Workshop Sessions and Speakers
Our interactive workshop sessions are led by UNC faculty, students and alumni
who have spent years in the teaching field and want to share their knowledge.
- Parent Seminar
Parent Seminar
Jim Erekson (Literacy Education, UNC); Kevin Pugh (Educational Psychology, UNC);Room #: UC Center Aspen Room
In this session, parents/guardians/support networks will learn and have the opportunity to ask questions about various topics including the path to becoming a teacher, admissions process, available financial aid, UNC housing and residential education, basic/core/general ed classes, and more.
- Teacher Cadet Teachers and High School Teachers and Counselors
Mind Over Matter: Every Day Wellness
Lisa Mickelson (Post Doctoral Fellow, Department of School Psychology, UNC)Room #: McKee 282
When feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or burnt-out, teachers, students, and school staff are often advised to engage in "self-care" and to practice "wellness". What does that even mean? In this session, we will look at the science behind stress, burn-out, applied wellness skills, and ways to engage in small changes every day that will boost your wellbeing both in the moment and over time. Participants will learn about the benefits of applied wellness practices on individual and academic outcomes, as well as ways to engage with themselves, students, and school communities in building these skills.
Interested in Becoming a Teacher Cadet Teacher?
Christine McConnell, (Colorado Teacher Cadet Coordinator)Room #: McKee 282
Teachers and Counselors! Participate in this session if you are interested in becoming a Teacher Cadet Teacher or want more information on how to get a Teacher Cadet program at your school.
- Early Childhood Education Sessions 1-3
Session 1: From Crayons to Connections
Jean Kirshner (Early Childhood Education, UNC)Room #: McKee 219
Connecting young learners to their global partners in Early Childhood Education classrooms across the world!
Session 2: Welcome to the Land of Kindie-building/establishing relationships for a strong foundation
Twyla Morton (Douglas County School District @ Mammoth Heights Elem - Kindergarten Teacher)Room #: McKee 221
Kindergarten for many families is their first introduction to a school community and learning experience. Come and grow, learn, and enhance ideas about the importance of relationships with students and families as they enter into the Land of Kindie!
Session 3: Exploring STEAM Through Dramatic Play: Sparking Creativity and Innovation in Early Childhood
Grace Breiten (UNC Educational Studies, doctoral student)Room #: McKee 424
Discover how young children can learn STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) concepts through imaginative play. Through hands-on examples, we’ll show how play fosters creativity, problem-solving, and early innovation skills, setting the foundation for future learning.
- Elementary Education Sessions 4-10
Session 4: Games, Literacy, and Social-Emotional Learning
Matthew Farber (Educational Technology, UNC), William Merchant (Applied Statistics and Research Methods, UNC)Room #: McKee 428
In this immersive workshop, explore innovative strategies for integrating games into the classroom to enhance reading skills and foster social and emotional learning. You will engage in hands-on activities and discussions to discover effective approaches that make learning both enjoyable and emotionally enriching for students.
Sesion 5: Leveraging Students’ Cultural Strengths in the Elementary Classroom
Brian Rose Elementary Education, UNCRoom #: McKee 140
We will explore the teacher maxim “You’ve just got to know your students.” We don’t critique the maxim as knowing your students is the name of the game. Instead, we unpack what this means by identifying the aspects of culture more generally, and the visiting students discuss their own lived experiences along these lines.
Session 6: Elementary Science is Phenomenal! Engaging Elementary Students Using Science Phenomena
Jennifer Parrish, Teresa Higgins, (Science Education, UNC)Room #: McKee 253
In this session, participants will explore science phenomena that can be used in elementary classrooms to engage students to develop a conceptual understanding of science content.
Session 7: Math is Fun!
Hannah Kang (Elementary Education, UNC)Room #: McKee 229
Math is fun! Do you agree with it? Let’s explore some fun and engaging hands-on activities to learn how to teach math in an elementary classroom. In this session, students will experience hands-on manipulatives that promote conceptual understanding of math content.
Session 8: The Responsive Classroom
Kim Mahovsky (Elementary Education, UNC)Room #: McKee 254
Building relationships with students is one of the greatest concerns for new teachers; this is a foundational aspect of effective teaching. In this session, students will experience many games, activities, and greetings that will build connections between them and their teacher.
Sesion 9: Why Teachers Make a Difference.
Jenni Harding Middleton (Elementary Education, UNC)Room #: McKee 230
Teachers motivate and inspire students to learn. Come explore how high quality teachers make a difference. Do you have what it takes to become an effective and efficient teacher?
Session 10: Making Social Studies Come Alive in the Elementary Classroom
Kenny Pettit (K-12 Social Studies Coordinator, St. Vrain Valley Schools)Room #: McKee 137
How can we harness young students’ curiosity about the world to deepen their understanding of the world? Social studies is the perfect vehicle! Come join us for this hands-on session to learn about how we can help the next generation become problem-solvers and engaged citizens in our world.
- Secondary Education Sessions 11-16
Session 11: History Rocks! STEAM & Hands-On Learning in Middle & High School Social Studies Classes.
Katherine George (Secondary Social Studies, UNC doctoral student/HS teacher)Room #: McKee 425
History doesn’t have to be boring! Learn how to make middle and high school social studies classes come alive using creativity, hands-on exploration, and personalized projects like experiments, inquiry projects, art reproductions, re-enactments, documentaries, and scientific recreations.
Session 12: Active Learning in the Classroom
Matt Seymour (English Education, UNC)Room #: McKee 144
This session will introduce students to the concept of active learning and its benefits. Participants will learn about different active learning strategies and how to apply them to their own learning. The session will also include opportunities for students to practice active learning.
Session 13: How to Thrive
Danielle Bell (UNC Educational Studies, doctoral student)Room #: McKee 336
When you’re a new teacher, everyone has advice for your first year. You’ll get your badge and keys and maybe even a district tote bag with a copy of whatever book is trending in education. (In 2002, I got Harry Wong’s The First Days of School). But no one tells you what’s really about to happen, or how to navigate it all. In this session, students will learn tips & tricks from a veteran teacher on how to thrive in their first years in the classroom.
Session 14: Middle and High School Science is Phenomenal! Engaging Middle School & High School Students Using Science Phenomena
Byron Straw, and Amy Bekins (Science Education, UNC)Room #: McKee 138
In this session, participants will explore science phenomena that can be used in secondary classrooms to engage students to develop a conceptual understanding of science content in biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science.
Session 15: From a college degree to a teaching career - more rewarding than you might have heard!
Kelly Langley-Cook(Director of Social Studies Education, UNC)Room #: McKee 252
Are there practical reasons to get a college degree? Absolutely! With your degree in humanities, you can open up career possibilities in fields that are well-paid, dynamic, and in need of immediate employees… like teaching! Join Professor Kelly Langley Cook to do some myth busting about education and explore how humanities content such as History has dozens of real-world, job-gaining applications. Get ready for a fast-paced quiz game at the end of our session where you can win prizes!
Session 16: Family and Consumer Sciences: Teaching the Art of Living and Working
Well in Our Complex World.
Jeanine Pope (Retired Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher- School District RE-3)Room #: McKee 142
Teaching skills for life such as culinary arts, nutrition and wellness, the development of children, personal finance, housing, and interior and apparel design and merchandising are all content areas within Family and Consumer Sciences. It is a subject area that is relevant, hands-on for students, and fun!
- K-12 Education: Art, Music, Physical Education, Theatre and World Languages Sessions
17-20
Session 17: MOVE-ment Matters: The Power of Physical Activity in Schools
Jennifer Krause (Physical Education and Physical Activity Leadership, UNC); Brian Dauenhauer (Physical Education and Physical Activity Leadership, UNC); Scott Douglas (Physical Education and Physical Activity Leadership, UNC)Room #: McKee 139
Play, move, and learn with us as we explore the benefits of physical activity for the mind and body! This session will describe how teachers can impact students’ overall wellbeing and academics through incorporating physical activity in schools. Come ready to move and groove!
Session 18: Art Education: Where Those Crazy Enough to Think They Can Change the World Become the Ones Who Do
Abi Paytoe Gbayee (Art Education, UNC)Room #: McKee 008
This is session will look at the power of an arts education and give an overview of the Art Education program in the School of Art and Design
Session 19: Teaching Theatre: Do you have what it takes?
Mary Schuttler (Head of Theatre Education, UNC)Room #: McKee 228
Are you passionate about theatre and eager to inspire that passion in others? If so, this workshop will assist you in discovering if theatre education is the right path for you. We will discuss the challenges and rewards of entering this fulfilling profession, and explore the essential skills and insights needed to inspire and educate the next generation of theatre enthusiasts.
Session 20: Taking the Chaos out of Collaboration
Clelyn Chapin and Krissie Weimer (Music Education, UNC)Room #: McKee 223
In this interactive session, learn how you can create a collaborative environment in your current school programs and future classrooms. We will explore the steps students and teachers can take to promote a positive social and musical setting that is organized and inclusive.
- Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education Sessions 21-23
Session 21: ¿Hablas español? We need bilingual educators
James Gambrell (Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education)Room #: McKee 333
This presentation discusses the need for Spanish-speaking educators in the state of Colorado.
Session 22: Cumbres Teacher Preparation Program
Penny Mascarenas (Cumbres, UNC)Room #: McKee 426
Description & Recruiting for the Cumbres program.
Session 23: What does it mean to be an equity-centered trauma-informed teacher?
Anne O. Davidson (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education, UNC)Room #: McKee 145
Learn the principles of equity-centered, trauma-informed education and how you can apply them as a teacher to support diverse students.
- Future Latine Teachers Sessions 24-25
Session 24: Vamos Osos! Creating Pathways for Future Latine Teachers through UNC’s new designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution
Rudolfo Vargas (Director César Chávez Cultural Center& HSI Initiatives)Room #: McKee 020
"¡Llamando a todos los Futuros Maestros Latines!" The University of Northern Colorado was recently designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). This designation opens exciting new opportunities for Future Latine Teachers. In this workshop, we’ll explore how this designation will lead to increased access to scholarships, enhanced student support services, and initiatives aimed at empowering Latine Future Teachers. We’ll also share how long-term benefits will improve students' experience on campus and within the surrounding communities as we work together to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
Session 25: Mi Casa es tu Casa: Latine Student Clubs and Organizations at UNC
Jasmine Razo, Graduate Assistant Program and Events Specialist at the Cesar Chavez Cultural Center, UNCRoom #: McKee 203
In this session, we’ll explore what it’s like to be a Latine student on campus and share insights and information on the many different groups, clubs and organizations serving Latine students from across the campus. Engage with current Latine students and learn how these multicultural student-led groups can support you by fostering a home away from home, and help students connect with others to socialize, volunteer, and succeed, while also developing leadership opportunities on campus and in the community.
- Special Education Sessions 26-28
Session 26: ALL Students Should Have the Opportunity to Aspire to Greatness
Katrine Gosselin (Assistant Professor in Special Education, and Teaching Students with Autism Coordinator)Room #: McKee 135
Every student should have a team of adults who believe in them and work with them to aspire to greatness. During this session, we will examine the principles of inclusive education and how high expectations and tailored support can empower students with diverse needs to reach their full potential. Additionally, we will review the vital role that a special education teacher plays in inspiring every student to dream big and pursue their unique paths to greatness.
Session 27: The Coolest Thing About Special Education!
Jennifer Urbach (Special Education, UNC)Room #: McKee 146
What makes being a special education teacher the best kind of teacher? Variety! This session will introduce you to the many different students, grade levels, settings, and opportunities you could experience as a special educator.
Session 28: Cool, Calm, and Classroom-Ready: Teaching Emotional Regulation for Lifelong Success
Tracy Gershwin, PhD, BCBA-D (Professor of Special Education)Room #: McKee 147
In this session, future educators will explore how the brain responds to emotional triggers and learn strategies to help students—and themselves—stay calm during challenging moments. We’ll discuss how emotional regulation impacts student behavior, focusing on the brain’s response to stress and emotional stimuli. Participants will gain tools for maintaining their own calm while teaching students how to manage emotions effectively. Walk away with actionable strategies to promote emotional resilience, positive behavior, and a supportive classroom environment.
- Rural Education Session 29
Session 29: Start Your Teaching Career Faster with Less Debt: Unique Opportunities in Rural Colorado
Robert Fulton, Director (Colorado Center for Rural Education)Room #: 423
Dr. Fulton provides information on financial support and opportunities for those who would like to teach in one of Colorado’s 147 rural schools.
- K-12 Teaching and Engagement Sessions 30-32
Session 30: Advanced Differentiation on a Dime
Doug Alexander (Gifted Education Instructional Specialist, Boulder Valley School District, UNC Educational Studies, doctoral student)Room #: McKee 0019
It happens to all of us. You carefully plan your lesson. You excitedly start teaching. Then you recognize that dreaded this-lesson-is-too-easy look on some of your students’ faces. Fear not! In this session, find out how you can instantly turn any lesson around using simple, effective advanced differentiation strategies that increase engagement and challenge for your gifted and advanced learners.
Session 31: Teaching Green
Christy McConnell (Curriculum Studies, UNC)Room #: McKee 338
Do you love nature and the outdoors? Are you curious about how you might integrate those interests with your teaching? Let’s talk about what it means to be an ecologically minded teacher in any content area and any grade.
Session 32: Asking Good Questions and Getting Good Answers
Michelle Holmes (Elementary Education, UNC)Room #: McKee 141
The use of questioning strategies in the classroom enriches learning, increases student engagement, and provides space for critical thinking and growth. Let’s have some fun learning about and practicing our questioning skills!
