Foster Collaboration with BreakoutEDU

Posted by Rachel on February 10, 2020
Posted in: 1:00 PM Sessions, Everyone, Kara Guiff. Leave a comment

Breakout EDU brings Escape Room fun and excitement to your classroom.  Participants in a game need to solve clues to get codes which are the combinations to a series of locks.  When all the locks are successfully opened, the participants have “broken out” whatever is in the locked box. Attendees of this session will have the opportunity to complete an actual Breakout game. It will encompass tasks in several subject areas so teachers can see how they could use a breakout for their content area. Breakout EDU is an innovative concept that can uniquely engage students in any subject area while they work on collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills. If you’re already experienced with BreakoutEDU, join this session to share your tips, explore resources you may not have seen, and learn how to design your own custom game! 

Applicable To Everyone

Presenter Bio

Kara is an innovative special education teacher with 29 years of experience in K-12 education, as well as the lead trainer/speaker for Guiff Goodies For Education. She has been a resource teacher, interventionist, and co-teacher in general education classrooms and is currently an alternative education instructor at White’s Jr/Sr High. She is always looking for ways to engage students and likes to keep things as hands-on as possible. Kara loves keeping up with and learning new tech and teaching methods and is excited to share things with other educators.

Online Literacy Tools You Should Be Using – No Matter What You Teach

Posted by Rachel on February 10, 2020
Posted in: 10:30 AM Sessions, Everyone, Kara Guiff. Leave a comment

All teachers are responsible for helping students gain digital literacy skills. No matter what content you teach, this session will introduce you to online literacy tools you can use to help your students think more deeply and communicate their understanding of what they are reading. Attendees will be introduced to several platforms depending on the needs of the group. Educators will have the opportunity to try each platform from a student’s perspective as well as learn to use the teacher features. These platforms allow teachers to embed several types of questions, videos, links, images, etc. Students respond to questions and have opportunities to annotate and ask questions of their own. Time will be allotted for attendees to create lessons they can use in their classrooms.

Applicable To 3-12 ELA, SS, Science, Health & Elective Teachers

Presenter Bio

Kara is an innovative special education teacher with 29 years of experience in K-12 education, as well as the lead trainer/speaker for Guiff Goodies For Education. She has been a resource teacher, interventionist, and co-teacher in general education classrooms and is currently an alternative education instructor at White’s Jr/Sr High. She is always looking for ways to engage students and likes to keep things as hands-on as possible. Kara loves keeping up with and learning new tech and teaching methods and is excited to share things with other educators.

Share your favorite teaching moment!

Posted by Rachel on January 28, 2020
Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

This year’s SPARC theme is “For the Love of Teaching!” – a time to remember why we chose this profession & why it matters; reignite our passion. When the going gets tough, we need to be reminded.

So let’s hear it!

What’s your most memorable moment?

Share…

  • a time when you know you made an impact on a student – or when they made an impact on you!
  • a lightbulb moment!
  • that hilarious conversation that you’ve told a thousand times over and still can’t stop laughing!
  • that story that proves it’s all worth it!

Rachel Porter is collecting these for sharing at this year’s conference. You can share in the form of a narrative, audio recording or video! Just send your story in any format to porterr@swparke.k12.in.us or DM on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram by February 10!

Top Gun Tech: #BeMooreCollaborative

Posted by Rachel on January 27, 2020
Posted in: 10:30 AM Sessions, 1:00 PM Sessions, Elementary, Everyone, Jason Wilburn, Secondary, Valerie Summerlot. Leave a comment

Do you have the need… the need for technology! Then buckle up and grab a wingman or wingwoman and fly over to Top Gun Tech: #BeMooreCollaborative. Don’t worry, this is all declassified information rooted in student voice, collaboration, engagement and fun for everyone. So, get ready to buzz the tower of student knowledge with our Top Gun Tech session.

Applicable To Everyone

Presenter Bio

My name is Jason Wilburn. I have taught for fifteen years with opportunities to grow as an educator at Brownsburg High School, Riverton Parke Jr.-Sr. High School, and currently, Mooresville High School. Within the Mooresville Consolidated School Corporation, I serve as the Technology & Engagement Coach, as well as, a Social Studies Teacher. Integrating technology into the classroom has been a passion of mine since the beginning of my professional career. Overall, I have found that student engagement and accountability heavily increases when students and teachers collaborate and interact with technology in and outside of the classroom. I look forward to sharing my passion for technology with you again this year at #SPARC20.  #BeMooreEngaging #BeMooreCollaborative

Co-Presenter: Valerie Summerlot

Valerie Summerlot is the Fine Arts Department Head and a teacher at Mooresville High School. Valerie serves on the MHS Pioneer Tech Team that provides assistance and professional development activities for colleagues in the area of technology integration into the classroom. Because of her love for tech tools, student voice, and student engagement, Valerie is in the beginning stages of gamifying her classroom.

Classroom Strategies & Why Student’s Struggle

Posted by Rachel on January 23, 2020
Posted in: 1:00 PM Sessions, Elementary, Everyone, Leadership, Rhonda Zollner, Secondary. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Whether your student has a formal diagnosis or not, understanding the root cause, or what is happening in the brain of a child with these challenges, is critical to effectively addressing the problem. Rhonda not only explains the root cause, but she gives you strategies to implement right away into the classroom. 

Applicable To Everyone

Presenter Bio

Rhonda Zollner is the Executive Director and owner of Brain Balance Plainfield.  It’s been her pleasure, since October 2011, to work for Brain Balance Achievement Centers.  Her degree is from Marian University in Elementary Education. Over the years, she has taught a variety of grades and experienced working with children of various backgrounds. However, she became frustrated with the uncertainty some children faced regarding diagnosis and treatment of developmental delays like Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism and processing.  Brain Balance Achievement Centers was the answer she was looking for. After her son’s phenomenal results with Brain Balance, she decided to open a center in her community and enroll her daughter. It’s her passion to educate parents and teachers on other options besides medication and tutoring. She looks forward to helping more families in her local and surrounding communities. 

The Benefits of and Demand for Social-Emotional Learning

Posted by Rachel on January 23, 2020
Posted in: 10:30 AM Sessions, Cassandra Williams, Everyone. Leave a comment

Developing self-awareness, interpersonal skills, and self-control that increase success in school, life, and work is achieved through Social-Emotional Learning. Students who are better at coping with daily challenges, classroom conflicts, and academic success are said to possess strong social-emotional skills.  Lets take a look at the top programs used in K12 and their components.

Applicable To Everyone

Presenter Bio

Cassandra Williams is a strong advocate for revolutionizing systems.  Currently, she is a professor at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.  Her research is on “Flipping the Coaching Cycle.” She is responsible for Transforming the Educational Experience for new teachers.  She developed an e-Learning Support program that offers Coaching to Instructional Leaders, School Coaches and Teachers in the skillful implementation of the District Reading/English Language Arts Program by using video reflection. She has over twenty years of experience working in education, as a founding administrator, District Content Specialist, and a teacher.  

Discomfort by Design

Posted by Rachel on January 23, 2020
Posted in: 10:30 AM Sessions, 1:00 PM Sessions, Chad LeDune, Elementary, Everyone, Leadership, Secondary. Tagged: , , , . Leave a comment

The words “nothing great happens in your comfort zone” have inspired @Mr_LeDune to use his love of design thinking to bring you this session.  Design your way out of your comfort zone in this inspiring and entertaining session which includes throw backs to the struggles of yesterday and strategies which will have you saying YES to the adventures of tomorrow.  

Applicable To Everyone

Presenter Bio

Chad has been teaching for 17 years and is passionate about innovation of schools through STEM education.  His belief in Discomfort by Design has led to ventures such as writing STEM curriculum for the state, founding Variables of Education, founding Wabash Valley STEMfest, coordinating STEM teams in China, coordinating online curriculum for Dolphin STEM Academy, and spreading the results of this mindset at over 40 educational conferences internationally and stateside.  He has earned his B.S. in education, a Masters Certification in STEM Education, a National Institute of STEM Education Certification, and is currently earning his Masters of STEM Leadership. 

From Conflict To Collaboration: Uniting The School Family

Posted by Rachel on January 22, 2020
Posted in: 10:30 AM Sessions, Calvalyn Day, Elementary, Everyone, Leadership, Secondary. Leave a comment

Conflict is a natural by-product of relationships, created as individuals work to connect with each other. In the educational setting, particularly when working toward change in behaviors or educational practices, conflicts can undermine a healthy school climate and impact potential student outcomes. While some fear or avoid conflicts, there is power in the depth created when people navigate and ultimately resolve conflicts and move forward. Participants in this session will learn how to reduce the likelihood of conflicts through communication tools and practice and how to de-escalate and resolve conflicts to maintain a healthy school family.

Applicable To Everyone

Presenter Bio

With 20 plus years in and around educational settings, Calvalyn’s work enhances the lives of students and the adults who care for them. From out-of-school time program to working alongside classroom staff as a school counselor, Calvalyn has used her skills to achieve measurable academic, social and emotional results.  Now, as a coach and consultant she trains educators and supportive adults with the right amount of inspiration and information to make a daily impact in the lives of children. Calvalyn has authored several books including, Authentically Engaged Families: A Collaborative Care Framework and Drag ‘Em Kicking and Screaming: You 7 Step Action Plan to At-Risk Student Success.  Her newly launched WELL Teacher movement provides educators with the tools and support they need to thrive in the classroom and beyond.

Living Your BEST LIFE: Crafting a Self-Care Plan That Helps You Thrive

Posted by Rachel on January 22, 2020
Posted in: 10:30 AM Sessions, Calvalyn Day, Elementary, Everyone, Leadership, Secondary. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

Session Educator stress is at an all-time high, which creates a less than ideal environment for learning and staff wellness. But it takes more than dress down days and spa days to fill the cups of those who pour out each day.  Participants in this workshop will learn the 5 pillars of educator wellness and the practices that help the most successful and healthy educators thrive in the classroom and beyond. 

Applicable To Everyone

Presenter Bio

With 20 plus years in and around educational settings, Calvalyn’s work enhances the lives of students and the adults who care for them. From out-of-school time program to working alongside classroom staff as a school counselor, Calvalyn has used her skills to achieve measurable academic, social and emotional results.  Now, as a coach and consultant she trains educators and supportive adults with the right amount of inspiration and information to make a daily impact in the lives of children. Calvalyn has authored several books including, Authentically Engaged Families: A Collaborative Care Framework and Drag ‘Em Kicking and Screaming: You 7 Step Action Plan to At-Risk Student Success.  Her newly launched WELL Teacher movement provides educators with the tools and support they need to thrive in the classroom and beyond.

Out the Door by 4:00

Posted by Rachel on January 20, 2020
Posted in: 1:00 PM Sessions, Amber Harper, Elementary, Everyone, Leadership, Secondary. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

Over 70% of the teachers who take the Teacher Burnout Quiz are identified as Burned and Unbalanced. Out the Door by 4:00 will help you decide what a reasonable day looks like to you, so you can create a vision for yourself in and out of your school day. Then, utilize what you already have along with your vision for a daily and weekly plan that will only gain momentum as you move through the course. Finally, execute your plans and priorities each day with purpose. Never again start a week or day wondering what you will work on or teach. 

Applicable To Everyone

Presenter Bio

Amber Harper is a Google Certified Educator, Trainer, and Innovator whose mission is to “Activate Educator Self-Empowerment.” She’s the founder of http://www.burnedinteacher.com and creator of Burned-In Teacher Coaching and EdTech Consulting where she has joined her two loves: edtech and innovation in the classroom and her obsession with helping educators who are struggling to find their own passions within the education profession. As a former public elementary school teacher, she promotes the use of technology as a tool for transformation and efficiency in the classroom and is obsessed with helping educators take themselves from burned-out to BURNED-IN! She hosts a weekly podcast dedicated to action, inspiration, and support for teachers dealing with teacher burnout called The Burned-In Teacher Podcast.o

BURNED-IN Teacher Training: 8 Steps to Go from Surviving to Thriving

Posted by Rachel on January 20, 2020
Posted in: 10:30 AM Sessions, Amber Harper, Elementary, Everyone, Leadership, Secondary. Tagged: , . Leave a comment

You’re always tired, behind, constantly frustrated and don’t know how much longer you can hang on to the desire to teach. Come to this session if you want to learn eight steps you can start to take today to begin understanding your current reality better, reflect on the things that are really challenging you, and nurture your natural strengths to take action and never settle for this reality again. BURNED-IN is an acronym. Come learn what it stands for and what it means to be BURNED-IN again!

Applicable to Everyone

Presenter Bio

Amber Harper is a Google Certified Educator, Trainer, and Innovator whose mission is to “Activate Educator Self-Empowerment.” She’s the founder of http://www.burnedinteacher.com and creator of Burned-In Teacher Coaching and EdTech Consulting where she has joined her two loves: edtech and innovation in the classroom and her obsession with helping educators who are struggling to find their own passions within the education profession. As a former public elementary school teacher, she promotes the use of technology as a tool for transformation and efficiency in the classroom and is obsessed with helping educators take themselves from burned-out to BURNED-IN! She hosts a weekly podcast dedicated to action, inspiration, and support for teachers dealing with teacher burnout called The Burned-In Teacher Podcast

Seeking Presenters!

Posted by Rachel on December 21, 2018
Posted in: Announcements. Tagged: , , , , . Leave a comment

Southwest Parke seeks presenters for #sparc20 to be held on Friday, February 14!  The theme is “For the Love of Teaching”, so we are especially interested in topics that revive, inspire and encourage teachers, but will consider all topics that face today’s K-12 educators including:

  • edtech
  • critical thinking
  • communication
  • collaboration* 
  • creative problem solving
  • pedagogy
  • classroom management
  • STEM/STEAM
  • PBL
  • curriculum
  • and more!

Southwest Parke is currently pursuing professional development themes centered around the 4 C’s of 21st-century education, with this year’s focus on collaboration. Therefore, preference will be given to session proposals that include elements related to building student collaboration skills.

Deadline for proposals is February 1, 2020, or when our schedule is full!

Complete the form below to submit your session proposal!

click here to open the form in a new window