Greenbush University
Free Professional Learning for All Educators
Greenbush University 2024 is nearly a month of in-person professional learning sessions beginning June 3 and continuing through June 26 in three locations. These FREE live sessions will take place in Girard June 3-6 and June 17-18, Lawrence on June 10-13 and June 19-20, and in Wichita at USD 375 Circle on June 25-26. These summer sessions are designed for educators and administrators with sessions taught by industry experts to collaborate and elevate your classroom experience.
College Credit: Available through Pittsburg State University and MidAmerica Nazarene University for participation in multiple sessions. You choose which college credit is best for you. Follow these steps to earn college credit:
- College credit is earned through the completion of multiple sessions. Two sessions will earn participants 0.5 credit hours, four sessions will earn 1.0 credit hours, and so forth. You choose how many credit hours you’d like to earn and choose sessions accordingly.
- Find the correct number of sessions and register for each using the green links on the calendar view or by content.
- Complete each of those sessions between June 3 and June 26 and gather the certificates of completion.
- Apply for college credit at your university of choice following the directions outlined in the FAQ documents.
- Be on the lookout for your transcript updates in late summer.
For more information regarding college credit, click below:
Certificates of Completion: Provided for participants upon completion of each session. These can be used for documentation for Professional Development (PDC) Points.
Want to earn college credit, but unable to join us in person? Greenbush has additional opportunities for college credit this summer separate from Greenbush University. Check out Ronnie’s live virtual session options or our on-demand Greenbush+ information below. NOTE: These sessions have separate directions and requirements for college credit. Please see each opportunity for details on how to apply.
2024 Sessions
June 3 – Girard
AI Tools for the Classroom
8:30 am – 11:30 am | Presented by: Ronnie Williams
Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way educators teach. This presentation will help educators bring the power of AI into their classrooms, allowing them to create interactive and personalized learning experiences for their students. We will look at several different AI-driven tools that help educators create engaging and effective lessons, reduce teacher-time tasks, and identify areas of improvement. By the end of this session, educators will be empowered to use AI for the good in their classrooms.
Demystifying Learning: The Art of Explicit Teaching
8:30 am – 11:30 am | Presented by: Marie Walker
Explicit teaching lies at the heart of student learning. Throughout this session, participants will gain a deep understanding of the core elements and principles of explicit instruction and how they can be seamlessly integrated into their teaching practice. We will delve into the foundational concepts of explicit instruction and unveil practical strategies tailored to meet the diverse needs of learners in today’s classrooms.
Empowering Leaders Curriculum – Step 2: Determining Outcomes for Student Success
8:30 am – 11:30 am | Presented by: Jeanna Scheve
This workshop is designed to equip leaders with the skills needed to facilitate and master curriculum development for the benefit of students, specifically focusing on PLC (Professional Learning Community) Question #1: What do we want our students to learn? This session is ideal for curriculum and administration leaders AND curriculum/teacher leaders aiming to refine curriculum planning, improve teaching focus, and ensure meaningful learning experiences for students. Prerequisite: Step 1 – Complete within district: A curriculum team has been established. This session is for building, district, and curriculum leaders to utilize in guiding and training their local staff upon completion. We encourage these curriculum teams to attend this session together.
ESOL Praxis Test Prep
8:30 am – 11:30 am | Presented by: Shauna Pierce
On July 1, 2024, KSDE guidance for earning an ESOL endorsement will be changed to a “test plus.” If you have an interest in getting your ESOL endorsement through the Praxis only, take advantage of this last minute session before the new rules go into effect! Please note that your application and Praxis scores must be submitted to KSDE before July 1. This session will go through topics to study for the Praxis test, study tips and tools, and practice test questions to check your understanding of the content. This session has helped hundreds of teachers throughout Kansas prepare for the ESOL Praxis Test.
The Power of Words: Building Stronger Comprehension in All Content Areas
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Marie Walker
Vocabulary serves as the cornerstone of comprehension of any content area. By understanding the morphological makeup of words, educators can equip themselves with powerful tools to unlock meaning and enhance student vocabulary proficiency which will lead to stronger understanding. Through practical strategies and evidence-based approaches, participants will learn how to integrate morphology and vocabulary routines into their daily teaching practices, regardless of the grade level or content area.
Unleashing Creativity: Canva Tips and Tricks for Educators
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Ronnie Williams
This session is designed to empower educators with the essential tools and knowledge to make the most of Canva, a versatile graphic design platform. This session will delve into the fundamental features of Canva while exploring innovative ways to integrate visual design into your teaching practice. The session aims to cater to all users from Canva beginners to more advanced users.
Building an Alternative to the Classroom
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Mark Lasater
My colleague and I have spent the last three years building a program for students who can’t make the regular school setting work for them, yet don’t qualify for special education services. We would like to share the trials and tribulations of this process with others.
Empowering Leaders Curriculum Step 3: Establishing Performance Criteria
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Jeanna Scheve
This workshop is designed to equip leaders with skills to facilitate and practice establishing performance criteria to measure the impact of instruction on student learning with staff. Participants will engage in collaborative discussions, share best practices, and align assessments effectively with learning outcomes. Prerequisite: A curriculum team is in place AND Step 2 training -OR- PLC Question #1 has been completed in district. This session is for building, district, and curriculum leaders to utilize in guiding and training their local staff upon completion. We encourage curriculum teams to attend this session together.
ESOL Effective Strategies
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Shauna Pierce
This session covers a variety of effective strategies you can use with your ELL students. The strategies are also paired with real life examples from an experienced ELL teacher in all grade levels. The real life examples are all tools you can implement immediately in your classroom.
June 4 – Girard
Empowering Students through Project-Based Learning Part 1
8:30 am – 11:30 am | Presented by: Robert Ovsak
This workshop is designed to help teachers imagine and plan for meaningful learning experiences that put students in the driver’s seat. Educators will explore the differences between dessert and main course project plans, explore the what, why, and how of project based learning and spend time brainstorming and designing a multi-week unit for next school year. Come with some ideas for potential units in mind and be ready to collaborate and thought partner with like-minded teacher learners!
Math Leader Cadre Participant Workshop
8:30 am – 11:30 am | Presented by: Allyson Lyman, Julie Brumet
Math Leader Cadre Participants can attend this workshop to complete planning and culminating activities from the year long cadre.
Word Recognition X Language Comprehension LIVE!
8:30 am – 11:30 am or 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Kim Perentis, Tiffany Oldham, Candice Campbell
If you have completed LETRS for Early Childhood, Volume 1 or Volume 2, please join us for a “make-and-take” session to build materials that will equip and empower you to build readers in your classroom. Candice Campbell, Title teacher from Chanute Elementary, will be on hand to share her customizable consonant chart and vowel valley and provide technical assistance to align it with your word recognition resource. If your team is interested in using the Comprehension Planning Checklist to dive into your resource texts, come collaborate! Did you have a student this year who was not making the progress you expected? Bring your data (decoding survey, spelling survey, phonemic awareness assessment, if needed, and writing samples) to collaborate and find ideas for next year. Other application ideas are encouraged!
REGISTER HERE (morning) REGISTER HERE (afternoon)
Career & Technical Education (CTE) 101
8:30 am – 11:30 am | Presented by: Jamie Manhart
As a CTE teacher for 20 years, I knew what CTE looked like in my classroom, but I didn’t necessarily always understand what CTE in Kansas meant on a larger scale and what opportunities there were for my district and my students.
And that is the intent of this session. I will share resources and information about what CTE opportunities there are and how to find them and implement them. I will answer the Who, What, When, Where, How, and Why of CTE, as well as Perkins and its role in CTE. Upcoming professional development will also be shared.
Empowering Students through Project-Based Learning Part 2
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Robert Ovsak
This workshop serves as part two of the project based learning series. Educators will recap session one, examine the entry event, project management, and assessment as they work to develop a multi-week unit for the next school year. Come with some ideas for potential units in mind and be ready to collaborate and thought partner with like-minded teacher learners!
What is Fluency in Mathematics?
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Allyson Lyman, Julie Brumet
This session will explore what fluency means in a mathematics classroom and how we can support students in the acquisition of fluency with sustainable, enjoyable practice.
Building an Alternative to the Classroom
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Mark Lasater
My colleague and I have spent the last three years building a program for students who can’t make the regular school setting work for them, yet don’t qualify for special education services. We would like to share the trials and tribulations of this process with others.
June 5 – Girard
Writing Series Day 1 – Putting Writing into Practice: From Sentence Instruction to Paragraph Creation
8:30 am – 11:30 am or 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Amy Huizenga, Robert Ovsak
Writing is the most cognitively challenging literacy skill to master. Sometimes, writing is difficult for us as teachers. Sometimes, our students lack adequate background knowledge necessary for writing. Sometimes, our teaching materials just do not hit the mark. Regardless of your obstacles, the experts believe combining the principles of instruction with the content you are teaching is the most effective way to move the needle. Drawing primarily from the work found in The Writing Revolution (Hochman & Wexler, 2017) and The Writing Rope (Sedita, 2023), participants will engage in the tenets of writing instruction beginning with critical first steps to prepare students for success in writing. Together we will dig into the research and guiding principles underlying writing instruction. You will be presented with guidance and classroom activities to enhance sentence instruction from simple to complex. Then, move from strong sentence creation to paragraph planning, with tips and tricks for the idea-gathering phase in order to prepare students for success in topic sentences, supporting details, and conclusion development.
REGISTER HERE (morning) REGISTER HERE (afternoon)
Career Exploration Work-Based Learning: The Most Important Pieces of the IPS Process
8:30 am – 11:30 am | Presented by: Jamie Manhart
I believe career exploration is the biggest missing piece in the all-important Individual Plan of Study (IPS) process. Based on students’ Xello or other interest inventories, we know which careers our students might be interested in or good at. Based on that information, we determine what that means for secondary course selection and immediate post-high school plans. We include all of this information in the student-led conferences slides to share with parents. However, without that career awareness, exploration, and preparation that is included in the state’s Work-Based Learning Continuum, that information is just data on a screen or piece of paper. And our students are basing their first-career choices on that data. Join us as we dive into resources and conversations that will help you incorporate those career exploration opportunities into all levels and grades in your district.
Creating and Sustaining a Culture of Learning in the Classroom
8:30 am – 11:30 am or 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Tiffany Oldham, Carmen Coughlin
How do we shift to collectively create a culture that builds a capacity for learning? In this session, we will investigate the power of teacher efficacy and its impact on student achievement. Participants will reflect and collaborate to develop a shared understanding of learning culture. This session will empower teachers to shift students’ thinking from what they are “doing” to what they are “learning” through thoughtful lesson design that provides teacher clarity and relevance for learning.
REGISTER HERE (morning) REGISTER HERE (afternoon)
June 6 – Girard
Secondary Reading Interventions – Recommendation #1: Build Decoding Skill for Multisyllabic Word Proficiency
8:30 am – 11:30 am | Presented by: Amy Huizenga
Virtually every secondary teacher works with at least some and sometimes many, students who struggle to read on grade level. Low reading scores in these grade levels are particularly troublesome when considering that so much of the curriculum in secondary grades requires the ability to read and understand increasingly complex texts. The four identified recommendations outline evidence-based practices that can help teachers meet the needs of their students with reading difficulties. Throughout the series, we will focus on each recommendation in detail. You will learn, collaborate, and practice strategies with other educators seeking to do what is best for our most challenging students. This workshop covers #1 of four recommendations outlined in the IES Educator’s Practice Guide: Providing Reading Interventions for Students in Grades 4–9, March 2022. The guidance provided is appropriate for teachers of students in grades 4-12. Recommendation 1 and Recommendation 2 focus on practices to improve students’ ability to read words accurately and automatically, while Recommendation 3 and Recommendation 4 focus on practices for helping students to understand the text they read. Each of these recommendations helps improve reading and comprehension.
Developing a Capable Learner
8:30 am – 11:30 am or 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Carmen Coughlin
Learning is the consequence of thinking…attendees will process practices and strategies that use critical thinking, as well as, reduce the cognitive load to help students retrieve what they have learned to increase their capabilities for long term learning. Teachers will learn how to build cognition through a positive classroom climate that emphasizes a culture of learning through thinking, study skills, collaboration, cognitive engagement, and accountability that develop an authentic learner to empower students.
REGISTER HERE (morning) REGISTER HERE (afternoon)
Secondary Reading Interventions – Recommendation #2: Provide Purposeful Fluency-Building Activities to Help Students Read Effortlessly
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Amy Huizenga
Virtually every secondary teacher works with at least some and sometimes many, students who struggle to read on grade level. Low reading scores in these grade levels are particularly troublesome when considering that so much of the curriculum in secondary grades requires the ability to read and understand increasingly complex texts. The four identified recommendations outline evidence-based practices that can help teachers meet the needs of their students with reading difficulties. Throughout the series, we will focus on each recommendation in detail. You will learn, collaborate, and practice strategies with other educators seeking to do what is best for our most challenging students. This workshop covers #1 of four recommendations outlined in the IES Educator’s Practice Guide: Providing Reading Interventions for Students in Grades 4–9, March 2022. The guidance provided is appropriate for teachers of students in grades 4-12. Recommendation 1 and Recommendation 2 focus on practices to improve students’ ability to read words accurately and automatically, while Recommendation 3 and Recommendation 4 focus on practices for helping students to understand the text they read. Each of these recommendations helps improve reading and comprehension.
Supporting English Learners in the General Education Classroom
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Kasey Van Dyk
English Learners need support to communicate and learn in English. This session will cover several strategies that can be used with ELs (and all students) in a general education classroom. Come join the fun!
June 10 – Lawrence
Empowering Leaders Curriculum Series Step 2: Determining Outcomes for Student Success
8:30 am – 11:30 am | Presented by: Jeanna Scheve
This workshop is designed to equip leaders with the skills needed to facilitate and master curriculum development for the benefit of students, specifically focusing on PLC (Professional Learning Community) question #1: What do we want our students to learn? This session is ideal for curriculum and administration leaders AND curriculum/teacher leaders aiming to refine curriculum planning, improve teaching focus, and ensure meaningful learning experiences for students. Prerequisite – Step 1 (Complete within district) A curriculum team has been established: This session is for building, district, and curriculum leaders to utilize in guiding and training their local staff upon completion. We encourage these curriculum teams to attend this session together.
Empower Every Class, Every Day: Unleash Disciplinary Literacy Skills
8:30 am – 11:30 am | Presented by: Camille Wheeler
Ever felt puzzled about integrating reading and writing into your math or other non-language arts classes? Join us for a transformative session! Together, we’ll enhance our skills in incorporating reading, writing, speaking, and listening across all disciplines. No more uncertainty! Even those who never felt equipped to teach “reading” can leave with confidence in their ability to promote literacy within their specific subject areas.
ESOL Praxis Test Prep
8:30 am – 11:30 am | Presented by: Shauna Pierce
On July 1, 2024, KSDE guidance for earning an ESOL endorsement will be changed to a “test plus.” If you have an interest in getting your ESOL endorsement through the Praxis only, take advantage of this last minute session before the new rules go into effect. Please note that your application and Praxis scores must be submitted to KSDE before July 1. This session will go through topics to study for the Praxis test, study tips and tools, and practice test questions to check your understanding of the content. This session has helped hundreds of teachers throughout Kansas prepare for the ESOL Praxis Test.
Programming and Support for ESOL Newcomers
8:30 am – 11:30 am | Presented by: Jacqueline Rodriguez
Students new to the United States and/or those with emerging proficiency in English are commonly known as “Newcomers”. These students need special support to learn English, grade-level content, & adjust to their new school setting. Jacqueline Rodriguez, the Director of Multilingual Education & Services in USD 500, will share several district, building, and classroom supports that assist these students (and teachers) to effectively communicate, learn, and acculturate.
Developing a Capable Learner
8:30 am – 11:30 am or 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Carmen Coughlin
Learning is the consequence of thinking…attendees will process practices and strategies that use critical thinking, as well as, reduce the cognitive load to help students retrieve what they have learned to increase their capabilities for long term learning. Teachers will learn how to build cognition through a positive classroom climate that emphasizes a culture of learning through thinking, study skills, collaboration, cognitive engagement, and accountability that develop an authentic learner to empower students.
REGISTER HERE (morning) REGISTER HERE (afternoon)
Empowering Leaders Curriculum Series Step 3: Establishing Performance Criteria
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Jeanna Scheve
This workshop is designed to equip leaders with skills to facilitate and practice establishing performance criteria to measure the impact of instruction on student learning with staff. Participants will engage in collaborative discussions, share best practices, and align assessments effectively with learning outcomes. Prerequisite – A curriculum team is in place -AND- Step 2 training -OR- PLC question #1 has been completed in district: This session is for building, district, and curriculum leaders to utilize in guiding and training their local staff upon completion. We encourage curriculum teams to attend this session together.
ESOL Effective Strategies
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Shauna Pierce
This session covers a variety of effective strategies you can use with your ELL students. The strategies are also paired with real life examples from an experienced ELL teacher in all grade levels. The real life examples are all tools you can implement immediately in your classroom.
Supporting English Learners in the General Education Classroom
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Kasey Van Dyk
English Learners need support to communicate and learn in English. This session will cover several strategies that can be used with ELs (and all students) in a general education classroom. Come join the fun!
June 11 – Lawrence
Empowering Students through Project-Based Learning Part 1
8:30 am – 11:30 am | Presented by: Robert Ovsak
This workshop is designed to help teachers imagine and plan for meaningful learning experiences that put students in the driver’s seat. Educators will explore the differences between dessert and main course project plans, explore the what, why, and how of project based learning, and spend time brainstorming and designing a multi-week unit for next school year. Come with some ideas for potential units in mind and be ready to collaborate and thought partner with like-minded teacher learners!
AI Tools for the Classroom
8:30 am – 11:30 am | Presented by: Ronnie Williams
Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way educators teach. This presentation will help educators bring the power of AI into their classrooms, allowing them to create interactive and personalized learning experiences for their students. We will look at several different AI-driven tools that help educators create engaging and effective lessons, reduce teacher-time tasks, and identify areas of improvement. By the end of this session, educators will be empowered to use AI for the good in their classrooms.
Empower Every Class, Every Day: Unleash Disciplinary Literacy Skills
8:30 am – 11:30 am | Presented by: Camille Wheeler
Ever felt puzzled about integrating reading and writing into your math or other non-language arts classes? Join us for a transformative session! Together, we’ll enhance our skills in incorporating reading, writing, speaking, and listening across all disciplines. No more uncertainty! Even those who never felt equipped to teach “reading” can leave with confidence in their ability to promote literacy within their specific subject areas.
Math Leader Cadre Participant Workshop
8:30 am – 11:30 am | Presented by: Allyson Lyman, Julie Brumet
Math Leader Cadre Participants can attend this workshop to complete planning and culminating activities from the year long cadre.
Word Recognition X Language Comprehension LIVE!
8:30 am – 11:30 am or 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Kim Perentis, Tiffany Oldham, Megan Abbott, Christine St. John
If you have completed LETRS for Early Childhood, Volume 1 or Volume 2, please join us for a “make-and-take” session to build materials that will equip and empower you to build readers in your classroom. Megan Abbott and Christine St. John will be on-hand to describe the steps that USD 436 Caney Valley took to bring “The Writing Revolution” to their teachers K-12. They will also be sharing the document they created to make the resource usable for teachers. The customizable consonant chart and vowel valley, made by Candice Campbell, will be available that day so that you can align it with your word recognition resource . If your team is interested in using the Comprehension Planning Checklist to dive into your resource texts, come collaborate! Did you have a student who was not making the progress you expected this year? Bring your data (decoding survey, spelling survey, phonemic awareness assessment, if needed, and writing samples) to collaborate and find ideas for next year. Other application ideas are encouraged!
REGISTER HERE (morning) REGISTER HERE (afternoon)
Empowering Students through Project-Based Learning Part 2
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Robert Ovsak
This workshop serves as part two of the project based learning series. Educators will recap session one, examine the entry event, project management, and assessment as they work to develop a multi-week unit for the next school year. Come with some ideas for potential units in mind and be ready to collaborate and thought partner with like-minded teacher learners!
Unleashing Creativity: Canva Tips and Tricks for Educators
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Ronnie Williams
This session is designed to empower educators with the essential tools and knowledge to make the most of Canva, a versatile graphic design platform. This session will delve into the fundamental features of Canva while exploring innovative ways to integrate visual design into your teaching practice. The session aims to cater to all users from Canva beginners to more advanced users.
What is Fluency in Mathematics?
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Allyson Lyman, Julie Brumet
This session will explore what fluency means in a mathematics classroom and how we can support students in the acquistion of fluency with sustainable, enjoyable practice.
June 12 – Lawrence
Demystifying Learning: The Art of Explicit Teaching
8:30 am – 11:30 am | Presented by: Marie Walker
Explicit teaching lies at the heart of student learning. Throughout this session, participants will gain a deep understanding of the core elements and principles of explicit instruction and how they can be seamlessly integrated into their teaching practice. We will delve into the foundational concepts of explicit instruction and unveil practical strategies tailored to meet the diverse needs of learners in today’s classrooms.
Secondary Reading Interventions – Recommendation #1: Build Decoding Skill for Multisyllabic Word Proficiency
8:30 am – 11:30 am | Presented by: Amy Huizenga
Virtually every secondary teacher works with at least some and sometimes many, students who struggle to read on grade level. Low reading scores in these grade levels are particularly troublesome when considering that so much of the curriculum in secondary grades requires the ability to read and understand increasingly complex texts. The four identified recommendations outline evidence-based practices that can help teachers meet the needs of their students with reading difficulties. Throughout the series, we will focus on each recommendation in detail. You will learn, collaborate, and practice strategies with other educators seeking to do what is best for our most challenging students. This workshop covers #1 of four recommendations outlined in the IES Educator’s Practice Guide: Providing Reading Interventions for Students in Grades 4–9, March 2022. The guidance provided is appropriate for teachers of students in grades 4-12. Recommendation 1 and Recommendation 2 focus on practices to improve students’ ability to read words accurately and automatically, while Recommendation 3 and Recommendation 4 focus on practices for helping students to understand the text they read. Each of these recommendations helps improve reading and comprehension.
The Importance of Handwriting
8:30 am – 11:30 am or 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Madi Mitchell, Stephanie Oliver
The importance of handwriting in the classroom, including research on legibility, developmental milestones, and cursive writing instruction.
REGISTER HERE (morning) REGISTER HERE (afternoon)
The Power of Words: Building Stronger Comprehension in All Content
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Marie Walker
Vocabulary serves as the cornerstone of comprehension of any content area. By understanding the morphological makeup of words, educators can equip themselves with powerful tools to unlock meaning and enhance students’ vocabulary proficiency which will lead to stronger understanding. Through practical strategies and evidence-based approaches, participants will learn how to integrate morphology and vocabulary routines into their daily teaching practices, regardless of the grade level or content area.
Secondary Reading Interventions – Recommendation #2: Provide Purposeful Fluency-Building Activities to Help Students Read Effortlessly
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Amy Huizenga
Virtually every secondary teacher works with at least some and sometimes many, students who struggle to read on grade level. Low reading scores in these grade levels are particularly troublesome when considering that so much of the curriculum in secondary grades requires the ability to read and understand increasingly complex texts. The four identified recommendations outline evidence-based practices that can help teachers meet the needs of their students with reading difficulties. Throughout the series, we will focus on each recommendation in detail. You will learn, collaborate, and practice strategies with other educators seeking to do what is best for our most challenging students. This workshop covers #2 of four recommendations outlined in the IES Educator’s Practice Guide: Providing Reading Interventions for Students in Grades 4–9, March 2022. The guidance provided is appropriate for teachers of students in grades 4-12. Recommendation 1 and Recommendation 2 focus on practices to improve students’ ability to read words accurately and automatically, while Recommendation 3 and Recommendation 4 focus on practices for helping students to understand the text they read. Each of these recommendations helps improve reading and comprehension.
June 13 – Lawrence
Effective Whole-Class Reading Strategies
8:30 am – 11:30 am | Presented by: Amy Huizenga
Join us for an engaging workshop focused on effective strategies for whole-class reading instruction. In this session, participants will explore a variety of techniques to engage all learners in collaborative reading activities. Walk away with practical tools and strategies to immediately implement in your classroom. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or new to teaching, this workshop offers valuable insights to enhance your approach to whole-class reading instruction.
Creating and Sustaining a Culture of Learning in the Classroom
8:30 am – 11:30 am or 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Tiffany Oldham, Carmen Coughlin
How do we shift to collectively create a culture that builds a capacity for learning? In this session, we will investigate the power of teacher efficacy and its impact on student achievement. Participants will reflect and collaborate to develop a shared understanding of learning culture. This session will empower teachers to shift students’ thinking from what they are “doing” to what they are “learning” through thoughtful lesson design that provides teacher clarity and relevance for learning.
REGISTER HERE (morning) REGISTER HERE (afternoon)
Integrating Language Across Content Areas for ELLs (and All Students)
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Katie Hutchison
Attendees will discuss strategies for improving access to information and increasing student engagement in all 4 language domains (reading, writing, listening and speaking, while providing inquiry-based learning activities. Participants will be given opportunities to design their own units and receive feedback to prepare for the 2924-2025 school year.
June 17 – Girard
Empowering Leaders Curriculum Series – Step 4: Aligning Outcomes, Assessments, and Learning Experiences
8:30 am – 11:30 am | Presented by: Jeanna Scheve
In Step 4 of the “Empowering School Leaders Curriculum Series,” the focus continues in equipping leaders to guide curriculum development with teachers. This workshop is designed for leaders aiming to steer curriculum development collaboratively with teachers, to ensure seamless alignment of student learning experiences with desired outcomes and assessments.
The Importance of Handwriting
8:30 am – 11:30 am or 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Madi Mitchell, Stephanie Oliver
The importance of handwriting in the classroom, including research on legibility, developmental milestones, and cursive writing instruction.
REGISTER HERE (morning) REGISTER HERE (afternoon)
MTSS in the HS Setting
8:30 am – 11:30 am or 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Becky McDonald and the USD 404 Team
Success with MTSS in Reading at the High School Level – This presentation will support the implementation of MTSS (Multi-tiered Systems of Support) at the high school level through interactive examples, scenarios, modeled lessons, and deconstructed data. Fastbridge Testing, CBM (fluency testing), Advanced Decoding assessments, along with regular progress monitoring data will be illustrated and explained. Resources will be showcased to aid teachers’ execution of MTSS through scripted lessons that promote student success. It’s never too late to support a child in READING!
REGISTER HERE (morning) REGISTER HERE (afternoon)
Empowering Leaders Curriculum Series – Step 5: Curriculum Reviews
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Jeanna Scheve
This workshop centers on training school leaders in a comprehensive review of curriculum maps with their staff. Leaders will learn how to guide the analysis of curriculum maps as compared to what happened in real-time, and compare them to actual student outcomes to assess mastery levels. The focus includes evaluating rigor, alignment, and pacing within the curriculum to ensure an effective and cohesive learning experience for students.
June 18 – Girard
Effective Whole-Class Reading Strategies
8:30 am – 11:30 am | Presented by: Amy Huizenga
Join us for an engaging workshop focused on effective strategies for whole-class reading instruction. In this session, participants will explore a variety of techniques to engage all learners in collaborative reading activities. Walk away with practical tools and strategies to immediately implement in your classroom. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or new to teaching, this workshop offers valuable insights to enhance your approach to whole-class reading instruction.
Word Recognition X Language Comprehension for Early Childhood LIVE!
8:30 am – 11:30 am or 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Kim Perentis, Andrea Scott
If you have completed LETRS for Early Childhood, Volume 1 or Volume 2, please join us for a “make-and-take” session to build materials that will equip and empower you to effectively build foundational literacy skills in your students. The customizable consonant chart and vowel valley, made by Candice Campbell, will be available that day so that you can align it with your word recognition resource. Other materials will be provided to make sound walls. A collaboration space will be provided for discussions surrounding phonological/phonemic awareness, alphabet instruction, language acquisition and handwriting. Andrea Scott will be available to help us to think of ways to apply the power of play to develop our students’ abilities in all domains of learning, especially executive functioning and regulation. Other application ideas are encouraged!
REGISTER HERE (morning) REGISTER HERE (afternoon)
June 19 – Lawrence
Career Exploration and Work-Based Learning: The Most Important Pieces of the IPS Process
8:30 am – 11:30 am | Presented by: Jamie Manhart
I believe career exploration is the biggest missing piece in the all-important Individual Plan of Study (IPS) process. Based on students’ Xello or other interest inventories, we know which careers our students might be interested in or good at. Based on that information, we determine what that means for secondary course selection and immediate post-high school plans. We include all of this information in the student-led conference slides to share with parents. However, without that career awareness, exploration, and preparation that is included in the state’s Work-Based Learning Continuum, that information is just data on a screen or piece of paper. And our students are basing their first career choices on that data. Join us as we dive into resources and conversations that will help you incorporate those career exploration opportunities into all levels and grades in your district.
Empowering Leaders Curriculum Series – Step 4: Aligning Outcomes, Assessments, and Learning Experiences
8:30 am – 11:30 am | Presented by: Jeanna Scheve
In Step 4 of the “Empowering School Leaders Curriculum Series,” the focus continues in equipping leaders to guide curriculum development with teachers. This workshop is designed for leaders aiming to steer curriculum development collaboratively with teachers, to ensure seamless alignment of student learning experiences with desired outcomes and assessments.
Writing Series Day 1 – Putting Writing into Practice: From Sentence Instruction to Paragraph Creation
8:30 am – 11:30 am or 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Amy Huizenga, Robert Ovsak
Writing is the most cognitively challenging literacy skill to master. Sometimes, writing is difficult for us as teachers. Sometimes, our students lack adequate background knowledge necessary for writing. Sometimes, our teaching materials just do not hit the mark. Regardless of your obstacles, the experts believe combining the principles of instruction with the content you are teaching is the most effective way to move the needle. Drawing primarily from the work found in The Writing Revolution (Hochman & Wexler, 2017) and The Writing Rope (Sedita, 2023), participants will engage in the tenets of writing instruction beginning with critical first steps to prepare students for success in writing. Together we will dig into the research and guiding principles underlying writing instruction. You will be presented with guidance and classroom activities to enhance sentence instruction from simple to complex. Then, move from strong sentence creation to paragraph planning, with tips and tricks for the idea-gathering phase in order to prepare students for success in topic sentences, supporting details, and conclusion development.
REGISTER HERE (morning) REGISTER HERE (afternoon)
Empowering Leaders Curriculum Series – Step 5: Curriculum Reviews
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Jeanna Scheve
This workshop centers on training school leaders in a comprehensive review of curriculum maps with their staff. Leaders will learn how to guide the analysis of curriculum maps as compared to what happened in “real-time,” and compare them to actual student outcomes to assess mastery levels. The focus includes evaluating rigor, alignment, and pacing within the curriculum to ensure an effective and cohesive learning experience for students.
Programming and Support for ESOL Newcomers
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Jacqueline Rodriguez
Students new to the United States and/or those with emerging proficiency in English are commonly known as “Newcomers”. These students need special support to learn English, grade-level content, & adjust to their new school setting. Jacqueline Rodriguez, the Director of Multilingual Education & Services in USD 500, will share several district, building, and classroom supports that assist these students (and teachers) to effectively communicate, learn, and acculturate.
June 20 – Lawrence
Career and Technical Education (CTE) 101
8:30 am – 11:30 am | Presented by: Jamie Manhart
As a CTE teacher for 20 years, I knew what CTE looked like in my classroom, but I didn’t necessarily always understand what CTE in Kansas meant on a larger scale and what opportunities there were for my district and my students. And that is the intent of this session. I will share resources and information about what CTE opportunities there are and how to find and implement them. I will answer the Who, What, When, Where, How, and Why of CTE, as well as Perkins and its role in CTE. Upcoming professional development will also be shared.
Supporting English Learners in the General Education Classroom
8:30 am – 11:30 am | Presented by: Kasey Van Dyk
English Learners need support to communicate and learn in English. This session will cover several strategies that can be used with ELs (and all students) in a general education classroom. Come join the fun!
Integrating Language Across Content Areas for ELLs (and All Students)
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Katie Hutchison
Attendees will discuss strategies for improving access to information and increasing student engagement in all 4 language domains (reading, writing, listening and speaking, while providing inquiry-based learning activities. Participants will be given opportunities to design their own units and receive feedback to prepare for the 2924-2025 school year.
June 25 – Circle (Wichita)
Empowering Leaders Curriculum Series – Step 2: Determining Outcomes for Student Success
8:30 am – 11:30 am | Presented by: Jeanne Scheve
This workshop is designed to equip leaders with the skills needed to facilitate and master curriculum development for the benefit of students, specifically focusing on PLC (Professional Learning Community) question #1: What do we want our students to learn? This session is ideal for curriculum and administration leaders AND curriculum/teacher leaders aiming to refine curriculum planning, improve teaching focus, and ensure meaningful learning experiences for students. Prerequisite – Step 1 (complete within district) A curriculum team has been established: This session is for building, district, and curriculum leaders to utilize in guiding and training their local staff upon completion. We encourage these curriculum teams to attend this session together.
Empowering Students through Project-Based Learning Part 1
8:30 am – 11:30 am | Presented by: Robert Ovsak
This workshop is designed to help teachers imagine and plan for meaningful learning experiences that put students in the driver’s seat. Educators will explore the differences between dessert and main course project plans, explore the what, why, and how of project based learning and spend time brainstorming and designing a multi-week unit for next school year. Come with some ideas for potential units in mind and be ready to collaborate and thought partner with like-minded teacher learners!
Demystifying Learning: The Art of Explicit Teaching
8:30 am – 11:30 am | Presented by: Marie Walker
Explicit teaching lies at the heart of student learning. Throughout this session, participants will gain a deep understanding of the core elements and principles of explicit instruction and how they can be seamlessly integrated into their teaching practice. We will delve into the foundational concepts of explicit instruction and unveil practical strategies tailored to meet the diverse needs of learners in today’s classrooms.
AI Tools for the Classroom
8:30 am – 11:30 am | Presented by: Ronnie Williams
Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way educators teach. This presentation will help educators bring the power of AI into their classrooms, allowing them to create interactive and personalized learning experiences for their students. We will look at several different AI-driven tools that help educators create engaging and effective lessons, reduce teacher-time tasks, and identify areas of improvement. By the end of this session, educators will be empowered to use AI for the good in their classrooms.
Math Leader Cadre Participant Workshop
8:30 am – 11:30 am | Presented by: Allyson Lyman, Julie Brumet
Math Leader Cadre Participants can attend this workshop to complete planning and culminating activities from the year long cadre.
English Learners and Morphology: The Root of Language Learning
8:30 am – 11:30 am | Presented by: Allison Unruh, Tracey McNeely
Where does a tree start to grow first? The roots! We know that gaining and increasing word knowledge in language acquisition is at the root of language proficiency. Come join us and learn some simple, easy, everyday word building strategies for second language learners and all students. Strategies will target a variety of ages, and can be applied across curriculum and grade levels (Pre-K-12).
Empowering Students through Project-Based Learning Part 2
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Robert Ovsak
This workshop serves as part two of the project based learning series. Educators will recap session one, examine the entry event, project management, and assessment as they work to develop a multi-week unit for the next school year. Come with some ideas for potential units in mind and be ready to collaborate and thought partner with like-minded teacher learners!
Empowering Leaders Curriculum Series – Step 3: Establishing Performance Criteria
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Jeanne Scheve
This workshop is designed to equip leaders with skills to facilitate and practice establishing performance criteria to measure the impact of instruction on student learning with staff. Participants will engage in collaborative discussions, share best practices, and align assessments effectively with learning outcomes. Prerequisite – A curriculum team is in place -AND- Step 2 training -OR- PLC question #1 has been completed in district: This session is for building, district, and curriculum leaders to utilize in guiding and training their local staff upon completion. We encourage curriculum teams to attend this session together.
The Power of Words: Building Stronger Comprehension in All Content Areas
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Marie Walker
Vocabulary serves as the cornerstone of comprehension of any content area. By understanding the morphological makeup of words, educators can equip themselves with powerful tools to unlock meaning and enhance students’ vocabulary proficiency which will lead to stronger understanding. Through practical strategies and evidence-based approaches, participants will learn how to integrate morphology and vocabulary routines into their daily teaching practices, regardless of the grade level or content area.
Unleashing Creativity: Canva Tips and Tricks for Educators
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Ronnie Williams
This session is designed to empower educators with the essential tools and knowledge to make the most of Canva, a versatile graphic design platform. This session will delve into the fundamental features of Canva while exploring innovative ways to integrate visual design into your teaching practice. The session aims to cater to all users from Canva beginners to more advanced users.
What is Fluency in Mathematics
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Allyson Lyman, Julie Brumet
This session will explore what fluency means in a mathematics classroom and how we can support students in the acquisition of fluency with sustainable, enjoyable practice.
Supporting English Learners in the General Education Classroom
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Kasey Van Dyk
English Learners need support to communicate and learn in English. This session will cover several strategies that can be used with ELs (and all students) in a general education classroom. Come join the fun!
June 26 – Circle (Wichita)
Empowering Leaders Curriculum Series – Step 4: Aligning Outcomes, Assessments, and Learning Experiences
8:30 am – 11:30 am | Presented by: Jeanna Scheve
In Step 4 of the “Empowering School Leaders Curriculum Series”, the focus continues in equipping leaders to guide curriculum development with teachers. This workshop is designed for leaders aiming to steer curriculum development collaboratively with teachers, to ensure seamless alignment of student learning experiences with desired outcomes and assessments.
Secondary Reading Interventions – Recommendation #1: Build Decoding Skill for Multisyllabic Word Proficiency
8:30 am – 11:30 am | Presented by: Amy Huizenga
Virtually every secondary teacher works with at least some and sometimes many, students who struggle to read on grade level. Low reading scores in these grade levels are particularly troublesome when considering that so much of the curriculum in secondary grades requires the ability to read and understand increasingly complex texts. The four identified recommendations outline evidence-based practices that can help teachers meet the needs of their students with reading difficulties. Throughout the series, we will focus on each recommendation in detail. You will learn, collaborate, and practice strategies with other educators seeking to do what is best for our most challenging students. This workshop covers #1 of four recommendations outlined in the IES Educator’s Practice Guide: Providing Reading Interventions for Students in Grades 4–9, March 2022. The guidance provided is appropriate for teachers of students in grades 4-12. Recommendation 1 and Recommendation 2 focus on practices to improve students’ ability to read words accurately and automatically, while Recommendation 3 and Recommendation 4 focus on practices for helping students to understand the text they read. Each of these recommendations helps improve reading and comprehension.
ESOL Praxis Test Prep
8:30 am – 11:30 am | Presented by: Shauna Pierce
On July 1, 2024, KSDE guidance for earning an ESOL endorsement will be changed to a “test plus.” If you have an interest in getting your ESOL endorsement through the Praxis only, take advantage of this last minute session before the new rules go into effect. Please note that your application and Praxis scores must be submitted to KSDE before July 1. This session will go through topics to study for the Praxis test, study tips and tools, and practice test questions to check your understanding of the content. This session has helped hundreds of teachers throughout Kansas prepare for the ESOL Praxis Test.
Empowering Leaders Curriculum Series – Step 5: Curriculum Reviews
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Jeanna Scheve
This workshop centers on training school leaders in a comprehensive review of curriculum maps with their staff. Leaders will learn how to guide the analysis of curriculum maps as compared to what happened in “real-time,” and compare them to actual student outcomes to assess mastery levels. The focus includes evaluating rigor, alignment, and pacing within the curriculum to ensure an effective and cohesive learning experience for students.
Secondary Reading Interventions – Recommendation #2: Provide Purposeful Fluency-Building Activities to Help Students Read Effortlessly
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Amy Huizenga
Virtually every secondary teacher works with at least some and sometimes many, students who struggle to read on grade level. Low reading scores in these grade levels are particularly troublesome when considering that so much of the curriculum in secondary grades requires the ability to read and understand increasingly complex texts. The four identified recommendations outline evidence-based practices that can help teachers meet the needs of their students with reading difficulties. Throughout the series, we will focus on each recommendation in detail. You will learn, collaborate, and practice strategies with other educators seeking to do what is best for our most challenging students. This workshop covers #2 of four recommendations outlined in the IES Educator’s Practice Guide: Providing Reading Interventions for Students in Grades 4–9, March 2022. The guidance provided is appropriate for teachers of students in grades 4-12. Recommendation 1 and Recommendation 2 focus on practices to improve students’ ability to read words accurately and automatically, while Recommendation 3 and Recommendation 4 focus on practices for helping students to understand the text they read. Each of these recommendations helps improve reading and comprehension.
English Learners and Morphology: The Root of Language Learning
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Allison Unruh, Tracey McNeely
Where does a tree start to grow first? The roots! We know that gaining and increasing word knowledge in language acquisition is at the root of language proficiency. Come join us and learn some simple, easy, everyday word building strategies for second language learners and all students. Strategies will target a variety of ages, and can be applied across curriculum and grade levels (Pre-K-12).
ESOL Effective Strategies
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by: Shauna Pierce
This session covers a variety of effective strategies you can use with your ELL students. The strategies are also paired with real life examples from an experienced ELL teacher in all grade levels. The real life examples are all tools you can implement immediately in your classroom.