MissionMonday is a plan to impact your classroom, your school, and community a better place one week at a time. Learn how to use intentional interventions to affect the climate school both inside and beyond the classroom. We help you take the Random out of Random Acts of Kindness and make it #KindnessOnTheReg. You will leave with a plan to engage stakeholders and empower them with consistent interventions to foster the assets our students need to be academically successful, socially responsible, and emotionally sound.
Sam Stecher (@samMMstecher) has served as a teacher, coach, and leader. He provides the motivation and the methods for every stakeholder in your organization to commit to making a consistent positive impact. Through MissionMonday.com Mark (the other half of MM) and Sam have been able... Read More →
Mark Johnson (@mc_bossy) and Sam Stecher (@samMMstecher) have served as teachers, coaches, and leaders. They provide the motivation and the methods for every stakeholder in your organization to commit to making a consistent positive impact. Through MissionMonday.com Mark and Sam have been able to connect with... Read More →
Open Middle, Which One Doesn’t Belong, Picture equations, Cube conversations, Estimation 180 are a few of the sites which we will experience. See how a few minutes can provide large dividends to help students learn math, develop problem solving strategies, and differentiate learning for students who need additional practice as well as those who are ready for more challenges. Grades 2-8 http://bit.ly/lennyvbellringer
Lenny is a long time educator with a passion for helping teachers to help students enjoy learning. In particular he enjoys helping students enjoy learning mathematics. Links to presentations can be found at http://bit.ly/lennyv
If you are a teacher, coach, or youth group leader you are serving in a capacity of trust for youth. What do you do when a child of any age comes to you and has questions about sexual health? Do you freeze? Do you know where to start? During the session we will discuss the reasons and resources for you and perhaps you coworkers to get comfortable about sexual health to benefit the youth work with. In an age of the Me Too movement and media and images addressing sexual health from consent to birth control we need to be ready to answer those questions without anxiety.
This session provides what every educator needs to know about assistive technology include what AT is and how it is different than other technologies, requirements for meeting legal mandates for AT, and research-based practices for providing quality AT services to children who need AT.
While institutions of higher education work to engage PK-12 youth in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) concepts and careers via in-person programming, PK-12 teachers and students face many logistical and access constraints for physically traveling to sites off of school grounds during the school day. Throughout the years, virtual field trips (VFTs) have offered a digital way for schools to engage in meaningful ways with museums, parks, laboratories, and field research sites. In order for VFTs to be effective, they should be cost effective and created collaboratively with teachers, students, subject matter experts, and instructional design and communication professionals. NebrASKa Scientist is an online science communication platform that aims to deliver value added virtual field trips to Nebraska classrooms.
Not just for the science classroom, this activity will have your students practicing clear communication and teamwork as mission specialists at NASA. Build your own simulation using readily available items to engage your students in this timely activity. 2020 is set to be a major year in space exploration!
This presentation will provide information on identifying students with possible mental health issues by outlining behaviors to watch for. The presentation will also cover how schools can support students experiencing mental health issues. Topics covered will be externalizing/internalizing behaviors, classroom supports, building resilience in students/staff, and programming available to schools to support a mental health program.
We have all had those relationships where things just click and the positive bond is nearly effortless. But those are the exception. Learn how you can intentionally engage with those around to strengthen those relationships with everyone. It's a combination science and soul and it's a blast.
Sam Stecher (@samMMstecher) has served as a teacher, coach, and leader. He provides the motivation and the methods for every stakeholder in your organization to commit to making a consistent positive impact. Through MissionMonday.com Mark (the other half of MM) and Sam have been able... Read More →
Academic leaders from the Nebraska State College System, Peru State College and ESU 4 Superintendents will discuss challenges and opportunities in preparing students for jobs that meet workforce needs in the State of Nebraska.
This interactive, collaborative session will allow participants to come away with ideas to implement the next week to increase Transition-aged students' skills in problem-solving, communication, and independence. Be prepared to contribute to the cards of life. The cards of life can deal an individual some expected and unexpected challenges. Let the games begin!!
Education Specialist World Languages, Nebraska Department of Education
Serves as the World Language Education Specialist for the Nebraska Department of Education within the Teaching and Learning Team. The World Language Education Specialist provides content area expertise and technical assistance to Nebraska schools, Educational Service Units (ESUs... Read More →
Are you integrating technology in a brain friendly way? Research shows that simply allowing students to utilize technology does not enhance the learning process. Teachers must effectively link the different systems of the brain during the learning process in order for students to get content into the long-term memory. This session will discuss and demonstrate how easy it is to incorporate brain-based strategies into every learning situation.
As a former 2nd grade and 6th grade teacher, I was very passionate about using technology in my classroom. That led me to my current position at ESU 11. I wanted to help teachers embrace the use of technology to help prepare students for the future.
Once they enter college, students will be required to read very complex, sophisticated texts from many different subject areas. Yet research shows that the texts students encounter through their K-12 experience are not demanding enough to prepare them. Students are being shortchanged, and the texts they read are often not at grade level. In this session, we’ll explore the fundamentals of text complexity. We’ll also learn about strategies to engage students with texts that are dense, challenging, and most of all—rewarding!
Trapped behind ghetto walls, the Jews of the Warsaw Ghetto suffered from starvation and the Nazi decrees designed to dehumanize them. Jews, however, found many ways to help each other through these difficult times. This lesson plan will highlight some of the organizations that were established to coordinate social welfare activities.
Participants will engage in discussion and practice with observation techniques to help support students' behavior and academics. This session is geared toward paraprofessionals and teacher assistants who support in and out of the classroom.
An overview of common challenges and pitfalls of teen athletes in getting proper nutrition and hydration. The session will provide strategies for addressing these challenges and ideas for schools that work to educate athletes about the benefits of proper nutrition and hydration on athletic performance and overall health.
**To view all of the handouts from this session, please click HERE
In the classroom, this means that, rather than teachers imposing rules, everyone works collaboratively to establish an agreement of how the class will function.
A power point presentation and informational hand-outs will provide an overview of the SENCA SMART (Strategic Money and Resource Techniques) program that was developed and implemented in 2011 for 8th and 12th grade students. The presentation will include information on the two primary components of the program: an interactive Poverty Simulation and classroom curriculum utilizing Wells Fargo Hands on Banking that focuses on budgeting, money management, understanding credit, and how education = earning power.
Learn how to use activities that engage students right away when the bell rings. I will give my own examples of using vocabulary, grammar, journals, read alouds, and reading comprehension quizzes in my classroom.
Teaching social skills, through direct instruction, to individuals with autism is important. When time is devoted to doing this in a school setting you want to ensure the approach being used will have a direct impact on the students. PEERS is a curriculum that teaches skills based on what youth of the same age do to be socially successful. Students with autism learn the skills through direct instruction, role plays, and then applying the skills. During this session participants will learn more about the PEERS curriculum and how it is being implemented in schools. Topics addressed include how to use appropriate conversational skills, how to choose appropriate friends, how to handle bullying, and even appropriate use of electronic forms of communication. Please note, because the curriculum was specifically designed for secondary students the information discussed will be specific to secondary settings. We will briefly discuss a similar program for elementary aged students but will not go into as much detail.
Within the context of the Iron Chef #EduProtocol - a great tool for teachers of all grade levels and content areas - we'll explore 10 engaging ways to use Google Slides to guide learning, promote cooperation and resiliency and show student content mastery. This session will be an overview of 10+ ideas - come back to session 3 for supported work time to build resources for your classroom!
Professional Development Technology Consultant, ESU 6
Lynne Herr, PhD, is a technology-focused professional development specialist. She also teaches graduate courses in technology leadership and skill development. Dr. Herr was a K–12 school technology director for 10 years.
Building on the concept of "Rethinking Special Ed," this conversation will focus on how we can create collaborative learning environments that include everyone and facilitate high expectations for all!
This session will examine the anatomy of hate and how, when left unchecked, can become dangerous and even lethal. It will provide materials that can be used in any humanities class, grade 6-12. Using the framework of the Holocaust, the lessons presented will use antisemitism to illustrate such things as stereotyping, scapegoating, prejudice, discrimination, and bias-motivated violence with the hope that students will then be able to make connections with other historical and current events.
Participants will engage in discussion and collaboration regarding implementing technology in the early childhood classroom. Best practices along with different tools and strategies will be shared.
This presentation will go through highlights of the new certification system that will launch in time for Spring 2020 renewals. We are modernizing the system that will allow for more flexibility and communication throughout the process. Applicants will now be able to have transcripts sent directly added to their files, see what is still needed to complete an application, be able to upload supporting documents, and communicate directly with the analyst through a secure dashboard.
Discussion of Cybersecurity topics and how they relate to educators. Provide resources for getting students and teachers technology and information related to cybersecurity and technology.
Are you responsible to teach Digital Citizenship? Join my session to learn how to make digital citizenship part of your everyday teaching. I will also share some great resources that are free to use.
As a former 2nd grade and 6th grade teacher, I was very passionate about using technology in my classroom. That led me to my current position at ESU 11. I wanted to help teachers embrace the use of technology to help prepare students for the future.
While institutions of higher education work to engage PK-12 youth in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) concepts and careers via in-person programming, PK-12 teachers and students face many logistical and access constraints for physically traveling to sites off of school grounds during the school day. Throughout the years, virtual field trips (VFTs) have offered a digital way for schools to engage in meaningful ways with museums, parks, laboratories, and field research sites. In order for VFTs to be effective, they should be cost effective and created collaboratively with teachers, students, subject matter experts, and instructional design and communication professionals. NebrASKa Scientist is an online science communication platform that aims to deliver value added virtual field trips to Nebraska classrooms.
Learn about the process of facilitating the IEP process for students who are involved in Transition activities, beginning at age 16. Starting with the Transition page and working through each component will guide the conversation! This is the 2nd of 3 sessions focused on Transition.
This presentation will provide information on identifying students with possible mental health issues by outlining behaviors to watch for. The presentation will also cover how schools can support students experiencing mental health issues. Topics covered will be externalizing/internalizing behaviors, classroom supports, building resilience in students/staff, and programming available to schools to support a mental health program.
Knowing how the brain learns and how it functions is imperative to helping students of all ages learn. During this session, you will learn research-based learning principals along with a variety of strategies and techniques that can be easily implemented to maximize student engagement and achievement.
Mark Johnson (@mc_bossy) and Sam Stecher (@samMMstecher) have served as teachers, coaches, and leaders. They provide the motivation and the methods for every stakeholder in your organization to commit to making a consistent positive impact. Through MissionMonday.com Mark and Sam have been able to connect with... Read More →
Providing information about Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS), sharing the implementation process and assisting you in determining if PBIS is a good fit for you.
The debate as to whether or not sexuality education school be taught in schools will most likely not come to an end any time soon due to the strong options that surround the issue. Understanding human sexuality is considered to be among life’s most critical lessons. Research continues to shows that providing youth with the right information will lead them to making a lifetime of healthier decisions. This session will discuss opinions and believes relating to sexuality education and offer best practices on what should be taught, who should teach it, as well as when, where and why.
As elementary teachers we want our students to have flexibility when thinking about numbers and what they represent. Discover small changes that will have had a huge impact on student engagement, learning, and enhance your students conceptual understanding. Grades K-8 http://bit.ly/lennyvbigdifference
Lenny is a long time educator with a passion for helping teachers to help students enjoy learning. In particular he enjoys helping students enjoy learning mathematics. Links to presentations can be found at http://bit.ly/lennyv
Teaching social skills, through direct instruction, to individuals with autism is important. When time is devoted to doing this in a school setting you want to ensure the approach being used will have a direct impact on the students. PEERS is a curriculum that teaches skills based on what youth of the same age do to be socially successful. Students with autism learn the skills through direct instruction, role plays, and then applying the skills. During this session participants will learn more about the PEERS curriculum and how it is being implemented in schools. Topics addressed include how to use appropriate conversational skills, how to choose appropriate friends, how to handle bullying, and even appropriate use of electronic forms of communication. Please note, because the curriculum was specifically designed for secondary students the information discussed will be specific to secondary settings. We will briefly discuss a similar program for elementary aged students but will not go into as much detail.
Within the context of the Iron Chef #EduProtocol - a great tool for teachers of all grade levels and content areas - we'll explore 10 formative assessment tools that are quick and easy measures of learning. This session will be an overview of 10+ ideas - come back to session 3 for supported work time to build resources for your classroom!
Professional Development Technology Consultant, ESU 6
Lynne Herr, PhD, is a technology-focused professional development specialist. She also teaches graduate courses in technology leadership and skill development. Dr. Herr was a K–12 school technology director for 10 years.
Influence is one of the greatest factors impacting the behaviors, attitudes, opinions and choices of others. In this presentation you will learn how influence has impacted our lives as educators and how we can use it in our everyday lives for the betterment of ourselves and others.
While teachers are provided with the proficiency levels for English Learners (ELs) in their classrooms, they often don't have the background knowledge to effectively apply that information to the classroom. In this presentation, teachers will learn about the different proficiency levels for ELs, how to utilize the information to consider what learners can do, and how to differentiate classroom instruction for ELs.
The Nebraska World Language Standards were passed in September 2019. Learn how to read the document, how to use the proficiency (not grade level) based indicators, and how the standards' concentration on college and career readiness may impact district level world language programming.
Education Specialist World Languages, Nebraska Department of Education
Serves as the World Language Education Specialist for the Nebraska Department of Education within the Teaching and Learning Team. The World Language Education Specialist provides content area expertise and technical assistance to Nebraska schools, Educational Service Units (ESUs... Read More →
This is a meeting for the ESU 4 Psychological First Aid team members only. An email was sent out with details and information. Your Lunch will be available in TJ Majors room 228.
This presentation will cover poverty in Nebraska that impacts our students and schools. This will provide an overview and helpful interventions that can be implemented to offset the trauma that poverty causes.
Graduated from SVSU with my undergraduate degree in elementary education and special education. Masters degree from SVSU in learning and behavior disorders. PhD from Wayne State University with a concentration in behavior disorders and a cognate in social work. My interests are PBIS... Read More →
Friday February 14, 2020 1:00pm - 1:45pm CST
Hoyt 215
Safety is the responsibility of everyone in a building. This includes you. Are you prepared to hold up your end of the safety deal? Do you know what to do on a daily basis to stay safe and keep your students safe? This session will address the responsibilities you have to your students to keep them safe as well as keeping safe yourself. Strategies to support your safety and safety responsibilities will be provided.
Participants should bring thier STS course offerings and we will insure that the courses are coded correctly. We will also talk about programs of study for STS.
An MTSS Framework includes a range of supports that help each and every student achieve success. Part of those supports include providing a range of technologies to provide universal, targeted, and intensive supports to students. This session explores how to effectively design technology supports within a MTSS Framework.
Principals make several decisions on a daily basis over situations that involve students, parents, and teachers. It is nearly impossible for principal preparation programs to provide guidance for every situation a principal may encounter. This session will go over real-life scenarios that principals have encountered with discussion on how to handle these difficult situations. Consider this an opportunity to add to your toolbox if similar situations were to arise in your building.
Have you ever heard kids say they are tired of sitting in the same boring desks? Well if you have, I have a special treat for you! I am going to be going over flexible seating and the process I have went through as I am now in my fourth year of it. I have some great tips, how to get administration on board, and also ways to save in costs of flexible seating. If you are interested in this new "fad" in education, I encourage you to come and be prepared to take some notes.
When confronted with learning new or difficult task, students do one of two things. Students with a growth mindset, see persistence, practice and hard work as key ingredients to reach their goal. Students with a fixed mindset lose interest, withdraw, or give half hearted attempts. Growth mindset students believe FAIL represents First Attempt In Learning and see mistakes as learning opportunities. In this session participants will learn strategies to build a “Growth Mindset” in their students. Any grade level. http://bit.ly/lennyvgrowth
Lenny is a long time educator with a passion for helping teachers to help students enjoy learning. In particular he enjoys helping students enjoy learning mathematics. Links to presentations can be found at http://bit.ly/lennyv
This session provides time and support to go deeper with idea that sparked your interest about Slides or Formative Assessment in one of my earlier 2 sessions. Find a tool or template and get to work building resources you can use on Monday!
Professional Development Technology Consultant, ESU 6
Lynne Herr, PhD, is a technology-focused professional development specialist. She also teaches graduate courses in technology leadership and skill development. Dr. Herr was a K–12 school technology director for 10 years.
This session will provide an introduction of mental health services available to ESU 4 this school year and a summary of those services thus far. Then, we will transition into Stress Management and Self-Care for Educators.
World War II and the Holocaust affected people on a global scale. But how did what happened 4,788 miles away affect Nebraska? How did it impact the people who lived and made their homes here? And, consequently, how does that influence us as Nebraskans now? Using the stories of specific individuals directly affected by the rise of Nazism in Germany and its assault on Europe’s Jews before, during, and after WWII, this session will demonstrate how local connections with the Holocaust illustrate the ripple effect of global crisis. This session will explore the use of primary sources and how teachers can turn over the investigation of historical connections to their students.
This session will provide participants with a general overview of multi-tiered systems of support in early childhood through secondary settings. Participants will learn more about the Essential Elements for building and sustaining a MTSS system.
Kristy Feden has been working in the field of education since 1994, holding a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Educational Specialist Degree in School Psychology. For eighteen years, she served as a School Psychologist in Kansas and Nebraska in elementary, middle school, high... Read More →
Learn more about the design and construction of the world language standards in order to begin the implementation process. Participants will complete a series of activities designed to help build understanding, to review current programming, and to begin an implementation crosswalk.
Education Specialist World Languages, Nebraska Department of Education
Serves as the World Language Education Specialist for the Nebraska Department of Education within the Teaching and Learning Team. The World Language Education Specialist provides content area expertise and technical assistance to Nebraska schools, Educational Service Units (ESUs... Read More →
Inspired by Dr. Ferial Pearson's creation of Secret Kindness Agents, Danielle Herzog, an elementary school counselor, shares the history of this unique and fun program and the positive effects it has had not only on her students, but the educational community as a whole.
How can educators weave Social Emotional Learning into a day already bursting with “have-to’s” and “must-do’s”? Literacy instruction can serve as a model of how to do just that.
Mindfulness and movement tools will be presented and taught for educators to help students regulate behavior, improve focus, and social emotional skills. The Take 5 program is research based and can provide support and self care for educators.
Sheila Palmquist E-RYT500, RCYT, RPYT, YACEP®. Creator of Take 5 a mindfulness program for children (https://www.take5program.com/) Researched by UNL and published in Yoga International. She is also the Founder and Director of Lincoln Yoga Center and School (https://lincolnyog... Read More →
Friday February 14, 2020 1:00pm - 1:45pm CST
Hoyt 104
Episode Two explores the complicated world of social media – its influence on young minds and its impact on students’ mental health. Hear directly from students, teachers and medical experts to understand how the ever-changing social landscape affects what happens in the classroom today. This episode illustrates the nuances of the digital and real worlds of today’s student, where the development of the adolescent brain and vulnerabilities of growing up are compounded by daily, persistent online interactions.
Dr. Rohwer has served in varying educational capacities throughout his career as an elementary school teacher, an elementary principal, assistant superintendent, before retiring from the Nebraska City Public Schools as Superintendent in 2008. Since 2008, Dr. Rohwer served as an Assistant... Read More →
This is the 3rd of three sessions devoted to Transition and will focus on the use of Transition Assessments to develop an appropriate and individualized plan for each student. Knowledge of Indicator 13 and resources regarding Transition Assessment will be reviewed and extended.
Come to this informal discussion to talk about the teaching of writing--the good, the bad & the ugly with other teachers in the same boat. The discussion will be led by a teacher who has used the Lucy Caulkins Units of Writing Curriculum for the past two years in her district that has adopted it for elementary and junior high students.
This is presentation designed for para educators who often find themselves in power struggles. The focus is to avoid them in the first place, and if you do, how to get out of it.
An appropriate physical education program ensures that individuals with disabilities have access to a program that enables them to achieve the same goals in physical education as their peers without disabilities. Attend to learn adapted physical education best practice information that includes: compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, collaboration for plans, procedures and program development, and adapted physical education service delivery options. You will take home resources to assist with skills progression, modifications and adaptations.
This session answers the question, “Does a student need AT?” AT is mandated to be considered for every student who receives special education services and this responsibility is shared by every member of the IEP/IFSP team. Effective practices for AT consideration will be explored along with practice for engaging in effective AT assessment processes.
A crisis, a threat, a danger, a disaster...it won't happen in my school ! Or will it? This presentation will talk about the history of the past several years around School Safety Plans in Nebraska. But more importantly, it's about Safety or Emergency Operation Plans for the future. How do we keep our Students and Staff in the safest place possible and putting them back into a learning/teaching environment as soon as possible after an event. Its all about the BEFORE, DURING and AFTER planning and implementation. Don't wait until it is to late.
Teachers will learn about federal requirements of the 1% threshold concerning alternate assessment. Criteria that students must meet in order to qualify for this assessment, available NDE guidance that districts must follow, examples of documentation, sample case studies, training of staff - how and why and accessibility.
Looking for a quick and easy way to to collect data or distribute information to the masses? Mobile apps have become the tool of choice for many, yet development can be difficult and expensive. This presentations will demonstrate how to bring together Google Sheets with GlideApps to develop a free yet effective mobile web app. We will step through the process of creating a web app as well as discussing some applications for this program.
This session will provide participants with a general overview of multi-tiered systems of support in early childhood through secondary settings. Participants will learn more about the Essential Elements for building and sustaining a MTSS system.
Kristy Feden has been working in the field of education since 1994, holding a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Educational Specialist Degree in School Psychology. For eighteen years, she served as a School Psychologist in Kansas and Nebraska in elementary, middle school, high... Read More →
This session will provide information about ways to effectively teach and train paraprofessionals. The model provided will allow for clear communication, expectations, and instructional delivery. Considering obvious differences and student need from classroom to classroom, attendees will be able to decide which elements will work most effectively in their own classrooms. This session will cover what paraprofessionals need to know and how you can train your paraprofessionals to use evidence-based intervention strategies.
This presentation will include activities and games used in a secondary school classroom. The activities that will be presented use electronics and others are "old school" using everyday items. Time will be given at the end of the presentation for other educators to share their classroom ideas.
Inspired by Dr. Ferial Pearson's creation of Secret Kindness Agents, Danielle Herzog, an elementary school counselor, shares the history of this unique and fun program and the positive effects it has had not only on her students, but the educational community as a whole.
This session will identify 6 strategies when accepting feedback. Although feedback is challenging at times, the “feedforward” perspective will help change your attitude while supporting professional and personal growth. This growth mindset will help you become more confident, allowing you to be more comfortable with your personal identify in your current position, and remove the stress, anxiety or shame that keeps you from growing professionally.
If you've ever been in a teaching funk--or if you're in one today, come to this storytelling session for a good laugh and to learn about gratitude practices for personal and classroom use. Not only will we try out some practices ourselves (no sharing required), but we will also discuss ways to create larger gratitude traditions within our educational systems writ large. Come see how integrating this free mindset with some simple tools can--not necessarily change situations--but change our day-to-day perspective and classroom cultures through the lens of gratitude.
Episode Two explores the complicated world of social media – its influence on young minds and its impact on students’ mental health. Hear directly from students, teachers and medical experts to understand how the ever-changing social landscape affects what happens in the classroom today. This episode illustrates the nuances of the digital and real worlds of today’s student, where the development of the adolescent brain and vulnerabilities of growing up are compounded by daily, persistent online interactions.
Dr. Rohwer has served in varying educational capacities throughout his career as an elementary school teacher, an elementary principal, assistant superintendent, before retiring from the Nebraska City Public Schools as Superintendent in 2008. Since 2008, Dr. Rohwer served as an Assistant... Read More →
While Nebraska has a strong teacher retention rate in comparison to other states, many new teachers decide to leave within 7 years. What can we do to engage educators in the profession and retain them successfully in their teaching career? Join in the discussion and learn more about how to support and retain quality teachers in Nebraska schools!
This presentation describes the opportunties available from Gilder Lehrman for history teachers as well as a teaching activity that can be used during the study of World War.
