It's no secret that the pandemic has created huge shifts in the way our students interact with their teachers, each other, and the world. Based on his new book (co-authored with Alex Kajitani), You're A Teacher Now! What's Next? join acclaimed author Tom Hierck for a highly engaging day of professional development that gives educators immediately implementable tools and strategies to close the opportunity gap, and get students engaged, empowered and learning. Specific topics include:
1. Building powerful relationships with students and colleagues. This is critical as schools rebound from the pandemic and it’s necessary to build foundational connections with and between all students including low-income children, children with disabilities, English learners, racial and ethnic minorities, students experiencing homelessness, and foster care youth.
2. Managing our classrooms in a way that empowers students and minimizes behavior issues.
3. Designing lessons that are engaging and memorable including implementing evidence-based activities to meet the comprehensive needs of all student groups delineated above.
4. Ensuring that students are learning at the highest levels. This would include using high-quality assessments that are valid and reliable, to accurately assess students’ academic progress and assist educators in meeting students’ academic needs, including through differentiating instruction;
5. How educators can take care of themselves and reduce burnout.