SAVE THE DATE!

Presenter bios are forthcoming. 

DAY ONE – WEDNESDAY, JULY 26

What is an Independent School? 
Jill Webb, ISACS Director of Learning
Learn about the criteria for being an independent school, how independent schools are structured, how they are different than charter or public schools and how they can be a place where new teachers thrive.  

Starting Strong: Working with Today’s Independent School Parents
Robert Evans, Psychologist & Author 
For years, independent schools have been finding parents more difficult to work with—more anxious about their children and more consumerist in their approach to the school. This can present real challenges to new teachers. Drawing on the new book he co-wrote with Michael Thompson, Hopes and Fears: Working with Today’s Independent School Parents, Rob Evans will outline the causes and consequences of these changes and offer practical ways teachers can prevent problems and build strong relationships with parents.  

The Importance of the First Days
Mark Wagner, St. Andrew’s United Methodist Day School (MD)
Hear the research regarding the impact of routines and procedures while also anticipating the needs of students as they return to school.

Using Technology to Increase Student Engagement, Voice & Choice
Jeff Utecht, Educational Consultant
This session will focus on ways we can structure learning that increases student engagement, voice, and choice within a blended learning environment. We live in a dynamic ever-changing world full of opportunities to express ourselves. Our students are growing up in this world with more ways to show their learning and understanding than ever before. This session will focus on ways to structure learning and use reflection as a tool for assessment as well as technology tips and tricks to get your students engaged in creating with technology not just consuming with it. 

What New Teachers Need
Jill Webb, ISACS Director of Learning
Learn to anticipate the pattern and predictable cycles of these first years while understanding the circumstances that will allow new teachers to flourish.

DAY TWO – THURSDAY, JULY 27

Tips for New Teachers: Avoiding the Most Common Mistakes
Panel with ISACS Division Heads
Hear from experienced division heads as they share the strategies for success used by the most successful teachers. Learn where other new teachers have struggled and benefit from thoughtful and sage advice from school leaders.

Communication Basics: Surviving a Bear Attack
Ken Rogers, The Park School (MA)
Everyone dreads conversations that wind up intensifying into tense, even combative, interactions. By understanding the dynamics in these charged exchanges and managing your own emotions, you can more effectively de-escalate encounters. Leave with skills to manage these moments.

The Importance of Classroom Management
Jill Webb, ISACS Director of Learning
Consider the most effective routines and specific procedures to set the tone and ensure student engagement in all settings.

Divisional Conversations
Time to share and plan routines and procedures with others in the same role.

Backwards Curricular Design
Teacher Leaders
Join an experienced teacher as she walks you through the process of designing curriculum using a powerful backward design approach. Learn where to start with identification of what is worthy and requiring of understanding, what is evidence of understanding, and finally, which learning experiences promote deep understanding.

Legal Considerations for New Teachers
Sara Schwartz, Schwartz Hannum PC    
Join school attorney Sara Schwartz for a lively discussion of tips, traps, and best practices for interacting with students as a new teacher.  Topics will include mandated reporting requirements, social media considerations, establishing and maintaining appropriate boundaries, responding to applicants and students who may be or are disabled, and avoiding educational malpractice claims.  
 

DAY THREE – FRIDAY, JULY 28

Developing Cultural Competency
Brian Corley, Single Story 
This session will provide the foundation for learning how to establish positive relationships with others. Participants will begin to unpack events from their personal lives that influence the way they think, their beliefs, and their values. Participants will then use these self-discoveries to understand other’s perspectives and draw commonalities between themselves and others. There is no better way to prepare yourself for teaching in a diverse classroom and work environment than to explore your personal and professional identities in a safe and brave setting.

Three Adventures:

• How to Manage Yourself and Your Emotions When Faced with A Challenging Email, Ken Rogers
• Powerful Strategies for Conferencing with Parents, Jill Webb
• Boundaries When Working with Students/Parents: Protecting Yourself and Your Relationships, Mark Wagner

Helping Students to Manage Anxiety
Jonathan Dalton, Center for Anxiety and Behavioral Change
What should teachers do when anxiety affects education? Learn essential strategies for helping all children & adolescents with school-related anxiety. 

Creative Summations: Sharing What You Will Take with You
 

Recorded Webinar Access
We understand the unique and ongoing challenges. Therefore, ISACS will record each session. 

• The recordings will be available to registrants and will be exclusive to the registrant. Recorded links cannot be shared with non-registrants.
• Instructions for accessing the recordings will be sent via email to registrants within 2-3 business days after the conclusion of the Academy.
• Content and conversations that occur in breakout rooms will not be recorded.