Professional Development Made Simple

Did you know that current research indicates that our brains – both students' and adults' - are changing? Have you heard that the brain works best when the temperature is between 68 and 72 degrees? And did you know that the color palettes of yellows and pinks can improve memory, while greens and blues can help students relax and support increased concentration? Join Naomi Harm for this brain-based teaching and learning session, as she provides a roadmap of how you can infuse brain-based teaching practices throughout your school's environment. She will also share how to optimize physical learning spaces and experiences so that each and every child can discover their student-driven passion and personalized learning potential. Presented by Naomi Harm Naomi Harm is the CEO and founder of her own Innovative Educator Consulting company as well as an EdTech influencer and women in leadership strategist. She has over 20 years of experience in education and has held numerous leadership roles, including: ISTE Faculty Instructional Coach, Google Certified Innovator, and National Intel Senior Trainer. Naomi also has experience as a keynote and featured presenter at education conferences around the globe.  Read more

FigJam by Figma is an exciting new online tool that is free for educators and students. Figjam can be used as a collaborative whiteboard, a presentation platform, and so much more! Join Lauren Boucher and explore how to use this versatile tool, discover how to implement it in your classroom, and locate ready-made templates. Participants will also have an opportunity to utilize FigJam to create a lesson, presentation, or activity that they can immediately use with their students, so let’s get jiggy!  Presented by Lauren Boucher Lauren Boucher is a Regional Digital Teaching and Learning Consultant for the state of North Carolina. She earned her master's degree in elementary education, and she has taught third grade, as well as elementary and middle school gifted education. Lauren also has experience as an Instructional Technology Specialist for Pitt County Schools, and she presents at face-to-face and online conferences across the nation.    Read more

Are you ready to elevate your teaching career by mastering the art of designing a compelling resume and cover letter? Your resume and cover letter are your first impression - make them powerful and impossible to ignore. Join Dr. Samantha Fecich for this hands-on, interactive workshop and discover strategies for crafting your power resume and cover letter, including effective formatting, keyword optimization, and tailoring techniques for specific positions. Get ready to explore the secrets to positioning yourself as a standout educator in a competitive job market! Samantha’s expertise in career development will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need to design a resume and cover letter that emphasizes your unique strengths and dedication to education.  This is workshop one of three for the series titled “Elevate Your Teaching Career.”  Key Takeaways Learn essential techniques for crafting a resume that tells your story, emphasizing your unique strengths and dedication to education.  Discover the art of writing cover letters that go beyond formality, resonating with hiring managers and reflecting your commitment to student success.  Understand how to craft a resume that grabs hiring managers' attention and lands you an interview.   Explore the concept of personal branding and learn how to infuse it into your resume and cover letter for a standout professional identity.  Presented by Dr. Samantha Fecich Dr. Samantha Fecich dedicates herself to shaping the next generation of educators at Grove City College in Grove City, Pennsylvania. In the courses she leads, she guides preservice teachers in exploring the realms of educational technology and special education. Samantha's commitment extends beyond the classroom; she is the author of two impactful books crafted to support new and aspiring educators: "EduMagic: A Guide for Preservice Teachers" and "EduMagic Shine On: A Guide for New Teachers." Samantha also hosts the EduMagic Podcast, where she illuminates the work of future teachers, providing insights and inspiration to the education community.  Read more

Total Participation Techniques (TPTs) are instructional strategies that allow all students to demonstrate, at the same time, active participation, and cognitive engagement. Join Dr. Jayme Linton as she models TPTs in this highly interactive session. You will also walk away with strategies and tools that you can immediately use to increase high cognitive engagement for every learner. Presented by Dr. Jayme Linton Dr. Jayme Linton is an education projects specialist for the U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). She lives near Washington, D.C. and supports strategic planning, continuous improvement, and professional learning for DoDEA schools worldwide. Previously, Jayme served as a leadership coach, an assistant professor, instructional technology facilitator, and instructional coach. She is the author of The Blended Learning Blueprint for Elementary Teachers, published by Corwin, and she has been presenting for SimpleK12 since 2011.   Read more

Have you ever wondered how to create an inclusive classroom where every student, including the quietest ones, feels valued and heard? Introverted students often possess unique strengths like deep reflection, creativity, and empathy, and they thrive when provided with an environment that values these qualities. Join Chrissy Romano Arrabito for this timesaving, to the point session as she provides insights into creating an inclusive learning environment where introverted students can truly thrive. Get ready to revolutionize your teaching approach and create a classroom where every student, including the quietest ones, can excel academically and socially! Chrissy's passion for inclusive education will provide you with practical strategies to enhance your teaching skills and empower your introverted students to reach their full potential.  Key Takeaways  Gain a deeper understanding of introversion and the unique qualities it brings to the classroom. Learn to recognize and celebrate the strengths of your quieter students.  Discover an array of classroom strategies that support introverted students. Explore techniques for nurturing participation, collaboration, and confidence among your quieter learners.  Unlock the power of technology as a tool for engaging and empowering introverted students. Learn how to integrate digital resources and platforms to provide introverts with opportunities for self-expression and active learning.  Dive into practical strategies for boosting the confidence and active participation of introverted students. Learn how to cultivate a classroom where every voice, especially the quieter ones, is valued and heard.  Presented by Chrissy Romano Arrabito Chrissy Romano Arrabito serves as a first-grade educator at Nellie K. Parker Elementary School, located in Hackensack, New Jersey. With an extensive career spanning over three decades, she possesses a wealth of expertise in nurturing the educational growth of elementary and middle school students. Chrissy's educational philosophy is rooted in her deep commitment to nurturing the complete development of each child. She is a fervent advocate for innovation within the classroom, continually seeking ways to facilitate authentic and engaging learning encounters for her students.  Read more

Differentiated instruction is one of the most challenging tasks for teachers because we want to ensure that we reach each of our students daily, but we also need to find the time to plan for that instruction. Join Reba Gordon Matthews as she shares how to implement the differentiated instruction elements introduced by Carol Ann Tomlinson in a simplified way using the time and strategy tools that are readily available in your learning space. You will also learn best practices to help your students perform to the best of their unique abilities based upon their readiness, interests, and learning profiles. Presented by Reba Gordon Matthews Reba Gordon Matthews is an educational consultant with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, a freelance coach, and instructional designer. She has over 20 years of teaching experience and holds master’s degrees in instructional design and educational technology. Reba is also the co-founder and executive director of The Jamal Gordon Hill Foundation. This organization supports at-risk young people with academic tutoring, technology training, and college scholarships.   Read more