New to Workshop 2024, EDTalks presents an exciting take on the “Lunch and Learn” experience, offering attendees a chance to hear renowned speakers deliver compelling talks over lunch.
On Tuesday, Oct. 22, and Wednesday, Oct. 23, EDTalks will take place in the new “EDTalk” Theater on the exhibit floor from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to grab their complimentary lunch and head over to the theater to hear powerful, 20-minute talks, from acclaimed speakers.
Tuesday, Oct. 22
“Quest for Student Success?”, 11:30 a.m.
Dr. Tracey Severns, Nationally Recognized Education Leader
The theme for Workshop 2024 is “Quest for Student Success,” which “embodies our collective mission and passion for seeking the best for our students.” And while few would argue the merits of such a worthy pursuit, in a time of unprecedented divisiveness, achieving our goals requires examination of our assumptions. What do we mean by “collective mission”? Who is included in “our”? What is considered “the best” for students? This Ed Talk will reveal the self-imposed obstacles along the path to student success and offer insights and strategies to overcome them.
Learn more about Severns.
Hip Hop and Graphic History, Noon
Dr. Walter Greason, Distinguished Scholar of American and World History
With almost two decades of teaching P-12 students and another two decades in higher education, Professor Walter Greason saw the need to energize learning experiences for educators, students and families. The result is The Graphic History of Hip Hop, a learning resource that combines history, music and art for the social studies and language arts classroom. Initially created for 100,000 students in the New York City Public Schools, GH3 has inspired educational leaders nationwide as it reached #1 bestseller status on Amazon.com upon its release. Since then, districts in Minnesota, Michigan, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Georgia and Texas have demanded copies for their students to improve learning across the curriculum. This presentation will focus on the ways that school districts can use GH3, but, more importantly, create a variety of unique, learning resources based on its principles to improve learning outcomes in a single year.
Learn more about Greason.
Dr. Dawn Dunkerly, Cybersecurity Expert, 12:30 p.m.
The Cyber Puzzle: How Everyone Can Play a Role in Securing Education
In today’s increasingly digital classrooms, every educator, administrator and staff member is a crucial piece in the puzzle of cybersecurity. This presentation will break down the basics of cyberthreats, from phishing attacks to ransomware, and show how everyone — regardless of technical background — can play an important role in keeping schools safe. Through real-world examples and actionable steps, we’ll uncover how small changes in everyday practices can lead to big improvements in the protection of sensitive student and staff information.
Learn more about Dunkerly.
Wednesday, Oct. 23
AI in Education: a Reason to Be Optimistic, 11:30 a.m.
Dr. Matthew Murphy, Award-Winning K-12 Superintendent (Retired)
Artificial intelligence in education offers a powerful reason for optimism, as it has the potential to revolutionize how we teach, learn and prepare students for the future. Educators can move beyond traditional teaching methods by integrating AI and engaging students in more personalized, creative, hands-on learning experiences. AI empowers students to become creators, equipping them with skills for future app development, cybersecurity, health care and engineering careers.
Learn how AI can reshape curriculum design, enhance classroom experiences and offer new opportunities for collaboration, problem-solving and innovation while preparing students to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. With thoughtful planning, professional development and a focus on AI literacy, the future of education is brighter than ever.
Learn more about Murphy.
Why Staff Morale Matters, Noon
Dr. Jennifer Viaud-Macones, principal, Birchwood Elementary School, creator of MakeYourSchoolAwesome.com
Dr. Andrea Padelsky, assistant principal, Jefferson Township High School, adjunct professor, Montclair State University and Pace University
Staff morale matters! Are your teachers and paraprofessionals feeling uninspired? Sometimes the typical and mundane school environment can lead to low morale. Does the morale in your building need a little boost?
Learn how to create environments in which staff feel loved, appreciated and are motivated to come to work each and every day.
This EdTalk will leave you feeling inspired, refreshed and motivated with a renewed passion to boost staff morale and celebrate your staff!
Learn more about Viaud-Macones and Padelsky.
An Inconvenient Truth: What We Already Know About Raising Healthy Children, 12:30 p.m.
George Scott, Ed.S., Licensed Family Therapist, Founder of Minding Our Children
Most parents want their children to be happy, which sounds like a worthwhile goal. What we know, however, is that unless children are healthy both physically and emotionally, it is hard for them to find, create and maintain that happiness.
So, what is The Power of Showing Up? What does it mean to buffer our children from toxic stressors? What can be done to help children calm and regulate their body?
George Scott is a family therapist, former Middlesex County director of student services and the current New Jersey statewide coordinator for the Traumatic Loss Coalition. His optimistic message will help school board members and parents, as well as educators in our schools, understand their role in promoting children’s well-being from infancy to preschool to high school.
We know how to make all of this happen. Perhaps we don’t because it is just too inconvenient.
Learn more about Scott.
Workshop Agenda To view more of the Workshop agenda, download the Workshop 2024 mobile app.
Register for Workshop 2024 The Workshop group registration rate is $2,200 for up to 25 team members, including the school board, administrators, and other district leaders and staff. Individual registration is $550 per person. Registration must be handled by the school business administrator.
Need to convince your board? We can help!
Housing Information Blocks of rooms have been secured at select Atlantic City hotels. Hotel and rate information is available on the Workshop 2024 website. Hotel reservations must be handled by your school business administrator. The last day to make and pay for hotel reservations is Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
For more information on Workshop, visit the Workshop website.