100 Series 9:15–10:30 a.m.
101 Voice and Choice: Following Your Students’ Passion through Inquiry
Everyone has questions. Unfortunately, most classrooms discourage students from asking questions that are personally important to them. This presentation will lead participants through the inquiry process showing them how to tap into students’ questions, allowing them some voice and choice in what they learn and how they show their learning.
Presenter: Allison L. Baer, Assistant Professor in Literacy Studies, Western Michigan University
102 Working with Families of Different Cultures
In order to meet the learning needs of all students, the teacher must recognize and respect each student’s cultural background. Participants in this session will learn the importance of the family cultural experience and how to access and use this information to support academic success.
Presenter: Freya Rivers, Principal, Bingham Elementary School, Lansing
103 School Finance, Teacher Salary and Teacher Benefits in Michigan
This session will focus on how schools are financed in Michigan, as well as teacher salaries and teacher benefits nationwide, in Michigan and in specific Michigan school districts.
Presenter: Ruth Beier, MEA Labor Economist
104 ABC Teach
Presenters from ABCTeach.com will outline all facets of the free and member sites. ABCTeach.com has been called your one-stop teacher site for pre-K-8th grade teachers. Students can use materials acquired now in their fieldwork and they can print materials and laminate them to save time for years to come. The generators included in the membership allow you to create your own materials to use with your students.
Presenters: Sheryl Schreefel, Deb McLain, Sheri Colyer, Kathy McElroy, ABCTeach.com
105 Student Leadership Opportunities Have you ever wanted to become more involved with SMEA, but didn’t know how?
This session will discuss leadership positions available at the local, state and national levels. Personal experiences will be shared about ways to become an effective leader.
Presenters: Tracy Szutkowski, MSU; Heather Pilarz, CMU; Kylie Wheeler, WMU
200 Series 10:45 a.m.–Noon
201 How to Set Up the Most Effective Learning Environment
With the needs of your students, it is important to learn how to set up your classroom to make the most of your space and maximize the effectiveness of your teaching and classroom management.
Presenter: Jamie Kimbner, 1st/2nd grade Split Classroom Teacher, Lake Orion
202 Taking a Stand: Creating Safe Schools for All Students
This introductory workshop uses video clips and hands-on activities to examine the ways that bias plays out in schools. It offers resources for creating schools that are safe for all students, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. Also included will be an overview of approaches to designing and integrating activities into the classroom that raise awareness of bias and empower students to advocate for change, especially around GLBT bias.
Presenter: Tracy Hobbs, School Psychologist, Lake Orion Community Schools
203 Special Education Basics: Help for General Educators
This session offers an overview of the definitions of a learning disability. Tips and strategies will be given on how to work effectively with students who are eligible for special education services, especially when those students are part of a general education class.
Presenter: Linda Keway, Consultant, MEA Professional Development and Human Rights Department
204 This Way to the Michigan Merit Curriculum
On April 20, 2006, Governor Granholm signed into law the most comprehensive set of high school graduation requirements in the nation called the Michigan Merit Curriculum. This law is a result of a partnership between Granholm, State Board of Education, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Legislature and numerous education associations including the MEA. This curriculum is designed to prepare students for greater success and a better economic future. Learn about the new high school graduation requirements and related information
Presenter: Susan Codere Kelly, HSCE Project Coordinator
205 Differentiation in the Classroom: One Size Does Not Fit All
This session focuses on providing appropriate learning experiences for students of varying ability/ readiness levels. Discussion will include tiered lesson plans, curricular compacting, learning contracts. The work of Carol Anne Tomlinson and Susan Winebrenner will be referenced and reading materials and resources will be recommended.
Presenter: Lori Abbott-Smith, Principal, Gier Park School, Lansing, and Joy Abbott, Lansing Public Schools
300 Series 1:30–2:45 p.m.
301 What You Need to Know about Your Teacher Certificate but Did Not Know to Ask
This open exchange format will explore the most current standards regarding certification. Participants will learn how certificates are issued and what must be done to keep them valid. Time will be allowed for questions and answers.
Presenter: Frank Ciloski, Michigan Department of Education Supervisor, Office of Professional Preparation Services
302 Toying with Writing: Mini-Lessons for a Kid’s World
Learn an innovative and research-based method for making your students successful writers. Using toys as concrete and authentic tools, you can teach abstract concepts to your students through meaningful analogies. Tap into your curriculum in a student-friendly way and meet state standards in the process! Packet provided with door prize drawings.
Presenter: Nancy Herta, Teacher, Kearsley Community Schools, Flint
303 ABCs of Investment Options for School Employees
The classroom work can be made easier if your money is working for you outside the classroom. Attending this session will provide you with details of your investment options. You will leave with financial and retirement information you want to learn about early in your career. You will receive the MEA Financial Services “Top Ten Financial Questions for New Members.”
Presenter: Damon A. Wilson, CEBS, MEA Financial Services Eastern Region Manager
304 No Child Left Inside
Project Learning Tree (PLT) helps students learn how to think, not just what to think, about the environment. The PLT curriculum materials provide the tools educators need to bring the environment into the classroom and their students into the environment. Topics range from forests, wildlife and water, to community planning, waste management and energy. PLT improves student learning. PLT challenges students to explore contemporary and pressing environmental issues—from the inside to the outside. Through PLT students learn environmental content that correlates to national and state standards in science, social studies, language arts, math, and other subjects—and strengthens their critical-thinking, team-building, and problem-solving skills.
Presenter: (Tentatively) Kathy Fischer, Michigan Project Learning Tree
305 Community Service and Grants
Learn about available grants from the National Education Association and the Michigan Education Association. Sample grants will be available at the session, as well as advice and help with completing the applications.
Presenter: TBA