue School District
The Power of Visual Literacy: Using Art to Develoop Critical Thinking Skills
This presentation will highlight the value of visual literacy and explain how visuals can be used to enhance the ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate complex ideas. This will be an interactive presentation with examples of art-based activities that can be used in various content areas. K-12: Instructional Strategies & Engagement of Learners
Presenter: Kim Welch, Pettis R-12 School District
Proactive Strategies to Support Dysregulated Students o you have learners who struggle with self-regulation? Do you spend more time managing the behaviors of dysregulated students than teaching? Administrators and Educators, if you are ready to get on the proactive side of behavior and promote self-regulation in your students, this session is for you. Come see how implementing a multi-tiered support system utilizing the core components of neuroscience, trauma-informed practices, and self-regulation programs such as “Zones of Regulation” and “Move, Work, Breathe,” one school has significantly recaptured instructional time, increased test scores, and had an 80% decrease in ISS/discipline referrals.D K-12; Behavior Management
Presenter: Sunnie Miller, Behavior Interventionist, Branson School District
PSRS -- Providing a Strong, Stable and Secure Retirement
This educational session will provide an overview of the Public School Retirement System, how the system is funded, potential legislation changes, general retirement planning considerations and resources that are available to our members. K-12; Retirement Benefits
Presenters: Amanda Wooten, Dearld Snider, Bill Betts; Public School Retirement Services
Restorative Practices -- A Deeper Dive
Heard of Restorative Practices? Think they sound great, you understand their basis, and you have a good understanding of classroom management? Want to learn how to implement them in real life? THIS is the training for you! Join me as we learn the different types of circles, how to run a circle, and how to determine when a specific circle is needed. Sidenote: You will move during this session. You will get to talk to others. You might be asked to role plan in a small group. This will not be a sit-and-get, but a practice through play! Come with an open mind and an eagerness to apply these strategies! I’m excited to see you there! K-5; Behavior Management
Presenter: Shannon Berghoff, Behavior Interventionist, Cape Girardeau School District
Friday, Nov. 17
7:30-8:30 a.m.
Challenging Behaviors, NOt Challenging Students: Practical Solutions for Teachers
The presentation offered by Jennifer Moore, Project 180 Coordinator at Union High School, and Ursulla Wadley, formally an at-risk coordinator and now JAG Specialist at Cape Girardeau’s Alternative School, will share practical classroom management ideas, using meaningful examples of trauma-informed practices. The presentation is designed to support teachers with low or no-cost solutions to behavior challenges in the classroom, offer ways to meet the needs of students, and build social-emotional skills for regulation. The resources and unique strategies offered will focus on restoration and relationships by teachers currently in the classroom. Attendees will be encouraged by Jennifer and Ursulla’s own classroom experiences in working with intense, chronic behaviors and the success stories of their students. K-12: Behavior Management, Trauma-Informed Teaching, Social Emotional Learning
Presenters: Jennifer Moore, Project 180 Coordinator, Union School District & Ursulla Wadley, JAG Specialist Cape Girardeaus School District's Alternative School
ChatGPT: Friend or Foe?
In the ever-changing world of education, teachers have learned how to adapt to the next “big thing” that has the ability to affect their classrooms. Whether it is navigating a flying water bottle that a student is flipping between bells or switching their instruction to virtual at the drop of a hat, teachers are no strangers to taking on a new challenge. However, will ChatGPT be the one thing that educators can’t tackle? When the whispers of artificial intelligence began to creep into workrooms across America, teachers began to question the impact of this new technology on their students and classrooms. In this session, educators will easily learn how to quell those fears and make ChatGPT their friend versus their foe. Attendees will walk away with ideas of how to use AI to create exciting and engaging lessons, promote collaboration and project-based learning for students, improve their lesson planning process, and so much more! 6-12: Blended Learning
Presenter: Mackenzie Thompson, Scott Co. School District
Engaging Students and Enhancing Differentiation with EdPuzzle
In today’s diverse classroom, catering to individual student needs is paramount. EdPuzzle, a versatile educational platform, offers innovative solutions to this challenge. During our session, we will showcase how EdPuzzle’s interactive video lessons captivate student interest and foster active learning. This session will provide a hands-on experience with EdPuzzle, highlighting its customizable features and integration with various content. You’ll learn ow to create engaging video lessons, add quizzes, and track student progress in real-time. Furthermore, we will delve into strategies for differentiation, showcasing how EdPuzzle can adapt to diverse learning styles and paces. You’ll leave this session equipped with practical tools and insights to enrich your classroom experience. Join me to discover how EdPUzzle can revolutionize your teaching methods, engage your students, and make differentiation a seamless part of your daily routine. This session is ideal for educators in grades 4-12 looking to enhance their teaching toolkit. Participants will benefit most from this session if they have a laptop to work with/from. 4-12; Differentiated Instruction
Presenter: Nicole Nowlin, Lee's Summit School District
Empathetic Teaching and Systems of Support Through a Student-Focused Lens Have you ever wondered what your students were thinking as you administered an assessment you knew was beyond their level? Have you ever wished you could step inside the minds of your students for a few moments to figure out why the lesson you worked so hard to build isn’t clicking? Have you ever wondered why your gifted student is refusing to work, even though they are capable? We invite you to join us in experiencing firsthand what your students experience in a conversation centered around data-driven lessons and assessments and using accommodations and modifications in all aspects of learning. K-12: Standard Based Teaching & Learning
Presenters: Susan Stanton, Hollister School District & Emily Geisert, Logan Rogersville School District
Flipping Forward: Bringing Flipped Classroom to 21st Century Problem Solving
Have you ever thought about “flipping” your classroom? Pandemic teaching pushed me to do it and now I wish I would have made the “flip” years ago. If you have taken or are ready to take the leap into “flipped,” let’s talk about best practices for flipped classrooms and maintaining rigorous and meaningful pedagogy. Geared to secondary world language but examples will be shared for different levels. 7-12; Blended Learning/Flipped Classrooms
Presenter: Jennifer Kidwell, DeSoto School District
Gaming to Review
In this session we will transform review into a game instead of a question/answer session. Games will be targeted towards secondary students. These games are intended to be for review but can be tweaked into games that can be applied in instruction. Electronic formats include Quizlet Live, Heads Up, Nearpod, and iCivics. The non-electronic games will include quilt squares, Jenga, go fish, spoons, matching, and yard dice. These games are designed to determine what students know and what needs to be re-taught before the assessment. 6-12; Game-based Learning
Presenter: Melissa Ross, Savannah School District
School Should be FUN! Brain breaks, transitions, and fun in the classroom
I will demonstrate effective brain breaks and games to up engagement in the classroom. I will start with a game that only starts with one person (it’s hard to get volunteers in the beginning), then a game that uses an ordinary worksheet but is turned into a game called the amazing race (not the show). In total, I will demonstrate 5 games that can easily fill the last 5 minutes of a class, break up a lesson as a transition, or be used with curriculum to make it more engaging. K-12; Engagement of Learners
Presenter: Kristie Zorn, Fort Osage School District
SWITCH It Up: Adapting Items or Switch Use
Learn about the variety of switches available and how they can be integrated into the classroom setting to maintain high expectations for all students and increase engagement. Get hands-on with AT and learn how to switch-adapt a variety of everyday objects. Session objectives will include identifying the various types of switches available and being able to utilize a battery interrupter to switch adapt objects. “Make and Take” your own simple CD switch and battery interrupter. K-12; Best Practices for Classroom Teachers Teaching Students with Special Needs
Presenter: Stacey Buck, Republic School District
9-10 a.m.
Balancing Act: Empowering Educators and Nurturing Students -- Strategies for Classroom Well-Being In today’s educational landscape, the well-being of both teachers and students is a great concern. Join us in this engaging workshop as we explore innovative strategies that not only promote student well-being but also prioritize the mental and emotional health of educators. Through a blend of insightful discussions, practical exercises, and real-life examples, we will delve into the art of maintaining harmony in the classroom. Discover effective techniques for fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment, where students feel valued, supported, and motivated to thrive. Explore strategies that promote student engagement, enhance overall well-being, and encourage a love for learning. Simultaneously, we will delve into strategies that equip teachers with self-care tools, helping them navigate the challenges of their profession while maintaining their own mental and emotional well-being. Uncover the power of mindfulness, stress management techniques, and empowering strategies, all tailored specifically for the unique demands of the teaching profession. Learn how to create sustainable routines and boundaries that ensure teachers feel energized, inspired, and equipped to make a lasting impact on their students. Join us in this dynamic workshop and empower yourself with valuable insights and practical tips that will transform your classroom into a space where both students and teachers can flourish, paving the way for a holistic and fulfilling educational journey. K-12; Self-Care/Well-being
Presenter: Candace Kluba
ChatGPT: Friend or Foe?
In the ever-changing world of education, teachers have learned how to adapt to the next “big thing” that has the ability to affect their classrooms. Whether it is navigating a flying water bottle that a student is flipping between bells or switching their instruction to virtual at the drop of a hat, teachers are no strangers to taking on a new challenge. However, will ChatGPT be the one thing that educators can’t tackle? When the whispers of artificial intelligence began to creep into workrooms across America, teachers began to question the impact of this new technology on their students and classrooms. In this session, educators will easily learn how to quell those fears and make ChatGPT their friend versus their foe. Attendees will walk away with ideas of how to use AI to create exciting and engaging lessons, promote collaboration and project-based learning for students, improve their lesson planning process, and so much more! 6-12: Blended Learning
Presenter: Mackenzie Thompson, Scott Co. School District
Choices, Choices! How to Make the Right Choice!
This interactive workshop invites participants to creatively and collaboratively navigate the complexities of choice in and out of the classroom. Attendees will gain access to three graphic organizers immediately applicable to classroom use for a variety of ages and with numerous disciplines. Educators will leave refreshed with strategies for building greater student self-efficacy in decision-making and critical thinking, encouraging young people to face difficult choices with confidence. By empowering students to make their own choices both independently and cooperatively, learners of all ages, in turn, will be invited to build more personalized self-assessment and engaged evaluation, too. 3-9; Engagement of Learners
Presenters: Janet Fite & Idean Bindel
In the Trenches: Proactive and Reactive Measures to Challenging Behaviors
The presentation offered by Jennifer Moore, Project 180 Coordinator at Union High School, and Ursulla Wadley, formally an at-risk coordinator and now JAG Specialist at Cape Girardeau’s Alternative School for “Round 2” sharing tips and tricks that will help you reach your most challenging students for any grade level. Jennifer and Ursulla will share practical classroom management ideas, using meaningful examples of trauma-informed practices. The presentation will go beyond Challenging Behaviors, Not Challenging Students presentation to offer unique ways to meet the needs of students and build social-emotional skills for regulation. The session will focus on proactive and reactive restorative practices and how to increase classroom instruction time. K-12; Behavior Management
Presenters: Jennifer Moore, Project 180 Coordinator, Union High School & Ursulla Wadley, JAG Specialist Cape Girardeau School District's Alternative School
Make Them Think!
What are vertical non-permanent surfaces and why are they important? Why should you use random grouping, thin slicing, and consolidation? The Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) movement is taking over K-12 math classrooms. But why does math get to have all the fun? Building a thinking classroom can happen in any subject and at any grade level. Join an elementary and a secondary instructional coach as we show you thinking tasks in any classroom. We’ll explore the why behind the movement and take you through some BTC practices that can be used anywhere to engage all students! K-12; Engagement of Learners
Presenters: Robyn Haug & Stacy Alvord, Instructional Coaches, Ladue School District
SWITCH It Up: Adapting Items or Switch Use
Learn about the variety of switches available and how they can be integrated into the classroom setting to maintain high expectations for all students and increase engagement. Get hands-on with AT and learn how to switch-adapt a variety of everyday objects. Session objectives will include identifying the various types of switches available and being able to utilize a battery interrupter to switch adapt objects. “Make and Take” your own simple CD switch and battery interrupter. K-12; Best Practices for Classroom Teachers Teaching Students with Special Needs
Presenter: Stacey Buck, Republic School District
Tips and Tricks for Surviving and Thriving During Student Teaching and the First Three Years in the Classroom
The breakout session offers aspiring and new teachers valuable insights, practical tips, and tools for a successful teaching career. Join us to learn classroom management, lesson planning, relationship-building, work-life balance, problem-solving, and professional development from experienced educators and thriving young teachers. Open to student teachers, new educators, administrators, mentors, and anyone supporting early-career teachers. K-12; Self-Care/Work-Life Balance
Presenters: Christy Patrick & Tina Keith, Professors of Education; College of the Ozarks Students and Alumni
Transforming Learning: Room Transformations and Student Engagement
This presentation is not just your ordinary sit-and-get session. It is designed to get you engaged in the art of room transformations. Participants will be immersed in a full-room transformation example that is designed to increase engagement in their classroom. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how to engage students with purposeful learning experiences based on curriculum standards while participating actively in a variety of strategies that can be used across the curriculum. K-12; Engagement of Learners
Presenter: Janice Edgar, Ripley Co. School District