Independent Schools 101
Learn about the criteria for being an independent school, how independent schools are structured, how they differ from charter or public schools and how they can be a place where new teachers thrive.

The First Year: Pace & Optimism
Hear about the predictable pace, patterns and levels of optimism when joining a new school to be prepared for the highs and lows of the school year. Learn to anticipate the pattern and predictable cycles of these first years while understanding the circumstances that will allow new teachers to flourish.

Importance of First Days: Classroom Management
Hear the research regarding the impact of routines and procedures while also anticipating the needs of students as they return to school. Consider the most effective routines and specific procedures to set the tone and ensure student engagement in all settings.

Creating Inviting Spaces for Learning Rosetta Lee, Seattle Girls’ School
How do identity dynamics show up in the classroom?  Learn how we can, in age-appropriate ways, support positive self-identity in our students and teach them to be positive influences on others’ identities. Together, we can co-create inclusive communities that work toward success for all.

Independent School Parents
Understand the essential components of strong and healthy relationships with independent school parents.

Communication Basics: Surviving a Bear Attack
Consider the dreaded 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. Also included will be effective approaches to parent/teacher conferences as well as communication with/about students.

Stages: Gifts & Needs
Hear about the unique needs of those in various stages of their careers and what you might offer and need from each other.

Legal Basics for New Educators Dana Fattore Crumley, Franczek PC
Learn the legal rights and responsibilities of teachers in the classroom on a myriad of issues including: student records and confidentiality, student discipline, bullying/harassment/discrimination, accommodation of individuals with disabilities, abused and neglected child reporting, supervision of students, guidance on establishing and maintaining professional and effective student/teacher relationships, and best practices to avoid liability for individuals and schools.

The Adventure of Being New: Becoming an Effective Team Member
Experience the challenges and opportunities of joining a new team while learning strategies and mindsets to build relationships that can be mutually beneficial.

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

Choose Your Own Adventure (Selection will be made on-site.)  
Part One:

Explore the backward design process for planning meaningful curriculum units by starting with the end in mind. Leave with tools to develop clear learning goals, design aligned assessments, and bring your unit to life in a way that engages early and elementary learners.

Explore the backward design process for planning meaningful curriculum units by starting with the end in mind for middle and upper school.

Dealing with a Difficult Email: Discuss how to effectively respond to a challenging email.

Planning for Effective Parent/Teacher Conferences: Learn how pre-planning, room arrangement, agenda, language, follow-up and other elements all contribute to a successful session with parents.

Part Two:

Identifying & Setting Boundaries for Students: Learn essential considerations for those who teach middle and upper school.

Designing Spaces for Learning: Learn how to set up early childhood and lower school classrooms with intention, focusing on room configuration and the concept of the classroom as the third teacher. Hear practical tips and simple strategies to create an engaging, functional space ready for learning on day one. 

Strategies for Self-care: Hear strategies related to the importance of taking  care of yourself while also caring for others.

Work on Your Own
Begin working on routines, procedures, curriculum, room design, or meet in small groups on any aspect of planning for the first days of school.

Creative Summations: Sharing What You Will Take With You
Celebrate and share what you think and feel about the year ahead.