CONFERENCE PLANNING COMMITTEE
Jane Genzink, Gwen Buteyn - Calvin College
Kristin Rich - Cornerstone University
CJ Mehall, Raul Ysasi - Grand Valley State University
Nancy Cook - Hope College
Grand Valley State University
Friday, October 27, 2017
8:30...... Registration
Eberhard Center
8:45Welcome and Introduction
Dr. Barry KanpoolDean, College of Education
Grand Valley State University
Jane Genzink, Calvin College
ITEC-WM Representative
9:00—9:50...... Session I
10:00—10:50...... Session II
11:00—12:00...... Lunch
11:30...... Keynote Speaker
Dr. Paula Lancaster
Director of Teacher Education
Grand Valley State University
The Cooperating Teachers’ Conference
is sponsored by:
Aquinas College, Baker College, Calvin College, Central Michigan University
Cornerstone University, Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University
Hope College, Kendall College of Art & Design, Michigan State University,
Western Michigan University
Workshops
All seminars are offered each session unless noted.
Please remember to turn in the conference evaluation
form at the end of the morning. Thank you!
1. Teaching and Engaging with the Brain in Mind
Room 411
Laura Otten
School Improvement Consultant, Kent Intermediate School District
As student populations evolve, there is one consistent factor that many school districts are seeing – an increase in the number of students coming from poverty. Students from poverty have unique learning, social, and behavior challenges, as poverty can negatively affect the brain. Learn how to counteract those changes in the brain with key strategies to teach and engage all students in your classroom, based on the work of Eric Jensen.
2. Reaching and Teaching All Students
Room 414
Laura Pardo
Professor of Education, HopeCollege
Do you want your students to be more motivated and excited for learning? Do you want to develop a growth mindset in your students? How can you serve a diverse range of students at the same time? In this session we will explore how motivation, mindsets, and resilience can equip you to reach and teach all of your students.
3. Mentoring Pedagogies: Using Huddles to Support Beginning Teachers Enactment of Practice
First Session OnlyRoom 410
Paula Lancaster
Director of Teacher Education, Grand Valley State University
The purpose of this session is to introduce a specific pedagogy for supporting beginner teachers in eliciting student thinking, managing group work, and checking for understanding. Huddles offer an opportunity for beginner teachers to observe skillful practice, try out some teaching moves, and receive feedback within an actual classroom and without putting students or the candidate at risk. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about huddles, see one or two in action, and try it out the pedagogy within a table group.
4. Writing the Final Narrative Evaluation: How to Avoid the Paper Plague
Second Session Only Room 410
CJ Mehall & Raul Ysasi
Grand Valley State University
Raul and CJ will provide tips on how to write the final narrative evaluation. The presentation will be based on the PRAXIS III: Classroom Performance Assessments criteria developed by Educational Testing Service. This framework identifies those aspects of a teacher’s responsibilities that have been documented through empirical studies and theoretical research. The presentation will focus on putting in writing what student teachers should know and be able to do in the exercise of their profession.
5.Bright Versus Gifted: Characteristics of Giftedness
First Session OnlyRoom 421
Becky Mann
Adjunct Professor, Hope College & University of Conneticut
Gifted learners are not necessarily easy to spot in the classroom. Frequently teachers overlook our most highly gifted students in favor of bright, “teacher pleasers”. If gifted students’ needs are not met, they risk becoming underachievers, behavior problems, or dropouts. Characteristics of gifted learners such as creativity, asynchrony, high energy and intensity that may prevent them from being successful in school will be discussed in this session.
6.Quick and Easy Differentiation Strategies for High Ability Learners
Second Session OnlyRoom 421
Becky Mann
Adjunct Professor, Hope College & University of Conneticut
You think I have time to differentiate??? Unfortunately, differentiating the curriculum can be overwhelming and, in some cases, time consuming. Good news, it doesn’t have to be. Often the most effective differentiation strategy is the result of an “on the spot” decision or is student generated. This session focuses on “low prep” strategies such as questioning, “the answer is”, “how many ways”, and self-created challenging activities to give you a head start on effectively meeting the needs of your high ability learners.