STLinATL

Step into the transformative world of bell hooks' spiritual pedagogy. Thirty years ago, hooks (1994) released Teaching to Transgress: Education as the Practice of Freedom, a groundbreaking work that revolutionized teaching. In her follow-up book, Teaching Community: A Pedagogy of Hope, hooks (2003) delves into spirituality in education, offering a roadmap for holistic leadership and teacher training. This dynamic session will immerse participants in the contemplative, critical, culturally relevant, and intersectional insights from hooks (2003), particularly the chapter titled “Spirituality in Education,” where she asserts, “We can’t begin to talk about spirituality in education until we talk about what it means to have a life in the spirit. So we are not just teachers when we enter our classrooms, but we are teachers in every moment of our lives.” Utilizing this quote as a guiding principle, participants will encounter a space to practice the teachings of bell hooks’ spiritual pedagogy while engaging the essence of being well (Be True to You). In this session, participants will engage in reflective dialogue and discussion, guided by five teachable moments of embodiment, calling, opportunity, liberation, and home (hooks, 2003).

Participants will experience five teachable moments:
TM #1: “Embodying the Teachings”- a mind and body approach to well-being practices
TM #2: “Calling the Spirit”-encountering challenges of living in the spirit in educational spaces
TM #3: “Opportunity”-being true to the core and bridging across differences with compassion
TM #4: “Liberation of the Spirit”-recognizing a spoken and lived truth in community
TM #5: “Returning Home”-maintaining the integrity of being guided by sacrificial love

As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms education, educators face unprecedented opportunities and challenges. This forward-looking session explores how emerging AI technologies will reshape teaching and learning in the next 1-3 years. We'll examine practical developments like personalized AI tutoring systems and classroom assistants while discussing the broader implications of advancing AI capabilities. Topics include the evolution of AI from current tools to potentially more sophisticated systems, the growing phenomenon of students using AI as learning companions, and how educators can thoughtfully prepare for these changes. Whether new to AI or already implemented in your classroom, this session will provide valuable insights into preparing students for an AI- integrated educational landscape. Join us for an engaging discussion about empowering teachers and students to thrive alongside AI.

Two takeaways: 1) A practical framework for evaluating which emerging AI tools to adopt in their classroom versus which ones to wait on, based on factors like pedagogical value, student privacy, and implementation complexity.
2) Understanding how to prepare students for a future where AI companions and tutors are commonplace, including the benefits and potential psychological/social considerations.

Anxiety is one of the most common challenges students face, impacting their learning, behavior, and well-being. In this session, educators will gain a deeper understanding of student anxiety, its triggers, and how it manifests in the classroom. We will explore practical strategies to create a supportive environment, manage anxious behaviors, and implement proactive interventions that foster student confidence and emotional regulation. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to help students navigate anxiety and thrive in the classroom.