Presented by Heidi Alves, Teaching and Learning Specialist, Flagler Schools (FL); Ryan Elizabeth Widdowson, Supervisor of Federal Programs, Clay County District Schools (FL); and Corey J. Peloquin, Vice President of Operations, Penda Learning, A Learning 2020 Company

Sponsored by Penda Learning, A Learning 2020 Company

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Teacher shortages and retention, student engagement, closing gaps in learning, and supporting all learners are top of mind for district and school leaders. When it comes to science instruction, these challenges are often amplified by a lack of qualified science teachers and pressure to focus instructional time on math and reading.

View this edLeader Panel to hear from two Florida district leaders about how their science programs support teachers, encourage science learning in and out of the classroom, and drive significant growth in science achievement. Watch the lively discussion to learn:

• How Flagler Schools and Clay County District Schools (FL) are addressing common challenges that districts face with science teaching and learning
• How these districts are incorporating gamification into science assessment and instruction
• How the mechanics and principles of gaming paired with other learning principles like the 5E Model and Webb’s DOK can deepen learning

Don’t miss this opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look into how other districts are providing equitable, high-quality science instruction. This edLeader Panel is of interest to K-12 school and district leaders, particularly science coordinators, science curriculum directors, and others involved with science.

About the Presenters

Heidi Alves is an accomplished public educator with 18 years of experience. For the past nine years, she has served as the K–12 Science Curriculum Specialist for Flagler Schools (FL). Her role involves providing support to both teachers and students with regards to all aspects of science and instructional practices. Heidi is passionate about helping teachers spark their students’ interest in science through inquiry and scientific investigations. Heidi also serves on various local and state science committees, is an Educational Ambassador for the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, and is President-Elect for the Florida Association of Science Supervisors. Additionally, she participates annually on the Biology 1 Statewide Science Assessment Item Review Committee for Florida. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, a master’s degree in educational leadership, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in medical microbiology.

Ryan Elizabeth Widdowson is a distinguished public educator with 34 years of experience in the same Florida county where she has lived her entire life. She is currently Supervisor of Federal Programs in Clay County. Throughout her career, Ryan has held various positions, but her favorite roles have been those of a classroom teacher, librarian, and instructional coach. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and a master’s degree in educational leadership.

Corey J. Peloquin, M.Ed. is Vice President of Operations for Penda Learning and a former educator. He began his career teaching middle and high school science in Florida, where he received numerous awards and accolades, including Science Teacher of the Year from Hillsborough County Public Schools, the PRISM Award of Excellence in Science Teaching, and a nomination for the U.S. Presidential Award of Excellence in Science Teaching. Additionally, Corey acted as a new teacher mentor through The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Empowering Effective Teachers (EET) grant. Corey holds a Bachelor of Science degree in marine biology from Eckerd College and a Master of Education degree in administration/supervision educational leadership from National-Louis University. He was awarded a fellowship sponsored by NASA and subsequently earned a STEM education certification with research distinction from Teachers College, Columbia University.

Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.

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Penda Learning is where science and technology converge in the classroom. Our platform integrates both to make mastery of science concepts possible for every student, no matter where learning takes place. Using Penda Learning, students participate in engaging, gamified science activities and assessments on a platform that makes it easy for teachers to provide exemplary, standards-aligned science instruction in both physical and virtual classrooms. Built by educators for educators, Penda has been recognized as an effective intervention tool by teachers & administrators, in addition to being a high-quality supplemental curricular resource.