STLinATL

The presence of anger, aggression, and anxiety are all intense emotions that often dominate conversation and require specific understandings and skills to effectively manage the impact of those emotions. This session seeks to equip participants to be better prepared for when those behaviors are present.

Every learner has different needs--but there are simple strategies that any teacher can use to ensure that every student is appropriately challenged and supported every day. Learn how independent-school teachers worldwide are using the self-paced, mastery-based Modern Classroom instructional model to create classrooms where all learners can succeed.

In this engaging and interactive session, Modern Classrooms Project co-founder (and former independent school graduate and teacher). Robert Barnett will explain how educators can:

-Digitize direct instruction, so they can spend class time working closely with their students.
-Design structures for self-paced learning, which keep all students appropriately challenged--and appropriately supported--every day.
-Ensure that all students achieve authentic mastery before advancing to more complex content.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins found "overwhelming positive support" for this approach. In this interactive session, led by Modern Classrooms Project co-founder Robert Barnett, you'll see why! In particular, you will:

1) Experience Modern Classroom instruction from the student perspective, by completing a series of brief mastery-based learning tasks.

2) Use classroom-tested guides and templates to identify instructional videos, design collaborative practice activities, and create mastery checks - all of which they can use with their own students, in their own communities.

3) Learn from one another by providing feedback on each others' materials and articulating clear action plans to implement the lessons they have created with their students in the fall.

You'll leave feeling inspired to meet every learner's needs--and empowered to do so!

Jay will share insights from his recent book, Designing Authentic Performance Tasks and Projects (ASCD, 2020), offering practical, research-backed strategies for creating meaningful learning experiences.This session will explore proven design tools for developing performance tasks that actively engage students while assessing essential skills—such as Profile of a Graduate competencies—that are often overlooked in traditional testing. Participants will also gain access to a curated collection of high-quality web-based resources. Additionally, the session will examine instructional implications and the vital role of formative assessment in supporting student growth and deeper learning.

Maintain focus, enthusiasm, and consistency with the Responsive Classroom approach. 
Many times teachers start out strong and then lose steam both throughout the school day and the school year. Along the way, that excitement and enthusiasm for the RC approach may dwindle. In this session, you will learn strategies to help you stay motivated and focused as you keep the fire burning to support the momentum of learning in your classroom. This session will deepen your understanding of current Responsive Classroom practices that support change in student academics and behaviors.

Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT®) is a system of contemplative exercises designed to strengthen and sustain compassion. Developed at Emory University, CBCT combines brain science with ancient meditative practices. This secular program has been developed for use by educators, medical professionals, as well as in the business field. CBCT practice has been clinically shown to decrease rates of burnout and anxiety in a variety of settings, including education. Learn more about CBCT and what it has to offer you and your team. This workshop will include guided meditative practice.

What happens when you truly put people at the center of your leadership— whether faculty, staff, students, or others?  Leadership is the ability to guide, inspire, and support a group or team of people towards a shared goal. Yet, despite over a century of leadership studies, how many great leaders have we worked for? How many times have we wished someone would show more leadership? How often have we been great leaders ourselves? Gone are the days where the leader is expected to have all the answers; the problems we face are too wicked, the amount of information we have is too much, and the pace of change is just too fast. It's now about harnessing the strength of the team and of every individual. 
Join us for a session where we’ll explore the evolution of leadership styles and dive into an emerging trend of Human-Centered Leadership. This approach flips the perspective of leadership from the leader to the followers. Together, we'll discuss practical tools and behaviors from the worlds of innovation, creativity, and collaboration that can create better outcomes, stronger relationships, and a culture of connection and impact. Discover how embracing Human-Centered Leadership can not only transform you and your teams, but also inspire lasting impact in every corner of your school and beyond.