Research Meets Real World:
Teaching Practices that Work
A Practitioners Workshop
Presented by Kansas NEA and MidAmerica Nazarene University
Conference Flyer (PDF 581.72 KB Help )
Session 1: So You Want to Write a Grant
Get tips on the essential components of grant-writing for a successful application. Learn about some possible sources of grant funding.
Kathy Mangino, Extended Learning Coordinator, Olathe
Session 2: Inspiring Students Through Technology
The session will review authentic classroom technology use. Participants will get the opportunity to explore several hardware devices and software applications which will engage students and enhance instruction.
Jim Brockway, Instructional Technology Support Specialist, Gardner
Natalie Morris, Technology Instructional Resource Teacher, Olathe
Session 3: What’s So Special About Special Education? Services, Students, and Support
Participants will learn about the process to qualify students for special education and the continuum of services that are offered to identify students in the schools. In addition, general education teachers will relate experiences in working with special education students, para-educators, and the special education staff.
Lanie Fasulo, Special Services Instructional Resource Teacher, Olathe
Christine Litterick, Moonlight Elementary teacher, Gardner
Krista Wilson, Louisburg Elementary teacher, Louisburg
Session 4 Meeting Expectations: What Principals Want
Meeting your principal’s expectations is an important component in being a successful teacher. Find out what principals want and learn tips for making a positive impression during your teacher career. A panel of experienced school leaders will offer coaching tips to make you an all-star on your school team.
Candy Birch, South High associate principal, Olathe
Dr. Melanie DeMoss, Arbor Creek Elementary principal, Olathe
Tracy Maring, Indian Trail Junior High principal, Olathe
Greg Oborny, Regency Place Elementary principal, Olathe
Session 5 Se Habla – What?!
Students coming from homes that speak another language can cause anxiety for any teacher. This session will focus on English language acquisition: how long it takes, how best to help students achieve proficiency in their social and academic language, what to do with a child who doesn’t understand what you say. Federal law has specific regulations regarding second language students. As a classroom teacher, you need to be aware of and protect the students’ rights.
Debbie Taylor, ESL Coordinator, De Soto
Session 6 Inquiry Across the Curriculum
Inquiry is a teaching strategy that can be used in every discipline. If well done, it has been shown by research to be an effective tool to increase student learning. Inquiry engages student interests and challenges them to be creative and critical thinkers with better retention of concepts. This session will introduce you to the inquiry process in science as well as other curricular areas. Please come with one of your teaching manuals.
Helen Kloepper, Instructional Coach, Spring Hill
Session 7 Tools for the Profession: Putting the Internet to Work for You!
Whether just starting a teaching career, looking for a teaching position, or planning a new unit of instruction, the World Wide Web offers a range of excellent resources. This session will provide a brief introduction to a selected list identified as favorites by many teachers.
Dr. Blake West, Coordinating Teacher for Technology, Blue Valley
Session 8, 11 Managing Your Classroom
Classroom management ideas for both elementary and secondary educators. The focus will be management styles from “I Can Do It” and personal experiences from classroom teachers.
Janee File, Black Bob Elementary teacher, Olathe
Kevin Riemann, KNEA Director of Organization Development, Topeka
Session 9, 12 Keys to Effective Parent Communication
We will explore many different avenues for effective and on-going communication with your students’ parents. Keep them up-to-date and involved!
Carol Beaver, Instructional Resource Teacher, Olathe
Christa Beaver, Ridgeview Elementary teacher, Olathe
Session 10, 13 Making the Most of Your Day
This workshop will tell you everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask about lesson planning, long range planning, analyzing student work, planning for state assessments, grading, and being time efficient. We will also highlight the value of professional learning teams.
Jon Bell, Ravenwood Elementary teacher, Olathe
Lyle Gibbens, Mahaffie Elementary teacher, Olathe
All session presenters are members of Kansas NEA.
Conference Flyer (PDF 581.72 KB Help )
