BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//edWeb - ECPv6.17.4//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://home.edweb.net X-WR-CALDESC:Events for edWeb REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260401T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260401T160000 DTSTAMP:20260921T142010Z CREATED:20260316T190526Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260921T142010Z UID:11872206-1775055600-1775059200@home.edweb.net SUMMARY:Evaluating Purpose-Built Digital Curricula That Drive Outcomes: No More Trial-and-Error DESCRIPTION:Presented by Pam Shaw\, Director of K-12 Quality Assurance\, Quality Matters; Dr. Michelle Barrett\, SVP of Research\, Policy\, and Impact\, Edmentum; and Tatiana Ciccarelli\, Senior Director\, Strategic Partnerships\, Edmentum\nModerated by Ross Romano\, Director\, Strategic Communications\, Edmentum \nSponsored by Edmentum \nWatch the RecordingListen to the PodcastRead the Article \nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \n\nIn an era of growing screen time concerns\, K-12 educators face pressure to distinguish between passive\, unproductive device use and purposeful edtech that accelerates learning. This edLeader Panel explores how to identify high-quality digital curricula and instructional tools—designed with research-backed principles\, supported by evidence\, and implemented with intention keeping the educator at the center—that can deliver measurable student outcomes with no need for overuse or misuse. \nDistrict\, school leaders\, and state leaders viewing this session learn to identify and implement digital curricula that complement core instruction\, address diverse learner needs\, and withstand stakeholder scrutiny. Discover what defines high-quality digital tools (rigorous standards alignment\, adaptive personalization\, educator integration)\, their proven benefits (improved engagement\, attendance\, skill mastery)\, and real-world applications that drive access and opportunity while maintaining academic rigor. \nKey learning outcomes: \n\nDefine high-quality digital curricula and evaluate vendor evidence using research standards\nUnderstand the key distinctions between purpose-built edtech and consumer tools\nExamine real district implementations showing how intentional integration of digital curricula amplifies\, rather than replaces\, the role and impact of educators\nLearn how to advocate for the resources that will best support your educators and students\, and replicate success in your organization\n\nThis recorded edLeader Panel is of interest to K-12 school leaders\, district leaders\, education technology leaders\, and state leaders. \n\n \n \nAbout the Presenters \nPam Shaw is Director of K-12 Quality Assurance for Quality Matters (QM)\, the global organization leading quality assurance in online and innovative digital teaching and learning environments. She oversees the QM K-12 course-review process and served as Co-chair of the QM K-12 Sixth Edition Rubric Committee. Previously\, she was an instructor with Illinois Virtual School\, a QM K-12 Master Reviewer\, and a QM course facilitator. Her face-to-face teaching background is in music education. Pam is Past-President of the Illinois Association for Gifted Children\, Vice President of the Board of Education for Fremont School District 79\, and Treasurer of the Chicago Gifted Community Center. \n\n \nMichelle D. Barrett\, Ph.D.\, is the Senior Vice President of Research\, Policy\, and Impact at Edmentum\, where she leads Edmentum’s research agenda and drives innovations in learning and assessment design\, both shaped by and shaping education policy. Guided by a belief that evidence must advance educational transformation\, Dr. Barrett champions collaborative research and policy initiatives that empower educators and improve student outcomes at scale. \nDr. Barrett began as a middle and high school mathematics teacher and has held roles at the Colorado Commission on Higher Education\, the Colorado Department of Education\, CTB/McGraw-Hill\, Pacific Metrics\, and ACT. She serves on the industry council for the EDSAFE AI Alliance and chaired the inaugural IEEE Industry Consortium on Learning Engineering SIG on AI and Adaptive Technology. Dr. Barrett earned her B.S. from Stanford University\, her M.Ed. from Harvard University\, and her Ph.D. from the University of Twente\, Netherlands. She also holds a graduate certificate in large-scale assessment from the University of Maryland. \n \nWith over 15 years of experience in education\, Tatiana Ciccarelli currently serves as Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships at Edmentum. In this role\, she collaborates closely with state-level leaders\, offering strategic thought partnership to drive impactful educational outcomes. Her areas of expertise include data leadership\, mathematics\, and special education. Tatiana specializes in aligning assessment\, curricula\, and instruction to foster coherence across large-scale educational initiatives. Before joining Edmentum\, Tatiana held multiple roles at NWEA\, was a New York City Public Schools teacher\, and was an Adjunct Professor at the City University of New York. A native New Yorker from a proud lineage of educators and school leaders\, Tatiana brings a deep\, generational passion for learning to everything she does. \n \nAbout the Moderator \nRoss Romano is a marketing\, communications\, and media leader who currently serves as Director of Strategic Communications for Edmentum. In this role\, he oversees comprehensive strategy for all owned and earned channels\, including corporate communications\, web\, content marketing\, and social media. \nPrior to joining Edmentum\, he was the founder of the award-winning education consultancy September Strategies and Managing Director of full-stack edtech marketing agency MindRocket Media Group. In these roles and others over the past decade-plus\, he has supported communications and marketing efforts and served as a strategic advisor for more than 100 companies and non-profits in K-12\, and collaborated with countless school and district leaders. Ross is also co-founder of the Be Podcast Network\, an education-centered community of 60+ series reaching more than 2 million educators globally. \n\nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nJoin the Emerging Tech for K12 Learning community to network with educators\, participate in online discussions\, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars\, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates. \n\nEdmentum believes that every student deserves the opportunity to thrive everywhere learning occurs—whether they seek to catch up\, stay on track\, or chart their own path. When you pair Edmentum’s comprehensive\, research-backed learning acceleration solutions—including digital curriculum and courses\, K-12 diagnostic-driven personalized intervention\, and virtual instruction—with empowered and supported educators\, you can change the direction of students’ lives. We partner with K-12 educators in all 50 states and 100+ countries worldwide to design\, implement\, and sustain the programs that deliver on this shared promise of learning acceleration for every student. \n\n \n  \n  URL:https://home.edweb.net/webinar/emergingtech20260401/ CATEGORIES:Curriculum Development,Digital Learning,edLeader Panel,Education Research/Evidence,Inclusive Education,Personalized Learning ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://home.edweb.net/wp-content/uploads/20260401-emergingtech-event_panel.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260401T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260401T180000 DTSTAMP:20260401T215551Z CREATED:20260317T171033Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T215551Z UID:11877606-1775062800-1775066400@home.edweb.net SUMMARY:Transforming Test Scores With READING GROWTH! DESCRIPTION:Presented by Matt Bardin\, Nationally Recognized Educational Leader\, and Founder and CEO\, Zinc Learning Labs \nSponsored by Zinc Learning Labs \nWatch the Recording\nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nHelping students love reading is the surest way to boost academic achievement and raise test scores. Helping students love the effort of reading is even more powerful! When students read by choice and for enjoyment\, they encounter richer language\, more complex sentence structures\, and diverse perspectives that lead them to discover the value in effortful reading. Over time\, this consistent exposure strengthens the very skills tested across subject areas—not just in English language arts\, but also in science\, social studies\, and math word problems. \nJust looking at a test can feel overwhelming—but we can give students a strategy so that they always know what to DO. It’s a one-two punch: first\, we raise their comprehension. Then\, we seal the win by showing them how to use their new powers to turn test misery into test validation. \nIn this edWebinar\, viewers learn practical\, classroom-ready strategies to increase reading engagement\, including creating a culture of choice\, incorporating high-interest texts\, and talking with students about what they love about reading. Viewers leave with actionable tools to cultivate motivated readers\, strengthen literacy foundations\, and ultimately see improved student confidence and higher test performance—proving that when students love reading\, achievement follows. \nThis recorded edWebinar is of interest to middle and high school teachers\, ELA department chairs\, and ELA administrators. \n\n \n \nAbout the Presenter \nMatt Bardin\, a nationally recognized educational leader\, founded Zinc Learning Labs in 2016 with a singular focus on achieving huge reading growth for secondary students. He started his career as a secondary teacher in New York City Public Schools and contributed to the founding of Teach For America. Through his work as a tutor with students worldwide\, Matt developed critical reading and test prep strategies that help students raise test scores by building their love for reading and learning. The College Board has awarded Zinc its CEO Breakthrough Award for Zinc’s “unique achievement in student engagement\, secondary reading growth\, and meaningful test prep.” \nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \n\nJoin the Be a Literacy Hero community to network with educators\, participate in online discussions\, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars\, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates. \n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\nZinc Learning Labs is a science-backed reading skills accelerator for secondary schools that drives transformative reading growth. Zinc offers easy-to-implement\, individualized\, digital experiences backed by comprehensive reporting\, empowering teachers to guide all students to reading success. URL:https://home.edweb.net/webinar/literacyhero20260401/ CATEGORIES:Assessment,English, Language Arts, Writing,Reading Skills,Student Achievement ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://home.edweb.net/wp-content/uploads/20260401-literacyhero-event.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260402T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260402T140000 DTSTAMP:20260402T175757Z CREATED:20260307T171819Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260402T175757Z UID:11819289-1775134800-1775138400@home.edweb.net SUMMARY:Spring Family Engagement That Sets Up Success: Finish Strong\, Launch Stronger DESCRIPTION:Presented by Amanda Ensor\, Former Teacher\, Current Senior Content and Learning Manager\, TalkingPoints; and Kate Pechacek\, Former Teacher\, Current K12 Strategic Advisor\, TalkingPoints \nSponsored by TalkingPoints \nWatch the Recording\nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nSpring in schools is full—testing windows\, credit checks\, fall registration\, summer planning\, staffing shifts\, and transition conversations. It can feel overwhelming. The instinct is to communicate more. But volume doesn’t build confidence; relationships do. \nIn this final edWebinar of our three-part series\, we explore how district leaders can use a simple family engagement formula to navigate high-pressure spring moments with clarity and cohesion while setting up summer and fall for success. \n1. The Trust → Reputation → Improvement Playbook \nSpring interactions either strengthen or strain trust. When trust is protected in everyday moments—grading conversations\, transition messaging\, and summer planning—district reputation grows organically. \n2. Implement the Playbook at Two Levels \nEffective engagement must operate both around the classroom (district systems and alignment) and within the classroom (classroom-family partnerships). Digital engagement is essential to making this work at scale. \n3. Accelerate Through Co-Creation \nCo-creating your spring-to-summer-to-fall story with families deepens partnership and strengthens momentum into fall\, and helps you accomplish all of your spring goals more effectively. \nWhen districts prioritize trust and partnership\, spring tasks become smoother\, summer engagement deepens\, and fall launches stronger. \nThis recorded edWebinar is of interest to K-12 school leaders\, district leaders\, and education technology leaders. \nView part one: Nourishing a Strong School Culture with Sustainable Family Partnerships\nView part two: 5 Midyear Moves for Family Engagement: What to Keep\, Shift\, or Strengthen \n\n \n \nAbout the Presenters \nAmanda Ensor is Senior Content & Learning Manager at TalkingPoints\, an education nonprofit strengthening family-school partnerships through an innovative digital platform. A former elementary teacher and 2013 Queen Anne’s County Teacher of the Year\, she has 20+ years in public education. She previously served as a Family & Community Engagement Specialist with Scholastic and as Title I Family Engagement Specialist for Queen Anne’s County (2018–22). Amanda also founded It Takes A Village\, LLC\, consulting with districts and early childhood providers. A nationally recognized presenter\, she has led national sessions\, including the 2024 National Assembly for Family Engagement. She holds degrees in human development and learning and elementary reading and literacy\, plus an administrator certification. At the core of her work is a clear mission: to help schools and districts cultivate effective\, equitable partnerships between home and school\, ensuring every student receives the support they need to thrive. \n \nKate Pechacek currently serves as K12 strategic advisor to systems-improving edtech organizations and school districts\, including TalkingPoints\, and is the founder and CEO of OpendoorsEd. Prior to founding OpendoorsEd\, Kate served as Head of Impact at TalkingPoints\, one of several roles she has held in education technology over the last nine years. She began her nearly 30-year career in education as a secondary math teacher. In addition to 15 years as a teacher\, Kate has served in districts nationwide\, holding multiple site and district leadership roles in curriculum\, instruction\, assessment\, and MTSS. She is passionate about ensuring equity\, disrupting predictability\, and narrowing opportunity gaps. \n\nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nJoin the Community & Family Engagement community to network with educators\, participate in online discussions\, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars\, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates. \n\n \nTalkingPoints is an edtech nonprofit dedicated to driving student success by unlocking the power of effective family-school partnerships. TalkingPoints’ communications and family engagement platform provides capacity-building guidance\, time-saving tools\, and universally accessible\, two-way\, text-first communication in more than 150 languages. This unique approach removes barriers like language\, time\, mindset\, and capacity\, fostering positive and purposeful family engagement. Unlike traditional communication tools\, TalkingPoints is purpose-built to improve student outcomes by guiding partnership efforts toward the practices that matter most for student success. The platform empowers educators at every level—from district leaders to classroom teachers—to engage every family\, in their home language\, through barrier-free\, multilingual communication. \n\n \n  URL:https://home.edweb.net/webinar/engagement20260402/ CATEGORIES:Family and Community Engagement ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://home.edweb.net/wp-content/uploads/20260402-engagement-event.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260402T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260402T170000 DTSTAMP:20260408T201649Z CREATED:20260307T191422Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T201649Z UID:11820485-1775145600-1775149200@home.edweb.net SUMMARY:Top Reasons Students Struggle in Elementary Math and What to Do About It DESCRIPTION:Presented by Jen Hunt\, Lead Math Specialist\, New Math Minds\, and Author; and Laura Nelson\, Lead Math Specialist\, Mathways NW\, and Author \nSponsored by Zaner-Bloser \nWatch the RecordingListen to the Podcast \nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nYear after year\, students struggle with elementary math concepts. Research shows that there are specific\, targeted ways to help. \nIn this edWebinar\, math specialists and former classroom teachers Jen Hunt and Laura Nelson present the most common reasons students may not be ready to access grade-level material and offer research-based solutions to address those challenges within the school day. \nBy the end of the session\, viewers are able to: \n\nDescribe reasons students aren’t accessing their grade-level materials\nIdentify effective strategies for building conceptual understanding of foundational math skills\nConsider the roles positivity\, identity\, and self-confidence play in math achievement\nCreate requirements for an intervention plan that works for your school or district\n\nThis recorded edWebinar is of interest to K-5 teachers\, school leaders\, and district leaders. \n \n \nAbout the Presenters \nJen Hunt serves as Lead Math Specialist for New Math Minds\, working in schools across the U.S. to approach math education through the lens of child development and brain research. Formerly an elementary classroom teacher\, Jen specializes in small-group math instruction\, number sense\, primary interventions\, maximizing engagement for efficiency\, and reflective practice. She developed Kickstart: Counting and Number Sense; Kickstart: Operations; and Kickstart: Fractions in response to needs she saw while working with teachers in over 100 school districts throughout the Northwest. \n \nLaura Nelson has been a full-time math consultant since 2014\, supporting elementary educators in all aspects of math instruction. Laura combines decades of elementary teaching experience with a background in advertising and visual design to help educators bridge the art of teaching with research-based strategies that make math concepts visible\, accessible\, and engaging for students. She is co-author of Kickstart: Counting and Number Sense; Kickstart: Operations; and Kickstart: Fractions. \nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nJoin the Building Math Proficiency community to network with educators\, participate in online discussions\, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars\, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates. \n\n \nZaner-Bloser develops curriculum resources to teach foundational literacy and math skills to students in prekindergarten through sixth grade. Our resources help teachers engage and empower students and inspire more “aha” moments to harness the creative power of learning. As a member of the Highlights Family of Companies\, we believe children are the most important people\, so we strive to always do what’s right for children and to make a significant contribution to their education. \n\n \n  URL:https://home.edweb.net/webinar/mathskills20260402/ CATEGORIES:Mathematics ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://home.edweb.net/wp-content/uploads/20260402-mathskills-event.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260407T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260407T180000 DTSTAMP:20260407T215308Z CREATED:20260311T195037Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T215308Z UID:11847068-1775581200-1775584800@home.edweb.net SUMMARY:Turn Students Into Podcasters and Teach the Fundamentals of Democracy at the Same Time DESCRIPTION:Presented by Tristin Koch\, Social Studies Teacher\, North Arvada Middle School (CO); and Rachel Roberson\, Senior Program Manager\, Education Content\, KQED \nSponsored by KQED \nWatch the Recording\nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nIf you’re looking for a way to reignite middle and high school students’ interest in democracy\, all while tapping their love of podcasts and media\, this edWebinar is for you! Join favorite presenter Rachel Roberson from KQED Education for the introduction of a new civic media unit\, created by social studies teachers in partnership with KQED. Then hear from social studies teacher Tristin Koch\, who piloted the unit with her eighth graders in the fall. She shares how thematic study of Constitution principles and historic case studies\, combined with a podcasting project\, helped students build their civic voices and connect the nation’s founding documents to their own lives and experiences. \nViewers explore the extensive resources available in the new\, free Podcasting Democracy: Understanding the Constitution to Inspire Civic Change curriculum and listen to student-created podcast examples. Rachel also previews the extensive lineup of free curriculum resources available\, including daily lesson slides\, formative checkpoints\, and graphic organizers. When you teach this unit\, your students will connect their voices to the proud American tradition of civic advocacy. And yes\, their skills in historical thinking and media literacy will get a boost as well. \nThis recorded edWebinar is of interest to middle and high school teachers\, librarians\, school leaders\, district leaders\, education technology leaders\, and curriculum directors. \n \n \nAbout the Presenters \nTristin Koch teaches middle school in Jefferson County Schools\, where she continues to serve as an educator in a Title 1 school\, North Arvada Middle School. For the past two decades\, she has focused on research-based literacy practices in the social sciences. Currently\, she is teaching Western Hemisphere Studies\, Eastern Hemisphere Studies\, and Early American History. She is a Fulbright Scholar\, Barringer Fellow\, and Gilder Lehrman Grant recipient\, and continues to embrace new opportunities to grow. In addition to piloting the KQED Podcasting Democracy middle school unit\, Tristin has contributed to the success of the iCivics Educating for America Democracy by piloting\, reviewing\, and mentoring inquiry-based learning to teachers around the country. When time allows\, Tristin is either volunteering in her community\, traveling abroad\, or spending time with family. \n \nRachel Roberson is an experienced teacher leader and curriculum content developer who has served as a classroom teacher and administrator at public\, charter\, and international schools. Rachel specializes in professional learning facilitation and curriculum development\, strategy\, and implementation. At KQED\, she works to connect educators and students to KQED online education sites\, KQED Teach and the Youth Media Challenge\, by creating humanities curricula and professional learning content\, supporting product development\, championing youth-created media in and out of the classroom\, and leading projects and partnerships focused on teachers and classrooms. Rachel is a graduate of Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism\, received her California teaching credential in secondary English and social studies from Mills College\, and has a Master of Arts in Teaching Leadership from St. Mary’s College of California. \nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nJoin the K-12 Social Studies and Civics community to network with educators\, participate in online discussions\, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars\, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates. \n\nKQED is a nonprofit\, public media station and NPR and PBS member station based in San Francisco. As a leader in media innovation\, KQED provides free\, standards-aligned classroom content and professional development that educators can trust. Our workshops and courses help educators in all roles\, subjects\, and grades strengthen their media literacy skills\, empower youth voices\, and encourage civil discourse. \n  URL:https://home.edweb.net/webinar/socialstudies20260407/ CATEGORIES:Character Education,Media Literacy,Multimedia in Education,Social Studies and Civics,Student Agency and Voice ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://home.edweb.net/wp-content/uploads/20260407-socialstudies-event.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260408T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260408T150000 DTSTAMP:20260408T185029Z CREATED:20260322T044024Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T185029Z UID:11895962-1775656800-1775660400@home.edweb.net SUMMARY:7 Ways to Supercharge Family Engagement This Back-to-School Season and Support Enrollment Goals DESCRIPTION:Presented by Kristyn Hunt Cathey\, APR\, Chief of Communications\, Alief Independent School District (TX)\, and Immediate Past President\, TSPRA; and Elizabeth Lamport\, Vice President of Marketing\, School Family Media\nModerated by Erica McCormick\, Growth Marketing Strategist\, School Family Media \nSponsored by TeacherLists \nWatch the Recording\nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nBack-to-school season is the perfect time to strengthen connections with families—but knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. Taking intentional steps early helps families feel informed\, confident\, and ready for the year ahead. \nFrom clear communication to early access to resources and meaningful opportunities to connect\, schools and districts can build a strong foundation for engagement that also supports enrollment growth\, student retention\, and stronger community ties. \nIn this edWebinar\, we explore practical strategies to supercharge family engagement this back-to-school season. You learn how to share key information early\, communicate consistently across channels\, host welcoming events\, and equip families with the tools and tips they need to feel confident\, informed\, and connected—setting the stage for stronger relationships and a successful school year. \nYou leave with actionable strategies and a clear plan to boost engagement and foster a more connected school community. This recorded edWebinar is ideal for PreK-12 teachers\, librarians\, communications managers\, school and district leaders\, and anyone responsible for family communications\, and is designed to help you communicate more effectively and build stronger connections with families. \n \n \nAbout the Presenters \nKristyn Hunt Cathey\, APR\, was hired as the first Chief of Communications & PR for Alief ISD in July 2023. Before accepting this role as department leader\, she served as the Director of Communications for Goose Creek CISD for two years. Her foray into school public relations began in her hometown of Port Arthur ISD\, where she served as the first Media Communications Specialist for 11 years. \nShe was installed as the first Black President of the TSPRA in February 2025. This is a three-year term as President-Elect\, President\, and Immediate Past President. She earned her Accreditation in Public Relations in 2022\, putting her in an elite group of PR professionals. She was honored to serve in the inaugural classes of the Southeast Texas 40 Under 40 and the National School Public Relations Association 35 Under 35\, both in 2014. She is a proud wife\, mother of one\, daughter\, and friend. \n \nElizabeth Lamport serves as Vice President of Marketing at School Family Media\, where she leads the marketing teams across the organization’s business units: PTO Today\, EduKit\, School Tool Box\, and TeacherLists. With over 20 years of marketing experience—including a decade focused on education marketing—Elizabeth considers herself equal parts creative and analytical\, and she loves that marketing allows her to leverage both skills. She holds an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Florida State University. Elizabeth is known for her ability to translate complex challenges into effective\, results-driven marketing strategies. \n \nAbout the Moderator \nErica McCormick brings 15 years of marketing experience to her role at School Family Media\, where she leads growth marketing for TeacherLists. She focuses on driving school and district engagement through clear\, effective communication. Erica helps school communities simplify supply list sharing to succeed during the back-to-school season with TeacherLists. She is also an active volunteer in her local school district\, helping support a range of education-focused initiatives. \nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nJoin the Community & Family Engagement community to network with educators\, participate in online discussions\, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars\, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates. \n\n \nTeacherLists is the free\, easy-to-use online school supply list solution that helps your school manage and share supply lists with families in seconds—without the hassle of printing and distributing. Parents love the convenience of viewing lists digitally and shopping through major national retailers. All supply lists are ADA-compliant\, and TeacherLists is 100% free for schools and families. URL:https://home.edweb.net/webinar/engagement20260408/ CATEGORIES:Back-to-School Preparation,Communication Skills,Family and Community Engagement ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://home.edweb.net/wp-content/uploads/20260408-engagement-event.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260408T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260408T160000 DTSTAMP:20260408T194415Z CREATED:20260313T144915Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T194415Z UID:11860014-1775660400-1775664000@home.edweb.net SUMMARY:Built for Every Mind: Reimagining Classrooms for Neurodiverse Learners DESCRIPTION:Presented by Kara Ball\, Academic Officer and Author\, Teacher Created Materials; and Juliana Urtubey\, Educator\, Special Education Expert\, Understood.org\, and Director of Curriculum\, National Center for Grow Your Own\nModerated by Heather Brooke\, Vice President of Professional Learning\, Teacher Created Materials \nSponsored by Teacher Created Materials \nWatch the Recording\nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nIn every classroom\, there are learners who think\, process\, and engage in different ways. When educators design with neurodiversity in mind\, they create environments where all students can thrive. \nIn this engaging edWebinar\, Kara Ball\, Teacher Created Materials author and former IEP student herself\, joins Juliana Urtubey from Understood.org to share practical strategies for building elementary classrooms where neurodivergent learners feel seen\, supported\, and valued. Together\, we explore how designing with neurodiversity in mind can strengthen classroom instruction and expand opportunities for every learner. \nIn this edWebinar\, you learn how to: \n\nApply a strength-based lens to neurodiversity using clear\, student-centered language that honors diverse ways of thinking and learning\nImplement classroom strategies that strengthen executive functioning\, support flexible communication\, and increase engagement across content areas\, including STEM\nCreate classroom environments that elevate student voice and foster a stronger sense of belonging\n\nDesigned for K–6 classroom teachers\, instructional leaders\, and special education professionals\, this recorded edWebinar offers actionable steps for reimagining classrooms so every learner feels capable\, confident\, and included. \n \n \nAbout the Presenters \nKara Ball is an author and Academic Officer at Teacher Created Materials\, specializing in inclusive\, inquiry-based STEAM. A former K–5 teacher and district STEM coordinator\, she designs accessible learning experiences that empower all students as thinkers and problem solvers. Drawing from her experience as a neurodivergent educator\, Kara advocates for expanded access and opportunity in STEM. She is the author of 50 Strategies for Teaching STEAM Skills and a recipient of the prestigious 2025 Bezos Courage and Civility Award. \n \nJuliana Urtubey is an educator\, special education expert\, and Director of Curriculum at the National Center for Grow Your Own. She partners with Understood.org to amplify its mission of helping those who learn and think differently thrive. A National Board Certified Teacher with experience in bilingual and special education\, she has helped develop schoolwide Multi-Tiered Systems of Support. In 2021\, she was named National Teacher of the Year and later appointed by President Biden to the President’s Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity for Hispanics. \n \nAbout the Moderator \nHeather Brooke is the VP of Professional Learning at Teacher Created Materials\, where she oversees a team that delivers high-quality professional learning workshops for educators nationwide. \nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nJoin the Teaching All Students community to network with educators\, participate in online discussions\, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars\, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates. \n\nTeacher Created Materials develops innovative and imaginative educational materials and services for students worldwide. Everything we do is created by teachers for teachers and students to make teaching more effective and learning more fun. Join us on our mission to create a world where children truly want to learn. URL:https://home.edweb.net/webinar/inclusiveeducation20260408/ CATEGORIES:Autism,Executive Function and Neurodiversity,Inclusive Education,Special Education,Teaching Practice and Pedagogy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://home.edweb.net/wp-content/uploads/20260408-inclusiveeducation-event.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260408T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260408T180000 DTSTAMP:20260408T214335Z CREATED:20260331T134549Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T214335Z UID:11933396-1775667600-1775671200@home.edweb.net SUMMARY:More Than an Answer: How Multiple Representations Tell the Story of Math DESCRIPTION:Presented by Hooman Behzadpour\, Professional Learning Specialist\, Radiant Minded\, and AP Calculus Instructor and Coach\, New Jersey Institute of Technology\nModerated by Judi Lapointe\, Experienced Educator\, Sr. Product Marketing Manager\, Perfection Learning \nSponsored by Perfection Learning \nWatch the Recording\nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nIn today’s advanced math classrooms\, rigor is accessed through multiple representations. Join this dynamic edWebinar designed for AP and Honors math teachers who want to help students see mathematics—not just compute it. \nWe explore how the four pillars of mathematical excellence—symbolic\, graphical\, numerical\, and verbal reasoning—open multiple pathways for learning and engagement. Discover instructional strategies that reveal the story behind the math\, empower diverse learners to think more deeply\, and strengthen conceptual understanding. \nEquip your students not only to master content\, but to connect\, communicate\, and own their mathematical thinking as well as demonstrate that learning on their AP exams. This recorded edWebinar is of interest to high school and AP/Honors math teachers and curriculum coordinators\, computer science and CTE educators\, principals\, and district leaders. \n \n \nAbout the Presenter \nHooman Behzadpour has taught just outside of Newark\, New Jersey\, since 2012\, when he joined Teach For America. In his 10+ years in the classroom\, he found that destructive socio-economic forces can be overcome and that success can be found in any classroom. Hooman has experience working in a variety of courses\, settings\, and populations. \nIn addition to his work at a public Title 1 school serving students of underserved backgrounds\, Hooman also has years of experience teaching at the university level\, where he teaches a Calculus 2 course; in a private all-girls school\, where he has virtually taught AP® Calculus BC; with middle school students as part of an enrichment program for students with a passion for math; with the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) as an AP Calculus Coach for both students and teachers; and with College Board®\, as an AP Daily Instructor and as an AP Reader for both AP Calculus AB and BC. \nHooman has received many accolades for his work in the classroom\, and recently transitioned to a coaching and consulting role\, where he can work with educators in a variety of settings to increase the educational outcomes of their students. On a personal note\, Hooman loves spending time with his wife and young daughters\, as well as in various community-building projects and initiatives in his community. \n \nAbout the Moderator \nJudi Lapointe has an M.Ed. in elementary education with an endorsement in gifted and talented education and a background in mathematics and science. She started as a K-5 classroom teacher. She has tutored middle school\, high school\, and college students in math\, science\, and reading. Judi mentored K-16 teachers and worked with administrators to implement systemic change for a STEM National Science Foundation Grant across nine urban districts in a collaborative effort. She spent time as a Math and Science Specialist for a Regional Service Center of the Texas Education Agency. She implemented a Comprehensive School Reform math grant at a military base school and was a district math coordinator. \nMid-career\, Judi shifted to creating solutions for schools at some of the leading educational publishers/edtech companies. Her expertise comes from analyzing data to collect information for systemic and strategic planning at the classroom\, campus\, and district levels and tailoring professional development\, assessment\, and curricular solutions to meet their specific needs. She has been influential in designing\, delivering\, and marketing some large-scale\, cutting-edge products and services in the market across product management\, product marketing\, and professional services as a thought leader.\n \nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nJoin the Building Understanding in Mathematics community to network with educators\, participate in online discussions\, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars\, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates. \n\nAs a family-owned business founded by two educators\, Perfection Learning knows both the challenges and the opportunities that today’s learning environment presents. For 100 years\, we have been committed to working with educators to build the very best curriculum solutions for teachers and students. \nPerfection Learning is pleased to bring great strategies and best practices to the edWeb audience. Our partnership with Wiley offers high schools some of the top titles for Advanced Placement® and honors courses in the market. The AP titles are 100% CED aligned and listed on the College Board Example Textbook List. By focusing on flexible solutions that can be customized to each classroom\, Perfection Learning has enabled generations of teachers to help all students reach their potential and be able to demonstrate their learning on state assessments and AP exams. URL:https://home.edweb.net/webinar/math20260408/ CATEGORIES:Mathematics ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://home.edweb.net/wp-content/uploads/20260408-math-event.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260409T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260409T180000 DTSTAMP:20260410T152150Z CREATED:20260222T202638Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260410T152150Z UID:11720538-1775754000-1775757600@home.edweb.net SUMMARY:Infusing Language Across Content Areas: Maximizing Multilingual Learners’ Language Development DESCRIPTION:Presented by Dr. Katie Toppel\, English Language Development Specialist \nSponsored by Savvas Learning Company \nWatch the Recording\nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nWhile all students must learn how to use academic language\, this task can be particularly challenging for multilingual learners. In content-area classes and general education classrooms\, multilingual learners must integrate their emerging knowledge of the English language with the content information they are studying. \nHow can we intentionally enhance instruction to strengthen content learning and accelerate language development simultaneously? \nIn this edWebinar\, Dr. Katie Toppel shares techniques and activities you can use to support students with a lens on structured output. Drawing on her experience as an English Language Development Specialist and ESOL Educator\, Dr. Toppel will highlight the connective thread between reading\, writing\, speaking\, and listening to support language development alongside content learning. \nViewers leave this session with: \n\nFun\, interactive practice and application activities for building multilingual learners’ academic language\nProven instructional techniques and activities for supporting students’ language development in conjunction with content knowledge\nA guide and template for planning language objectives to align with content instruction\n\nAll educators who work with multilingual learners—especially K-12 classroom teachers\, reading coaches\, literacy leaders\, instructional leaders\, special educators\, and curriculum directors—are encouraged to view this edWebinar. \n\n \n \nAbout the Presenter \nDr. Katie Toppel is an English Language Development Specialist in Oregon serving multilingual learners through co-planning\, co-teaching\, and small-group instruction. Dr. Toppel’s instructional background includes experience teaching kindergarten and first grade in addition to working as a K-12 Support Services Teacher at the Franconian International School in Germany. She has taught courses in the ESOL endorsement series at Portland State University and continues to support teachers in their professional learning journeys. \nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \n\nJoin the Helping ELL\, ESL\, and Bilingual Students Succeed community to network with educators\, participate in online discussions\, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars\, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates. \n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\nAt Savvas\, we believe learning should inspire. By combining new ideas\, new ways of thinking\, and new ways of interacting\, we design engaging\, personalized\, next-generation K-12 learning solutions that give all students the opportunity to succeed. Our award-winning\, high-quality instructional materials span every grade level and discipline\, from evidence-based\, standards-aligned core curricula and supplemental and intervention programs to state-of-the-art assessment tools and the industry’s most innovative portfolio of college- and career-readiness solutions—all designed to meet the needs of every learner. URL:https://home.edweb.net/webinar/ell20260409/ CATEGORIES:Bilingual and Multilingual Language Acquisition,ELL/ESL Language Acquisition,English, Language Arts, Writing ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://home.edweb.net/wp-content/uploads/20260409-ell-event.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260413T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260413T130000 DTSTAMP:20260413T165151Z CREATED:20260330T233303Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T165151Z UID:11930847-1776081600-1776085200@home.edweb.net SUMMARY:Build a Culture of Questioning to Transform Learning DESCRIPTION:Presented by Erin Mohr\, Assistant Director of Elementary Education\, Hamilton Southeastern Schools (IN); and April Smith\, Lead Gifted and Talented Teacher for Elementary Schools\, Orangeburg County School District (SC)\nModerated by Teri Laliberte\, Assistant Director of Professional Learning\, Great Books Foundation \nSponsored by The Great Books Foundation \nWatch the Recording\nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nWhat if the goal of your classroom instruction was to nurture a culture of questioning? Stepping away from the teacher-as-a-source-of-answers role gave our two presenters the opportunity to impact not only their students but also their collaboration with colleagues. Transform your classroom into an inquiry-rich environment where students and teachers engage in questioning to dig deeper\, delve into texts\, develop critical-thinking skills\, and improve reading comprehension. \nThis edWebinar explores how structured\, text-based discussion approaches can shift classroom dynamics\, empowering both students and teachers to engage in meaningful dialogue\, consider diverse perspectives\, and explore complex ideas together. Rather than positioning the teacher as the sole source of knowledge\, viewers examine strategies that support collaborative\, student-centered learning. \nHear how two experienced educators have incorporated questioning and discussion-based practices into their instruction\, and consider how these approaches can be adapted to support your own classroom goals. \nThis recorded edWebinar is of interest to elementary and middle school teachers\, school leaders\, district leaders\, librarians\, curriculum coordinators\, and literacy coaches. \n \n \nAbout the Presenters \nErin Mohr is the Assistant Director of Elementary Education for Hamilton Southeastern Schools in Fishers\, Indiana\, bringing over two decades of experience in teaching\, instructional coaching\, professional development\, and educational leadership. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Indiana University and a master’s degree in educational psychology with a concentration in gifted and talented studies from Ball State University. \nCommitted to academic excellence for all students\, Erin partners closely with principals and teachers to strengthen instructional practices and improve student outcomes. She has successfully led the implementation of Junior Great Books in 17 schools across Fishers and is especially passionate about teaming up with teachers to leverage the power of student thinking\, deep questions\, and evidence-based discussion. Erin and her husband\, Hank\, have three daughters\, ages 17\, 14\, and 12\, and two golden retrievers. She enjoys attending her daughters’ volleyball games\, reading\, cooking\, the beach\, playing golf\, and being around kids! \n \nApril Smith is the Lead Gifted and Talented Teacher for Elementary Schools in Orangeburg County School District. She has 26 years of teaching experience\, including 25 years working with gifted and talented students. April is a strong advocate for gifted learners\, particularly when it comes to ensuring they receive a challenging\, meaningful curriculum that promotes critical thinking and creativity. She especially enjoys teaching the Junior Great Books curriculum and believes strongly in its value for fostering deep thinking and thoughtful discussion among students. \nApril also serves as a sponsor for Edisto Elementary School’s National Beta Club and is a long-time member of Alpha Delta Kappa\, whose mission is to empower women educators to advance educational excellence\, altruism\, and world understanding. She has been married for 29 years and is the proud mother of a 10-year-old gifted and talented son who plays baseball for the Orangeburg Riverhawks. April enjoys supporting the Clemson Tigers\, visiting Walt Disney World Resort\, and spending time at the beach with her family. \n \nAbout the Moderator \nTeri Laliberte\, Assistant Director of Professional Learning\, started with the Great Books Foundation 20 years ago upon returning to the United States after teaching English\, developing teacher education programs\, and promoting critical-thinking skills in Turkey and Poland. She left the Foundation for a few years to work in higher education and professional associations focused on adult learning. Since returning to the Foundation\, she has enjoyed helping teachers and districts implement Shared Inquiry across the curriculum. \nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nJoin the Inspire Learning & Engagement community to network with educators\, participate in online discussions\, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars\, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates. \n\n\n \n \n The Great Books Foundation is a nonprofit educational organization best known for having created Junior Great Books® programs that use the Shared Inquiry™ method of teaching and learning. Junior Great Books programs comprise carefully curated anthologies of outstanding fiction\, nonfiction\, poetry\, and drama that help boost students’ critical thinking\, fluency\, vocabulary\, and listening and speaking skills. Junior Great Books literature is unmatched for sparking student engagement and enabling students to discover a love for reading. Our professional learning courses help educators learn\, practice\, and continuously improve their use of Shared Inquiry. This unique method provides teachers with a framework focused on a collaborative process of thinking and reading in which teachers and students work together to understand a text. Teachers use this inquiry-based approach across the curriculum\, opening classrooms to new ideas and more engaged students. URL:https://home.edweb.net/webinar/learning20260413/ CATEGORIES:Critical Thinking Skills,Inquiry-Based Learning,Reading Skills,Student Agency and Voice,Teaching Practice and Pedagogy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://home.edweb.net/wp-content/uploads/20260413-learning-event.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260413T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260413T150000 DTSTAMP:20260420T141256Z CREATED:20260309T142707Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260420T141256Z UID:11825624-1776088800-1776092400@home.edweb.net SUMMARY:Assessment Essentials: Using Data to Measure Student Understanding DESCRIPTION:Presented by Emily Lutrick\, Ed.D.\, Experienced Education Leader\, Director of Assessment & Intervention Adoption Strategy\, Amplify \nSponsored by Amplify \nWatch the RecordingListen to the Podcast \nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nIn this edWebinar\, we examine the types of data available through observational and asset-based assessments in literacy and math\, and their potential in the K–8 classroom. We also explore how real-time data and progress monitoring can drive differentiation and targeted instructional recommendations to best support intervention\, remediation\, and enrichment. \nWe pull out key examples of assessment items and responses or behaviors\, how they reveal student thinking\, and how they can be used to transform instruction and intervention to get all students to grade level and beyond. We also touch on benefits to teachers when it comes to understanding students and saving valuable time lesson planning. \nThis recorded edWebinar is of interest to K–8 teachers\, librarians\, school leaders\, district leaders\, and education technology leaders. \n \n \nAbout the Presenter \nEmily Lutrick\, Ed.D.\, currently serves as the Director of Assessment & Intervention Adoption Strategy at Amplify. She previously served as the Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Allen ISD\, as well as the English/Language Arts and Dyslexia Coordinator for the district\, the Assistant Principal at Bolin Elementary\, and a Math Instructional Specialist. \nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nJoin the Assessment for Learning community to network with educators\, participate in online discussions\, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars\, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates. \n\n \nAmplify is dedicated to collaborating with educators to create learning experiences that are rigorous and riveting for all students. \nTeaching is always challenging\, often exhausting\, and sometimes exhilarating. At Amplify\, we want teachers to experience more exhilaration—more great classroom moments\, more great days when you’re reminded why you became a teacher. Whether you teach literacy\, science\, or math\, we create high-quality programs that make it easier for you to deliver inspiring\, impactful lessons that celebrate and develop the brilliance of your students. URL:https://home.edweb.net/webinar/assessment20260413/ CATEGORIES:Assessment ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://home.edweb.net/wp-content/uploads/20260413-assessment-event.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260413T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260413T170000 DTSTAMP:20260812T154926Z CREATED:20260310T020948Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260812T154926Z UID:11831095-1776096000-1776099600@home.edweb.net SUMMARY:The Role of Knowledge Building in K–5 Literacy: Creating Conditions for Active Minds and Independent Readers and Writers DESCRIPTION:Presented by Dr. Gina Fugnitto\, Former Educator\, Current Chief Implementation Officer\, Collaborative Classroom; Dr. Taylar Wenzel\, Senior Lecturer\, University of Central Florida; and Dr. Analexis Kennedy\, Lecturer\, University of Central Florida \nSponsored by Collaborative Classroom \nWatch the Recording\nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nIn today’s educational landscape\, “knowledge building” is often reduced to a list of science and social studies topics. But true literacy goes beneath the surface. While a cohesive curriculum is a vital starting point\, the most impactful learning happens when students move from passive recipients of facts to active architects of their own understanding. As educators\, it is our responsibility to think about knowledge more broadly and shift our focus to building knowledge from an asset-based perspective. \nJoin us for an insightful edWebinar where we explore the “below-the-surface” instructional practices and processes that support reading comprehension\, enhance the retention of information\, foster independent learning\, and turn content into lifelong wisdom. We dive into: \n\nKnowledge-building practices: See examples of knowledge-building practices you can incorporate into your lessons that elevate students’ understanding and foster discussions that integrate literacy with subject-matter learning.\nSmall-group instruction: Build a student’s background knowledge using a wide range of rich\, high-quality texts and resources to plan instruction that focuses on both literacy and knowledge building.\nStudent agency: How to shift from “standard-and-deliver” models to student-led\, interest-based research.\nThe power of metacognition: Strategies to help students evaluate their own thinking and integrate new information.\nThe teacher as facilitator: Moving beyond the “right answer” to spark deeper inquiry and evidence-based discussion.\nIntegrated literacy: Using reading and writing as interconnected tools for investigation and clarity.\nThe difference between background knowledge and building knowledge: What is required from students for each of these concepts?\n\nLearn how to cultivate a classroom culture where academic risk taking is celebrated and curiosity is the primary driver of achievement. Equip your students with the intellectual muscle to navigate a complex world—long after they leave your classroom. \nThis recorded edWebinar is of interest to K-5 teachers\, literacy coaches\, curriculum directors\, school leaders\, and district leaders. \n \n \nAbout the Presenters \nDr. Gina Fugnitto is the Chief Implementation Officer at Collaborative Classroom\, where she leads the Implementation Department in advancing professional learning and fostering the conditions necessary for sustainable implementation success. Drawing from a career devoted to empowering educators\, Dr. Fugnitto is committed to bridging research and practice to drive meaningful\, long-term improvements in student learning outcomes. \nWith a B.S. in elementary education\, an M.Ed. in educational leadership\, and an Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction from the UCF—specializing in literacy coaching trends—Dr. Fugnitto brings a unique blend of academic expertise and hands-on experience to her work. Her journey spans roles as a classroom teacher\, interventionist\, and instructional coach\, equipping her with a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities educators face daily. Beyond her direct contributions to schools and districts\, Dr. Fugnitto has made an impact at state and national levels through her leadership in designing and delivering professional learning experiences that cultivate instructional excellence. \n \nDr. Taylar Wenzel is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Teacher Education at the University of Central Florida (UCF). She is the founder and Co-director of the UCF Reading Clinic and the Director of the UCF Downtown Saturday Reading Camp\, both of which offer acceleration opportunities to serve K-6 students in the Central Florida area and clinical field experiences for participating teacher candidates. She is the faculty lead for several community-partnership\, use-inspired research projects\, including STE’s Read2Succeed Partnership\, the Knights Read Community Bus\, and the City Year Teaching Fellowship. She has been a recipient of the University Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award and multiple Teaching Incentive Program Awards at the college level. She is the co-author of Small Groups for Big Readers: 10 Questions Answered About Core Reading Instruction in the K-5 Classroom. \n \nDr. Analexis Kennedy is a Lecturer of Reading in the College of Community Innovation and Education at the University of Central Florida (UCF). She spent 15 years working with K-12 students\, teachers\, and administrators. Her roles in K-12 included classroom teacher\, literacy coach\, district reading specialist\, and a professional development coordinator supporting teachers and coaches across the state of Florida. She joined the teaching faculty in 2015. Her research focuses on literacy\, literacy coaching\, professional learning\, and adult learning. Since joining teaching faculty\, she has served as the Faculty Chair for the KnightED Talks Professional Learning Workshops that serve to work with district and university partners to complement and enhance the content from their teacher candidate program of study. She is the co-author of Small Groups for Big Readers: 10 Questions Answered About Core Reading Instruction in the K-5 Classroom. \nJoin the Accelerate Learning community to network with educators\, participate in online discussions\, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars\, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates. \nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \n\n\n \n \n Collaborative Classroom is a mission-driven\, nonprofit organization committed to ensuring that all students become readers\, writers\, and thinkers who learn from\, care for\, and respect one another. As one of the few nonprofit organizations in the country that develops\, disseminates\, and implements curricula at scale\, Collaborative Classroom is dedicated to putting students\, educators\, and research at the center of every decision and providing personalized\, cutting-edge implementation supports for the schools and students it serves. The organization’s evidence-based programs and innovative professional learning are used by educators in all 50 states in more than a thousand school districts. Collaborative Classroom’s portfolio of solutions spans preschool and prekindergarten through Grade 8\, with some curricula extending through grades 9–12. URL:https://home.edweb.net/webinar/accelerate20260413/ CATEGORIES:Literacy,Reading Skills,Student Agency and Voice ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://home.edweb.net/wp-content/uploads/20260413-accelerate-event.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260414T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260414T130000 DTSTAMP:20260414T165238Z CREATED:20260318T160005Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T165238Z UID:11881708-1776168000-1776171600@home.edweb.net SUMMARY:PBL Playbooks: Authentic\, Cross-Curricular Learning Without the Overwhelm DESCRIPTION:Presented by Jamie MacPherson\, Learning Solutions Specialist\, Van Andel Institute for Education (VAI Education); and Terra Tarango\, Chief Education Officer\, Van Andel Institute for Education (VAI Education) \nSponsored by Van Andel Institute for Education (VAI Education) \nWatch the Recording\nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nProject-based learning doesn’t have to mean massive\, time-consuming units that overwhelm teachers and students. In this hands-on edWebinar\, K–8 educators learn how to design “PBL Playbooks”—streamlined\, five-lesson units that integrate ELA\, math\, science\, social studies\, and SEL into one meaningful\, authentic learning experience. These “PBL Lite” units maintain the power of cross-curricular instruction and real-world engagement while minimizing prep and implementation demands. \nViewers walk away with a clear\, practical roadmap for building their own Playbooks\, plus one complete example unit they can use as a model. Join us to discover how small shifts in design can lead to big impact for students—and help them learn content while making the world a better place. This recorded edWebinar is of interest to K–8 teachers. \n \n \nAbout the Presenters \nWith over 20 years in education\, Jamie MacPherson brings the heart of a teacher and the energy of a lifelong learner to every session she leads. A former classroom teacher with 14 years of experience\, Jamie knows firsthand the joys and challenges of inspiring young minds. For the past seven years\, as a Learning Solutions Specialist for VAI Education\, she has shared her passion and expertise\, leading professional development experiences\, helping educators spark curiosity\, creativity\, and critical thinking in their classrooms. Jamie’s dynamic approach empowers teachers with practical strategies\, fresh ideas\, and renewed excitement for the art of teaching. \n \nTerra Tarango is a nationally recognized voice in education innovation. As Chief Education Officer at VAI Education\, Terra is known for transforming classrooms into spaces where curiosity\, creativity\, and critical thinking come alive. With more than two decades of leadership in professional development\, educational publishing\, and nonprofit work\, Terra can focus on big-picture vision or hands-on execution. She’s led national initiatives that empower teachers\, developed award-winning curricula\, and inspired thousands of educators through her keynote talks and workshops. \nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nJoin the Student-Driven Learning community to network with educators\, participate in online discussions\, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars\, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates. \n\nVAI Education’s mission is to prepare and inspire the next generation of scientists and problem solvers by creating classrooms where curiosity\, creativity\, and critical thinking thrive. URL:https://home.edweb.net/webinar/sdl20260414/ CATEGORIES:English, Language Arts, Writing,Mathematics,Project-Based Learning,Science,Social Studies and Civics ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://home.edweb.net/wp-content/uploads/20260414-sdl-event.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260414T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260414T140000 DTSTAMP:20260414T175427Z CREATED:20260331T180719Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T175427Z UID:11937143-1776171600-1776175200@home.edweb.net SUMMARY:Closing the K-3 Reading Gap: One School’s Journey DESCRIPTION:Presented by Dr. Traci Kervin\, Director of Curriculum and Instruction\, Seaside Charter Schools (FL); Sarah Holt\, Academic Instructional Coach\, Seaside Charter Schools (FL); and Sam Deffes\, Senior Literacy Advisor\, Professional Learning and Academic Partnerships; Learning Without Tears \nSponsored by Learning Without Tears \nWatch the Recording\nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nImplementing science-based reading instruction while navigating new literacy legislation can feel overwhelming. How do school systems move beyond compliance to achieve measurable classroom impact? \nThis edWebinar is a case study where leaders from Seaside Charter in Jacksonville\, FL share how a strategic partnership with Learning Without Tears\, combined with focused professional learning and intentional collaboration\, helped close reading gaps and strengthen teacher effectiveness. \nThrough the perspectives of a curriculum director\, classroom educator\, and Learning Without Tears partner\, you discover: \n\nWhat made their professional learning sustainable and impactful\nHow curriculum choices connect to overcoming barriers of change and non-negotiables\nHow cross-role collaboration between teachers\, leaders\, and Learning Without Tears strengthened implementation\nPractical strategies you can replicate immediately in your own setting\n\nViewers leave with actionable frameworks\, evaluation tools\, and professional learning insights to help transform literacy instruction and build a tailored roadmap for measurable student growth. This recorded edWebinar is of interest to K-3 teachers\, school leaders\, and district leaders. \n \n \nAbout the Presenters \nDr. Traci Kervin is the Director of Curriculum for Seaside Charter Schools in Jacksonville\, Florida\, where she leads the development of a K–8 curriculum that integrates Waldorf-inspired pedagogy with state academic standards. With more than 20 years of experience in public education\, she has served as a Professional Development Consultant for Curriculum Associates\, a Math Supervisor for Duval County Public Schools\, and a classroom teacher. Dr. Kervin has also taught at the university level and holds a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from Florida State University. \n \nSarah Holt is an educator and curriculum leader based in Jacksonville\, Florida. She currently serves as a K–8 Academic Coach at Seaside Charter School\, where she designs standards-aligned curricula and supports teachers through coaching\, professional learning communities\, and collaborative planning. Sarah is passionate about improving literacy outcomes through research-based instruction and the Science of Reading. She holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction in early childhood from Arizona State University and has taught kindergarten and first grade in both Waldorf-inspired and classical education settings. \n \nSam Deffes has been an educator for over 19 years. She began her career at SP Livingston Elementary in Duval County and taught grades K-4 where she led the MTSS team. She also served Duval County as a Reading Coach and District Literacy Specialist. Sam is an accomplished professional development facilitator\, coach\, and content developer. She received her master’s degree from the University of Florida with a focus on curriculum and instruction in reading. Sam lives in Middleburg\, FL\, with her husband\, two beautiful children\, and a dog named Jimmy Bananas. She is currently the Senior Literacy Advisor\, Professional Learning and Academic Partnerships at Learning Without Tears.  \nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nJoin the Building Foundational Literacy Skills community to network with educators\, participate in online discussions\, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars\, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates. \n\nLearning Without Tears’ mission in today’s changing learning landscape is to ensure that the path to student success remains simple and fun. We provide child-friendly\, hands-on\, innovative instruction for early learning\, handwriting\, keyboarding\, and writing strategies\, and our programs reach more than 31 million students in Pre-K through fifth grade. \n\n \n  URL:https://home.edweb.net/webinar/lwt20260414/ CATEGORIES:Early Literacy,Reading Skills,Science of Reading ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://home.edweb.net/wp-content/uploads/20260414-lwt-event.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260414T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260414T190000 DTSTAMP:20260414T231850Z CREATED:20260127T150953Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T231850Z UID:11531917-1776189600-1776193200@home.edweb.net SUMMARY:Achieving Systematic Writing Instruction: The Science of Writing Part 3 DESCRIPTION:Presented by Kristina Smekens\, President and Lead Consultant\, Smekens Education\nModerated by Didi Harris\, Literacy Consultant\, Smekens Education \nSponsored by Smekens Education \nWatch the Recording\nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nStronger writing achievement isn’t driven by one great lesson at a time—it comes from instruction intentionally designed to build across the year. \nJoin literacy expert Kristina Smekens for an engaging edWebinar\, part three of a three-part series\, that explores how the Science of Writing informs systematic\, yearlong writing instruction. Grounded in research and classroom practice\, this session focuses on how intentional sequencing\, scaffolding\, and spiraling of writing skills support sustained growth over time. \nKristina examines how to move beyond disconnected lessons and units toward a coherent instructional design—one that helps teachers know what to teach\, when to teach it\, and how skills should build across narrative\, informative\, and persuasive/argumentative writing. \nIn this session\, viewers learn: \n\nWhat the research reveals about systematic writing instruction\nWhy a yearlong\, sequenced approach is critical for developing strong writers\nHow to scaffold narrative\, informative\, and persuasive/argumentative writing skills across the year\, beginning with each genre’s foundational ingredients and organizational structure and building toward more sophisticated skills\nHow to sequence instruction so students first practice new genre skills with familiar topics and then transition to more rigorous\, text-based writing as their confidence and control grow\nWhat key factors to consider when designing effective writing mini units\n\nThis edWebinar is of interest to K–12 teachers\, school leaders\, and district leaders. \nView part one and part two:\n5 Writing Essentials of an Effective K–12 Program: The Science of Writing Part 1\nExplicit Writing Instruction: Debunking Common Misconceptions: The Science of Writing Part 2 \n \n \nAbout the Presenter \nKristina Smekens has built a reputation for using enthusiasm\, humor\, and common sense to equip K-12 educators with practical\, demystifying strategies for teaching reading and writing. As President and Lead Consultant for Smekens Education\, she is a leader in developing new strategies to help teachers meet the demands of today’s College- and Career-Ready Standards. She and her associates share those strategies with teachers around the globe through on-site professional development\, virtual and in-person seminars\, and an always-growing pool of print\, digital\, and video resources. Kristina has authored more than 50 books\, guides\, and classroom tools designed to help teachers implement best-practice literacy strategies. The Comprehension Playbook; Launching the Writer’s Workshop: Grades K-2; and Launching the Writer’s Workshop: Grades 3-12 are among the most popular titles. \n \nAbout the Moderator \nDidi Harris is a Literacy Consultant with Smekens Education\, known for her ability to empower educators through her warm\, energetic approach. With a background as an elementary teacher and reading specialist\, Didi has a wealth of experience in fostering student growth and supporting teacher development. She spent a decade at Central Elementary in Plainfield\, Indiana\, where she excelled in leading effective instruction in reading and writing. Didi is passionate about helping educators unlock their potential\, offering practical\, tailored strategies that inspire confidence and enthusiasm in the classroom. \nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nJoin the ELA Today community to network with educators\, participate in online discussions\, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars\, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates. \n\nSmekens Education helps K-12 schools improve achievement in reading and writing by providing educators with practical and engaging professional learning. The team at Smekens specializes in inspiring teachers with simple\, best-practice literacy strategies that can be implemented right away. Schools around the globe rely on Smekens to provide powerful PD\, whether it occurs in-person\, virtually\, or on-demand. URL:https://home.edweb.net/webinar/ela20260414/ CATEGORIES:English, Language Arts, Writing,Literacy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://home.edweb.net/wp-content/uploads/20260414-ela-event.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260415T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260415T140000 DTSTAMP:20260415T174934Z CREATED:20260401T010514Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T174934Z UID:11940851-1776258000-1776261600@home.edweb.net SUMMARY:Preparing for Earth Day: Environmental Learning Resources for Lesson Planning DESCRIPTION:Presented by Callie Bendickson\, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility\, Itron; Jada Lewis\, Vice President for Programs\, NEEF; Kirsten Lofton\, STEM Program Coach; and Joyce Whitby\, CEO and Co-Founder\, Innovations4Education \nSponsored by Discovery Education and the Environmental Education Initiative \nWatch the Recording\nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nGet ready to energize your Earth Day instruction with free\, high‑impact resources created through the Environmental Education Initiative and powered by Discovery Education’s mission‑aligned partners\, Itron and NEEF. This edWebinar brings together corporate partners and an experienced classroom educator for a dynamic conversation about real‑world environmental learning and practical classroom application. \nTogether\, the presenters spotlight Excursion Across America\, Generation Innovation\, and other free student activities for grades 3–8—each designed to help students explore environmental challenges through authentic stories\, multimodal media\, and hands‑on problem solving. \nEducators learn how to: \n\nIntegrate standards‑aligned videos\, interactives\, and activities created with leading environmental and innovation partners\nHighlight real career pathways—from conservation to engineering—using partner insights that show how professionals protect the planet\nUse inquiry‑driven tasks to help students explore environmental issues and evaluate possible solutions\nTurn corporate perspectives into classroom‑ready strategies with support from an educator sharing practical tips and examples\n\nThis session equips educators with ready‑to‑use resources\, classroom strategies\, and partner‑connected career insights to inspire students to act for Earth—on Earth Day and throughout April and beyond. This recorded edWebinar is of interest to elementary and middle school teachers\, school leaders\, district leaders\, and education technology leaders. \n \n \nAbout the Presenters \nCallie Bendickson has more than 25 years of experience leading corporate and community initiatives related to health care\, education\, and industry. She is currently the Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Itron\, where she is responsible for facilitating Itron’s ongoing commitment to creating resourceful communities through corporate philanthropy\, employee engagement\, community partnerships\, and educational outreach. \n \nJada Lewis\, Vice President for Programs at NEEF\, works closely with NEEF program directors to design\, implement\, and evaluate programs and pilot initiatives\, while also exploring new themes and concepts in environmental education. She helps ensure the credibility and effectiveness of NEEF’s work by coordinating evaluation activities\, tracking emerging research and trends\, and identifying and sharing promising strategies and best practices in lifelong environmental learning. \nHer previous roles include Senior Vice President and Executive Director of City Year Baton Rouge\, Assistant Dean for Diversity at the Louisiana State University College of Engineering\, Regional Technical Advisor for the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality\, and Operations Planning Engineer for Shell’s Convent Refinery. She also served a four‑year term on the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education\, representing District 8 and helping shape statewide policies for public schools. \n \nKirsten Lofton brings 28 years of experience in education\, with a Bachelor of Behavioral Science in Bilingual Education and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. She spent 15 years as an elementary classroom teacher before transitioning into instructional coaching\, where she dedicated 12 years to supporting mathematics and science instruction. \nShe currently serves as a STEM Program Coach\, partnering with educators to design and implement innovative\, student-centered learning experiences. Kirsten is a member of the Discovery Education Network\, holds certifications as a Seesaw Certified Educator\, BrainPOP Certified Educator\, and ISTE Certified Educator\, and has earned a National STEM Certification. \n \nJoyce Whitby is a lifelong EdTechKnowLedgist who started off as a special education educator in New York City and then taught graduate-level EdTech courses at Long Island University. Since then\, Joyce has been in the business of educational technology and has held key leadership roles in sales leadership\, professional development\, and marketing with organizations like Apple Computer\, Scientific Learning\, and SchoolMessenger. She also has extensive experience working with startup EdTech ventures. In 2017\, Joyce and her husband (aka @tomwhitby\, co-founder of #edchat) launched their consulting business working with emerging and growing EdTech companies\, helping to bring instructional technology solutions to schools\, Innovations4Education.com. \nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nJoin the Preserving the Planet community to network with educators\, participate in online discussions\, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars\, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates. \n\n \nDiscovery Education is the global leader in standards-aligned digital curriculum resources\, engaging content\, and professional learning for K-12 classrooms. Through its award-winning digital textbooks\, multimedia resources\, and the largest professional learning network of its kind\, Discovery Education is transforming teaching and learning and improving academic achievement around the globe. \n \nThe Environmental Education Initiative empowers K–12 students to explore the world around them through free\, standards‑aligned digital resources that bring environmental science to life. From interactive activities to multimedia lessons on topics like energy\, forestry\, and clean water\, this initiative helps students develop critical-thinking skills and make informed decisions that support healthier communities and a more sustainable future. URL:https://home.edweb.net/webinar/planet20260415/ CATEGORIES:Environment and Nature,Problem-Based Learning,Real World Literacy,Science ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://home.edweb.net/wp-content/uploads/20260415-planet-event.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260415T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260415T150000 DTSTAMP:20260921T142044Z CREATED:20260317T200806Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260921T142044Z UID:11879020-1776261600-1776265200@home.edweb.net SUMMARY:The Cost of Getting Literacy Wrong: Long-Term Decisions\, Lasting Consequences DESCRIPTION:Presented by Dr. Charles Hulme\, Emeritus Professor of Psychology in Education\, University of Oxford\, and Founder and CEO\, OxEd & Assessment; Emily Rennpage\, Literacy COSA (Coach on Special Assignment)\, Grosse Pointe Public Schools (MI); and Karl Rectanus\, CEO\, Really Great Reading\nModerated by Dr. Donna Wright\, Retired School Superintendent/Education Consultant \nSponsored by Really Great Reading \nWatch the RecordingListen to the PodcastRead the Article \nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nLiteracy remains one of the most urgent challenges facing districts today. While many schools are investing in curricula and intervention\, the real question is not how we achieve isolated gains. The question is how we scale literacy outcomes across entire systems. \nThis edLeader Panel examines three elements that consistently drive reading success: \n\nAligned professional learning and high-quality materials\nCaring educators who support struggling readers\nStrong feedback loops that show whether instruction is working\n\nDistrict examples highlight how leaders align instruction\, foundational skill building\, like strengthening word recognition through oral language development\, and use evidence to guide the purchasing and implementation decisions that drive outcomes. When literacy improves\, performance across all subjects improves with it. This conversation focuses on the leadership decisions that make that possible. \nThis recorded edLeader Panel is of interest to K-12 teachers\, school leaders\, district leaders\, and education technology leaders. \n \n \nAbout the Presenters \nDr. Charles Hulme is Emeritus Professor of Psychology in Education at the University of Oxford and Professor of Psychology at Oxford Brookes University. He was formerly Professor of Psychology and Education in the Department of Education and William Golding Senior Research Fellow at Brasenose College\, University of Oxford. Dr. Hulme is an expert on reading\, language\, and memory processes and their development. He has developed a number of effective language and reading interventions. Dr. Hulme is a Fellow of the British Academy\, Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences\, and Fellow of Academia Europaea. He has received numerous awards for his research\, including the Distinguished Scientific Contributions Award of the Society for the Scientific Study of Reading (2019)\, and is ranked one of the top psychology scientists in the world (2023). \n \nEmily Rennpage is a literacy leader for Grosse Pointe Public Schools\, where she oversees the districtwide implementation of evidence-based practices for grades PreK–5. As a dedicated Literacy Coach\, she drives instructional excellence through professional development in RGR\, explicit instruction\, MTSS initiatives\, and dyslexia awareness. In her current role\, she partners with educators to strengthen these foundational methods and ensure equitable literacy outcomes for every student. \n \nKarl Rectanus is CEO of Really Great Reading (RGR)\, an impact-focused leader driving measurable literacy outcomes for all students. A serial entrepreneur\, he previously co-founded and led LearnPlatform\, pioneering rapid-cycle evaluation and evidence-based decision-making in K-12 education. Karl also co-chairs the Board of Directors at the Center for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) and served as Founding Chair of the Industry Council for the EdSAFE AI Alliance. \n \nAbout the Moderator \nDr. Donna Wright has served in many roles in her 40-plus-year career as an educator. She has positively influenced the educational field as a classroom teacher\, assistant principal\, principal\, assistant superintendent\, deputy director\, and school superintendent. Dr. Wright earned her doctorate in leadership studies from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. She has been published in numerous educational journals\, invited to present at national and state conferences\, and has served as an adjunct professor at various institutions of higher learning. Although Dr. Wright recently retired from K-12 public education\, she continues to support and consult with colleagues and school districts around the country. Currently\, she serves as the AASA Lead Superintendent\, directing the National Women’s Leadership Consortium\, and collaborates with public school districts around the country. \nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nJoin the Structured Literacy Instruction community to network with educators\, participate in online discussions\, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars\, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates. \n\nReally Great Reading has been leading the charge in effective Science of Reading strategies for over 18 years with our proven PK-12 curriculum in foundational literacy and intervention teaching methodologies. We turn reading research into classroom practice\, ensuring teachers have cutting-edge strategies and tools in classrooms across the country. It is our unwavering commitment to students and educators that sets us apart from other Science of Reading curricula\, and this is evident in the student outcomes and results that districts and schools see when using our products. URL:https://home.edweb.net/webinar/structuredliteracy20260415/ CATEGORIES:edLeader Panel,Education Research/Evidence,Literacy,Reading Skills,Student Achievement ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://home.edweb.net/wp-content/uploads/20260415-literacyhero-event.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260415T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260415T170000 DTSTAMP:20260415T205910Z CREATED:20260401T142508Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T205910Z UID:11946770-1776268800-1776272400@home.edweb.net SUMMARY:The Language Foundation: Building Blocks for Deep Comprehension of Complex Texts DESCRIPTION:Presented by Susan Lambert\, Ed.D.\, Chief Academic Officer of Literacy at Amplify and host of Science of Reading: The Podcast \nSponsored by Amplify \nWatch the Recording\nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nReading comprehension goes far beyond simply decoding words on a page. In this edWebinar\, join Susan Lambert\, Ed.D.\, Chief Academic Officer of Literacy at Amplify and host of Science of Reading: The Podcast\, as she unpacks the intricate web of interconnected skills and knowledge that can enable deep comprehension of complex texts. \nTogether\, you explore how reading comprehension is the byproduct of a constellation of competencies: the ability to read words\, the knowledge of words\, and the background knowledge of the topic of the text. Dr. Lambert shares research on why integrating the development of cognitive abilities—rather than teaching isolated skills—can improve comprehension for all students. \nThis session offers an opportunity to examine comprehension as a process and an outcome rather than a skill. It also explores practical approaches you can adapt to support students in becoming skilled comprehenders who can navigate increasingly complex texts with confidence. \nThis recorded edWebinar is of interest to teachers\, librarians\, school leaders\, district leaders\, and education technology leaders of preK through elementary grade levels. There will be time for questions at the end of the presentation. \n \n \nAbout the Presenter \nSusan Lambert\, Ed.D.\, is the Chief Academic Officer of Literacy at Amplify and host of Science of Reading: The Podcast. Her career has been focused on creating high-quality learning environments using evidence-based practices. As podcast host\, Dr. Lambert explores the increasing body of scientific research around how reading is taught. As a former classroom teacher\, administrator\, and curriculum developer\, Dr. Lambert is dedicated to turning theory into best practices that educators can put right to use in the classroom and to showcasing national models of reading instruction excellence. She is a mom of four\, a grandma of four\, a world traveler\, and a collector of stories. \nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nJoin the The Science of Reading community to network with educators\, participate in online discussions\, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars\, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates. \n\n \nAmplify is dedicated to collaborating with educators to create learning experiences that are rigorous and riveting for all students. \nTeaching is always challenging\, often exhausting\, and sometimes exhilarating. At Amplify\, we want teachers to experience more exhilaration—more great classroom moments\, more great days when you’re reminded why you became a teacher. Whether you teach literacy\, science\, or math\, we create high-quality programs that make it easier for you to deliver inspiring\, impactful lessons that celebrate and develop the brilliance of your students. URL:https://home.edweb.net/webinar/scienceofreading20260415/ CATEGORIES:Early Literacy,Reading Skills,Science of Reading ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://home.edweb.net/wp-content/uploads/20260415-scienceofreading-event.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260416T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260416T130000 DTSTAMP:20260416T165500Z CREATED:20260326T112913Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T165500Z UID:11913360-1776340800-1776344400@home.edweb.net SUMMARY:Ethical AI in Action: Aligning Responsible Use with Social Studies Teaching and Learning DESCRIPTION:Presented by Evan Gutierrez\, Founder\, Common Good Education; Mya Baker\, Former Teacher\, Current Chief of Learning Services\, iCivics; and Christina Ross\, Former Teacher\, Current Director of Business Development\, iCivics \nSponsored by iCivics \nWatch the Recording\nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nThis edWebinar explores how ethical AI can meaningfully support a district’s vision for high-quality social studies teaching and learning. Grounded in responsible AI use principles\, the session aims to help district and school leaders understand not just what ethical AI is\, but how to thoughtfully integrate it to strengthen teaching and learning. \nViewers hear from experts at Common Good Education and iCivics\, who share practical insights and emerging approaches to using AI in ways that align with district priorities and uphold core instructional values and discuss how ethical AI can enhance—not replace—teacher expertise to meet the needs of all learners. \nBy the end of the session\, viewers walk away with a better understanding of how to leverage AI in ethical and productive ways. This includes actionable tips for setting clear expectations\, modeling responsible use\, and creating the conditions for educators to confidently integrate AI into their instructional practice to prepare students for college\, career\, and civic engagement in our democracy. \nThis recorded edWebinar is of interest to K-12 school leaders and district leaders. \n \n \nAbout the Presenters \nEvan Gutierrez is the founder of Common Good Education\, which leverages innovative technology to help districts and schools design curricula that reflect students and the unique character of their communities. He brings extensive experience leading curricula\, assessment\, and instruction across high-performing school systems\, nonprofit organizations\, and edtech companies. Evan has overseen content teams across math\, ELA\, social studies\, science\, and social-emotional learning\, and has led design partnerships with leading curriculum providers. \nHis work includes leadership roles at organizations such as Gradient Learning and Newsela\, as well as collaborations with partners like Illustrative Mathematics\, EL Education\, C3 Teachers\, Odell Education\, National Geographic\, and Stanford’s SCALE. He is the author of A New Canon: Designing Culturally Sustaining Curriculum (Harvard\, 2021)\, which offers a framework for creating rigorous\, standards-aligned curricula that better represent marginalized communities. Evan is a frequent speaker and writer on advancing equity through culturally sustaining\, asset-based instructional practices. \n\n \nMya Baker joined iCivics in 2024 as Chief Learning Services Officer\, where she leads business strategy and the design of professional learning for teachers\, school leaders\, and districts. She brings deep experience scaling instructional improvement efforts that drive meaningful outcomes for students. Prior to iCivics\, Mya served as a Vice President at TNTP\, where she led consulting work across 14 states\, growing impact and revenue from $3 million to $15 million while supporting over three million students. \nHer work spanned curriculum adoption\, instructional improvement\, leadership development\, and school turnaround\, and included designing an academic diagnostic used in hundreds of schools. She also served as Senior Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Uplift Education\, overseeing academic programming across 40 schools and helping expand one of the largest International Baccalaureate networks in North America. Mya began her career as a teacher and school leader in Washington\, DC\, and remains deeply committed to advancing high-quality civics education. \n \nChristina Ross is the Director of Business Development at iCivics\, where she builds strategic partnerships to expand access to high-quality civics curricula and professional learning. Since joining iCivics in 2021\, she has supported the development and implementation of inquiry-based core curricula with districts nationwide. Prior to iCivics\, Christina served as Program Manager for Blueprint Initiatives at Baltimore City Public Schools\, where she led major efforts in literacy and social studies. \nShe led the development of BMore Me\, an inquiry-driven social studies initiative for grades 6–11\, and led multiple fellowships\, student programs\, and districtwide improvement efforts focused on engagement and literacy achievement. Christina began her career as a middle and high school social studies teacher\, earning multiple awards for excellence in teaching. She also worked in federal education policy on Capitol Hill and with Teach Plus\, supporting educator voice in policymaking. She is a passionate advocate for rigorous\, empowering civics education. \n\nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nJoin the K-12 Social Studies and Civics community to network with educators\, participate in online discussions\, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars\, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates. \n\n \nFounded in 2009 by Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor\, iCivics is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to advancing civic learning by providing educators and students with the knowledge and skills needed to embrace and engage in our civic life together. \nFrom educational games and short-form materials to comprehensive inquiry-based curricula\, our engaging resources encourage students to interact with complex concepts in ways they can understand and relate to. With a library of 300+ free\, high-quality\, and customizable resources\, we have just what you need to spark student interest and engagement in civics. \n\n \n  \n  URL:https://home.edweb.net/webinar/socialstudies20260416/ CATEGORIES:Artificial Intelligence,Ethics,Social Studies and Civics,Teaching Practice and Pedagogy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://home.edweb.net/wp-content/uploads/20260416-socialstudies-event.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260416T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260416T140000 DTSTAMP:20260618T174332Z CREATED:20260401T133336Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260618T174332Z UID:11944895-1776344400-1776348000@home.edweb.net SUMMARY:Closing the Attendance Impact Gap Part 3: 3 Strategies to Build Belonging – the Key to Attendance Today and Every Day After DESCRIPTION:Presented by Kate Pechacek\, Former Teacher\, Current K12 Strategic Consultant\, No Isolation\nModerated by Roland Jones\, Former Teacher\, Current K12 Partnerships\, No Isolation \nSponsored by No Isolation \nWatch the Recording\nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nIn parts one and two of the four-part Closing the Attendance Impact Gap series\, we explored the attendance paradox and the true cost of chronic absence. Many districts have built strong systems and processes\, yet results often plateau. This third edWebinar focuses on what is often missing: the role of belonging as the most powerful lever for improving attendance outcomes. \nWhen students feel disconnected\, absence is not neutral; it accelerates disengagement. Conversely\, students return and stay where they feel they belong. This session examines belonging not as a soft outcome\, but as a strategic driver of attendance. \nThis session introduces three practical strategies to intentionally build belonging across Tier 1\, Tier 2\, and Tier 3 supports. Viewers explore how to maintain connection during absence\, strengthen relationships with families\, and align school and district efforts to create a consistent\, belonging-centered experience for students. \nViewers: \n\nUnderstand why belonging is critical to reversing chronic absence\nLearn three strategies to build and sustain belonging across tiers\nExplore how connection during absence increases readiness to return\n\nViewers leave with actionable insights to strengthen attendance by building the conditions that bring students back…and keep them there. This recorded edWebinar is of interest to teachers\, school leaders\, and district leaders of all grade levels. \nView part one: 5 Gap-Filling Strategies for Solving the Attendance Paradox\nView part two: 3 Steps to Maximize Return on Attendance\, and What Absence Really Costs\nView part four: Completing the Missing Pieces of Your Attendance System \n \n \nAbout the Presenter \nKate Pechacek serves as a K–12 Strategic Advisor to systems-improving education technology organizations and school districts\, including No Isolation\, and is the founder and CEO of OpendoorsEd. She began her 30-year career in education as a secondary mathematics teacher\, serving for 15 years before holding multiple site- and district-level leadership roles in curriculum\, instruction\, assessment\, and MTSS across districts nationwide. She then spent nearly a decade in education technology before founding OpendoorsEd. Kate is an internationally recognized speaker\, including at the 2025 World Inclusion Congress in Almaty\, Kazakhstan\, and is passionate about systemic school improvement. \n \nAbout the Moderator \nRoland Jones brings a unique perspective to educational innovation\, blending formal teaching credentials with deep expertise in technology adoption and digital transformation. A licensed educator with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the University of Missouri\, Roland also studied at the University of Sydney Conservatorium of Music. With over 20 years of experience leading technology-driven change initiatives\, he specializes in helping institutions maximize the impact of innovative solutions. In his current role\, Roland leads new K–12 partnerships for No Isolation and is passionate about removing barriers to learning and strengthening student engagement and attendance. \nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nJoin the Creating a Positive School Climate community to network with educators\, participate in online discussions\, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars\, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates. \n\n \nNo Isolation is a mission-driven technology company dedicated to combating loneliness and social exclusion through human-centered innovation. Founded in Norway\, the company designs communication tools that bridge gaps for individuals facing barriers to connection—especially young people unable to attend school due to illness\, mental health challenges\, or other circumstances. \nTheir flagship product\, the AV1 telepresence robot\, serves as a student’s eyes\, ears\, and voice in the classroom. Controlled remotely via a secure app\, AV1 enables students to participate in lessons and maintain vital social ties with classmates\, even from a hospital bed or home. \nUsed in over 2\,500 schools across 18 countries\, AV1 has supported more than 10\,000 students\, helping districts promote equity\, belonging\, and academic continuity. No Isolation also meets the highest standards of data security and privacy for students\, staff\, and families—making AV1 a trusted solution for inclusive education. Learn more at www.noisolation.com. URL:https://home.edweb.net/webinar/positive20260416/ CATEGORIES:Absenteeism and Attendance,Counseling,Culture of Belonging,Family and Community Engagement ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://home.edweb.net/wp-content/uploads/20260416-positive-event.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260416T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260416T150000 DTSTAMP:20260921T142019Z CREATED:20260330T133932Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260921T142019Z UID:11925669-1776348000-1776351600@home.edweb.net SUMMARY:Building Behavioral Services That Reintegrate and Graduate Students: The Path Back DESCRIPTION:Presented by Scott Acton\, Exceptional Student Services Director\, Buckeye Union High School District (AZ); and Dr. Kari Nahgahgwon\, VP of Arizona Behavior Programs\, LEARN Academy \nSponsored by The LEARN Academy \nWatch the RecordingListen to the PodcastRead the Article \nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nFor many students with significant behavioral needs\, the traditional path leads out: out of the classroom\, out of the district\, and too often\, away from a hopeful future. Buckeye Union High School District (BUHSD) in Arizona knew this wasn’t acceptable. Students placed externally rarely came back\, and when they did\, there was little structured system support to help them transition successfully. \nIn this edLeader Panel\, education leaders explore how BUHSD built an in-district behavioral services model that keeps students connected to their schools\, communities\, and futures. Panelists\, including Exceptional Student Services Director Scott Acton\, share strategies grounded in 15 years of real-world implementation. You learn: \n\nHow to shift from punitive discipline toward therapeutic\, student-centered approaches that produce lasting behavior change\nHow to design reintegration pathways that set students up for success when they return to home campuses\nWays to align behavioral\, academic\, and social-emotional supports without a full program overhaul\n\nBUHSD’s model produced measurable results: increased reading and math performance\, reintegration rates among the highest in Arizona\, and graduation rates approaching 90%. \nThis recorded edLeader Panel is of interest to K-12 district leaders\, special education directors\, directors of student services\, and school leaders responsible for behavioral programming. \n \n \nAbout the Presenters \nScott Acton serves as the Exceptional Student Services Director for the Buckeye Union High School District\, a position he has held since July 2019. Buckeye’s superintendent has also tapped Scott to direct special education for the district. His work has included navigating the difficult challenges of maintaining strong student support through school closures\, hybrid learning\, and/or distance learning through the COVID era. Scott has been a Certified School Psychologist for 25 years. He attended Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University\, where he earned a school psychologist degree. Scott spent 12 years as a School Psychologist in the Pendergast Elementary School District as well as the Littleton Elementary School District. \n \nDr. Kari Nahgahgwon serves as VP of Arizona Behavior Programs for Learn Academy\, a private therapeutic day school and alternative learning program\, part of the LEARN Academy network. A Nationally Certified School Psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)\, Dr. Nahgahgwon has devoted the last 25 years to enhancing the lives of students\, not only at school\, but also in their home and community environments. She collaborates with school districts nationwide to develop proprietary programming for students with a range of exceptional needs\, such as autism\, as well as developmental\, emotional\, and specific learning disabilities. Dr. Nahgahgwon earned a bachelor’s\, master’s\, and an education specialist degree from Western Michigan University\, as well as a Ph.D. in school psychology from the University of Arizona. Outside of the classroom\, she enjoys the outdoors and quality time spent with friends and family. \nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nJoin the Social-Emotional Learning community to network with educators\, participate in online discussions\, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars\, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates. \n\n \nFor over 20 years\, LEARN Academy has been dedicated to empowering districts and schools\, enabling students to reach their fullest potential. Our scalable\, student-centered solutions focus on improving outcomes\, ensuring compliance\, and increasing efficiency across educational environments. \n\n  \n  URL:https://home.edweb.net/webinar/sel20260416/ CATEGORIES:Behavior Challenges and Support,Counseling,edLeader Panel,Equity,Restorative Practices,Social-Emotional Learning ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://home.edweb.net/wp-content/uploads/20260416-sel-event_panel.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260416T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260416T160000 DTSTAMP:20260416T195446Z CREATED:20260305T033755Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T195446Z UID:11806949-1776351600-1776355200@home.edweb.net SUMMARY:Boost Math Relevance with Career-Connected Learning DESCRIPTION:Presented by Julie Harris-Lawrence\, VP of Government Affairs\, Savvas Learning Company; and Jessica Patterson\, Former Teacher\, Current Marketing Manager\, Career and Technical Education\, Savvas Learning Company \nSponsored by Savvas Learning Company \nWatch the Recording\nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nEvery math teacher has heard students ask\, “When am I ever going to use this?” Career-connected learning can turn that question into a powerful teaching moment. \nCareer-connected learning shows students how the core concepts they’re learning show up in real careers. By revealing the why behind what students are learning\, we can increase their classroom engagement and expose them to potential career pathways in STEM and beyond. \nIn this edWebinar\, Jessica Patterson and Julie Harris-Lawrence from Savvas Learning Company discuss: \n\nNational and state policies shaping math instruction and graduation pathways\nThe concept of career-connected learning: what it is\, why it’s important\, and its impact\nPractical strategies for weaving career connections into middle- and high-school math\n\nThis recorded edWebinar is for any educators interested in college and career readiness\, especially 6-12 math educators\, district leaders\, and school counselors. \nViewers also receive a free career-connected lesson to try with their students! \n\n \n \nAbout the Presenters \nJulie Harris-Lawrence is the Vice President of Government Affairs at Savvas Learning Company. With over 20 years of expertise in strategic initiatives\, advocacy\, government affairs\, and public policy\, Julie supports the Savvas mission to amplify education technology adoption at the state and federal levels. Her key competencies include coalition building\, legislative strategy\, and fostering impactful relationships across government and education sectors. Previous roles at ClassLink and The College Board underscore her proven ability to secure funding\, design advocacy strategies\, and empower stakeholders. With a focus on collaboration and innovation\, she consistently drives organizational growth and builds meaningful partnerships in education policy and technology. \n \nJessica Patterson is the Marketing Manager for Career and Technical Education at Savvas Learning Company. She brings more than 17 years of experience in education\, spanning the classroom\, curriculum development\, and product marketing leadership. Jessica began her career as a high school mathematics teacher before serving as a Curriculum Specialist with Pearson and later leading product marketing for both mathematics and Career and Technical Education programs at Savvas Learning Company. Her most recent product launch\, Savvas CTE\, features a diverse catalog of career-launching digital courses and blended-learning materials. Jessica partners with schools to connect classroom learning to meaningful career pathways and is passionate about equipping educators with practical resources that prepare students for success beyond high school. \nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \n\nJoin the Building Understanding in Mathematics community to network with educators\, participate in online discussions\, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars\, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates. \n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\nEvery student deserves a clear path to post-grad success. That’s what’s possible with Savvas Pathmaker—the all-in-one solution that equips students with the college credits\, industry certifications\, and transferable skills to thrive in the modern workforce. URL:https://home.edweb.net/webinar/math20260416/ CATEGORIES:Career Education,College and Career Readiness,Mathematics,STEM/STEAM ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://home.edweb.net/wp-content/uploads/20260416-math-event.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260420T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260420T130000 DTSTAMP:20260420T170315Z CREATED:20260323T155433Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260420T170315Z UID:11898681-1776686400-1776690000@home.edweb.net SUMMARY:What the Best AI Literacy Guidebooks Get Right DESCRIPTION:Presented by Matthew Winters\, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Educational Specialist\, Utah State Board of Education (USBE); Jennifer Ehehalt\, Former Educator\, Current Senior Regional Manager\, Common Sense Education; and Sue Thotz\, Former Educator\, Current Director\, Education Outreach\, Common Sense Media \nSponsored by Common Sense Education \nWatch the Recording\nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nSchool districts everywhere are creating AI guidance\, but what practices are emerging as the most effective? \nIn this edWebinar\, join Matthew Winters\, Jennifer Ehehalt\, and Sue Thotz as they explore the common patterns appearing across AI literacy guidebooks from districts across the country. Instead of focusing on individual districts\, this session curates the best ideas that are rising to the top and highlights practical approaches that schools are using to build responsible\, confident AI use. \nViewers explore a simple framework that brings together building clarity and shared expectations\, growing educator confidence through professional learning\, teaching students how to question and use AI responsibly\, creating common language through competencies and rubrics\, and communicating with families to build trust. \nWhether your district is just beginning or already experimenting with AI\, this session offers practical structures you can bring back to your school tomorrow. This recorded edWebinar is of interest to K-12 teachers\, librarians\, and school leaders. \n\n \n \nAbout the Presenters \nMatthew Winters is the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Educational Specialist for USBE\, the Utah State Board of Education. He was formerly a Product Manager and Statewide Trainer for Utah Education Network. He was the Utah Coalition for Educational Technology (UCET) President for 2022-2024. He was awarded the Education Innovation Award for Impact at ASU+GSV\, one of the International Society for Technology in Education’s 20 to Watch in 2023\, and one of District Administrator’s Top 100 Innovative Educators in 2025. He is a former English language arts teacher at the secondary and college levels. \n \nJennifer Ehehalt is the Senior Regional Manager at Common Sense Education and a seasoned educator with over 20 years of experience. Previously an elementary educator\, she now leverages her deep understanding of classroom dynamics to design and deliver impactful professional development programs for educators nationwide. Jennifer specializes in onboarding school districts and creating customized implementation plans for successful digital literacy initiatives\, including wellness and fostering a positive school culture through technology. She has successfully onboarded hundreds of school districts and helped them implement effective digital learning strategies. Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in educational leadership. \n \nSue Thotz (she/her) is the Director of Outreach for Common Sense Education and Co-founder of Equity in Action CA. In 2011\, Sue began working for Common Sense by providing support and training for educators and administrators on issues of digital culture and wellness. As a co-founder of Equity in Action CA\, she has facilitated conferences that emphasize the importance of identity and belonging and strive to amplify marginalized voices in the education technology space. Sue is the winner of the 2023 CUE Making IT Happen Award. Prior to Common Sense\, Sue was a researcher and educator. Sue holds a master’s degree in public health and an undergraduate degree in zoology and chemistry. \n\nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nJoin the Digital Learning & Leadership community to network with educators\, participate in online discussions\, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars\, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates. \n\nCommon Sense Education develops high-quality digital citizenship programs and digital teaching resources\, providing educators and students with the digital learning tools they need to harness the power of technology for life. URL:https://home.edweb.net/webinar/commonsense20260420/ CATEGORIES:21st Century Learning,Artificial Intelligence,Digital Literacy,Professional Development,Technology for Learning ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://home.edweb.net/wp-content/uploads/20260420-commonsense-event.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260420T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260420T140000 DTSTAMP:20260420T175954Z CREATED:20260319T212650Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260420T175954Z UID:11890046-1776690000-1776693600@home.edweb.net SUMMARY:How Worksheets Support Active Learning in Ways That Screens Can't: Myths\, Busted! DESCRIPTION:Presented by Adam Parker Goldberg\, Head of Community\, Twinkl \nSponsored by Twinkl \nWatch the Recording\nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nThe word “worksheet” often sparks immediate debate: Is it a vital classroom staple or just outdated busywork? In this edWebinar\, we move past the “drill-and-kill” stigma to reveal how high-quality printables actually serve as research-backed tools for active learning. We explore the science behind why the brain often prefers the page\, using physical “spatial landmarks” to anchor memory in ways that digital screens simply cannot replicate. \nPresented by Adam Parker Goldberg\, Twinkl’s Head of Community\, this edWebinar offers a fresh look at how intentionally designed worksheets can transform a silent task into a meaningful learning experience that bridges the gap between student ability and academic achievement. You discover how the right layout can reduce cognitive load\, allowing students to focus on deep conceptual understanding and build the self-efficacy needed to thrive. \nDuring this session\, you explore: \n\nThe Neuroscience of Practice: Understand how tactile engagement triggers myelin growth to move knowledge from temporary to permanent memory.\nActive Design Principles: Learn to move beyond passive identification to tasks that require students to think\, talk\, and solve.\nThe “Mental Map” Advantage: Discover how fixed\, stable layouts deepen cognitive processing and improve information retrieval.\nInclusive Scaffolding: Gain practical methods to adapt a single resource for struggling readers\, advanced students\, and multilingual learners.\n\nViewers receive a Worksheet Quality Checklist\, a one-pager to help you quickly evaluate any resource for cognitive impact before you hit print. This recorded edWebinar is of interest to PreK-8 teachers\, librarians\, curriculum developers\, and special education specialists. \n \n \nAbout the Presenter \nAdam Parker Goldberg is Twinkl’s Head of Community\, focused on learning from and working with educators to better understand how Twinkl can support their teaching. In addition to connecting educators with the team that builds Twinkl’s library\, Adam is also excited to connect educators with one another through Twinkl’s new ambassador program\, Twinkl Novas! \nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nJoin the The Brain and Learning community to network with educators\, participate in online discussions\, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars\, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates. \n\nTwinkl is a trusted\, curated library of teaching resources created by curriculum experts to support real classroom needs. Our resources are purposefully designed using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles and standards alignment to provide a reliable foundation for lesson planning. Twinkl offers a wide range of printable\, hands-on materials\, from worksheets to tactile activities\, that improve student focus and learning. Our mission is to help those who teach reclaim their time by providing unlimited access to high-quality\, classroom-ready materials they can trust. URL:https://home.edweb.net/webinar/brain20260420/ CATEGORIES:Brain and Learning,Hands-On Learning,Teaching Practice and Pedagogy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://home.edweb.net/wp-content/uploads/20260420-brain-event.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260420T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260420T170000 DTSTAMP:20260420T205626Z CREATED:20260319T155402Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260420T205626Z UID:11887043-1776700800-1776704400@home.edweb.net SUMMARY:Using AI to Measure the Efficacy of Professional Learning DESCRIPTION:A Conversation with Lisa Schmucki\, Founder and CEO of edWeb.net\, and Thor Prichard\, President and CEO of Clarity Innovations \nWatch the Recording\nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nIn this edWebinar\, Lisa Schmucki\, Founder and CEO of edWeb.net\, and Thor Prichard\, President and CEO of Clarity Innovations\, discuss how using AI to analyze large collections of data can shed light on the efficacy of professional learning. \nFor 30 years\, Clarity Innovations has worked at the intersection of education and technology to help organizations create products and services that help improve the process and practice of teaching and learning with technology. Lisa interviews Thor about how AI can be used to help uncover trends\, themes\, and insights from large data sets to inform instructional practice and professional learning\, as well as product development and implementation support. \nedWeb is using AI to aggregate and analyze professional learning at an unprecedented scale. Lisa and Thor discuss how edWeb is using AI to analyze educators’ professional learning goals and the impact edWeb has on professional practice and student learning. edWeb has also been able to look at data across the country on the impact of technology on educator practice and student learning at a time when technology in schools is being restricted in many states. \nWe look forward to feedback from viewers on identifying different ways of using AI to analyze and identify insights that lead to better professional learning experiences overall. This recorded edWebinar is of interest to educators and anyone working in the education industry. \n \n \nAbout the Presenters \nLisa Schmucki is the founder and CEO of edWeb.net\, which has grown into an award-winning professional learning network and global community of 1 million educators over the past 18 years. Lisa has 40 years of experience in educational publishing\, media\, and online learning. She serves on the Board of NCTET (National Coalition for Technology in Education & Training)\, the Expert Network for ERDI (Education Research and Development Institute)\, the Project Tomorrow SpeakUp Council\, the EdSAFE Industry Council\, the SIIA AI Transparency Working Group\, and is a Trustee for the Charles Blaschke EdTech Fund. She is a graduate of Princeton University and has a master’s degree from the Stern School of Business at NYU. Lisa is featured in InnovateHERS: Why Purpose-Driven Women Rise to the Top by Barbara Kurshan and Kathy Hurley. \n\n \nThor Prichard leads Clarity Innovations\, a team of education practitioners\, designers\, and product developers that help publishers\, technology companies\, solution providers\, and nonprofit organizations better align their offerings to improve the process and practice of K-12 teaching and learning. When he’s not experimenting with promising technologies and digital pedagogies to identify potential areas of convergence the K-12 education market will discover and embrace 3-5 years from now\, Thor is consulting with clients the likes of Microsoft\, Intel\, Adobe\, Digital Promise\, Common Sense Media\, Teaching Channel\, CORE Learning\, and PBLworks on their education product strategy and technology innovation plans. Thor holds a degree in cognitive psychology from Reed College in Oregon and enjoys long-distance offshore sailing. \n\nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nJoin the Artificial Intelligence in Education community to network with educators\, participate in online discussions\, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars\, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates. \n\n  URL:https://home.edweb.net/webinar/ai20260420/ CATEGORIES:Artificial Intelligence,Education Research/Evidence,Professional Development ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://home.edweb.net/wp-content/uploads/20260403-ai-event.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260421T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260421T130000 DTSTAMP:20260421T170452Z CREATED:20260406T010335Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260421T170452Z UID:11980306-1776772800-1776776400@home.edweb.net SUMMARY:K–12 Instructional Strategies for Financial Literacy Month: From Foundations to Futures DESCRIPTION:Presented by Allison Kapitanoff\, Instructional Design Manager\, Discovery Education \nSponsored by Discovery Education \nWatch the Recording\nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nFinancial Literacy Month is an opportunity to help students build the knowledge and confidence they need to make real‑world financial decisions. In this edWebinar\, educators explore free\, standards‑aligned resources designed to support financial learning across the entire K–12 journey. \nFor younger learners (K–8)\, the materials focus on building early financial habits and vocabulary through engaging lessons\, classroom activities\, and optional family extensions. For older students (6–12)\, the resources deepen understanding of economic concepts using real‑world examples\, industry perspectives\, and hands‑on learning experiences. \nEducators gain practical strategies and ready‑to‑use resources for any grade level\, including: \n\nReal‑world scenarios that make financial concepts meaningful\nCollaborative problem solving that strengthens decision making\nCross‑curricular connections across math\, social studies\, STEM\, and ELA\nFamily engagement activities that extend learning beyond school\n\nViewers leave with turnkey materials and actionable strategies that support students’ financial understanding from foundational skills through high‑school readiness. This recorded edWebinar is of interest to K–12 teachers\, librarians\, and school leaders. \n \n \nAbout the Presenter \nAllison Kapitanoff is a veteran educator\, nationally and internationally recognized curriculum designer\, and founder of Thinking Kap Educational Services\, LLC. She spent over 20 years educating children of all ages and abilities\, has worked with both building-level and district-level administrations\, and has written curricula for school districts\, STEM programs\, college programs\, national testing\, and corporate clients. She is also a recognized professional development presenter and curriculum trainer. Allison provides curriculum support for Pathway to Financial Success in Schools\, Futures Fundamentals\, Econ Essentials\, and CME Group’s Behavioral Economics resources. \nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nJoin the Real World Literacy community to network with educators\, participate in online discussions\, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars\, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates. \n\nDiscovery Education is the global leader in standards-aligned digital curriculum resources\, engaging content\, and professional learning for K-12 classrooms. Through its award-winning digital textbooks\, multimedia resources\, and the largest professional learning network of its kind\, Discovery Education is transforming teaching and learning and improving academic achievement around the globe. \n\n  URL:https://home.edweb.net/webinar/realworldliteracy20260421/ CATEGORIES:Business Ed and Entrepreneurship,Financial Literacy,Mathematics ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://home.edweb.net/wp-content/uploads/20260421-realworldliteracy-event.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260421T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260421T140000 DTSTAMP:20260421T175847Z CREATED:20260324T171152Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260421T175847Z UID:11905467-1776776400-1776780000@home.edweb.net SUMMARY:Designing Learning Walks as Professional Learning DESCRIPTION:Presented by Krysten Wendell\, Vice President of Program & Partnerships\, New Teacher Center; and Dr. Lisa Schmitt\, Senior Director\, Impact\, New Teacher Center \nSponsored by New Teacher Center \nWatch the Recording\nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nIn this edWebinar\, presenters from the New Teacher Center outline a practical approach to learning walks as powerful professional learning for school teams. From preparation to observation to collaborative reflection to action\, these steps ensure learning walks have legs. \nThis session provides a structure for classroom observations that result in meaningful instructional conversations. Support your team to engage in collective learning\, with a focus on critical pre-walk planning\, alignment during the walk\, and post-walk analysis and action. \nThis recorded edWebinar is of interest to K-12 school leaders\, district leaders\, professional learning leaders\, instructional leaders\, and curriculum specialists. \n \n \nAbout the Presenters \nAs Vice President of Program & Partnerships at New Teacher Center (NTC)\, Krysten Wendell drives the organization’s mission to forge vibrant classrooms by aligning district partnerships with internal strategy. She focuses on creating integrated learning environments that support the growth of students\, teachers\, and school leaders alike. In her current leadership capacity\, she ensures that NTC’s school-facing work is both high impact and centered on educational equity. \n \nDr. Lisa Schmitt leads the vision\, design\, and implementation of New Teacher Center’s (NTC) impact strategy as Senior Director of Impact. She oversees large-scale data systems and practical tools for impact evaluation and continuous improvement. Dr. Schmitt also manages NTC’s federal grant research agenda and champions the integration of academic\, social\, and emotional learning to support diverse student needs. \nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nJoin the Accelerate Learning community to network with educators\, participate in online discussions\, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars\, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates. \n\n \nNew Teacher Center (NTC) builds a stronger\, more resilient educator workforce from day one. Our research-backed\, personalized support helps teachers stay\, grow\, and lead—strengthening retention\, fostering collaboration\, and supporting leadership pathways. The result: skilled school teams where every student experiences strong relationships\, consistent support\, and high-quality instruction. URL:https://home.edweb.net/webinar/accelerate20260421/ CATEGORIES:Educator Self-Care and Wellness,Professional Development,Teaching Practice and Pedagogy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://home.edweb.net/wp-content/uploads/20260421-accelerate-event.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260421T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260421T160000 DTSTAMP:20260921T142105Z CREATED:20260324T182748Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260921T142105Z UID:11906523-1776783600-1776787200@home.edweb.net SUMMARY:Breaking Down Instructional Silos: Building Literacy\, Math\, and Future-Ready Skills in Elementary School DESCRIPTION:Presented by Suzanne Martin\, Fifth-Grade Teacher\, Darnaby Elementary School (OK); Jesus Silva\, Third-Grade Bilingual Teacher\, Monroe Elementary School (CA); Zachary Morolda\, Director of Innovative & Community Programs\, Equity & Careers Technology\, Monroe Township School District (NJ); and Sylvia Huff\, Ph.D.\, Senior Vice President of Research\, Project Lead The Way \nSponsored by Project Lead The Way \nWatch the RecordingListen to the PodcastRead the Article \nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nToday’s elementary classrooms are becoming a critical starting point for planting the seeds of future-ready learning. Too often\, however\, with all of the curricular requirements\, there’s limited time for teachers to add one more thing. This edLeader Panel isn’t about adding more. It’s about unlocking more. It explores how breaking down instructional silos and expanding interdisciplinary approaches can help elementary educators strengthen core academic outcomes while building the transferable skills students need for the future. \nUsing an interdisciplinary lens\, we look at how STEM-focused literacy and math can harness students’ attention by providing the “why\,” and can become powerful entry points for problem solving\, collaboration\, communication\, and early career awareness without overwhelming already stretched-thin teachers. Viewers see how integrated instruction helps students make meaningful connections across subjects\, boosts engagement and confidence\, and deepens understanding in ELA\, math\, and science. \nBy the end of this session\, viewers are able to: \n\nDescribe the benefits of interdisciplinary instruction in elementary classrooms and emphasize how interdisciplinary approaches can strengthen literacy and math outcomes while supporting the development of future-ready skills\nIdentify strategies for integrating STEM-focused literacy and math that promote problem solving\, collaboration\, and communication without adding to teachers’ workload\nExplore examples of integrated instruction that help students make meaningful connections across ELA\, math\, and science\nApply practical\, time-efficient approaches that build on existing curricula to increase student engagement and confidence\nArticulate the rationale and proof points for interdisciplinary learning to support instructional decision making and schoolwide alignment\n\nThis recorded edLeader Panel is of interest to elementary school leaders and district leaders. \n \n \nAbout the Presenters \nSuzanne Martin is a fifth-grade teacher at Darnaby Elementary School in the Union Public Schools in Tulsa\, Oklahoma. She is a PLTW Master Teacher\, helping to train other educators\, promoting hands-on\, project-based learning. She emphasizes early participation in STEM for students\, as they can build strong foundations of transportable skills that can serve them into middle and high school. \n \nJesus Silva is an experienced educator with 29 years in education in Santa Ana\, California. Over the course of his career\, he has served as an elementary classroom teacher\, bilingual teacher\, and Future Ready Coach\, supporting teachers in integrating technology and innovative practices in the classroom. He earned his bachelor’s degree from California State University\, Long Beach\, where he studied marine biology with minors in organic chemistry and Latin American literature. He later completed a master’s degree in educational technology from Concordia University. Jesus is passionate about bilingual education\, STEM learning\, and hands-on experiences that inspire curiosity and creativity in students. Throughout his career\, he has worked to expand opportunities for students by supporting innovative programs and integrating technology to enhance teaching and learning. \n \nZachary Morolda serves as Director of Innovative & Community Programming\, Equity\, and Career Technology for Monroe Township School District\, where he leads enrichment\, CTE\, and equity-driven initiatives while overseeing strategic communications\, public relations\, and community engagement. He also serves as K–12 Supervisor for Career Technology and Gifted & Talented programs\, guiding over 60 educators and directing new program development. \nRecognized in 2025 by Project Lead The Way as an Outstanding Administrator\, Zach has been instrumental in expanding STEM\, arts\, business\, and athletics programming. Prior to education\, he built a successful career in sports marketing and public relations\, working with major organizations including the U.S. Army\, Reebok\, NBC\, and Sony PlayStation. An active presenter and thought leader\, Zach frequently speaks on innovative program design and school improvement. He is currently pursuing his doctorate and consulting in educational strategy. Outside of work\, he enjoys surfing\, wrestling\, and distance running. \n \nSylvia Huff\, Ph.D.\, is the Senior Vice President of Research at Project Lead The Way (PLTW). As SVP of Research\, she is responsible for guiding PLTW’s research agenda and leading the team that evaluates the organization’s impact on both students and teachers. Before serving as SVP of Research\, she was PLTW’s Vice President of Research. Prior to joining PLTW\, Dr. Huff gained applied research experience in both the public and private sectors—serving as the Executive Director of Research\, Evaluation & Assessment for the St. Cloud Public Schools in St. Cloud\, Minnesota\, and as a Research Director for Pearson\, respectively. Dr. Huff earned a Ph.D. in brain and cognitive sciences (psychology) from Southern Illinois University\, Carbondale\, and an Executive MBA from Howard University. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in the Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology program at Washington University in St. Louis. \nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nJoin the Career\, Technical\, and Adult Education community to network with educators\, participate in online discussions\, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars\, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates. \n\n\n \n \n Inspiring PreK-12 Students and Teachers in Thousands of Schools Across the U.S. \nSchool and district leaders need a solution that cultivates confidence and career readiness—and PLTW checks all the boxes. As a nonprofit organization founded by educators and driven by education leaders\, we’ve spent more than 28 years equipping students with the technical knowledge\, transferable skills\, and career confidence they need to thrive—through programs that integrate real-world industry partnerships\, best-in-class teacher training\, and our proven activity-\, project-\, problem-based (APB) instructional model. URL:https://home.edweb.net/webinar/cte20260421/ CATEGORIES:Curriculum Development,edLeader Panel,Literacy,Mathematics,Student Engagement and Motivation ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://home.edweb.net/wp-content/uploads/20260421-cte-event_panel.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260421T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260421T170000 DTSTAMP:20260421T210120Z CREATED:20260331T190812Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260421T210120Z UID:11938158-1776787200-1776790800@home.edweb.net SUMMARY:Build Text-Based Insight Through Academic Discourse: From Checking to Constructing DESCRIPTION:Presented by Dr. Mitchell Brookins\, Former Teacher\, Current Educational Consultant\, Brookins Consulting\nModerated by Pam Austin\, Professional Learning Facilitators Manager\, Voyager Sopris Learning \nSponsored by Voyager Sopris Learning \nWatch the Recording\nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nDoes classroom discussion feel like pulling teeth? Or maybe your students are talking\, but the conversation still isn’t as deep\, insightful\, or meaningful as you know it could be. If you’ve ever imagined a classroom where you and your students can truly get lost in a text—wrestling with ideas\, building insight\, and shaping understanding together—this edWebinar is for you. \n\nSkilled readers capture the essence of a text\, and discussion plays a critical role in helping them make sense of it. \nIn this edWebinar\, Dr. Mitchell Brookins shows how to move beyond questions that check for understanding and toward using academic discourse to construct it. You learn how to identify critical ideas in a text\, guide student thinking using cognitive routines\, and press for clarity so students move beyond first answers to deeper\, text-based insight. \nYou learn how to: \n\nIdentify the critical ideas in a text that are worth stopping and building around\nUse cognitive routines to probe student thinking and generate strong inferences\nPress and refine responses so students develop clear\, text-based understanding\n\nThis recorded edWebinar is of interest to grades 5–12 teachers\, librarians\, school leaders\, and district leaders. \n\n \n \nAbout the Presenter \nDr. Mitchell Brookins is a literacy practitioner and national education consultant with more than 20 years of experience across K–12 education as a teacher\, instructional coach\, school administrator\, and district leader. His work focuses on strengthening reading comprehension instruction and supporting students in engaging with complex texts. \nAs a school administrator in New Orleans\, Dr. Brookins led instructional improvement efforts that produced measurable gains\, including raising DIBELS proficiency from 43% to 72%\, increasing LEAP performance by 16 percentage points\, and improving school letter grades from “D” to “C” within one year. He now contributes to national literacy conversations through conference presentations and media appearances\, including Amplify’s Science of Reading podcast Beyond My Years (2026)\, The Reading League Conference\, and Keys to Literacy. As Managing Director at Leading Educators\, he supports districtwide literacy improvement efforts across multiple school systems nationwide. \n \nAbout the Moderator \nPam Austin\, Professional Learning Facilitators Manager for Voyager Sopris Learning\, has over 35 years of experience as an educator. She has worked as a Professional Learning Facilitator Manager with over 17 years of experience in training and supporting districts in various literacy and numeracy interventions for Voyager Sopris Learning in addition to delivering LETRS professional development sessions. She has also shared her love of proven VSL solutions as a Product Marketing Manager when she began her role as an EDVIEW360 podcast host in 2019 and continues to this day. Her goal is to aid teachers in changing the lives of students so that they not only become proficient and successful learners but also individuals confident in pursuing personal and professional life goals. \nShe previously held the role of Literacy Specialist at the Center for Development and Learning (CDL) now the Center for Literacy and Learning. As an educator in the New Orleans Public Schools for 14 years\, she served as an elementary teacher\, a reading interventionist\, a school-based reading coach\, and a central office field literacy facilitator. These varying roles allowed her to gain a myriad of experiences that has enhanced her ability to work in collaboration with other educators\, schools\, and districts for impactful professional learning. Pam’s first steps into a lifelong career as an educator began as a fourth-grade teacher in a small school in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. And the journey continues… \nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nJoin the Teaching Reading and Writing community to network with educators\, participate in online discussions\, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars\, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates. \n\n \nVoyager Sopris Learning® is the specialist in reading\, writing\, and math intervention. Fully focused on intervention\, we have established four decades of results that demonstrate the efficacy of our solutions. Providing a holistic offering of reading\, writing\, and math interventions and assessments\, our solutions help educators create strong\, sustainable foundations to ensure academic success for all students. \n\n \n  URL:https://home.edweb.net/webinar/teach2read20260421/ CATEGORIES:English, Language Arts, Writing,Literacy,Student Agency and Voice,Student Engagement and Motivation,Teaching Practice and Pedagogy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://home.edweb.net/wp-content/uploads/20260421-teach2read-event.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260422T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260422T140000 DTSTAMP:20260422T175957Z CREATED:20260320T172303Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260422T175957Z UID:11892553-1776862800-1776866400@home.edweb.net SUMMARY:Strategies for Early Childhood Program Growth: Advocacy Beyond Your Four Walls DESCRIPTION:Presented by Dawn Alexander\, Executive Director\, Early Childhood Education Association of Colorado; Maria-Isabel Ballivian\, Executive Director\, ACCA Child Development Center (VA); and Meghan Cornwell\, Head of US Marketing\, Famly \nSponsored by Famly \nWatch the Recording\nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nPolicy decisions being made right now in your state will affect how many families may be able to enroll in your program next year. Subsidy rollbacks\, universal PreK expansion\, and licensing changes all have a direct impact on your bottom line. \nSome directors aren’t just watching these changes happen. They’re showing up at local\, state\, and federal offices\, and shaping the systems their programs operate within. The ripple effects go beyond policy wins: stronger community trust\, deeper family loyalty\, and a program reputation that no marketing campaign can manufacture. \nIn this conversation-style edWebinar\, you hear directly from two directors who embraced advocacy as a means to support their families and businesses. They get specific about what they pushed for and what changed as a result. \nJoin us to explore: \n\nReal stories and what happened when directors showed up and spoke out\nHow advocacy builds the kind of community trust and visibility that helps programs in the long term\nHow to get your families and staff fired up about issues that affect your program\nWhere to start\, even if you’ve never contacted a lawmaker in your life\n\nWhether you show up at the Capitol every year or you’ve never thought of yourself as an advocate\, this session leaves you inspired\, informed\, and equipped to lead beyond your four walls. This recorded edWebinar is of interest to PreK teachers\, school leaders\, and education technology leaders. \n\n \n \nAbout the Presenters \nDawn Alexander is the Executive Director of the Early Childhood Education Association of Colorado (ECEA). ECEA advocates on a systems level with the Office of Early Childhood\, the Governor’s office\, and the state legislature\, as well as other systems advocates statewide. As the Executive Director\, Dawn attends meetings with members and policymakers and shares information to Colorado providers each week. Dawn has a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Colorado at Denver. Her undergraduate degree is in sociology and human services. \n \nMaria-Isabel Ballivian is the Executive Director of the ACCA Child Development Center\, a NAEYC-accredited program that provides high-quality early education to more than 290 at-risk and underserved young children in Annandale\, Virginia. With more than 25 years of experience across various national and international nonprofits\, she has held key roles including educator\, administrator\, trainer\, advocate\, and consultant. As an innovative leader and seasoned manager\, she has significantly enhanced the quality of care and education for infants\, toddlers\, and preschoolers\, and actively supported strategies that encourage greater family engagement and continuous professional development of early learning teachers\, especially in integrating the use of technology. She has also testified and advocated to strengthen and improve the early childhood education ecosystem at the federal\, state\, and local levels. Maria-Isabel holds a Master of Science in Early Childhood Services from Arkansas State University. \n \nMeghan Cornwell is the Head of U.S. Marketing at Famly\, an all-in-one childcare management software. With over a decade of specialized experience\, Meghan has dedicated her career to promoting the value of early learning through resonant marketing strategies. Her background includes roles in educational nonprofits\, advocacy organizations\, and B-corporations\, and as a consultant. You can often find Meghan hosting webinars\, as a guest and producer of ECE podcasts\, and attending advocacy events throughout Virginia and D.C. to increase quality and accessibility of high-quality\, equitable childcare. Meghan holds a Bachelor of Arts from Virginia Wesleyan University\, where she studied Theatre and Communications. She currently lives in Richmond\, VA. \n\nLearn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. \nJoin the Early Childhood Learning Solutions community to network with educators\, participate in online discussions\, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars\, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates. \n\nOrdinary childcare management software? Think again. Famly is your senior ECE assistant. We handle all the tedious manual tasks\, proactively remind you of everything you might forget\, and help support your staff. Think of it as your center’s extra pair of eyes\, and extra set of hands. So wave organizational headaches goodbye and get time back to do what you love most: help children thrive. We do the busywork\, so you can get back to irreplaceable time with children. URL:https://home.edweb.net/webinar/earlychildhood20260422/ CATEGORIES:Early Childhood Learning,Family and Community Engagement,PreK-K Programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://home.edweb.net/wp-content/uploads/20260422-earlychildhood-event.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR