Session A
  11:00- 12:20 P.M.

A1. Fostering and Keeping a Strong Home-School Connection (Urban Focus)
Have you ever wondered how to get parents involved in your classroom, or how to effectively share ideas from the school day with every parent? Well, this course is for you! It can be challenging to motivate parents and families to attend school events or even visit the classroom given their busy schools and in some cases, transportation issues. This experienced urban teacher will share ideas for developing a rapport with parents and families and helping them feel welcome and included members of the classroom community. We will discuss tricks of the trade for encouraging parents and guardians to volunteer on a weekly basis, run reading groups, and sign up as chaperones for fun, field trip adventures. Come to this session to start your school year off with a clear vision for fostering and maintaining a strong home-school connection!
Vanessa Elliott-O'Leary, Boston Public Schools
Location: Fulton Hall 115

A2. Making Conferences Work for both Families and Teachers (Suburban Focus)
You’ve made it through the few first months of school. You‘re planning exciting curriculum, getting to know your students, assessing their skills and developmental levels, and opening the lines of communication with families. Now, it is time for parent conferences. YIKES! For many new teachers parent conference time may illicit feelings of uncertainty, stress, and anxiety. You may feel well prepared and excited to work with children, but not so prepared and confident working with parents and families. Just as unsure or nervous you may be in the face of conferences, many parents of young children are having similar feelings about the upcoming meeting with the teacher. In addition to sharing your experiences with and uncertainties about parent conferences, this session will explore the perspectives and expectations that parents have for these meetings. Results of an informal parent survey focusing on conferences will be presented, as well as tips and strategies for conducting effective, productive parent teacher conferences. Through role playing and group discussions, you will be able to anticipate, acknowledge, and better understand the perspective of both the teacher and the parents. By understanding the point of view of both participants, parent-teacher conferences can be less stressful and more readily result in a cooperative, effective, reciprocal relationship that benefits everyone.
Karen Cristello, Boston College Children's Center
Location: Fulton Hall 117

A3. Share your Students’ Creativity with the World: Podcasting with Garageband
The potential of podcasting in the classroom is unlimited. It is a powerful communication tool that can be used across the curriculum K-12. It promotes so many skills and can be differentiated for every style of learner out there! In this session, you will learn how to make an audio podcast using Apple’s Garageband.  This will change the way you look at using technology in your classroom. Even if you don’t use Macs, come and see the potential of such technology along with ideas and steps that you can use with your students. You will also have an opportunity to listen to sample podcasts, created by students in the presenter's classroom, that are guaranteed to entertain you.
Dave Stubbart, Southborough Public Schools
Location: Fulton Hall 135

Session B
1:30 - 2:50 P.M.

B1. Assessment Strategies: Using Data to Inform Your Practice
One of the best ways to improve your practice, and to grow as a professional, is to harness the power of classroom assessments. Data is a tool to identify areas for improvement and to ensure that all students are making measured progress and improving from month to month. Just as you can use informal assessments to measure students’ progress, you can examine your strengths as a teacher. Come learn about different types of assessments, as well the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System, and strategies to implement throughout the year.
Dolores Martinez, Boston Public Schools
Location: Fulton Hall 115

B2. Teacher Created Learning Activities and Games to Support Instruction Across the Elementary Curriculum
Today’s elementary school classrooms are active, inclusive settings comprised of students across the learning spectrum. It is rare that two students have the same learning style (now think of a class of 20 diverse learners). In this course, the instructors will share learning center activities that they incorporate into their classrooms. They will demonstrate how they use learning games to extend or assist students' learning for a specific math or language arts skill (e.g. compound words, vowel teams, telling time, fractions). Practical tips for managing learning centers without losing your sanity will also be provided. K-3 teachers with an open mind and a love for hands-on experiential learning are encouraged to attend! If you would like to make and take your own learning center games home, it would be helpful if you could bring any of the following supplies to this workshop: sentence strips, card stock, stickers, index cards, glue sticks, scissors, and markers.
Peg Daly and Lori Winer, Southborough Public Schools
Location: Fulton Hall 117

B3. Clutter-free Classroom Organization!
How are you ever going to organize that classroom library? Do you even know what kind of materials will be left for you from the previous teacher’s debris? The answer is: not much. Come see some pictures and examples of basic classroom organization and learn some new ways to tidy up centers, manipulatives and books without spending a small fortune on shelving and drawers. You will also receive key advice and tips on how to organize students at the beginning of the school year and throughout the coming month. You will also participate in a "Make and Take" experience -- it is a chance for you to create something useful for your future classroom and to leave with a tool to start your year off clutter free!
Vanessa Elliott-O'Leary, Boston Public Schools
Location: Fulton Hall 135

Session C
3:00 - 4:20 P.M.

C1. iPads and Cameras and Smartboards - Oh My!
Not sure where to start with technology in your classroom? In a time when technology is constantly changing, and 21st century skills are at the forefront of education pedagogy, how can these skills be integrated in the elementary classroom? This session will focus on using interactive white boards, laptops, iPads, digital cameras, video cameras, document cameras and projectors. We will also explore helpful websites and programs such as iMovie, iPhoto, and Google Docs. Join us to gain some hands-on experience with these tools and come away with lesson ideas for your elementary students!
Katie Corkum, St. Columbkille Partnership School
Rachel Rumley, St. Columbkille Partnership School
Location: Educational Resource Library, Classroom G16, Campion Hall

C2. Common Standards in Massachusetts: What Do I Need to Know? How Will They Impact My Instruction?
In 2010, the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education unanimously adopted the Common Core Standards in English Language Arts and Literacy & Mathematics. Overall, the Common Core initiative is designed to “ensure that students across different states receive a uniformly high quality education in core subjects by establishing a common set of expectations about what students should learn in each grade” (Melrose Public Schools, 2010). The Common Core Standards outline what students need to know and able to accomplish in each grade in order to be ready for college and a future career. Along with this hopeful idea of uniforming education, there are also some drawbacks to these standards. Using these standards within a classroom is imperative. This session is intended to give some background information on the Common Core, as well as provide information about how to navigate and implement the Common Core Standards. Come learn about these new standards for teachers and the expectations for all elementary teachers.
Caitlyn Albano, Boston Public Schools
Location: Fulton Hall 117

C3. Strategies and Techniques for Differentiating Lesson Plans & Curriculum Materials (K-5)
Many teachers are provided with boxed curriculum materials that do not appropriately address the needs of all of their students. They struggle to find the time and resources to differentiate and supplement with activities that align with the standards while still being true to the curriculum. This session will look at unit and lesson plans from a variety of curriculum materials and identify ways to make them appropriate for all students in their classroom. Be prepared to engage in conversation and share ideas!
Kavita Venkatesh, Boston College
Location: Fulton Hall 135

Session D
9:00 - 10:20 A.M.

D1. Assessment Strategies: Using Data to Inform Your Practice
One of the best ways to improve your practice, and to grow as a professional, is to harness the power of classroom assessments. Data is a tool to identify areas for improvement and to ensure that all students are making measured progress and improving from month to month. Just as you can use informal assessments to measure students’ progress, you can examine your strengths as a teacher. Come learn about different types of assessments, as well the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System, and strategies to implement throughout the year.
Dolores Martinez, Boston Public Schools
Location: Fulton Hall 115

D2. Sister Act No More: Teaching in a 21st Century Catholic School
Teaching in a Catholic school is a uniquely rewarding, yet challenging experience. The climate and culture of a Catholic education is distinctive, but lack of resources and specialized personnel can make the already difficult job even more demanding. This session is designed for Catholic educators to receive resources and ideas in several areas, which your school may or may not already have. We will discuss some of the joys and challenges of teaching in a Catholic school. Other topics discussed will be special education and IEPs, English Language Learners, overcoming different ideas of best practice within the staff, teaching the sacraments, how to afford to stay in a Catholic school, being an effective teacher with limited resources, and how to weave faith and religion into your classroom culture.
Katie Corkum, St. Columbkille Partnership School
Rachel Rumley, St. Columbkille Partnership School
Location: Fulton Hall 117

D3. Living Your Dream: Proactive & Reactive Classroom Management & Positive Support Strategies for the Beginning Teacher
Every teacher dreams of having her or his own classroom. Experienced teachers know that a wide variety of proactive and reactive classroom management and positive support strategies must be considered in order for students to be successful, however. The beginning (and veteran) teacher must create, nurture, and manage the classroom environment if students are to learn new material and develop positive social relationships. You will be exposed to an overview of the "big ideas" associated with research on classroom management as well as a number of specific proactive and reactive practices identified as effective by researchers and practitioners.
Rick Cass, Brookline Public Schools
Location: Fulton Hall 135

Session E
10:30 - 11:50 P.M.

E1. Using the C.A.F.E. System: Breaking the Mold of Guided Reading and a Passion for Literacy in Grade 3-6 Students
There have been a dozen different ways to teach reading over years, but you have not lived until you try the C.A.F.E. (Comprehension, Accuracy, Fluency, and Expanding vocabulary) system by Boushey and Mosher. As a classroom teacher who has used the traditional guided reading model and been buried in book levels, the C.A.F.E.  system is a breath of fresh air. You can empower students to choose their own books, listen to others’ excitement about reading, and watch the brush fire catch as each learner finds his/her reading niche.  Students like having choice, but you need to monitor them closely. The C.A.F.E. system has fundamentally changed my teaching practice and invigorated me. In this session, you will learn the basics and receive a TON of resources. Please join me in becoming enlightened about this teaching technique!
Dave Stubbart, Southborough Public Schools
Location: Fulton Hall 115

E2. The Ins and Outs of Guided Reading: Step by Step for Early Elementary Teachers (Grades K-2)
The problem with guided reading is that it is difficult to organize, plan and manage. All teachers know that the main purposes of guided reading lessons are to develop confidence, fluency and early reading strategies, and to promote independence. But a few questions go unanswered: How do I manage a guided reading group? How do I keep track of the students data? What are the other students doing while I am at the guided reading table? How do I plan a guided reading lesson? In this session you will learn about several guided reading routines and procedures. You will leave this sessions with a bag of suggestions, ideas and tools to support and enhance a guided reading group. Come to this session and learn the ins and outs of guided reading.
Annellen Lydon, Boston Public Schools
Location: Fulton Hall 117

E3. Strategies and Techniques for Differentiating Lesson Plans & Curriculum Materials (K-5)
Many teachers are provided with boxed curriculum materials that do not appropriately address the needs of all of their students. They struggle to find the time and resources to differentiate and supplement with activities that align with the standards while still being true to the curriculum. This session will look at unit and lesson plans from a variety of curriculum materials and identify ways to make them appropriate for all students in their classroom. Be prepared to engage in conversation and share ideas!
Kavita Venkatesh, Boston College
Location: Fulton Hall 135

Session F
1:00 - 2:20 P.M.

F1. The First Weeks of School: Elementary Focused Activities for Every Student
Are you concerned about the first day?  Do you know what you will be doing? If you're not sure, then come to the "First Day of School" session and we'll talk about what is most important. First impressions are important, especially if you want to "hit it off" with your class and start developing a strong community feel in your room. I'll speak about Do's and Don'ts, my own mistakes and what I learned from them. Also, we'll talk about how important your plan book is and how to make your own, even if you've been teaching a few years. You will receive handouts, activities, and lesson ideas to use for your own first few weeks of school. Please join me if you want to get things off on an organized foot!
Dave Stubbart, Southborough Public Schools
Location: Fulton Hall 115

F2. Teacher Created Learning Activities and Games to Support Instruction
Across the Elementary Curriculum
Today’s elementary school classrooms are active, inclusive settings comprised of students across the learning spectrum. It is rare that two students have the same learning style (now think of a class of 20 diverse learners). In this course, the instructors will share learning center activities that they incorporate into their classrooms. They will demonstrate how they use learning games to extend or assist students' learning for a specific math or language arts skill (e.g. compound words, vowel teams, telling time, fractions). Practical tips for managing learning centers without losing your sanity will also be provided. K-3 teachers with an open mind and a love for hands-on experiential learning are encouraged to attend! If you would like to make and take your own learning center games home, it would be helpful if you could bring any of the following supplies to this workshop: sentence strips, card stock, stickers, index cards, glue sticks, scissors, and markers.
Peg Daly and Lori Winer, Southborough Public Schools
Location: Fulton Hall 117

F3. Living Your Dream: Proactive & Reactive Classroom Management & Positive Support Strategies for the Beginning Teacher
Every teacher dreams of having her or his own classroom. Experienced teachers know that a wide variety of proactive and reactive classroom management and positive support strategies must be considered in order for students to be successful, however. The beginning (and veteran) teacher must create, nurture, and manage the classroom environment if students are to learn new material and develop positive social relationships. You will be exposed to an overview of the "big ideas" associated with research on classroom management as well as a number of specific proactive and reactive practices identified as effective by researchers and practitioners.
Rick Cass, Brookline Public Schools
Location: Fulton Hall 135

Session G
2:30 - 3:50 P.M.

G1. Teacher Talk! The ABC's of Teaching
The purpose of this session is to learn how to communicate effectively with your colleagues, principal, and parents. While many first year teachers are overwhelmed with learning the curriculum or content material, they are still required to attend formal/informal meetings and parent/teacher conferences. At times, abbreviations or terms are stated at these meetings and it can be embarrassing when you do not understand their meanings. In this session, you will learn how to handle yourself in these situations/meetings by learning the correct terminology or ABC's of teaching that will allow you to present an exquisite report. You will also learn how to handle those disgruntled parents who are constantly asking questions you do not know how to answer, as well as those demanding principals who may require more from you than you expected. You will be given handouts that clearly state the ABC's of teaching.
Dolores Martinez, Boston Public Schools
Location: Fulton Hall 115

G2. Common Standards in Massachusetts: What Do I Need to Know? How Will They Impact My Instruction?
In 2010, the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education unanimously adopted the Common Core Standards in English Language Arts and Literacy & Mathematics. Overall, the Common Core initiative is designed to “ensure that students across different states receive a uniformly high quality education in core subjects by establishing a common set of expectations about what students should learn in each grade” (Melrose Public Schools, 2010). The Common Core Standards outline what students need to know and able to accomplish in each grade in order to be ready for college and a future career. Along with this hopeful idea of uniforming education, there are also some drawbacks to these standards. Using these standards within a classroom is imperative. This session is intended to give some background information on the Common Core, as well as provide information about how to navigate and implement the Common Core Standards. Come learn about these new standards for teachers and the expectations for all elementary teachers.
Caitlyn Albano, Boston Public Schools
Location: Fulton Hall 117

G3. iPads and Cameras and Smartboards - Oh My!
Not sure where to start with technology in your classroom? In a time when technology is constantly changing, and 21st century skills are at the forefront of education pedagogy, how can these skills be integrated in the elementary classroom? This session will focus on using interactive white boards, laptops, iPads, digital cameras, video cameras, document cameras and projectors. We will also explore helpful websites and programs such as iMovie, iPhoto, and Google Docs. Join us to gain some hands-on experience with these tools and come away with lesson ideas for your elementary students!
Katie Corkum, St. Columbkille Partnership School
Rachel Rumley, St. Columbkille Partnership School
Location: Educational Resource Library, Classroom G16, Campion Hall