Teaching and Learning CoLab 2024

Brain science research indicates that activating and integrating prior knowledge is one of the most powerful teaching strategies one can utilize in the classroom. In this session, elementary educators will focus on ways they can uncover the prior knowledge and experiences of their students through formulating and posing questions, listening and interpreting ideas, and probing and unpacking student thinking. Teachers will walk away with new tools they can immediately employ in the classroom; strategies that elicit students’ preconceptions and encourage metacognition across various content areas.

Have you been wondering what DEI is, how to implement it, and what it has to do with science? In this presentation teachers will learn what DEI is and how we as science educators can use it in our classrooms. You will also learn how to use scientifically accurate inclusive language and how that supports your students. A curriculum audit tool specific to DEI created by myself in conjunction with, UCCS and CU Denver's SHED department graduate school faculty will also be available for you to take back to your schools and use.

Participants will discuss and practice linguistic scaffolds to incorporate into lesson plans to support access to content for Multilingual Learners (MLs).

"Understanding Career and Technical Education - its for all students."

This professional development session focuses on proven methods for success in mathematics. Explore the power of data-driven instruction, learning how to leverage data to inform and enhance your teaching practices. Discover key intervention tools and strategies that empower educators to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students.

In this session participants will be encouraged to spark their creative juices while learning about a simple and fun analogy for structuring and explaining the creative process. Also included will be a discussion around research and three different perspectives of the concept of PLAY. Participants will then make connections to the creative process, the concept of playing, and the Colorado Academic Standards for Dance and Drama/Theatre Arts.