Featured Speakers

NWAIS Fall Educators Conference October 11, 2019

Session A | 10:00-11:00 am

Featured Speakers

A01. Keynote Follow-up: Come and Be Limitless Presenter: Jo Boaler Kemper Gym

A02. Unleash Powerful Teaching Strategies Based on the Science of Learning Presenter: Pooja K. Agarwal, Cognitive Scientist & Author; Patrice Bain, Veteran K-12 Educator and Speaker Chapel When we think about learning, we typically focus on getting information into students’ heads. What if, instead, we focus on getting information out of students’ heads? In this interactive session, presented by a cognitive scientist and a veteran K-12 teacher, you will learn how to harness powerful evidence-based strategies, including retrieval practice, spacing, and feedback-driven metacognition. Without extra prepping or grading, take your instruction to the next level and transform your students’ long-term learning.

A03. Critical Thinking Presenter: Daniel Willingham, Professor at the University of Virginia Kemper Theater When asked to name our highest hope for schooling, most would suggest that we want to teach students to think critically; we don't want them merely to learn factual content, we want them to evaluate and integrate what they read and learn. That desire has taken on a new urgency in the Internet era, with tidal waves of information, and attendant charges of fake news. In this talk I will explain from a cognitive perspective why critical thinking is so difficult to teach and I will suggest curricular and instructional strategies to address these difficulties.

A04. Belonging, Identity, and Behavior: Engaging diverse youth in schools Presenter: Janine Jones, PhD Great Hall This session will focus on promoting resilience and well-being of diverse students in schools. Participants will learn practical strategies for activating culturally grounded protective factors can unlock the potential of historically marginalized learners. Research results on culturally responsive school engagement and effective strategies for school personnel will be presented.

A05. Neuroscience of Learning – K-5 Education Through a Neural Lens Presenter: Kieran O’Mahony, PhD and Missy Widmann, MA USB Atrium In the past few decades, neuroscientists have made amazing discoveries about the neural substrates governing the human brain. In this session, you will learn more about the neuroscience behind how the brain works, how to positively grow neural connections, and how to foster engagement through a research-based neuroscience model that creates a safe environment for students to find voice and agency. Understanding how the brain works, what stimulates it and how to harness neural connections in a positive way enables students to flourish. Neurocognitive-informed pedagogy can be applied in real classrooms with real results.

1 Breakout Sessions

A06. Every Voice Counts: Research-Based Inclusive Classroom Discussions Presenters: Sally Maxwell, The Bush School; Nidhi McVicar, Overlake School USB – Room 1604 Would you like to better design class discussions to engage introverted, anxious, or marginalized students? Are you eager to incorporate the latest cognitive science so that class discussions consistently support student learning? Join us for a demo lesson and examine how well you are currently meeting your inclusive intentions, learn research-based discussion techniques, and try out two SEL-integrated discussion models you could use in middle and upper school humanities courses.

A07. Addressing Twice Exceptional Children in the Elementary Years Presenters: Michelle Sullivan, Tristan Gavin,Jennifer Bloch-Garcia and Beth Williams, Bertschi School Paddock Hall - Room 1121 Tristan Gavin and Jennie Bloch Garcia, Bertschi Learning Specialists, Michelle Sullivan, fifth grade teacher, and Beth Williams, second grade teacher, will share how Bertschi is striving to address the unique needs of our students who could be labeled as twice exceptional - gifted students who also have a significant area of challenge. We will share classroom strategies as well as how we are communicating expectations with students and parents.

A08. Animal Instincts: The 5 Conflict-Handling Styles – And When to Use Them Presenter: Nora Jaso Ludviksen, The Table Mediation Sallie Egerton Wilson Corridor - Room 1406 Based on the Thomas-Kilmann model of conflict resolution, family mediator Nora Ludviksen presents the 5 conflict-handling styles - Avoiding, Accommodating, Competing, Collaborating, and Compromising - and translates them into ANIMAL FORM, so you can teach self-aware conflict handling skills to kids. Come find out which animal YOU tend to be when conflict arises, why we need to learn ALL of these styles and when to use them.

A09. The Paideia Seminar: The Power of Deliberate Discussion Presenter: Christie Berkey, The Westside Schools Klarsch Hall - Level 1 - Room 1510 Bring the power of the Paideia Seminar to your classroom practice. Rooted in the classical Socratic method, learn how the Paideia Seminar Cycle will help you build your student’s core reading, speaking, listening, and writing skills while allowing you to coach critical and creative thinking and provide constant practice in thinking and discussion.

A10. Bridging the Range of Students’ Capabilities – Differentiating Instruction to Maximize Success Presenter: Mary Mingels, Annie Wright Schools Klarsch Hall Level 2 - Room 2509 Our students are wonderfully diverse in a myriad of ways. Within a single class there could be students taking every math class from pre-algebra through pre-calculus. It is important that all students feel appropriately challenged and simultaneously supported. So how do you avoid having some feel held back without leaving others struggling to keep up? We will explore strategies to engage all students. Teaching and learning strategies and best practices will be presented that can be implemented in lessons across content areas.

2 A11. Creating Active Learners: Teaching Metacognition to Adolescents Presenters: Maritza Tavarez-Brown, Forest Ridge School; Debbie McLaughlin, Forest Ridge School; Louisa Fish-Sadin, Forest Ridge School; Eve Lipton, Forest Ridge School; Katie Joyce, Forest Ridge School USB – Room 1622 Executive functions (EF) and metacognition are skills that underpin academic success and adolescent self-regulation. Four high school teachers experimented with direct teaching of strategies for EF. They will share case studies from their work with 9th grade students. Several disciplines are represented: humanities, science, math, and international language. Participants will have a chance to ask questions and identify how they might adopt similar strategies to support discipline-specific learning.

A12. Creating Supportive Communities for Learning New Language in a Non-Binary World Presenters: Jane Shay; Mary Grace Lentz, Seattle Jewish Community School Klarsch Hall - Level 2 - Room 2508 Words are powerful. As teachers, our words hold something more. As the world of progressive education seeks to create a more inclusive community and as our understanding of gender develops, changes in our speech and language are critical to setting up a classroom for student success. In this session, we will examine some of the implicit biases toward binary gender identities endemic in common teacher language. In addition to vocabulary, we will break down case studies to practice ways to hold ourselves as teachers and colleagues accountable for making change in our verbal habits. How do we speak using the pronoun "they"? How often do we reference students and groups of students by one or the other gender? If affirming a student's sense of self requires us to let go of old phrasing, how can we build opportunities for self-reflection and create a new world with a larger spectrum of gender and identities?

A13. Deepen Your Teaching with Current Events Presenter: Dave Marshall, University Prep USB – Room 1610 A world-changing event just happened, and your students are eager to discuss it. What do you do? Integrating current events boosts student engagement and understanding across all ages and subjects. While this approach poses challenges, it can also enhance student voice and choice, media literacy, social justice work, interdisciplinary learning, and real-world connections. Come to learn about a unique approach we’re taking at University Prep: an 11th grade U.S. History course framed around current events.

A14. Ditching the Tricks: Using Students’ Prior Knowledge to Conceptualize Three Middle School Math Concepts Presenters: Erin Flotte, Villa Academy; Lindsay Kapek, Villa Academy USB – Room 2609 Conceptual understanding is key, but what does it seem like there are some mathematical content areas where we can't help but return to the same old tricks? In this session, we will explore the ways we completely changed how we taught order of operations, operations with integers, and algebraic expressions by drawing on prior student knowledge and number sense. Come prepared to explore, discuss, and try something new!

A15. Flipped Classrooms: Evidence of Effectiveness and Strategies for Implementation Presenter: Wendell Thomas, Rowland Hall USB – Room 1609 A veteran "flipper" describes compelling evidence from current research in cognitive psychology and neuroscience about how flipped classroom structures can increase student engagement and learning,

3 and to mitigate some of the common challenges experienced by independent school teachers. Strategies for implementation will also be discussed and participants are encouraged to bring ideas and questions to contribute to the conversation.

A16. From Challenge to Connection: Strategies for Teaching Students Who Push Your Buttons Presenters: Flora McEachern, Seattle Waldorf School; Kelly Meyer, Academy for Precision Learning; Amanda Ward, The Island School USB – Room 2601 Admit it, there’s a student in your class that you can’t reach, and you’ve tried everything. In this session, presenters will share from research and years of teaching experience, real case studies, practical and easily implemented strategies, and proactive building-wide interventions that work. Participants will come away from this session empowered to create a classroom culture that engages and honors every student.

A17. From Farm to Table to Classroom: How Cooking Education Unites Curriculum and Culture Presenter: Brandon Farrar, Giddens School Paddock Hall - Room 1120 Since Homo erectus first tamed fire a million years ago, cooking has been a symbol of our humanity. It is a time for stories to be shared, laughs, to be had, and communal bonds to be strengthened. In this session, you will learn how a family recipe can begin a culinary adventure through geography, history, chemistry, and identity.

A18. Get the Most Out of Your Classroom Furniture Presenter: Marta Lilly, IBI Group Architects Sallie Egerton Wilson Corridor – Room 1416 Let's look at how classroom furniture can enhance your curriculum and strengthen relationships in your classroom.

A19. How Adolescent Minds Make Decisions: Lessons for Experiential Educators, and Beyond! Presenter: Steve Smith, Experiential Consulting, LLC Klarsch Hall - Level 2 - Room 2507 If you've ever asked yourself, "what in the WORLD were they thinking?" in response to a student's decision-making, this workshop may be helpful to you! The presenter is a lifelong educator who has worked in the classroom and the outdoor classroom (on wilderness trips) to design outcomes and manage student learning. This session explores how developing adolescent minds perceive risk and reward, how brain physiology plays a role, and recommends strategies to heighten learning, increase risk literacy, and manage actual risks to students.

A20. How to Develop a Comprehensive, Effective Risk Management Plan for your Outdoor Program Presenter: Jeff Baierlein, Viristar USB – Room 2606 How do we ensure that the risks of our outdoor program will be managed appropriately? How do we know if we have adequate incident prevention systems, and that we’re appropriately prepared to respond in case of a major accident? This workshop answers those questions and more. We’ll look at the critical components of a comprehensive risk management plan any school’s outdoor program must have and review a ready-to-use framework for developing and maintaining that plan.

4 A21. Improving the Student Experience in the Second Language Classroom Presenters: Kelly Violette, Eastside Prep; Josefa Ruiz Mercader, Eastside Prep Klarsch Hall - Level 2 - Room 2510 In the fall of 2015, we began implementation of a dramatic re-design of our Spanish program. The focus of our design work was improving the student experience in our classrooms and creating a campus-wide culture in which learning a second language was highly valued. Now, in 2019, we are seeing encouraging results such as increased numbers of students choosing to stay enrolled in Spanish beyond their graduation requirement. In this session we will share about our design process, what specific changes we made, and the results we are now observing. We will also ask participants to contribute their own strategies for improving the second language experience at school.

A22. Quality Over Quantity: Shifting the Homework Load from Home to Class Presenter: Jenni Baldwin, The Overlake School Klarsch Hall - Level 2 - Room 2511 The research on homework is varied and contradictory, but one thread rings true: the law of diminishing returns. In this session, hear from a teacher who addressed homework creep head-on. After over a decade of contributing to the problem and in an effort to reduce homework, the workload shifted from home to class with positive results. In this session, you will learn about the changes: the why, the how, and the impact.

A23. STEM Teaching for Social Justice: What Do Students Say? Presenter: Moses Rifkin, University Prep Klarsch Hall - Level 1 - Room 1509 Four years ago, an enthusiastic group of teachers convened at NWAIS 2015 to explore the place of social justice in STEM education. In this session attendees will revisit this topic, motivated by examples and data collected from the presenter’s classroom and attendees’ own experiences. Attendees will have an opportunity, too, to work collaboratively to identify steps they can take, in the short- and long-term, to promote equity and social justice in their own educational settings.

A24. Student Collaboration in an Online Learning Environment Presenter: Cary Kirby, EdD, Open Window School Cannon Bell Wing - Room 1210 Collaboration, communication, flexibility, problem solving, curiosity, imagination, innovation…the list of 21st century skills we want students to master is quite long, but do we actually know what works in teaching these skills? This session will focus on what I found when working with our Lower School Science Specialist to design an online learning environment focused on both content and 21st century skills. Come find out what worked – and more importantly what didn’t!

A25. Taking It to the Streets Presenter: Carl Faucher, University Prep Klarsch Hall - Level 1 - Room 1508 Fighting for justice and social change cannot be done from a distance. The particulars and nuances that create inequity in our cities will be best addressed when independent schools leverage their resources and get proximate to the communities where inequity resides. This workshop will chronicle the steps I have taken within my own school community to garner support for this approach. I’ll also share the strategies I used to engage nearby school communities with the goal of establishing an enduring relationship based on collaboration and problem-solving, outcomes to date and lessons learned.

5 A26. The Reality of Learning School Administration Presenters: Tuney Kannapell, Book Bag Learning; Marianne Picha, Book Bag Learning Cannon Bell Wing - Room 1313 Schools want all students to succeed, and that success depends on motivated and energetic faculty and staff. But how do administrators, particularly those new to the job, create an environment where staff can thrive? This session will explore the research and practice of motivation and connect that to the work of new school administration.

A27. The Four Suits of Student Wellness Presenters: Barrie Hillman, West Sound Academy; Catherine Freeman, West Sound Academy; Sara Adams, West Sound Academy Klarsch Hall - Level 1 - Room 1511 After conducting a comprehensive research and audit on the social-emotional needs of our students (grades 6-12), West Sound Academy completely revamped our student wellness program under four "suits" (think playing cards) called Systems, Self-care, Care for Others and Critical Choices. We are rolling out our program through the advisory program as well as integrating it within classes with school- wide common tools, activities, discussion points, and facts information. Come experience how we put Student Wellness into play at WSA by learning & experiencing some of the tools we are using.

A28. Too Much Tech? Using the Ed Tech Triangle to Evaluate Screen Use in Schools Presenter: Emily Cherkin, The Screentime Consultant, LLC USB – Room 2616 As schools turn to screen-based tools in the name of “personalized learning," it is imperative to understand which tools and programs best serve students. This talk will look at the Four Tenants of the Ed Tech Triangle as a way to evaluate best practices for technology-based learning. While some uses of technology can be transformative for student learning, not all technology-based learning tools are created equal. As we seek to bring schools into the 21st century, what do we gain and what do we lose when we depend too heavily on technology?

A29. Nutrition: The New SEL? How to increase student wellness through supporting healthier choices Presenter: Molly Lori, Eastside Prep Klarsch Hall - Level 1 - Room 1507 As a former Registered Dietitian, I was shocked when I actually looked at what my students were eating for lunch. I also wondered why my students were always so tired. After investigating at our school and other independent schools, and then reading relevant scientific research, I've put together a list of nutrition challenges to address. Ideal activities and programs related to school nutrition will be discussed as well.

A30. Integrating Visual Learning Across the Curriculum Presenters: Jason Gacek, NOVA Middle School; Linda Manning, NOVA Middle School Cannon Bell Wing - Room 1312 At NOVA Middle School we have made a concerted effort to employ elements of visual learning across our curriculum. Having students depict their thoughts and ideas visually enhances their overall learning, utilizes their creativity, and stretches their imaginations. In this session we will share our experience equipping students with a visual toolbox which enables them to represent their ideas graphically, and we will discuss the myriad ways we incorporate visual learning into assignments and projects.

6 A31. How Children Convey Meaning Through the Use of Blocks Presenters: Eileen Hynes, The Lake & Park School; Camille Hayward, The Lake & Park School; Morgan Padgett, The Lake & Park School Convergence Zone - Room 1405 Teachers at The Lake & Park School use blocks, invented by Carolyn Pratt at the City and Country School in Manhattan in 1908, on a regular basis in preschool through the primary grades. Our breakout session offers suggestions on how to set up an inviting block environment in your classroom. Not only do unit blocks offer an open-ended means for the individual child to experiment spatially and mathematically, they lead to natural collaboration as small groups of children work with one another. We are excited to take it a step beyond and to share how we use the unit blocks as a key component of each thematic study we undertake. We have found they offer a wonderful venue for children to explore and convey their growing understandings across disciplines.

A32. Engaging Families in Math Play: Family Math Night! USB – Room 2612 Presenters: Marissa Sandberg, Open Window School; Sean Patch, Open Window School Have you ever been asked, "How can I help my child with math?" If so, this workshop is for you! We have found that oftentimes, parent involvement in student math learning focuses on procedures and right answers rather than strategies, inquiry, and playfulness. Part of a holistic response to shifting best practices in math education is parent engagement in activities and games that align with the philosophical approach of the school, allowing for better synergy between home and school learning. In this workshop, you will learn about our experiences planning and executing a K-8 family math night. We will share specific activities and games as well as logistical considerations for organization and gaining administrative support. If you’re looking to sit still and listen for an hour-this is not the workshop for you. Get ready to play, interact, and share in the joy of mathematics!

A33. Stop, Collaborate, and Listen: 2018-19 NWAIS Fellows Podcast to Connect Big Ideas to Everyday Experiences Presenters: Joe Romano, Charles Wright Academy; Michael Hyde, Portland Jewish Academy; John Harnetiaux, Catlin Gabel School; Jennifer Davenport, St. George’s School; Roberta Renton, Seattle Girls School USB – Room 2607 Where do you look when you want to make change in your classroom or school? Who do you connect with to improve student experience and the collaborative work of educators? The 2018-19 NWAIS Fellows for Collaborative Innovation created a podcast to help faculty and staff members in NWAIS schools gain better vantage points on the important, exciting, and meaningful work in our schools by connecting big picture ideas and theories to the everyday experiences of working together in schools.

A34. White Teachers of Black and Brown Students Presenters: Robin Russell, Teaching Is Fire USB – Room 2613 In an educational system increasingly populated by students of color, the overwhelming majority of the teaching force continues to be comprised of white teachers. Unconscious bias and a lack of cultural awareness engender an ineffectual and often hurtful learning environment, especially for Black and Brown children. When white teachers examine their own thinking and develop their racial literacy, they can establish a belonging and equitable classroom, which benefits all of their students.

A35. Spark Sessions Join colleagues for a fast-paced series of 10-minute presentations. It is like four sessions in one! Library

1. Break 'Em! Laura Weir, Annie Wright Schools Training early learners proper pencil grip and strengthening fine motor muscles are vital to handwriting success. Learn simple, realistic tips (such as breaking your crayons) that you can easily implement into your classroom.

2. Connecting to Stories- An exploration with two and three-year-olds Marianne Sardelich and Lauren Maza, UCDS Schools We would like to share how we developed a unit on storytelling for two and three-year olds using an objective map framework. By focusing on the question: How do we include the youngest members of our classroom in storytelling? We were able to create a curriculum that addressed the needs and interests of the whole class and supported a diverse set of abilities and learning preferences.

3. We Are ALL Math and Science Teachers Abigail Bacon, Rowland Hall The current emphasis on STEM instruction may leave humanities teachers feeling deprioritized. However, there is hope! We are all math and science teachers, or at least we all can be if we choose to flip the script.

4. In the Jungle: Inspired by the schools of Reggio Emilia Nicole Moos and Riley Mott, Sun Valley Community School Sun Valley Community School Early Childhood Center teachers spent the spring of 2019 researching how we could us a variety of "languages" to understand children's ideas around jungle animals. Intentional use of digital, visual, 3-dimensional, and musical expressions with children aged 3 and 4 will be highlighted.

Session B | 11:15-12:00 pm

Lunch 1 or Affinity Spaces / Interest Groups

When Do We Eat? If you are attending an affinity space or interest group, you will have lunch in session C (12:00-12:45). If you are not attending an affinity or interest group, proceed to lunch. Both Lunch 1&2 will be served in Bamford Commons.

What is An Interest Group or Affinity Space? These are opportunities to gather with Association colleagues who share an aspect of your identity or an area of interest. In these discussion sessions, attendees are invited by peers to gather and connect. Groups are proposed and facilitated by attendees.

What is the Purpose? Consistently attendees tell us that one of the best things that comes out of the Fall Educators Conference is the conversations and connections they make. This is a session that creates a loose structure to help facilitate those relationships.

What is the Difference? It is requested that you only attend sessions labeled "affinity spaces" if you, personally, share the identity of the group. Interest groups are open to anyone.

How Do I Choose Just One? We recognize that people are complex and have multiple, overlapping identities. Due to the time constraints, attendees will only be able to attend one. We recognize this may be challenging, but we hope there will be other affinity opportunities to meet with colleagues who share other aspects of your identity.

Affinity Session Proposed Norms • Honor confidentiality. • Assume positive intent. • Speak from the “I” perspective. • Listen, listen, listen, then respond. • Take risks. • Say “ouch!” if it hurts. • Be fully present. • Lean into discomfort. • Be crisp, say what is core. • Treat the candidness of others as a gift. • Suspend judgment of yourself and of others.

9 B01 Affinity Space: Communications Professionals Facilitator(s): Lisa Isenman, Annie Wright Schools USB - Room 2607 Calling all independent school communications professionals! Let's gather to share ideas, resources, successes, challenges and empathy. Come away with fresh ideas and inspiration to highlight your school's unique mission. Discussion Questions: • What media and outlets do you use to tell your school's story? • How have you incorporated video strategically and cost effectively? • What are the role and goals of a print magazine at your school?

B02 Interest Group: Design--Achieving Access to Tools and People Facilitator(s): John Hunt and Kyle Price, Annie Wright Schools USB - Room 1610 This will be a gathering for Design Teachers and Coordinators, and hopefully everyone will come away with ideas for a lesson or with an idea for how to structure a Design curriculum. Discussion Questions: • What's the best way to give kids access to tools? • What's the best way to give kids access to adults and adult resources? • Are there ways that programs across the region can do this together?

B03 Affinity Space: Elementary Music and Choir Teachers Facilitator(s): Lucinda Dalrymple, The Evergreen School Paddock Hall - Room 1121 Often we are the only person in our building who teaches our subject. This can be isolating. Come meet with fellow elementary music teachers. We will share our ideas, consider an elementary choral festival and enjoy each other's company. Discussion Questions: • What are some of the challenges of teaching choir in an independent elementary school? • Would you be interested in an elementary choral festival? • Who are we? Come out and meet your fellow elementary music teachers.

B04 Affinity Space: Extended Day Programs uncancelled Facilitator(s): Blair Griffen, The Valley School Paddock Hall - Room 1120 Extended Day work is not easy. There are several moving parts that make our work meaningful. Join us as we build a support system for everyone doing Extended Day work. We will be sharing stories and best practices that makes a successful program. Discussion Questions: • What daily structure do you use to keep students excited about attending Extended Day? • For students who receive specific support during the regular day, how do you collaborate with the teachers, counselor and/or learning specialist to provide similar support to those students during Extended Day? • What team development practices do you use to ensure a good team dynamic?

B05 Affinity Space: Journalism Advisers in Independent Schools Facilitator(s): Scott Collins, University Prep USB - Room 2609 This group is open to all educators who advise student publications in independent schools. Due to our subject matter, we often face situations not shared by either our colleagues at our home schools or our

10 peers at public schools. Let's create a support network to share both the challenges and the joys that come with teaching scholastic journalism. Join us if you advise a newspaper, yearbook, website, literary magazine or broadcast program. Discussion Questions: • How can we support student press freedom in independent schools when our students are not protected by New Voices laws or the First Amendment? • What privileges come with being a student journalist in an independent school? • How do we diversify the voices heard in our student publications?

B06 Affinity Space: Latinx/Hispanic Teachers and Administrators Facilitator(s): Sandra Forero Bush, Annie Wright Schools USB - Room 1613 As a racially, geographically, and socio-economically diverse group, Latinx/Hispanic teachers and administrators have unique challenges as we explore who we are as a community and how we build relationships and trust among ourselves and with our students. Let us come together to share our challenges and obstacles, identify sources of support, raise awareness, and determine opportunities for action within our communities. Discussion Questions: • What is unique about our concerns? • What does it mean to “pass”? • How do we name ourselves and what is the impact of our name?

B07 Affinity Space: Learning Specialists Facilitator(s): Dianne Matthaei, Annie Wright Upper School for Boys and Laura Kiely Kukreja, Annie Wright Schools Cannon Bell Wing - Room 1210 All Learning Specialists are invited to attend this affinity group meeting designed to build collegial relationships that support and enhance the work we do with students, parents, and teachers. Discussion Questions: • What is greatest joy and biggest challenge in your present job as a Learning Specialist? • How would you like the NWAIS Learning Specialists group to support the work you do? • What issues and trends do you see as most significant for Learning Specialists in the next five years?

B08 Affinity Space: LGBTQ+ Elementary Educators Cannon Bell Wing - Room 1212 Facilitator(s): David Bush, Scott Starkoski, and Anthony McGrann, Epiphany School All LGBTQ Elementary Educators are welcome! Discussion Questions: • What is your own story (personal or professional) as a LGBTQ educator? • Are you out at school? If so, how has that journey unfolded for you? If not, what are your thoughts about this decision? • How does being LGBTQ impact your planning, instruction and interactions with students?

B09 Interest Group: LGBTQ Teachers and Students Cannon Bell Wing - Room 1312 Facilitator(s): Azure Grossi, The Bush School / Lake Washington School for Girls LGBTQ+ teachers and support staff. Teachers who want to be allies in their schools. Discussion Questions:

11 • What are still some challenges in our schools for LGBTQ students and teachers? • How can we promote change as individuals? • What is the role of allies in leading change in our communities?

B10 Affinity Space: LGBTQ+ Educators Affinity Group Facilitator(s): Sanni Keskimaki and James Lajoie, Lakeside School Library Come join a group of LGBTQ+ educators for an opportunity to meet other LGBTQ+ educators, listen and share our experiences, and discuss challenges and ways for independent schools to support LGBTQ+ educators and students. Discussion Questions: • What are challenges that LGBTQ+ educators face, and what are ways to support LGBTQ+ educators? What can LGBTQ+ educators do to best support LGBTQ+ students? • When is a good time to come out as an LGBTQ+ educator?

B11 Affinity Space: Middle School & Upper School Math Facilitator(s): Emily Weston, Annie Wright Schools Klarsch Hall - Level 2 - Room 2509 Come together with other teachers of math to discuss our classroom culture, math teaching, and teaching philosophy. Discussion Questions: • Why is math so important? • Should we be encouraging students to use creativity in their mathematics? • How can we use writing and discourse in mathematics to help increase student understanding?

B12 Affinity Group: School Counselors Klarsch Hall - Level 1 - Room 1508 Facilitator(s): Megan Reibel, The Northwest School, and John Ganz, The Bush School School counselors have a unique position in schools, where there is often gray area, conflicting stakeholders, and serious and difficult topics. Come discuss some of the challenges inherent in this role and provide support for others as we discuss the use of data in our programs and celebrate what's amazing about being a school counselor. Discussion Questions: • In many school positions, counselors have a number of often conflicting roles. Have you experienced this, and if so how do you manage it? • Have you used research or data in your school counseling program? If so, how and how effective do you feel it's been in informing your programming? • What are some things you are looking forward to this year? Are there any upcoming challenges or things you could use feedback on?

B13 Interest Group: Social Emotional Educators Group Facilitator(s): Ryan Hoglund, Rowland Hall Klarsch Hall - Level 1 - Room 1509 Join other educators working to bring and integrate Social Emotion Learning practices and skills in our schools. We know this generation of students are best able to learn, contribute positively to their community, and feel belonging when we build their capacities to manage strong emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy, establish and maintain affirming relationships, and make responsible decisions. Come to network, share best practices, and share common dilemmas. Discussion Questions:

12 • What are best practices regionally? • How best to integrate SEL practices across the curriculum? • What dilemmas are school grappling with in SEL instruction?

B14 Affinity Space: Upper School Science Teachers Facilitator(s): Mary Mingels, Annie Wright Schools USB Labs I invite you to forge professional relationships by joining in a discussion of strategies and best practices in upper school science. Discussion Questions: • What do you appreciate most about teaching science in an independent school setting, what are some challenges you have faced, and (if you have) how did you overcome them? • How do you differentiate your instruction to ensure all students feel supported while still appropriately challenged? • In schools with only one or two teachers of each subject where do you go for resources, collaboration, and support?

B15 Interest Group: Multi-Age Elementary Cohort Classrooms Facilitator(s): Ron Waldman, Seattle Jewish Community School Convergence Zone - Room 1405 We welcome all teachers and administrators who have adopted a multi-age cohort model to join us for this open discussion and to gleam the wisdom of many. Discussion Questions: • How has this model benefited your students? • What lessons have you learned in adopting this model? • What prompted your school to move away from a graded classroom 1st - 5th?

B16 Interest Group: Outdoor Teachers and Outdoor Education Facilitator(s): Jeff Baierlein, Viristar and Rachel Garrett. Jackson Hole Community School Sallie Egerton Wilson Corridor - Room 1406 Camp person? Outdoor enthusiast or educator? Wishing you could take you students into the backcountry? This interest group is for you. As outdoor people, we know the benefits of pushing ourselves in the backcountry and in all outdoor pursuits. Whether you’re an experienced outdoor educator or wishing to introduce outdoor ed to a reluctant school administration, come join us to build connections, share ideas, and consider best practices for helping more kids have amazing experiences outdoors. Discussion Questions: • How do we best come together as an NWAIS community to share outdoor education best practices and other resources, collaborate on staffing issues, and in other ways be of support to each other? • Program Quality: Are We the Best We Can Be? What are strengths and challenges around outcomes assessment, curriculum, pedagogy? How are we addressing current issues like DEI, emotional first aid, and iGen in the wilderness? • Safety. Are we meeting risk management standards? What are the concerns, best practices we should discuss? "

13 B17 Interest Group: International Trip Planners & Leaders Facilitator(s): Nicole Mann and Avery Mann, SOS ThreeSixty, Inc. Klarsch Hall - Level 1 - Room 1507 Please join other jet-setting educators and international trip leaders and planners to discuss Best Practices in keeping students engaged, safe and active during fun international learning experiences. We will share how we have planned and executed successful trips abroad and discuss addressing challenging situations that arise. Discussion Questions: • How do you pick the location of your trip and plan activities safely? • How do you communicate about challenging cultural differences they may encounter during the trip to your students? • Have you encountered an incident/crisis and what are best practices for handling?

B18 Interest Group: Innovations Departments/Makerspaces/Design Thinking Facilitator(s): John Marshall, Haley-Rose Smith and Elizabeth Peterson, Yellow Wood Academy USB - Room 1622 This affinity group will be led by a group of teachers from Yellow Wood Academy, Mercer Island. In response to staff interest, YWA created a Makerspace with 3D printers, desktop milling, sewing, and laser cutting. The space has been used primarily to teach Stanford Design Thinking, but over time the curricular opportunities have continued to evolve. Come join the conversation to share stories of student success and failure. We have had a lot of fun and still have a lot to learn about the integration of these new technologies into a school setting. Discussion Questions: • What headwinds have been overcome in order to integrate an Innovations Department/Makerspace/Design Thinking into your school community? • How has your school community integrated new technologies (like 3-D printing) in creative, original, or innovative ways? • How has your Innovations Department/Makerspace/Design Thinking curriculum evolved over time?

B19 Affinity Space: White Anti-Racist Educators Facilitator(s): Meg Aumann, The Alexander Dawson School USB - Room 2601 Join a safe space to reflect, ask questions and sit in the uncomfortable to be a better person, educator, and leader in the important work of diversity, equity and social justice as a white person. Discussion Questions: • The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it's indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it's indifference. The opposite of life is not death, it's indifference. -Elie Wiesel In thinking about this quote, in what ways do you participate in the indifference as a white person? • What barriers do our students face when adults in their lives are not culturally competent? • What ways are you working to end racism and microaggressions/sustained aggressions?

14 B20 Affinity Space: Early Career Educators Facilitator(s): Michelle Harrison, The Evergreen School and Regan Wensnahan, The Little School Klarsch Hall - Level 1 - Room 1510 This group is for teachers in their first five years of independent school teaching. Connecting and sharing experiences that are inherent to the first few years of teaching is the first step of creating a community where we can build practices, problem solve and support each other. Discussion Questions: • What is going well for you? • What questions/challenges are happening for you? • What kind of support do you need?

B21 Affinity Space: Multiracial Heritage Facilitator(s): Danae Howe, Seattle Academy of Arts and Science (SAAS) USB Atrium Join Multiracial/Biracial conference participants to explore racial and cultural identity. Share and hear from those who also experience this affinity. Discussion Questions: • Say your name and why you decided to take part in this affinity group • Describe your racial or ethnic background and when you have become aware of different aspects of it • When you think about racism, what comes to mind? Share a brief story of how racism has affected your life.

B22 Affinity Space: PoCC Educators for Social Justice Facilitator(s): Mahtab Mahmoodzadeh, The Overlake School Great Hall This group is for educators of color who are involved in social justice work in their schools. Discussion Questions: • How do we address fatigue, isolation, and hostility in doing social justice work in schools? • How do we explore self-care? • How do we build and draw on community of support?

B23 Affinity Space: End of Career Cohort Facilitator(s): Susan Bauska and Dianne Matthaei, Annie Wright Schools Klarsch Hall - Level 1 - Room 1511 Vibrant not lame ducks...contemplating retirement without retiring on the job Discussion Questions: • How do we who have been actively involved in working toward the future of our institution move healthily and productively toward succession? • How do we ease out for the good of our school without diminishing active involvement? • How do we let go without becoming lame ducks?

B24 Affinity Space: Assistant Heads of School Facilitator(s): Meg Goldner Rabinowitz, The Northwest School USB - Room 1609 This group is for Assistant Heads and Directors of Academics. Discussion Discussion Questions:

15 • How do you effectively set goals for your work? • How do you approach the scope of your work through the lens of equity and inclusion? • How do you build and nurture a culture of pedagogy and reflective teaching practices in your school?

B25 Affinity Space: New to School Leadership Facilitator(s): Phelana Pang, Seattle Girls' School Klarsch Hall - Level 2 - Room 2507 For those new to school leadership (department chairs, division heads, etc.), let's get together and connect! We will discuss the success and challenges of our year so far and how to continue to support each other beyond the conference. Discussion Questions: • What successes have you faced as a person new to your leadership role? • What challenges have you faced, and how did you handle them? How did you wish you handled them? What further support might you need? • How can we stay connected as a network and provide support for each other?

B26 Affinity Space: Working and Caring For Aging Parents And / Or Extended Family Members At The Same Time Facilitator(s): Victoria D'Amelio, The Bush School Cannon Bell Wing - Room 1313 Are you trying to balance work, family and taking care of your dear aging parent(s) and/or extended family members at the same time? Come check in with others who are going through this same journey together! Let's share resources, ideas or just come to listen and feel supported. Discussion Questions: • How are you doing? • Do you have resources, ideas to recommend? • What has worked for you to balance your work, family and caring for your parent(s) and/or extended family members?

B27 Interest Group: Education Technology Facilitator(s): Debra Hernanz, Oregon Episcopal School Klarsch Hall - Level 2 - Room 2508 Join other educators who are interested in how technology can help us reach teachers' and students' educational goals. Discussion Questions: • How does Education Technology connect with the conference's theme? • How can technology support workflow for teachers & students? • What ways can technology help bridge research & reality for educators?

Session C | 12:00-12:45 pm

If you attended an affinity or interest group, proceed to lunch. Both lunch 1&2 will be served in Bamford Commons.

C01. Self-Regulated Learning Presenter: Daniel Willingham, Professor at the University of Virginia Kemper Gym It’s self-evident that students become increasingly responsible for their own learning as they move through grades. Whether Kindergartners learn or not is deemed the credit (or failure) of the teacher. But by grade 12, expectations are high that students can learn on their own; it’s routine to lecture, expecting students will take good notes and study them effectively for a quiz. Recent research has shown that students—even successful college students--do not use effective strategies to regulate their own learning. This talk will consider four key aspects of self-regulation: avoiding distraction, learning from self-guided activities, taking notes, and knowing when to stop studying.

C02. Learn it Today, Use it Tomorrow! Practical Strategies to Improve Executive Function Skills Presenter: Sarah Ward, Consultant, Speaker, and Practitioner Chapel Decrease Prompts! Increase the independence with which students can self-initiate, transition, decrease problematic behaviors and impulses to complete tasks with less supervision and fewer prompts. Teach students to internally sense the sweep of time and to self-monitor to sustain concentration, manage pace and complete tasks in allocated time frames. Learn the Get Ready * Do * Done model to teach students the process of how to visualize simple, multi-step and complex tasks and assignments and then sequence, plan and initiate the requisite steps to fully complete work.

C03. Engaging Your 6-12 Classroom Through Inquiry Kemper Theater Presenter: Kimberly Mitchell, Author of Experience Inquiry, Founder, Inquiry Partners and Lecturer at University of Washington Join author and UW lecturer, Kimberly Mitchell, as she leads participants through inquiry-based exercises, including Impromptu Networking, Provocative Statements, and Troika. Each exercise is designed to engage students in deeper thinking, appreciative inquiry, and question-asking; and can be adapted for K-12 classrooms and with adults in professional development sessions.

C04. Character Strengths: Building Confidence, Establishing Equity, and Living Your Best Life Presenter: Erin Noviski, Director of Well-being at The Wellington School in Columbus, Ohio Great Hall An integral part of positive psychology, the science and research around character strengths helps us identify our 24 unique strengths in order to lead meaningful, positive lives. How can we use this science to help all of our students recognize their strengths to be confident, purpose-driven, and happy/thriving individuals? This interactive workshop will explore character strengths and their application in your school.

C05. Managing Behavior and Accommodations for Students with ADHD, Dyslexia, and Other Learning Differences Presenter: Megan Reimann, The Hallowell Todaro ADHD Center USB Atrium Balancing the need to meet specific learning standards, while personalizing learning for the diverse learners in your classroom.

C06. Tour Annie Wright Schools’ Campus Meet in Front Hall Entrance Area Join students and staff from Annie Wright for a walk-though of campus. See the new spaces and hear about the evolution of its physical structure and its programming.

Session D | 1:00-2:00 pm

Featured Speakers

D01. Cultivating Mathematical Mindsets in Your School & Classroom Presenter: Bobbi Jo Erb, self-proclaimed “Math Geek” and lifelong educator Chapel

D02. Character Strengths: Building Confidence, Establishing Equity, and Living Your Best Life Great Hall Presenter: Erin Noviski, Director of Well-being at The Wellington School in Columbus, OH An integral part of positive psychology, the science and research around character strengths helps us identify our 24 unique strengths in order to lead meaningful, positive lives. How can we use this science to help all of our students recognize their strengths to be confident, purpose-driven, and happy/thriving individuals? This interactive workshop will explore character strengths and their application in your school.

D03. Engaging Your K-5 Classroom Through Inquiry Presenter: Kimberly L. Mitchell, Author of Experience Inquiry, Founder, Inquiry Partners and Lecturer at University of Washington; Brandon Farrar, Giddens School Kemper Theater Join author and UW lecturer, Kimberly Mitchell, and classroom teacher, Brandon Farrar, as they lead participants through inquiry-based exercises, including Impromptu Networking, Provocative Statements, and Troika. Each exercise is designed to engage students in deeper thinking, appreciative inquiry, and question-asking; and can be adapted for K-12 classrooms and with adults in professional development sessions.

D04. Harness the Science of Learning and Conquer Everyday Challenges in the Classroom Presenters: Pooja Agarwal, Cognitive Scientist & Author; Patrice Bain, Veteran K-12 educator and speaker Kemper Gym How can we use our limited amount of classroom time and make learning stick? In this interactive session, presented by a cognitive scientist and a veteran K-12 teacher, you will learn how actionable strategies based on the science of learning will actually reduce prepping and grading, and save you time! Find out how to harness powerful evidence-based strategies to conquer classroom challenges and help you focus on what matters most – your students.

D05. Neuroscience of Learning – 6-12 Education Through a Neural Lens Presenters: Kieran O’Mahony, PhD and Missy Widmann, MA USB Atrium In the past few decades, neuroscientists have made amazing discoveries about the neural substrates governing the human brain. In this session, you will learn more about the neuroscience behind how the brain works, how to positively grow neural connections, and how to foster engagement through a research-based neuroscience model that creates a safe environment for students to find voice and agency. Understanding how the brain works, what stimulates it and how to harness neural connections in a positive way enables students to flourish. Neurocognitive-informed pedagogy can be applied in real classrooms with real results.

18 Breakout Sessions

D06. Addressing Twice Exceptional Children in the Elementary Years Presenters: Michelle Sullivan, Bertschi School; Tristan Gavin, Bertschi School; Jennifer Bloch- Garcia, Bertschi School; and Beth Williams, Bertschi School Paddock Hall - Room 1121 Tristan Gavin and Jennie Bloch Garcia, Bertschi Learning Specialists, Michelle Sullivan, fifth grade teacher, and Beth Williams, second grade teacher, will share how Bertschi is striving to address the unique needs of our students who could be labeled as twice exceptional - gifted students who also have a significant area of challenge. We will share classroom strategies as well as how we are communicating expectations with students and parents.

D07. A Fast and Easy Way for Teachers of Any Subject to Mark Student Papers for Grammar Presenter: Laura Barber, Annie Wright Schools Klarsch Hall - Level 1 - Room 1507 Are you a teacher who believes grammar matters, but you just don't have the time to grade for it? Do you notice errors in students’ papers but feel unsure about how to address them? In this session, we'll cover a technique for marking student papers for grammar that anyone can do, even those who don't feel particularly strong in grammar themselves. This technique will not slow you down when grading but will lead to significant improvement in student proofreading skills. It's research-based and classroom- tested. You'll leave feeling empowered!

D08. Meet the ALSUP: The Assessment of Lagging Skills and Unsolved Problems Presenter: Nora Jaso Ludviksen, The Table Mediation Klarsch Hall - Level 2 - Room 2510 Meet the ALSUP - Your new favorite teacher/parent conference tool! Family mediator Nora Ludviksen of The Table Mediation will introduce you to a discussion guide that helps adults (you included) shift their mindset about kids' behavioral challenges. Stop the struggle with unwanted behavior in favor of collaboratively and compassionately assessing adult expectations, the child's difficulties meeting them, and the related lagging cognitive skills. Join us for a mini workshop that will blow your mind. In a good way.

D09. Book Talks & Real Walks: Women in School Leadership Klarsch Hall - Level 1 - Room 1510 Presenters: Christie Berkey, The Westside Schools; Harmony Button, Waterford School Great books on educational leadership offer us mirrors to our own experience. Join Christie and Harmony, members of the NWAIS Pathways to Leadership program for women in school leadership, for an engaging conversation about the books and thought leaders that have helped shape their journeys from faculty to administrative leadership positions. Come with an eagerness to build your professional library and leave with a specially curated reading list that you can feel confident will serve you in your leadership path.

D10. The Science of Glass – Building Community Partnerships to Engage Students Presenter: Mary Mingels, Annie Wright Schools Klarsch Hall - Level 2 - Room 2509 There are resources all around you. Learn how a partnership with the Museum of Glass in Tacoma engaged our students in the chemistry of glazes, thermodynamics and engineering of glass furnaces, and the art of glass blowing. We will discuss the impact on our students, how this partnership came to be, and brainstorm ideas for community connections to go beyond your standard curriculum. There are resources all around you.

D11. Successful Strategies for Bringing on New Faculty Presenters: Chauncy Gardner, Sun Valley Community School; Julia Kassissieh, Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences; Ashley McComas, Silverwood School Paddock Hall - Room 1120 Faculty matters. Happy and invested teachers can make the difference between an outstanding, dynamic, and sustainable program and a school that has to continually work hard to maintain energy and joy. What programs do you employ to help new teachers adjust to the profession of teaching, to your school, and to your community? Explore examples of programs from three different schools and spend time sharing ideas from your school with your peers.

D12. Creating Supportive Communities for Learning New Language in a Non-Binary World Presenters: Jane Shay; Mary Grace Lentz, Seattle Jewish Community School Klarsch Hall - Level 2 - Room 2508 Words are powerful. As teachers, our words hold something more. As the world of progressive education seeks to create a more inclusive community and as our understanding of gender develops, changes in our speech and language are critical to setting up a classroom for student success. In this session, we will examine some of the implicit biases toward binary gender identities endemic in common teacher language. In addition to vocabulary, we will break down case studies to practice ways to hold ourselves as teachers and colleagues accountable for making change in our verbal habits. How do we speak using the pronoun "they"? How often do we reference students and groups of students by one or the other gender? If affirming a student's sense of self requires us to let go of old phrasing, how can we build opportunities for self-reflection and create a new world with a larger spectrum of gender and identities?

D13. Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) vs. Social Emotional Learning (SEL): Moving from a Deficit to Abundance Model and Centering Equity through SEL Work Presenters: Emily Schorr Lesnick, University Prep; Jill Leahy, University Prep Klarsch Hall - Level 1 - Room 1508 How can a growing commitment to Social Emotional Learning (SEL) center a Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) framework, and vice versa? Rather than buying into a deficit model that pits SEL against DEI, we offer a new series of questions for integrated, just, and collaborative DEI and SEL called DIESEL. How can we ensure students build competence in self-awareness and social awareness to develop empathy? We will use UPrep’s developing program as a case study, outlining both our process, curriculum, and reflections.

D14. Facilitating Conversations about Race through Literature Groups in Elementary Schools Presenters: Namrata Kulkarni, University Child Development School; Patrick King, University Child Development School Cannon Bell Wing - Room 1212 We live in a world, where race and ethnicity are pillars of human kind. As educators to young children, we strive every day to bring these topics to the forefront establishing trust and empathy in our children to have conversations about race. In our session, we will introduce you to Literature Groups, a model of facilitating small group conversations about books with children that has been practiced at University Child Development School for many years. In this session we will cover the process from: selecting books, facilitating conversations, tackling difficult questions and collaborating with families on this journey.

D15. Focus Pocus: Practical Research and Tools for Supporting Students with ADHD and Learning Disabilities Presenters: Jess Claesson, Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences; Sarah Miller, Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences USB – Room 2613 Meeting needs of students with learning disabilities (LD) and ADHD can feel like an overwhelming task. As understanding grows, we increase not only our capacity to support LD/ADHD students in meaningful ways, but learn strategies that deepen and enhance the entire classroom. In this session we will frame current research, articulate how LD/ADHD manifest in the classroom in common and lesser-known behaviors, and provide tools to enrich the learning experience for all. Participants will then delve into practical techniques and strategies currently being implemented at Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences.

D16. Get the Most Out of Your Classroom Furniture Presenter: Marta Lilly, IBI Group Architects USB – Room 2616 Let's look at how classroom furniture can enhance your curriculum and strengthen relationships in your classroom.

D17. How to Truly Support LGBTQ+ Students Presenter: Azure Grossi, The Bush School/Lake Washington Girls Middle School Klarsch Hall - Level 1 - Room 1511 In this session we will offer specific scenarios and examples of ways that school staff can validate, support, and engage students in the LGBTQ+ community. This will not be a Gender/Sexuality101 class, but rather a practical exercise in addressing difficult and complicated situations in our schools.

D17. Too Much Tech? Using the Ed Tech Triangle to Evaluate Screen Use in Schools Presenter: Emily Cherkin, The Screentime Consultant, LLC Klarsch Hall - Level 1 - Room 1511 As schools turn to screen-based tools in the name of “personalized learning," it is imperative to understand which tools and programs best serve students. This talk will look at the Four Tenants of the Ed Tech Triangle as a way to evaluate best practices for technology-based learning. While some uses of technology can be transformative for student learning, not all technology-based learning tools are created equal. As we seek to bring schools into the 21st century, what do we gain and what do we lose when we depend too heavily on technology?

D18. Inclusion and Equity is Everyone’s Work: Onboarding All New Employees for Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Work USB – Room 2612 Presenters: Ryan Hoglund, Rowland Hall; Jij de Jesus, Rowland Hall; Kate Taylor, Rowland Hall Since 2015, all new Rowland Hall employees are required to have a two-hour onboarding orientation that includes topics of inclusion and equity, an introduction to bias awareness, and the protocol for handling inappropriate comments/cultural bullying. Come hear from Jij de Jesus (lower school principal), Dr. Kate Taylor (10th grade English and Inclusion and Equity Committee Lead) and Ryan Hoglund (Director of Ethical Education) about the implementation of this orientation, receive all the slides and materials from this orientation, and review the survey data of those who have gone through the orientation. Inclusion and equity work is everyone's responsibility, come hear how to make that expectation explicit in the onboarding process.

21 D19. Quest of Epic Proportions: Adventures in Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Skill- Building Presenter: Jason Ermer, Open Window School Cannon Bell Wing - Room 1312 The Quest of Epic Proportions is a role-playing adventure that embeds SEL skills in a team/advisory setting. Students embody fantasy characters who must work together, manage shared supplies, and tackle escalating challenges. As the quest unfolds and supplies grow scarce, players must practice active listening and negotiating skills to include all members' voices, discuss alternatives respectfully, and weigh their options as they decide the best course of action for completing their quest.

D20. Sight Word Make & Take Presenter: Laura Weir, Annie Wright Schools Klarsch Hall - Level 1 - Room 1509 There is scientific evidence that teaching children sight words when they are learning to read helps increase fluency. In this breakout session we will bridge the gap between science and reality by letting participants make and use realistic, practical games for and in their classroom. You know those pinned and saved sight word games that 'you’re going to make someday, soon, you’re sure!' Now’s your chance! Learn what research says about teaching sight words, and make your own sight word games to take home today (all materials provided)!

D21. Supporting Students in STEAM: Cultivating a STEAM Culture That Engages All Students Presenters: Christine Zarker Primomo, Lake Washington Girls Middle School; Chelsea Giacolino, Lake Washington Girls Middle School; Melanie Forbes, Lake Washington Girls Middle School USB – Room 2601 When considering how to create educational environments that create space for all students, we must intentionally design a school culture that reaches beyond the traditional classroom experience. In addition to developing coursework and a school-wide pedagogy that invites students to make interdisciplinary connections, LWGMS faculty and staff design STEAM experiences for students throughout our school program. This workshop will share specific ways our school culture supports students to construct their own positive narrative around being a student in STEAM.

D22. The Intention Translator for Difficult Conversations – How to hear and respond to what someone’s really saying Presenters: Ann Sulzer, Oregon Episcopal School; Teri Barnett, Bertschi; Sarah Peterson, University Prep USB – Room 1613 In every role in a school, we all have had difficult conversations, whether it’s with a student, family, or colleague. Often our hardest conversations are buried in emotions, misunderstandings, and unresolved previous conflicts. How can you successfully navigate through these layers in a conversation to get at the heart of what matters? Take some time to learn some frameworks and approaches that could help bring greater attention and intention to your challenging conversations.

D23. The Science of Leading Teachers Klarsch Hall - Level 2 - Room 2511 Presenters: Tuney Kannapell, Book Bag Learning; Marianne Picha, Book Bag Learning Everyone has heard about a school administrator who is smart and capable but fails as a leader. There is a science to leadership and how to motivate others. This session will help school leaders identify their skills and improve their work in schools to support teachers and, in the end, our students.

22 D24. The Use of Reflection for Student Growth Presenters: Randi Gordner, The Bush School; Megan Norcross, Seattle Jewish Community School Cannon Bell Wing - Room 1210 Reflection is a tool for building a growth mindset. Reflection can be used to foster life-long learning skills and independence. In our classrooms, students reflect on academics, social-emotional learning, and personal goals. Using “small move” reflections we build students’ awareness and confidence of their own learning needs and ultimately guide them toward student-led conferences. We believe that reflection encourages students to better understand themselves and advocate for their needs.

D25. Using Data to Make Student-Centered Decisions Presenters: Meg Aumann, The Alexander Dawson School; Chris Estrella, The Alexander Dawson School Convergence Zone - Room 1405 In an effort to meet our Mission, Vision, and Diversity Statement student voice and agency are integral to the process. Join this session if you are interested in learning how to make student-centered decisions and deliver on your school's mission.

D26. Who Do We Care For? Taking Care of Adults En Route To Taking Care of Students Presenters: Rebecca Moe, University Prep; Janet Hubbard, NOVA Middle School Klarsch Hall - Level 2 - Room 2507 A well-cared for and supported teacher is ready for optimal relationships with students. This session will discuss the importance and impact of self-care and wellness for educators in today’s world. We will consider options and opportunities available for individuals and institutions and explore models for sustainable work life balance.

D27. Mural Making: Using large scale art projects to enhance your curriculum and community Presenters: Daron Henry, Spruce Street School; Felipe Perez, Spruce Street School; Laura Montagner, Spruce Street School Cannon Bell Wing - Room 1313 The creation of large-scale art projects such as murals within our building has been a focus of our school for many years. This past year, we decided to create a mural on the outside of our school. We will share our process and experience as well as how we tied it to our curriculum.

D28. Changemakers: Educational Evolution and Innovation in After School and Summer Programs at Oregon Episcopal School Presenters: Miriam Agron; Carmen Shahtout; Kati Stenstrom; Chelsea Lamb; Meredith Kruse, Oregon Episcopal School Sallie Egerton Wilson Corridor - Room 1406 The Extension program at OES embraces change as a natural process in educational evolution - similar to the monarch caterpillar. After a multi-step process, this caterpillar becomes a beautiful butterfly. We view our out-of-school time as a perfect place to innovate and incorporate new ideas in educational research. Join our Extension team to discuss processes to evolve specific areas of programming at your school and embrace the change.

23 D29. Universal Design for Learning: Giving All Students Voice, Choice and Equal Opportunities through Unique Lesson Design USB – Room 1610 Presenters: Catey Roe, Westside School; Jessi Christiansen, Cascades Academy Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a perfect combination of planning, flexibility, autonomy and guided instruction that helps bring your units to life and connect your students to their learning. This student-centered approach is research-proven and allows students of different learning profiles to thrive in an interactive and inclusive classroom environment. In this session, you will learn about the latest research to support UDL, as well as practical solutions to increase student engagement - all planning tools that you can start using tomorrow.

D30. Bridging the Gap Between Teachers and Administrators Presenters: Emma Chiappetta, Wasatch Academy; Tiffany Price, Seabury School Sallie Egerton Wilson Corridor - Room 1416 Research shows that students thrive when the school culture is strong and unified. This requires teachers and administrators to communicate well and be on the same team at all times. In this session we will explore the indicators of positive relationships between teachers and administrators as well as some methods for strengthening these indicators. We will use case studies and shared experiences as our lens for exploration.

D31. Stop, Collaborate, and Listen: 2018-19 NWAIS Fellows Podcast to Connect Big Ideas to Everyday Experiences Presenters: Joe Romano, Charles Wright Academy; Michael Hyde, Portland Jewish Academy; John Harnetiaux, Catlin Gabel School; Jennifer Davenport, St. George’s School; Roberta Renton, Seattle Girls School USB – Room 2607 Where do you look when you want to make change in your classroom or school? Who do you connect with to improve student experience and the collaborative work of educators? The 2018-19 NWAIS Fellows for Collaborative Innovation created a podcast to help faculty and staff members in NWAIS schools gain better vantage points on the important, exciting, and meaningful work in our schools by connecting big picture ideas and theories to the everyday experiences of working together in schools.

D32. White Teachers of Black and Brown Students Presenters: Robin Russell, Teaching Is Fire USB – Room 2609 In an educational system increasingly populated by students of color, the overwhelming majority of the teaching force continues to be comprised of white teachers. Unconscious bias and a lack of cultural awareness engender an ineffectual and often hurtful learning environment, especially for Black and Brown children. When white teachers examine their own thinking and develop their racial literacy, they can establish a belonging and equitable classroom, which benefits all of their students.

24 D33. Spark Sessions Library Join colleagues for a fast-paced series of 10-minute presentations. It is like five sessions in one! 1. Games and Simulations in the Classroom Josh Mitchell, Annie Wright Schools We will be discussing the benefits and examples from my classroom in relation to games and simulations.

2. Research about Middle School Learning Kyle Price and John Hunt, Annie Wright Schools There's very little useful research about middle school and about what makes middle schoolers successful. We'll take a look at why that's the case. We will look at research ideas like correlational vs. causal, longitudinal vs. single instance, meta studies, replication, confirmation bias, and the control of variables.

3. SEL in the Chemistry Classroom Nickie Wallace, Eastside Preparatory School Often SEL (social-emotional learning) is not seen as something that can happen in a Chemistry classroom. Using the CASEL model for SEL, we developed a cross-divisional teaching project. We have collected reflective pieces from the students each year on what they experienced and learned. The surprising part is how much interpersonal growth the sophomores gain. Learn about what they are doing, how it is impacting their work, and class dynamics after the project.

4. The Grilled Cheese Quotation Lisa Isenman, Annie Wright Schools This simple but surprisingly effective lesson teaches students how to introduce, cite and analyze quotations in their writing, a skill essential to essays or research projects in any subject. The grilled cheese sandwich is a metaphor for the structure of the quotation, and sandwich making and eating are inherent to learning and retention. Employing a multi-sensory approach to learning, students remember the grilled cheese lesson viscerally every time they employ a quotation.

5. The Power of Puppetry Zoe Wilson, Open Window School When you hand a child a puppet, they are given permission to expand their imagination and become a new character. Even the most reserved student finds expression in puppetry. The act of puppetry is making something inanimate become full of life. From homeroom storytelling and SEL lessons to a middle school arts elective, Zoe Wilson will share her experience with power of puppetry in the classroom.

D34. Tour Annie Wright Schools’ Campus Front Entrance Area Join a staff member from Annie Wright for a walk-though of campus. See the new spaces and hear about the evolution of its physical structure and its programming.

Session E | 2:15-3:15 pm

Featured Speakers

E01. Transform Learning with Powerful Conversations in the Classroom – And Beyond Presenter: Pooja K. Agarwal, Cognitive Scientist & Author; Patrice Bain, Veteran K-12 Educator and Speaker Kemper Gym As educators, we want our students to succeed in the classroom – and also beyond the classroom. In this interactive session, presented by a cognitive scientist and a veteran K-12 teacher, you will learn how to share the science of learning with students and parents. Empowered with a few simple conversation starters, students will develop a better understanding of how they learn and how to study, and parents will join you in your mission to ensure student success inside and outside the classroom.

E02. Self-Regulated Learning – A Deep Dive on Memory Presenter: Daniel Willingham, Professor at the University of Virginia Kemper Theater The last fifty years has seen unprecedented growth in our knowledge about how people learn. This information has been slow to affect education practice—it’s no small matter to move from the laboratory to the classroom. I will present a summary of the most important principles of memory, as well as a summary of research investigating how those principles are best put into classroom practice, and which principles students ought to know.

E03. Self-Regulation and Situational Awareness Presenter: Sarah Ward, Consultant, Speaker and Practitioner Chapel Improving self-regulation: He has done this task before! In fact, he just did it an hour ago. Why can’t he do it now? Understanding and treating the underlying executive control skills for task motivation, initiation and output. Practice teaching students to develop situational awareness skills so they can “stop and read a room” and self-regulate their behaviors for a given situation. Learn how students can think in an organized and flexible way about systems and then self-initiate to manage their clothes, backpack, papers, personal belongings in personal and shared spaces.

E04. E-Cubed: Effective, Efficient, & Evidence-Based Instructional Practices for the Math Classroom USB Atrium Presenter: Bobbi Jo Erb, self-proclaimed “Math Geek” and lifelong educator

E05. Understanding Today’s Learners and the Impact of Digital Technology on the Learning Brain Presenter: Megan Reimann, The Hallowell Todaro ADHD Center Great Hall 5 keys to understanding, educating and adapting to the new needs of today’s learners and their evolving brains in this new digital age.

26 E06. Spark Sessions Join colleagues for a fast-paced series of 10-minute presentations. It is like four sessions in one! Library

1. Curricular Resources for Social Justice in STEM Moses Rifkin, University Prep A group of STEM teachers have developed a free, flexible set of resources to help others bring lessons on equity, identity and justice into STEM classrooms. In this session, attendees will get a quick-but-rich overview of the resources, a sense of what implementation can look like, and receive access to explore on their own.

2. Don't Feel the Burn! Laura Weir, Annie Wright Schools Teacher burnout is real! Find out what science says about teacher health and wellness, and what you can do to make a difference at your school.

3. Online Learning Communities: Using Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to Become a Better Teacher Erin Flotte and Kate Brooks, Villa Academy Social media can be a powerful ally in improving your teaching practice, gaining new ideas, and problem-solving classroom difficulties. We will briefly discuss the benefits we have found from our online learning communities in math and English/social studies and explain how to start finding your own learning communities through social media.

4. Beyond the Walls - Connecting Science to the Community Donna Tully, Jackson Hole Community School Current learning theories recognize that science learning is complex and multifaceted and suggests that science learning include understanding of the nature and methods of science. Join our spark session to gain insights on a how a small private mountain-town school utilized the power of citizen science to extend learning beyond the classroom’s walls by immersing students in community issues and problem-solving, facilitating meaningful connections, community collaboration, and direct contribution to research happening within their community.