In this session, aimed at secondary teachers of all disciplines, we will dig into the tension between effort-based and mastery-based grading. We’ll look at academic research on grading, test anxiety, and achievement, then use real scenarios - “grade killer” exams, missing work, retakes, and falling performance against standards - as prompts for structured discussion. Participants will examine how their current gradebooks reflect (or contradict) their beliefs about learning and leave with 1-2 concrete changes they can try to bring practice closer to their philosophical ideal.
professional development experience centered on intentional team building and collaboration. This PD focuses on strengthening relationships, building trust, and enhancing communication among staff to create a cohesive, supportive team.
Active learning is one of the most powerful tools educators have to boost cognition, improve attention, and support whole-child development. Research consistently shows that when students move, they think more clearly, stay engaged longer, and perform better academically. This presentation draws on findings from a grounded-theory research study that led to the development of the Theory of Constant Natural Freedom of Movement—a framework describing how physical activity must occur as a constant, natural, and embedded element of the school day to truly impact learning. Participants will explore data-driven strategies to create learning environments where physical activity arises naturally and continuously—not as an interruption to learning, but as an enhancer of it. These examples span general education classrooms, physical education settings, and cross-disciplinary contexts, illustrating how purposeful movement strengthens engagement, supports inclusion, and elevates academic and social outcomes. Attendees will leave with practical, ready-to-implement approaches that spark constant physical activity opportunities, promote self-regulated movement, and improve overall learning quality. The session will also provide templates and models that educators can adapt to their own classrooms or teacher-preparation programs.
This session explores strategies for strengthening staff capacity while fostering a positive, collaborative work environment. Participants will learn how to cultivate shared ownership, build individual and team strengths, and create supportive structures that empower educators to grow with confidence
