Workshop Sessions and Speakers

Presenters:

Jim Erekson (Literacy Education, 猫咪tv)
Kevin Pugh (Educational Psychology, 猫咪tv)
Aldo Romero (Cumbres Program)
Robert Fulton (Colorad Center for Rural Education)

Room #: TBD

In this session, parents/guardians/support networks will learn and have the opportunity to ask questions about various topics, including the path to becoming a teacher, the admissions process, available financial aid, 猫咪tv housing and residential education, basic/core/general ed classes, and more.

Additionally, you will learn about all the pathways and programs that are available to make college affordable.

Help Your Student Start Their Teaching Career Faster with Less Debt: Unique Opportunities in Rural Colorado

Robert Fulton (Colorado Center for Rural Education)

Room #: TBD

Dr. Fulton provides information on financial support and opportunities for those who would like to teach in one of Colorado鈥檚 147 rural schools.

Teacher Cadet Teachers and High School Teachers and Counselors

Moving Beyond Belonging: Creating a Culture of Mattering
Amie Cieminski and Jonathan Cooney (Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, 猫咪tv)

Room #: TBD

This interactive workshop explores how to move beyond belonging鈥攆eeling accepted and included鈥攖o creating a culture of mattering, where individuals feel noticed, valued, and essential to the community. Participants will learn research-based strategies to foster environments where students and adults not only fit in but know they make a difference. Educators will discover ideas and practical tools to strengthen relationships, enhance motivation, and improve engagement.

Interested in Becoming a Teacher Cadet Teacher?
Christine McConnell, (Colorado Teacher Cadet Coordinator)

Room #: TBD

Teachers and Counselors! Participate in this session if you are interested in becoming a Teacher Cadet Teacher or want more information on how to get a Teacher Cadet program at your school.

Early Childhood Education

Session 1: From Crayons to Connections
Jean Kirshner (Early Childhood Education, 猫咪tv)

Room #: TBD

Connecting young learners to their global partners in Early Childhood Education classrooms across the world!

Session 2: Creating the Spark of Wonder

Sue Davisdon (Early Childhood Education 猫咪tv)

Room #: TBD

In this session, we will apply play-based learning principles and activities to create joyful, meaningful, and inclusive early childhood environments.

Session 3: Welcome to the Land of Kindie-building/establishing relationships for a strong foundation

Twyla Morton (Douglas County School District @ Mammoth Heights Elem - Kindergarten Teacher)

Room #: 221

Kindergarten for many families is their first introduction to a school community and learning experience. Come and grow, learn, and enhance ideas about the importance of relationships with students and families as they enter into the Land of Kindie!

Elementary Education

Session 4: Games, Literacy, and Social-Emotional Learning
Matthew Farber (Educational Technology, 猫咪tv), William Merchant (Applied Statistics and Research Methods, 猫咪tv)

Room #: TBD

In this immersive workshop, explore innovative strategies for integrating games into the classroom to enhance reading skills and foster social and emotional learning. You will engage in hands-on activities and discussions to discover effective approaches that make learning both enjoyable and emotionally enriching for students.

Sesion 5: Leveraging Students鈥� Cultural Strengths in the Elementary Classroom
Brian Rose Elementary Education, 猫咪tv

Room #: TBD

We will explore the teacher maxim 鈥淵ou鈥檝e just got to know your students.鈥� We don鈥檛 critique the maxim as knowing your students is the name of the game. Instead, we unpack what this means by identifying the aspects of culture more generally, and the visiting students discuss their own lived experiences along these lines.

Session 6: Making Social Studies Come Alive in the Elementary Classroom

Jenny Pettit (Elementary Education, 猫咪tv)

Room #: TBD

How can we harness young students鈥� curiosity about the world to deepen their understanding of the world? Social studies is the perfect vehicle! Come join us for this hands-on session to learn about how we can help the next generation become problem-solvers and engaged citizens in our world.

Session 7: Why Teachers Make a Difference
Jenni Harding Middleton (Elementary Education, 猫咪tv)

Room #: TBD

Teachers motivate and inspire students to learn. Come explore how high-quality teachers make a difference. Do you have what it takes to become an effective and efficient teacher?

Session 8: 鈥淟isten Up! The Secret Skill of Great Teachers鈥�

Jody Lawrence (Elementary Education, 猫咪tv)

Room #: TBD

Everyone鈥檚 talking, but who鈥檚 listening? Great teaching starts with hearing your students and choosing words that connect, not correct. Learn how listening shapes what we say and how students learn.

Session 9: Bubble Bonanza: Pop into Science!
Jennifer Parrish, Teresa Higgins (Science Education, 猫咪tv)

Room #: TBD

Discover creative ways to spark curiosity and inquiry in the elementary classroom鈥攐ne pop at a time! Join this interactive session to learn how to use bubble investigations to build inquiry skills and excitement for science learning.

Session 10: Math is Fun!

Hannah Kang (Elementary Education at UNC)

Room #: TBD

Math is fun! Do you agree with it? Let鈥檚 explore some fun and engaging hands-on activities to learn how to teach math in an elementary classroom. In this session, students will experience hands-on manipulatives that promote conceptual understanding of math content.

Secondary Education

Session 11: From Neurons to Knowledge: Leveraging Brain Science in Learning
Matt Seymour (English Language Arts Education, 猫咪tv)

Room #: TBD

In this session, participants will explore how the brain functions at a neurological level and learn strategies to leverage this knowledge to improve memory, and enhance skill development.

Session 12: Science is Phenomenal: Engaging Students using Science Phenomena
Amy Bekins and Byron Straw (Science Education, 猫咪tv)

Room #: TBD

In this session, participants will explore science phenomena that can be used in classrooms to engage students to develop a conceptual understanding of science content in biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science.

Session 13: Equipping Future Teachers: Mental Health Skills for the Classroom and Beyond

Stacy Bailey (English Language Arts Education, 猫咪tv)

Room #: TBD

Recognizing and responding to adolescent students in distress takes practice. In this session, learn about strategies to keep yourself grounded while also helping others.

Session 14: Thriving Over Surviving
Danielle Bell (猫咪tv Educational Studies, HS English teacher & doctoral student)

Room #: TBD

When you鈥檙e a new teacher, everyone has advice for your first year. You鈥檒l get your badge and keys and maybe even a district tote bag with a copy of whatever book is trending in education. (In 2002, I got Harry Wong鈥檚 The First Days of School). But no one tells you what鈥檚 really about to happen, or how to navigate it all. In this session, students will learn tips & tricks from a veteran teacher on how to thrive in their first years in the classroom.

Session 15: From a college degree to a teaching career - more rewarding than you might have heard!

Carson Fry (Social Studies Education, graduate student, 猫咪tv)

Room #: TBD

Are there practical reasons to get a college degree? Absolutely! With your degree in humanities, you can open up career possibilities in fields that are well-paid, dynamic, and in need of immediate employees鈥� like teaching! Join Professor Kelly Langley Cook to do some myth busting about education and explore how humanities content such as History has dozens of real-world, job-gaining applications. Get ready for a fast-paced quiz game at the end of our session where you can win prizes!

Session 16: I Never Learned That in History Class! Using primary sources and storytelling to make history interesting, interactive, and relevant.

Kurt Knierim (Lecturer and CU Succeed Liaison, CU Denver)

Room #: TBD

History can be really boring or unforgettable. This session will give prospective social studies teachers a peek behind the curtain of making lessons that students cannot ignore using primary sources, discussion and thoughtful lecture. If you are interested in teaching secondary social studies, do not miss this session.

K-12 Education: Art, Music, Physical Education, Theatre and World Languages

Session 17: Teacher Theatre: Do you have what it takes?
Mary Schuttler (Head of Theatre Education, 猫咪tv)

Room #: TBD

Are you passionate about theatre and eager to inspire that passion in others? If so,this workshop will assist you in discovering if theatre education is the right path for you. We will discuss the challenges and rewards of entering this fulfilling profession, and explore the essential skills and insights needed to inspire and educate the next generation of theatre enthusiasts.

Session 18: Teaching in Motion: Energize Learning with Movement

Brian Dauenhauer (Physical Education and Physical Activity Leadership, 猫咪tv)

Room #: TBD

Discover how movement can transform the classroom! In this hands-on workshop, you鈥檒l learn simple, engaging strategies to integrate physical activity into everyday lessons. Experience how adding movement boosts focus, attention, and academic success while giving you a glimpse into the powerful role teachers play in shaping active, engaged learners.

Session 19: Move to Learn and Learn to Move: Discover Teaching Physical Education
Jennifer Krause (Physical Education and Physical Activity Leadership, 猫咪tv)

Room #: TBD

Step into the role of a physical education teacher! In this interactive session, you鈥檒l explore how physical education goes beyond sports to build teamwork, leadership, and lifelong wellness. Engage in fun, hands-on activities and get a taste of what it鈥檚 like to guide and inspire students through movement for a lifetime of physical activity!

Session 20: So You Want to Be an Art Teacher? Real Talk from Future Educators
猫咪tv Art Education Club Leaders and Abi Paytoe Gbayee (Art Education 猫咪tv Club advisor)

Room #: TBD

Ever wonder what it is really like to major in Art Education? Join 猫咪tv鈥檚 Art Education students for an honest, interactive conversation about what they wish they had known before starting their journey to become teachers. From balancing studio classes with lesson planning to finding your voice in the classroom, this session offers practical insights, funny stories, and creative advice from future art educators who are walking the path right now. Come ready to ask questions, make art, and imagine your own future as a teacher.

Session 21: Art Journals in Conversation: Teaching Through Creative Dialogue
猫咪tv Art Education Club Leaders and Abi Paytoe Gbayee (Art Education 猫咪tv Club advisor)

Room #: TBD

What if art could be a conversation instead of a single voice? In this hands-on workshop, 猫咪tv Art Education students will guide participants through a collaborative art journaling exchange inspired by Journal Fodder Junkies and TetRAD Project artists David Modler and Sam Peck. You will create side-by-side journal pages that respond visually to prompts about creativity, identity, and teaching. As you trade ideas and layers back and forth, you will experience how art journaling can spark connection, reflection, and dialogue skills every great teacher needs. No experience required just curiosity and a willingness to create!

Session 22: Music for All, All for Music

Krissie Weimer (Music Education, 猫咪tv) and 猫咪tv Music Club students:

Noah Osuna
Sarah Rich
Micah Healy
Madi Holshouser
Emi Brooker

Room #: TBD

Everyone is musical! You are and your future students are too. Join us for a session of strategies and activities to promote creativity and music making for all students, no matter skill or ability!

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education

Session 23: Becoming a teacher of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse students
Jos茅 Garc铆a-Paine (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education, 猫咪tv)

Room #: TBD

In this session, Dr. Garcia-Paine will present what it means to be a teacher of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse students, and the many intersectionalities that are shared with the General Education and Special Education interfaces.

Session 24: 驴Hablas espa帽ol? We need bilingual teachers!
James Gambrell, (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education, 猫咪tv)

Room #: TBD

This presentation discusses the need for Spanish-speaking educators in the state of Colorado.

Session 25: Discovering the Joy of Teaching Multilingual Learners
Oakley Schilling (Secondary ELD and Seal of Biliteracy Coordinator) and Janette Rivera Gonzalez (Elementary and Biliteracy Coordinator), St. Vrain Valley Schools

Room #: TBD

Step into the vibrant and rewarding world of teaching multilingual learners (MLs) and uncover the incredible potential of students who are building bridges between languages and cultures. We'll explore why ML students are some of the most dynamic and resilient learners in any classroom and share the unique joy and professional fulfillment that comes with becoming an English language development teacher. Prepare to be inspired by a field that's all about celebrating diversity, building genuine connections, and shaping the future, one brilliant multilingual mind at a time!

Special Education

Session 26: A positive classroom is a productive classroom
Corey Pierce (Special Education, 猫咪tv)

Room #: TBD

This interactive session will introduce students and parents to the benefits of a positive culture in a classroom. Attendees will participate in fun activities as they learn to build a positive culture in a group setting.

Session 27: Feel It, Name It, Tame It: Fun Pathways to Emotional Regulation for Life Success

Tracy Gershwin (Special Education, 猫咪tv)

Room #: TBD

Emotional regulation isn鈥檛 just a skill for classrooms it鈥檚 a life skill for success, relationships, and resilience. In this interactive session, we鈥檒l explore playful, creative, and practical strategies for teaching students (and adults!) how to identify emotions, manage big feelings, and bounce back from challenges. Through stories, quick activities, and research-based tools, you鈥檒l walk away with easy-to-implement ideas that make emotional regulation both accessible and fun.

Session 28: Tips for Teaching Students with Dyslexia

Jennifer Urbach (Special Education, 猫咪tv)

Room #: TBD

Did you know that approximately one in five students has dyslexia? Come learn more about dyslexia and what teachers can do to support those students.

K-12 Teaching and Engagement

Session 29: Plan for Success: Differentiate Your Teaching to Support Each Learner

Doug Alexander(Gifted Education Instructional Specialist, Boulder Valley School District, 猫咪tv Educational Studies, doctoral student)

Room #: TBD

Classroom teachers are often encouraged to plan for grade-level standards. However, what do you do when students begin the lesson at or quickly demonstrate grade-level standards? You set the bar higher! Learn why and how to support each learner, including advanced learners and those with learning disabilities. Keep each student on a continuum of learning everyday.

Session 30: Use It or Lose It! Hands-On Practices to Remember All the Things
Shane Saeed (Elementary ELA Coordinator) and Adam Wellington (K-12 Social Studies Coordinator), St. Vrain Valley Schools

Room #: TBD

This session introduces future K-12 teachers to evidence-based Science of Learning practices, moving beyond passive study habits to focus on what truly drives long-term retention. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of how our brains learn and get to know the four Power Tools: Retrieval Practice, Spacing, Interleaving, and Feedback-Driven Metacognition. We will embed high-yield strategies future teachers can apply immediately to enhance their own learning and design more effective, memory-boosting instruction in their future classrooms.

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