STLinATL: Full Schedule

Welcome to Woodward’s Summit for Transformative Learning Conference!
August 1-2, 2019

9:00am EDT

Workshop 1-- Implicit and Unconscious Bias: Bridging the Distance Between Professed Values and Daily Behavior

We see ourselves as open and inclusive people, accepting of differences and treating all people with dignity, kindness, and respect. We want to create and be part of communities that are inclusive and culturally competent toward all people of all backgrounds. Yet, there are implicit and unconscious biases that get in the way of our best selves, and intentions aren't enough to guide our behaviors. Learn the science of cognitive biases we all have and what we can do to mitigate them within ourselves and our organizations.

Speakers

Roestta lee

Outreach Specialist, Seattle Girls School

Rosetta Lee serves Seattle Girls’ School in dual roles. SGS is an innovative school for Junior High School girls, aiming to empower women leaders and change agents and dedicating its energies to a diverse community of students and faculty, an anti-bias mission, and an integrated... Read More →

Thursday August 1, 2019 9:00am - 11:30am EDT
The LJ - Jane Woodruff Hall

Presenter, Workshop 1 day 1

Grade Levels 9-12, Pk-5, 6-8
Strand Equity and Inclusion
about Equity and Inclusion

9:00am EDT

Workshop 1-Building Resilience at Multiple Levels: An Experiential Introduction to Emory University’s Framework and Curriculum for Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning

In this workshop, Dr. Ozawa-de Silva and Ms. Knox will provide an experiential introduction to an innovative program in Social, Emotional, and Ethical (SEE) Learning developed at Emory University. After an overview of the SEE Learning program, with its Personal, Social, and Systems domains, emphasis will be placed on participants gaining firsthand experience in the resilience-building section of SEE Learning, which focuses on easy to learn skills that can help students regulate their nervous system and gain “body literacy.” Participants will learn these skills and how they can be taught and explored in a classroom or whole-school setting. The workshop will show how these skills can serve as a foundation for the cultivation of trauma-informed mindfulness and attention; for self-regulation and the navigation of emotions; and ultimately for addressing systemic issues such as inequity and social change.

Speakers

Brendan Ozawa-de Silva, Ph.D.

Associate Director for Social, Emotional and Ethical Learning (SEE Learning), Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics at Emory University

Brendan Ozawa-de Silva is Associate Director for Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning (SEE Learning) at Emory University’s Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics. Prior to his current position, he served as Associate Professor of Psychology at Life University... Read More →

Jennifer Knox

Director of Character Ed and Ethical Leadership, Woodward Academy

Jennifer Knox is the Woodward Academy’s Director of Character Education and the Ron M. Brill Chair for Ethical Leadership Development, where she oversees the implementation of the SEE Learning Program and supports Academy-wide work with character and leadership development, service... Read More →

Thursday August 1, 2019 9:00am - 11:30am EDT
W129

Presenter, Workshop 1 day 1

Grade Levels 9-12, Pk-5, 6-8
Strand Equity and Inclusion
about Equity and Inclusion

11:35am EDT

Concurrent Sessions 1-The Importance of Rapport: Developing Positive, Professional, and Productive Relationships with Students

"It's not what you know, but who you know." This networking adage rightly points out what many of us have learned to be true, that it is often not the breadth of our knowledge as much as the breadth of our contact list that ultimately leads to success in landing the career/position we desire. Yet, I believe this phrase can be reinterpreted to describe the teaching profession. Many of us can identify that one teacher or coach that had the greatest impact on us as students. Often, it was not as much the content knowledge they offered that changed our lives, as it was the fact that they made the effort to develop a positive relationship with their students. It is my opinion that content knowledge makes a good teacher. Content knowledge combined with developing purposeful relationships with students, makes a great teacher. In this presentation I will highlight relevant research and offer personal anecdotes supporting the claim that developing positive rapport with students not only improves the classroom/learning environment, but can accelerate academic performance, allow for more productive relationships, and improve the quality of life for the teacher!

Speakers

Chad Ross

Educator, Woodward Academy

10 years of experience teaching social studies and coaching in middle and high school levels in both the public and private school settings.

Thursday August 1, 2019 11:35am - 12:20pm EDT
W134

Concurrent session speaker, concurrent session 1

Strand Equity and Inclusion
about Equity and Inclusion

12:30pm EDT

Concurrent Sessions 2-Connection over Compliance; Creating a Joyful Classroom Experience

Do you believe teaching social-emotional content is as important as teaching academic content? Do you want to connect with your students and families in meaningful ways? Are you interested in creating joyful classroom communities that foster opportunities for student choice? Join us for some discussion and ideas to help you create a joyful classroom experience.

Speakers

Leslie Byars

Educator, Woodward Academy

With a Bachelor's degree from Converse College and a Master's degree from the University of South Carolina, Leslie Byars began her career teaching young children music and drama. She has also served as a middle and high school choral director in Augusta. After moving to Nashville... Read More →

Thursday August 1, 2019 12:30pm - 1:15pm EDT
The LJ - Jane Woodruff Hall

Concurrent session speaker, concurrent session 1

Grade Levels Pk-5
Strand Equity and Inclusion
about Equity and Inclusion

12:30pm EDT

Concurrent Sessions 2-Curriculum as a Path to Equity

We want all students to have an excellent education, but the path to equity can be nebulous and unclear. We will explore the opportunity to use curriculum as one concrete method to promote equity for your students. Please come to this session ready to discuss and brainstorm together! In this session, teachers will: - Explore the definition of equity - Determine how curriculum can serve as a bridge between disciplines, grade levels, classes, and teaching styles - Explore the balance between teacher autonomy and creating a consistent student learning experience

Speakers

Kelby Zenor

VP of Professional Development, Faria Education Group

Kelby Zenor is the Vice President of Professional Development for Faria Education Group. She guides the coordination, development, and facilitation of Professional Development programs both nationally and internationally. She has presented at international conferences — ECIS... Read More →

Graham Wilkins

Thursday August 1, 2019 12:30pm - 1:15pm EDT
W134

Concurrent session speaker

Strand Equity and Inclusion
about Assessment & Pedagogy for Learning

12:30pm EDT

Concurrent Sessions 2-Mirror, Window, Sliding Door: Inclusive Teaching in the History Classroom

Inspired by the words of Emily Style and Rudine Sims Bishop, Elizabeth and John will lead teachers through a workshop in which they will examine a lesson plan they have already created and re-imagine it to include topics and primary sources that will serve as mirrors, windows, and sliding doors for their students. Links to free primary sources and other content resources will be given. This workshop is imagined as one in which teachers can work together to revise lesson plans in order to make them more inclusive for all of their students.

Speakers

Elizabeth Burbridge

History Teacher, WOODWARD ACADEMY

Since 2016, Elizabeth Keohane-Burbridge, PhD has taught modern world, United States history, and Diversity Studies at Woodward Academy, an independent school in College Park, GA, where she is also club advisor for WA Eagle Exchange, the school’s podcast club, and Intersectional... Read More →

Thursday August 1, 2019 12:30pm - 1:15pm EDT
W143

Concurrent session speaker, concurrent session 2

Strand Equity and Inclusion
about Equity and Inclusion

12:30pm EDT

Concurrent Sessions 2-Social and Emotional Learning through RULER

Participants will learn about the benefits to students when social and emotional skills are explicitly taught in the classrooms. We will explore the RULER tool developed by the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and learn associated techniques to implement this in classrooms. Case studies from Horizons Atlanta classrooms where RULER has been implemented show changes in classroom dynamics such as less bullying and aggressive behavior, better relationships, and enhanced academic performance. Participants will leave with a working knowledge of the RULER components Charter and Mood Meter as well as resource materials for their classrooms.

Speakers

Kristin Jackson

Site Director for Horizons Atlanta at Woodward Academy, Woodward Academy

Kristin Jackson is the Site Director for the Horizons Atlanta at Woodward Academy program which serves K-8 students attending local public schools. Through fundraising and programming she strives to accomplish Horizons’ mission to close the opportunity gap for underserved students... Read More →

Thursday August 1, 2019 12:30pm - 1:15pm EDT
W139

Concurrent session speaker, concurrent session 2

Strand Equity and Inclusion
about Equity and Inclusion

1:20pm EDT

Workshop 2- Safe to Brave: Courageous Conversations

Talking about topics like identity, difference, and oppression can raise anxiety for many people, and yet we must have the conversation in our schools and our lives in order to be more inclusive and culturally competent. What are the fears and common pitfalls that keep us from broaching topics like race, gender, class, etc.? What are ways we might engage more authentically, respectfully, and effectively across difference? Learn to participate in truly courageous conversations.

Speakers

Roestta lee

Outreach Specialist, Seattle Girls School

Thursday August 1, 2019 1:20pm - 3:45pm EDT
Richardson Hall - Ben Johnson III Theatre

Presenter, Workshop 2 day 1

Grade Levels Pk-5, 6-8, 9-12
Strand Equity and Inclusion
about Equity and Inclusion

1:20pm EDT

Workshop 2--Building Resilience at Multiple Levels: An Experiential Introduction to Emory University’s Framework and Curriculum for Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning

Speakers

Brendan Ozawa-de Silva, Ph.D.

Associate Director for Social, Emotional and Ethical Learning (SEE Learning), Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics at Emory University

Jennifer Knox

Director of Character Ed and Ethical Leadership, Woodward Academy

Thursday August 1, 2019 1:20pm - 3:45pm EDT
W129

Presenter, Workshop 2 day 1

Grade Levels Pk-5, 6-8, 9-12
Strand Equity and Inclusion
about Equity and Inclusion

1:20pm EDT

Workshop 2-Essential Strategies/Tools for Meeting the Needs of Students with Deficits in Attention and Executive Function - 7-12

An increasing number of students come to the classroom with very obvious characteristics of deficits in attention and executive functions. In this interactive workshop we will explore the brain research, identify hidden characteristics and implications of these deficits for learners, and determine how this information can be integrated into any classroom. Teachers will learn strategies that can transform lesson planning and student focus, memory, and production. Students can learn techniques to be more attentive, organized and intentional as they complete assignments. We will also highlight the importance of metacognition and how it helps students take control of their learning. Teachers will be provided ideas for teaching metacognition and age-appropriate metacognitive tools to your students. Multiple tools, strategies, and resources will be shared.

Speakers

Connie White

Director of Learning & Innovation, Woodward Academy

Connie White serves as the Director of Learning Design & Innovation at Woodward Academy. She is a former Upper School Physics, Chemistry & Math teacher who became one of the first Technology & Learning Directors of a 1:1 program in the southeast. She specializes in start-up innovation... Read More →

Amy Zaring

Director, Transition Learning Support Program, Woodward Academy

Amy Zaring is the Director for the Transition Learning Support Program at Woodward Academy. Ms. Zaring has worked for thirty years with students and programs that support students who come into classrooms with diverse and creative learning profiles. Prior to coming to Woodward... Read More →

Thursday August 1, 2019 1:20pm - 3:45pm EDT
W300.1

Presenter, Workshop 2 day 1

Grade Levels 6-8, 9-12
Strand Equity and Inclusion
about Equity and Inclusion

9:00am EDT

Workshop 1- Talking to Youth About Heated Topics

Young people bear witness to challenging or traumatic events in current events, media, and our local communities. They are often trying to process thoughts, feelings, and reactions without our explicit help and guidance - thereby increasing their confusion and anxiety. We adults have a natural instinct to protect our children from harsh realities and yet prepare them to navigate this complex world - is it possible to do both? What are ways to talk about identity, difference, and justice in age appropriate ways? How do you reinforce your family's values without instilling disrespect for other perspectives? How do you coach them toward authentic and respectful dialogue across difference? Engage in these questions and more through this interactive session.

Speakers

Roestta lee

Outreach Specialist, Seattle Girls School

Friday August 2, 2019 9:00am - 11:30am EDT
W300.1

Presenter

Grade Levels Pk-5, 6-8, 9-12
Strand Equity and Inclusion
about Equity and Inclusion

9:00am EDT

Workshop 1-Diving Deeper Into Equity: Combining Compassion, Systems Thinking, and Common Humanity

In this workshop, participants will explore the concepts of equity, diversity, justice and cultural sensitivity from a variety of perspectives to see the relevance of these topics in K-12 education. We will discuss how they can be raised and approached in the classroom, and the role of personal and group practice in addressing issues like implicit bias, stereotype, power relations, structural and cultural violence, trauma, and inequity in interpersonal relations, classrooms, schools and communities. The facilitators will introduce practices for educators and students, taken from Emory University’s SEE Learning program, that support the establishment of greater equity, justice and compassion in the school community through the cultivation of self-regulation, impartiality, empathy, compassion, and systems thinking. A global, international perspective that attends to and respects local realities will be stressed. Participants will engage in experiential activities and mindful dialogues to examine these topics so that they are equipped to facilitate such experiences with their students. Participants will be asked to actively participate in exploring how such an approach can move us forward in addressing inequity and diversity in a way that enlightens and empowers all.

Speakers

Brendan Ozawa-de Silva, Ph.D.

Associate Director for Social, Emotional and Ethical Learning (SEE Learning), Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics at Emory University

Jennifer Knox

Director of Character Ed and Ethical Leadership, Woodward Academy

Friday August 2, 2019 9:00am - 11:30am EDT
W129

Presenter, workshop 1 day 2

Grade Levels Pk-5, 6-8, 9-12
Strand Equity and Inclusion
about Equity and Inclusion

9:00am EDT

Workshop 1-Practical Strategies for Reducing Anxiety and Defiant Behavior in the Classroom

With up to one in four children struggling with anxiety in this county, overwhelmed adults are in need of a new approach as well as an effective and easy-to-implement toolkit of strategies that work. Through the use of case studies, humorous stories, and examples of common challenging situations, participants will learn easy to implement preventive tools, strategies, and interventions for reducing anxiety, increasing self-regulation, executive functioning, and self-monitoring.

Speakers

Jessica Minahan

Behavior Analyst and Special Educator, author

Jessica Minahan, MEd, BCBA, is a board certified behavior analyst and special educator and a consultant to school’s nationwide (www.jessicaminahan.com). Jessica has over seventeen years of experience supporting students who exhibit challenging behavior in urban public school systems. She is a blogger on The Huffington Post, as well as the author of The Behavior Code: A Practical Guide to Understanding and Teaching the Most C... Read More →

Friday August 2, 2019 9:00am - 11:30am EDT
The LJ - Jane Woodruff Hall

Presenter, workshop 1- day 2

Grade Levels Pk-5, 6-8, 9-12
Strand Equity and Inclusion
about Equity and Inclusion

1:15pm EDT

Workshop 2- What I Said and What I Meant: Improving Cross Cultural Communication

Humans communicate on many levels: spoken language, tone, body language, style and personality. The fact that we have complex cultural identities and a host of differing past experiences increases the probability of cross-cultural miscommunications. This workshop presents major cross-cultural communication theories, ways that cultural values, power, privilege and differences affect the way we communicate, tools for questioning assumptions, and ways to improve cross-cultural communications skills.

Speakers

Roestta lee

Outreach Specialist, Seattle Girls School

Friday August 2, 2019 1:15pm - 3:45pm EDT
The LJ - Jane Woodruff Hall

Presenter, Workshop 2 day 2

Grade Levels Pk-5, 6-8, 9-12
Strand Equity and Inclusion
about Equity and Inclusion

1:15pm EDT

Workshop 2-Diving Deeper Into Equity: Combining Compassion, Systems Thinking, and Common Humanity

Speakers

Brendan Ozawa-de Silva, Ph.D.

Associate Director for Social, Emotional and Ethical Learning (SEE Learning), Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics at Emory University