I have developed a Locally Created Pathway through the IDOE titled The Evolution Towards Employability. This Pathway is only allowed for 5% of cohorts and only intended for Alt Ed students. The cluster of classes include Careers, Personal Finance, Speech, Adult Roles & Responsibilities, and an internship (job or volunteering). Our alternative school is in person, but with the online forum Edgenuity. With our new pathway, we have also revised how we provide instruction. Pathway courses are provided in person at the ALC with a live teacher. We are also partnering with local businesses like the Chamber of Commerce to help find jobs for students, Ivy Tech and Freedom Academy to provide options for students earning certificates in lieu of a 4-year degree, and the Armed Forces. This pathway program also allows us to invite guests in and take students on field trips out to local businesses.
Starting at a new school can be overwhelming for students, but with the right support, they can quickly feel like part of the community. This 15-minute mini-lesson will equip future and current educators with practical strategies to help new students adjust socially, emotionally, and academically. Educators will learn how to create welcoming environments, foster peer connections, and implement simple yet effective orientation activities. Whether your school has regular or irregular rates of new students, these tools will enable you and your colleagues to build confidence in all students and ensure they thrive in their new environment. Participants will leave this engaging session with ready-to-use ideas to take back to their own communities and ensure every new student feels supported from day one.
A 6th-grade math and science teacher, Trista Deel has been an educator and tennis coach at Clark-Pleasant Middle School for four years. She grew up in Bryan, OH and earned a Bachelor of Science in elementary and special education from Trine University, where she also played tennis... Read More →
According to The National Child Stress Network, approximately 25% of American children will experience at least one traumatic event by the age of 16. School personnel are the first line of defense to help them overcome, prepare, and/or survive childhood trauma. My presentation will give background on trauma and how it affects a child's brain and learning. I give examples of simple practices teachers of all grades, counselors, and administrators can incorporate to create a trauma-informed, resilience-building classroom and school. Participants will leave with multiple handouts on how to assess trauma and resilience with their students and a better grasp on how to be proactive to trauma instead of reactive.
Join Bridget for an insightful workshop designed for teachers and administrators, focusing on the Montessori principle of preparing ourselves for our work with children. Drawing from Montessori preparation of the teacher resources, mental health research, and the psychology of awe, this session will explore the essential role of self-care and intentionality in education. Participants will reflect on the importance of work-life balance, discover practical strategies for maintaining well-being, and learn how fostering a sense of wonder can enhance their service to students and the broader community. By prioritizing our own growth and well-being, we create a more enriching and supportive learning environment for all.
Bridget Wallace York, MEd, is the Director of Curriculum & Student Services at Oak Farm Montessori School in Avilla, IN. She holds an AMS Secondary I–II credential and is a teaching fellow with the National Writing Project and the Center for Civic Education. A Phi Beta Kappa Honors... Read More →
What would happen if we explored a new concept in education where the word inclusion is captured in an all-embracing societal ideology: where all teachers and students, including those with more significant cognitive and physical disabilities, will learn alongside each other in multiple learning environments?
Join Alison and Anni as they explore the latest neuroscience behind building authentic, meaningful connections with students. Backed by research, their insights focus on practical and effective strategies that educators can apply immediately in their classrooms. Discover how understanding the brain can transform student engagement, improve behavior, and create a positive learning environment. Whether you're looking to strengthen relationships, enhance classroom management, or support students' emotional well-being, Alison and Anni provide actionable tools that make a real difference. Their approach is not only research-based but also teacher-tested, ensuring that every strategy is both practical and impactful. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how connection can unlock student potential and create lasting success.
