Virtual Summit for Educators: Navigating the Online Classroom & Beyond

Okay, teacher friends, it’s time that you got a little fun and pampering!

You have worked your tails off this spring, so we’ve put a little something together for you: a Virtual Summit for Educators!

The Virtual Summit for Educators: Navigating the Online Classroom & Beyond

Presented by Advancement Courses and hosted by Amy Mascott on June 2, 2020 from 9am – 3pm ET

And the cost? FREE for TEACHERS AND EDUCATORS!

That’s right. I joined forces with some really, truly amazing experts, and we are excited to share a ton of resources with you. We will be sharing a ton of strategies, tips, tricks, ideas, and tools that you can use at home or in your classroom (virtual or not!).

We know this year has been crazy. We know it has been full of uncertainty, full of change, and full of loss. We know that you have many questions and you just want answers.

The Virtual Summit for Educators will have sessions on topics like:

• creating a virtual classroom
• communicating with families
• managing student behavior (online and offline!)
• handling stress and anxiety in uncertain times
• mindfulness at work and home
• looking and feeling your best
• and more!

The Virtual Summit for Educators is 100% free because we want to celebrate you.

Every person who registers for the summit will receive:

• the login link to the Virtual Summit which you will have access to until Sunday, June 21
• a Virtual Gift Bag from Advancement Courses and our presenters
• the opportunity to win some fab giveaways!

Just a few of the items we’ll be giving away during and after the event:

We’re giving away:

• TWO “One for Me, One for a Friend” courses from Advancement Courses, so two teachers will be able to take a free class and give one to a friend.
• $100 Amazon gift card
• Signed copy of Stretched Too Thin, by Jessica Turner
• Book set of Raising a Rock-Star Reader & Setting the Stage for Rock-Star Readers, by Allison McDonald and me (!)
• 60-minute consultation with Anne Moriarty, Family Transformation Specialist. This is for the parent who wants to disrupt the emotional patterns you inherited or which you created while under stress, and which are not working well for your family. We will take a look at your worries about your family, what you would like to shift and what’s getting in the way. Then we will create a brief game plan, including 2-3 strategies to implement. Consult must occur by 8.31.20. Consult to be held via video chat.

Wait. You can’t make it on June 2? That’s okay!

If you have things going on June 2nd, don’t worry! Feel free to drop on and drop off as your schedule allows! Also know that we will be streaming it LIVE ON FACEBOOK if you can’t log into a session via ZOOM and will send you a link to the recording if you can’t log in at all during the day.

Register by clicking this link or the Register Now image above: bit.ly/VirtualEDUSummit

REMINDER: The recording will be sent afterwards if you are unable to make it live.

Virtual Summit SCHEDULE

Feel free to view the Virtual Summit Program here.

9:00 – 9:10  Welcome

9:10-9:30 Designing Online Assessments  

Danielle Strohmeyer and Leah Jurek of Advancement Courses

Assessment is a key part of effective instructional design. Danielle Strohmeyer will discuss how to design assessments for all learners that leverage the digital space and extend your instruction beyond the walls of a traditional classroom. Plus, Leah Jurek will discuss how you can take your professional development online through Advancement Courses.

9:30 – 10:00 Connecting On-Screen And Off With Young Students 

Q & A with Allison McDonald

Allison McDonald will answer all our questions about how to connect with your students, their families, and navigate this new way of learning for early childhood educators. She will share what’s worked for her, how she supports her students through various avenues, and how teachers can adhere to developmentally appropriate principles with distance learning.

10:05 – 10:30  Communication is Key: Strategies to Stay in Touch with Staff &  School Families 

  Dr. Belinda George, Todd Nesloney, & Ricky Ramirez

This power trio will talk about a variety of ways that you can continue to keep lines of communication open even during the most difficult of times.  Whether it is communication with colleagues and staff or with students and school families, Dr. Belinda George, Todd Nesloney, & Ricky Ramirez will share their best practices for making communication easy and equitable for all stakeholders.

10:35 – 10:55  Setting Up A Virtual Classroom 

  Kayla Dornfeld

Times are different right now, and many of us are struggled with how to make the transition from a typical classroom to a virtual classroom this spring. The great news is that there’s no “right” way to create a virtual classroom, and there are a million ways to do it! Kayla Dornfeld will show you how she created her virtual classroom, from the space where she records to the platforms she has found most successful for her students. 

11:00 – 11:25  Cool Cat Teacher’s Top Tools for Distance Learning 

 Vicki Davis

IT Director and Teacher Vicki Davis @coolcatteacher took her school from Face to Face learning to distance learning with no lost school days. All students K3-12th grade were moving forward and engaging in learning. In this session, Vicki will share the tools and tips that will help you decide what you’ll learn more about this summer

11:30-12:00 Schooling you on ADHD:  What’s behind the behavior in the classroom?  

Kelly Biltz

Kelly Biltz “schools” you on ADHD because it’s time to understand what is really behind the behavior in the classroom. Kelly will share a few mindsets around ADHD and explain the secret behind why movement is important. She’ll also show participants how to best set up students to succeed at home and in the classroom!  

12:05 – 12:25  Breathe & Learn: Introducing Mindfulness into the Classroom 

  Joanie Plake, featuring Jonilyn Brown of Breathe Happy LA

Joanie will share five ways that educators can bring mindfulness into the classroom, even if that classroom is online! She will share techniques for helping younger learners and older learners alike, and these are strategies that even parents can use at home! Breathe & Learn supports students’ social-emotional journeys at home and at school, and it’s even more important now, with distance learning! 

12:30 – 12:50  Brain-Based Approaches to Manage Behavior in the Virtual Classroom 

  Anne Moriarty

Anne will touch on how brain chemistry dictates behavior and how we can use that information to assess and address behavior issues in ways which promote and protect connection in the virtual setting. Starting from those brain basics and from what you learned during this spring’s urgent shift to distance learning, we’ll tackle some challenging questions:

• How do virtual meetings affect brain chemistry and what does that mean for behavior?
• How do you personalize behavior supports?
• How do you manage your energy?
• How do you prioritize what you’ll continue doing and what you’ll let go of? 

Participants will receive a free workbook in which to record personalized answers. 

1:00 – 1:30   5 Ways to Get Organized This Summer to Prepare for Any Learning Scenario Next  Year…Virtual or Not 

Rachel Rosenthal

Rachel Rosenthal, organizing expert, mom to identical twins and newly minted homeschool “teacher”, will review 5 ways you can get organized this summer as you prepare for next year. Rachel will discuss strategies from organizing your lesson planning to how to organize your worksheets and handouts to easily transition from virtual to in-classroom learning. Rachel’s organizing tips are rooted in the belief that organization can be achieved by all and focuses on the importance of providing real-life insight and attainable tips.

1:30 – 2:00  Look Your Best in your Virtual (or Real!) Classroom 

         Audrey McClelland 

Audrey will help you shop your closet for some staple pieces and will show you how to make those items on-trend this summer and early fall so that you are looking professional (and stylish!) whether your classroom is virtual or not. School may look a little different than in the past, but it’s still important for teachers to look good and feel good! Audrey has an incredible eye for affordable fashion and will also recommend a few inexpensive, versatile pieces to kick up your wardrobe so you are comfortable and looking your most professional. You work so hard for your students; you deserve to look and feel your best! 

2:00-2:30  5 Tips for Incorporating Self-Care While You’re Teaching from Home 

      Q & A with Jessica Turner

Juggling distance-learning teaching with family responsibilities is a challenge. In this compassionate and information-packed session, Jessica Turner will provide practical ideas for ensuring you are taking care of yourself during this time. Having coached thousands of people across the country on the power of self-care during busy seasons, you will leave this session feeling empowered to take care of you so that you can better take care of your students from afar.

2:30 – 3:00  Where Do We Go From Here? Uncertainty as Educators in this Time

        Jen Cort, Ayanna Heard, Jewel Sanders               

Open Zoom discussion with participants, presenters, and experts about what we can do as leaders in this time of uncertainty and change. We will touch on important topics like race, diversity, equity, and inclusion in schools and how to adequately address these areas especially now during such challenging times. 

Virtual Summit PRESENTERS

Kelly Biltz

Kelly Biltz is a Certified ADHD Life Coach and Creative Founder of the ADHD ROCKSTAR PARENT program, the only long term program for parents in the ADHD “world”.   She helps families and adults who struggle with ADHD and Executive Function Challenges and can be found on LovingGrADDitude.  Understanding, Owning and Succeeding with ADHD is her mantra, her passion and why she answered the call to help others in the world of ADHD. Connect with Kelly:

Jonilyn Brown

Jonilyn’s mission is to empower self-motivated individuals to find and express their authentic selves through mindful living. She believes in the ripple effect of kindness and the healing powers of meditation. Jonilyn has a background in Oncology Clinical Research, photography, and sustainability, and expanded on her passions by learning how to incorporate mindfulness and stillness into everyday life through meditation teacher training at Unplug Meditation where she studied under Unplug founder, Suze Yalof Schwartz, and renowned meditation teacher, DavidJi.  Jonilyn practices meditation for personal growth and health benefits. The practice allows her to stay in the present moment so that she can lead her life from a place of love and purpose, as she guides others in pursuit of their own enlightened paths. Connect with Jonilyn: Instagram: @jonilynbrown www.jonilynbrown.com

Vicki Davis

Vicki Davis @coolcatteacher is an IT Director and Computer Science teacher in Albany, Georgia. She blogs at the Cool Cat Teacher Blog and hosts the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast and has been named a top edtech influencer on Twitter. She just finished her 18th year of teaching. Her students created the Wonders of the World in Minecraft and participated in an Ethics in Artificial Intelligence Course during her distance learning instruction.  Connect with Vicki: 

Jen Cort

Jen Cort’s career blends her experience as a clinical social worker and educator.  Her educational administrative experiences are as an assistant head of lower school, head of a middle school and senior administrator.  Jen’s therapy background includes serving as a counselor in lower, middle and high schools as well as private practice.  Jen went into consulting after seeing a need for supporting schools to live out their missions regarding diversity and inclusion such that students can be seen and heard while learning to be visible and use their voices in productive ways. Jen has presented, offered keynotes, and has been a featured speaker at national conferences.  Jen is a frequent contributor of articles, curriculum, and webinars for multiple organizations, and is the host of an internationally syndicated podcast called “Third Space With Jen Cort”

Kayla Dornfeld

Kayla Dornfeld is the 2019 North Dakota Teacher of the Year, and Mrs. West Fargo International. Kayla is a two-time (2017 and 2018) Global Hundred honoree, recognizing her as 1 of the top 100 innovative educators in the world. She has 13 years of teaching experience in second and third grade. Kayla holds her master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of North Dakota. In September 2018, she received the University of North Dakota Sioux Award, the highest honor of achievement offered by her University. Her work with classroom redesign and flexible seating has become the standard worldwide. She is currently writing a book about classroom learning spaces and flexible seating, titled FlexED: Flexible Seating for Flexible Learners, set to release in 2020. She is also a co-author of the best-selling book Education Write Now, published in December 2017, and 10 Perspectives on Learning in Education, coming out in spring 2020. Connect with Kayla on all social media platforms @topdogteaching, and her student led social media accounts @topdogkids.

 

Dr. Belinda George

Dr. Belinda George is proudly serving her second year as Principal of Homer Drive Elementary in Beaumont, TX. Belinda is also internationally known for reading to her scholars online via Facebook Live, which she has coined as “Tucked in Tuesdays”.

She has made appearances on the Steve Harvey Show, Good Morning America, Texas Country Reporter, local news stations, Strahan & Sara, ABC News Special: Pandemic: What You Need to Know, and Nightly News with Lester Holt. Her story has been shared in countless publications such as Essence Magazine, Faith and Heart Magazine, TEPSA Magazine, Washington Post, CNN.com, Good Morning America.com, and Texas Monthly to name a few. In addition, she has served in the United States Army prior to entering into education.

Ayanna Heard 

Ayanna Heard has been a classroom teacher for almost twenty years.  She holds a BA in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood Education from Howard University and a M.Ed. specializing in Guidance and Counseling from Bowie State University.  Her approach to teaching young children is to support the total development of the child, cognitive as well as physical and emotional, which has proven to be extremely invaluable during these times. Ayanna believes that it is never too early for children to learn personal responsibility, advocating for self, and mindfulness. She also believes in the power of gratefulness, crystals, healthy living, karma, meditation (even though she is still learning how to quiet her mind) yoga and breathing, some of which she incorporates in her classroom.  She is working on her first children’s book, about a boy who experiences a day without the inventions of African Americans, and lives in Maryland with her son.  Connect with Ayanna on Instagram: @kailaurie

Leah Jurek

Leah Jurek is the Director of Partner Development for Advancement Courses. She supports campuses and districts with professional development solutions across the country and specializes in helping educators advance in their careers. She has a strong K-12 educational background and brings over 17 years of experience that includes previous roles such as a teacher, campus leader, school grant manager, and district leader. She knows first-hand how to utilize professional development to support other school leaders with meeting their campus and district wide goals and coaches others on how to strategically align to other competing priorities for overall improvement. She received her M.Ed. in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University. Connect with Leah:

Joanie Plake

Joanie is the founder of Breathe & Learn, a curriculum-based kids yoga and mindfulness program.  Her yoga journey began while living in New York City and earning her Masters in Elementary and Special Education at New York University. Through her unique experience as a childhood educator, Joanie is well-versed in building developmentally and age appropriate foundational skills through yoga and mindfulness. As a former teacher at Citizens of the World Charter School Mar Vista, she found that daily breathing exercises and meditation worked wonders in helping her children self-regulate and manage their emotions. In addition, the physical postures offered a fun introduction to healthy living. She graduated from the 200 hr. Soho Yoga Teacher Training in April 2016 and shortly after, received her children’s certification through Yoga Ed.  Joanie lives in Manhattan Beach, CA and runs after-school programming and camps for the local beach community.  She also supports schools in developing and implementing a variety of  social-emotional learning curriculums. Connect with Joanie: [email protected] @breatheandlearn 

Amy Mascott

Amy Mascott is the creator of teachmama.com, where since 2008, she has helped families cultivate meaningful connections and build important bridges between home and school. A Reading Specialist, writer, and literacy consultant, Amy’s work has been featured on dozens of online and print publications, including Scholastic Parents, Scholastic Instructor, PBS Parents, readwritethink.org, and more.  Amy is a former high school English teacher who has truly expanded the walls of classroom, sharing her expertise at local and national events and co-authoring Raising a Rock-Star Reader: 75 Quick Tips for Helping Your Child Develop A Lifelong Love of Reading (Scholastic, 2016) and Setting the Stage for Rock-Star Readers: Helping Young Children Develop A Lifelong Love of Reading (Scholastic, 2019). Married to an elementary school administrator, Amy resides in the DC Metro with her three crazy-cool kids, a dog, and way too many books. Connect with Amy: [email protected]

Audrey McClelland

Audrey McClelland, a social media consultant and brand advocate is the founder of MomGenerations.com, an online destination for mothers. Mom Generations is in its 10th year and is a lifestyle destination for mothers. Audrey is the mother of 5 children – William (15), Alexander (14), Benjamin (12), Henry (11) and Victoria (6). Audrey was named to “The Power Pack” Moms in Nielson’s Online Power Moms list, naming her one of the most influential moms online. Audrey’s naturally honest and positive approach to sharing parenting advice has led to features in numerous parenting and lifestyle magazines, TV shows, news segments, radio shows, and popular websites. Most recently Audrey was a cast member on TLC’s parenting show, “What She Said” and was asked to be part of YouTube’s Parent Panel. She’s also a long-standing contributor to TODAY Show Parents Network.  Audrey has also partnered with fellow lifestyle blogger Vera Sweeney (Lady and the Blog) to create Audrey + Vera Media. They collaborate on video production projects, blogger outreach programs, offline events and online social events. Audrey has a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Brown University and has worked for Donna Karan International in New York City. She lives in Providence, RI with her husband and 5 children. Follow Audrey on social: Twitter/Instagram/Pinterest – @AudreyMcClellan Facebook/YouTube – MomGenerations

Allison McDonald

Allison McDonald has been teaching preschoolers since the early 90s including leading day camps, being a reading tutor, running a large childcare center,  and her favorite teaching preschool. Her varied teaching experiences have given her a unique perspective and flexible attitude that has helped her create engaging classrooms in all kinds of early childhood settings. Allison is the co-author of two books about early literacy, a preschool teacher, and she runs the popular early childhood education website No Time For Flash Cards. She holds a BA in History, A B.Ed in elementary education, and a Master’s in early childhood and family development. Connect with Allison: 

Anne Moriarty

Anne is a Family Transformation Specialist. She works with families to disrupt the cycle that they inherited or created under stress. They want to change and don’t know where to start. Working with Anne, they discover the joy and power of creating healthy patterns that help everyone to feel seen, heard, and valued. This creates a deep sense of connection within the family. Besides raising her own three children, Anne’s experience with children and families ranges from 30+ years as an early childhood professional to substitute teaching in elementary school to volunteer experience with middle school and high school age youth. She is an experienced trainer of early childhood staff and parents, and has spoken at professional conferences on child behavior management topics. She also is a certified expert life coach, a former certified Conscious Discipline instructor, and a certified Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT/tapping) practitioner. Anne has led her family as well as teacher teams in significant, long-lasting change. Connect with Anne: [email protected]  www.facebook.com/groups/ownyourhappy

Todd Nesloney

Todd Nesloney is the Director of Culture and Strategic Leadership with the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association. He is a best selling author, international speaker, and award winning educator. He’s been recognized by the White House, John C Maxwell, and the National School Board Association for his work in education. Connect with Todd: 

Ricky Ramirez

Ricky is a former AVID Coordinator and elective teacher from El Paso, Texas. After 4 years of service in the United States Marine Corps, Ricky became a teacher on a mission to make a difference in his community. Teachers and district personnel recognized Ricky’s ability to reach students and Ricky was named Teacher of the Year for the biggest school district in El Paso, Texas. Ricky is a firm believer that all students can learn at high levels if a caring relationship is established first and he is now sharing that message across the nation to motivate students and teachers with inspirational keynotes and workshops. Ricky’s inspiring speech “Why I Teach” caught the attention of Ellen DeGeneres and he was invited to The Ellen Show for the surprise of a lifetime.

Rachel Rosenthal

Rachel Rosenthal is an organizing expert and founder of www.RachelRosenthal.co and Rachel and Company, a Washington, DC-based professional organizing firm. Since 2007, Rachel’s firm has worked with 3000+ clients, and teamed up with prominent brands, including West Elm, Pottery Barn, The Container Store, and Four Seasons. Rachel is a TODAY Parenting Contributor and her organizing tips and expertise has been seen by millions and in 100+ publications, including Real Simple, Martha Stewart, House Beautiful, The Rachael Ray Show, and local NBC, ABC, and Fox morning shows. Rooted in the belief that organization can be achieved by all, Rachel emphasizes solutions that are easy to use and enhance a home’s existing aesthetic. Check out her site and follow @rachelorganizes on Instagram! 

Jewel Sanders

Jewel Sanders is an equity warrior who has 25 years’ experience in education. She’s worked in three different school systems as a teacher, parent / community liaison, department chair, staff development teacher, administrator, and currently, a middle school principal in Montgomery County Public Schools. Mrs. Sanders believes in inspiring and nurturing students to become tomorrow’s leaders and community builders. She is a doctoral student at the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore.

Danielle Strohmeyer

Danielle Strohmeyer is an instructional designer for Advancement Courses. She develops courses that support the professional growth needs of educators across the country, and specializes in recertification and helping teachers advance in their careers. As the former primary and middle school assistant principal of an international school, she cultivated a staff of educators from around the world and led the design of ELA, social studies, and SEL curricula to support learners of all abilities. She received her M.Ed. in Secondary Education from Ball State University. Over the course of her career, she has appeared in multiple publications for groups such as the Shanghai Institute for International Curriculum Research. Connect with Danielle:

Jessica Turner

Jessica N. Turner is the author of the bestselling books The Fringe Hours and Stretched Too Thin. She is also the founder of the popular lifestyle blog The Mom Creative. Additionally, she is an award-winning marketing professional, speaker, and freelance writer. She has been featured in numerous media outlets including The Today Show, O Magazine, Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine, Better Homes and Gardens, and Inc.com. She and her husband, Matthew, live with their three young children in Nashville, Tennessee. Connect with Jessica on Instagram: @JessicaNTurner and @BookSnobbery and on TheMomCreative.com.

Grab the Navigating the Online Classroom & Beyond Program by clicking here or on the image below.

fyi: This post was written as part of a partnership with Advancement Courses, but as always, my opinions are all my own, influenced only by my experience as a parent and educator.