Saturday, October 21st (10-4pm)

During the professional learning session for science teachers, participants will delve into a comprehensive exploration of four ambitious science teaching practices. This session places a significant emphasis on fostering productive discourse within the classroom environment. Teachers will gain insights into various strategies such as effective talk moves, dynamic questioning techniques, and innovative participation strategies to facilitate meaningful discussions among students. A central focus of the session will be on equipping educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to engage students in productive discourse, enabling them to make sense of scientific ideas more effectively and collaboratively. This holistic approach aims to empower science teachers with the tools they need to create dynamic and engaging learning experiences for their students, fostering a deeper understanding of science.

Facilitators: Ron Gray and Marti Canipe

Saturday, November 18th (10-4pm)

In this professional learning session designed for science educators, participants will embark on a comprehensive journey through the model-based inquiry planning process. The session begins with an insightful overview of this process, providing educators with a solid foundation for their instructional strategies. A significant emphasis will be placed on the critical tasks of selecting captivating phenomena and effectively sourcing relevant data to support scientific exploration. Moreover, educators will delve into strategies and techniques for engaging students in scientific modeling, fostering argumentation skills, and encouraging thoughtful scientific explanations. By the end of this session, teachers will be equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to guide their students in the world of scientific inquiry, enabling them to develop essential scientific ideas and practices.

Facilitators: Ron Gray and Audrey Baird

Saturday, February 24th (10-4pm)

In this professional learning session tailored for educators, we will commence with an introduction to a resource perspective on student learning. This foundational understanding will serve as the cornerstone for our exploration of effective teaching practices. Throughout the session, participants will delve into the purpose and various types of public records, including summary tables, driving question boards, gotta-have checklists, and more. Educators will gain valuable insights into the significance of these tools in enhancing student sensemaking experiences. Moreover, the session will provide hands-on guidance on how to construct and adeptly manage public records in the classroom, empowering teachers to create organized, engaging, and resourceful learning environments that foster student growth and success.

Facilitators: Ron Gray and Audrey Baird

Saturday, April 6th (10-4pm)

Within this professional learning session crafted specifically for science educators, participants will embark on a comprehensive exploration of the art of crafting explanations in the context of science education. The session will commence with an overview of the significance and nuances of explanations within the field of science. Teachers will delve into practical strategies for scaffolding the construction and effective writing of scientific explanations, ensuring that students can articulate their understanding with clarity and precision. A key focus will be on the role of argumentation in the process of constructing explanations, encouraging students to justify and defend their scientific reasoning. Additionally, educators will receive guidance on seamlessly integrating the construction of scientific explanations into their classroom instruction, enhancing their ability to nurture students’ scientific literacy and critical thinking skills. This session promises to equip teachers with the tools and insights needed to elevate their students’ abilities to communicate and comprehend scientific ideas effectively.

Facilitators: Ron Gray and Marti Canipe

Saturday, December 2nd (10am-3pm)

In this professional learning session for mathematics teachers, we will delve into the intricate concept of “Mathematics Beyond Numbers” with a specific focus on how we can create a sense of belonging in our mathematics classrooms and discuss ways to transform our students’ perceptions of the subject. The goal is to understand the powerful impact of reshaping the way our students feel about and view mathematics.

Saturday, April 27th (10:00 am – 3:00 pm)

Join us for an engaging professional learning session that goes beyond numbers and explores the art of teaching mathematics with a fresh perspective. In this session, educators will dive into the pedagogical practices of noticing, positioning students as sense makers, and eliciting ideas. We will take the concept of “noticing” to new heights in the mathematics classroom and shed light on how and when teachers can implement specific teaching strategies to enrich mathematics instruction and nurture students’ mathematical thinking. Participants will embark on a journey to empower students as active thinkers by learning how to make their ideas more visible, use these ideas as triggers for dynamic discussions, and incorporate “just-in-time” instruction techniques.