ELEVATE! Virtual 2024

Who We Are

ELEVATE! is the premiere professional development for primary Pre-K - 2nd grade educators. Our selection of highly accomplished national speakers are either current teachers, administrators, specialists, coaches or consultants working in schools.

Founded in Research

All ELEVATE conference sessions are based on research and/or evidence-based content and practices, and guaranteed to be presented in a way that engages attendees in hands-on activities and models instructional bestpractices.

Next Day Implementation

Vetted Speakers

Every session you attend will provide you with lesson ideas and activity resources that you can take back to your classroom and use immediately!

At ELEVATE, we set the bar high! All presenters are required to support their presentation content with current research, model bestpractice instructional methods, incorporate active-engagement strategies within their sessions, and provide complementary lesson plans/activities for attendees to take back and use immediately in their classrooms.

WE ACCEPT PURCHASE ORDERS!

IMPORTANT INFO

CompleteTHISonlineforminit'sentirety.(Tobecompleted by1personfortheentireP.O.)

UploadyouractualP.O.usingthelinkprovidedontheform.If youdonothaveyourP.O.yet,STOPandgetitcompleted.

AfteryouhavesubmittedyourP.O.usingourform,we'llemail aninvoicetoyouwithin72hours.Paymentisduewithin30 days.(Noexceptionstothisduedate)

Science Of Reading

Classroom Management

Writing

Data Informed Instruction The Arts

Special Education

School Culture

Math

English Language Arts Science Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, & Accessibility

English Language Learners Social Emotional Learning Fine Motor

STEAM

Cross Curricular

erence Keynote

arning From Little Learners: ssroom Management sons From Kids

Mr. Greg | Keynote

his fun keynote, Mr. Greg will share some favorite ssroom management strategies and the stories of dents who inspired those strategies.

Meet Greg Smedley-Warren, affectionately known as “Mr. Greg,” an experienced, current kindergarten educator and the creative mind behind The Kindergarten Smorgasboard. With an impressive 18-year teaching journey, Greg’s expertise spans various grade levels, including a brief stint in fifth grade and two years in second grade. However, it was a reluctant transition to kindergarten that unveiled his true passion and calling. Initially hesitant about teaching kindergarteners, Greg’s journey took a heartwarming turn when he discovered an instant connection on the very first day. From that moment onward, he knew kindergarten was his destined path. Fueled by an unwavering dedication to his students, Greg has steadfastly remained in the kindergarten realm for 15 years, continually inspired by the boundless energy and curiosity of young learners.

Greg’s educational journey is adorned with notable achievements, including a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Indiana University and an ELL Certification from David Lipscomb University. His global teaching experience includes enriching summers spent teaching in Ecuador. Recognized as the 2014 Teacher of the Year, Greg’s influence extends far beyond his classroom walls, as an international speaker, presenter, and cofounder of the esteemed ELEVATE! conference for teachers. A passionate curriculum developer, Greg’s dedication to educational excellence shines through in all his endeavors, driven by his unwavering commitment to empowering both students and fellow educators alike.

ate and Culture: Yours

| Keynote

on you hold in a school, you e you hold tremendous power e and culture that permeates l. Be the best you can be, so elds change for the good of the mmunity.

Gerry Brooks is a veteran educator in Lexington, Kentucky. His educational experience includes six years in the classroom, two years as an intervention specialist, and 12 years as an administrator.

He is a passionate public speaker whose focus is on encouraging and helping teachers improve their instructional abilities. He also has a desire to help administrators successfully lead their staff.

An encouraging speaker, he has spoken to educational groups all around the nation. His focus is on encouraging teachers to improve their instruction through personal climate and culture strategies. He desires to help administrators focus on how to lead all staff in a positive and constructive manner.

Conference Keynote

About Barry

ncing the HEAD and HEART ovide THE EXPERIENCE

arry White | Keynote

a child can invest in the content, they must ou are invested in them." Barry dives into the f education, exploring the profound connection en academic excellence and emotional ement. Through stories and personal ences, Barry takes the audience on a journey g on the power of perspective in building a culture, authentic relationships and creating es for all students to thrive in today’s society.

Barry White Jr served as a fifth-grade reading teacher in Charlotte, NC, focusing on instilling a love for reading in his students. Currently, Mr. White serves as a Vice Principal in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School District. In 2016, Mr. White discovered that a practice he'd implemented as a sign of trust between him and his students had gone viral. Earning the title "Steve Harvey's Hero," Mr. White's increasing popularity stemmed from his relationship-building skills, which depicted him giving personalized handshakes to each of his students, attracting attention worldwide. His purpose is to stress the importance of individuality and the positive impact that providing individualized attention to each student can have, prompting a love for learning inside/outside the classroom. With his motto, "Before a child can invest in the content, they must know you are invested in them," he has been instrumental in encouraging the youth to use their platforms to motivate and inspire others. Additionally, Mr. White was featured in the Charlotte Observer for starting an extracurricular athletic program at his elementary school centered around raising collegiate students' interest with the help of fraternity and sorority members. Mr. White received the 2017 AABHE Pacesetter award, The CMS 2017 Teaching Excellence Award, The 2018 NC AT&T Heritage Calendar Honoree at the Governor's Mansion, The 2019 Black Fathers Rock Surrogate Father of The Year, and The CMPD & Community MVP award for his outstanding work in the community as well as The City of Charlotte.

Conference Keynote

pplying the Science of eading through the Brain’s ackdoor -

The "WHY"

y Katie Garner | Keynote

esearch on the science of reading brings us closer o understanding how the brain learns to read, but ot how the brain actually learns. This distinction is ritical when considering that the "end user” of our nstruction could be a 5 year-old eating his shoe and cking the carpet! Abstract phonics terms, like iphthongs, trigraphs, nasalizations and fricatives can e overwhelming, and not just for kids! Teachers, too, an get lost in the weeds with phonics terminology and rules only to forget what matters most, which is NOT to create mini-phonics masters, but to GET KIDS READING! To do this, kids need access to as much of the phonics code as possible, as fast and as soon as possible. Brain science provides us with the perfect roadmap, and it leads straight through the brain’s backdoor! bit.ly/SoRGroup

About Katie

Katie Garner, author of Secret Stories Cracking the Reading Code with the Brain in Mind, is an internationally known keynote speaker and literacy consultant with 30 years of classroom experience. Her “backdoor-to-thebrain” approach to phonics simplifies science of reading-based instruction by aligning existing curriculum with neural research showing how our brains learn best. Bringing neuroscience into the forefront of literacy and learning, Katie spotlights evidence-based strategies for fast-tracking the phonics skills kids need to read and write. Her practical and proven methods have been shared in both lecture and panel discussion at Harvard University and MIT, as well as in numerous professional journals, research articles and publications. Her Facebook Group, Science of Reading Meets Science of Learning of over 125,000 members provides ongoing support for educators and free instructional resources in the group bit.ly/SoRGroup.

Science of Reading

*Special Session*

pplying the Science of eading through the Brain’s ackdoor - The "HOW"

y Katie Garner | Special Session

r brains are wired to make connections, and it's sier to learn and store information when there's a miliar hook to hang it on. The most familiar hook is motion and the feelings that we all share. Emotions ve behavior and decision-making, especially if u’re a kid. Our brains develop from back to front, with e “feeling” based affective networks primed long fore the higher-level, executive processing centers e formed. By aligning abstract phonics skills with familiar feelings and behaviors that kids know and understand, like having a crush (au/aw), getting hurt (ou/ow), playing cars (er/ir/ur), pretending to be a superhero in disguise (long/short vowels), being sneaky (3 sounds of y), doing what your mom or babysitter tells you (open/closed syllables), etc., we can leverage earlier-developing “backdoor” learning systems to fasttrack advanced phonics knowledge and GET KIDS READING—sooner, easier, and faster! bit.ly/SoRGroup

About Katie

Katie Garner, author of Secret Stories Cracking the Reading Code with the Brain in Mind, is an internationally known keynote speaker and literacy consultant with 30 years of classroom experience. Her “backdoor-to-thebrain” approach to phonics simplifies science of reading-based instruction by aligning existing curriculum with neural research showing how our brains learn best. Bringing neuroscience into the forefront of literacy and learning, Katie spotlights evidence-based strategies for fast-tracking the phonics skills kids need to read and write. Her practical and proven methods have been shared in both lecture and panel discussion at Harvard University and MIT, as well as in numerous professional journals, research articles and publications. Her Facebook Group, Science of Reading Meets Science of Learning of over 125,000 members provides ongoing support for educators and free instructional resources in the group bit.ly/SoRGroup.

writing

erence Session

Science of Writing: Goodbye ter's Workshop. Hello dence-Based Instruction!

Holly Ehle

n Holly as she shares what the "The Science of iting" reveals about how children most effectively rn to become proficient writers! Say GOODBYE to iter's Workshop....and HELLO to evidence-based ting instruction! In this session, you will learn all out the importance of teaching transcription skills, ntax, grammar, the writing process and more! And e best part is.... You can do it in less than 15 minutes day!

Research supporting this session

Holly is a full time educator who has over 20 years of experience teaching kindergarten and serving as an early literacy specialist. She currently has the very unique opportunity of teaching both beginning readers AND preservice teachers in her new position as a Professor of Reading Science, teaching both in the college classroom and in the university’s science of reading pre-k - 4th grade model school program. Holly is passionate about student engagement, differentiated instruction, early literacy, and educational neuroscience. She is currently wrapping up her Ph.D. in Reading, Language, & Literacy with a specialization in Educational Neuroscience and loves helping teachers better understand exactly how the brain learns when beginning to read and write. Professionally, her mission is to teach EVERY child to be a proficient reader and writer, including those with dyslexia and/or other learning challenges. Outside of the classroom, her mission is to help teachers bridge the gap between research and practice in fun and engaging ways. Holly is also dedicated to giving back to educators who work so hard in the classroom, and it was this shared passion that forged her connection with the Kindergarten Smorgasboard/ELEVATE team.

C ference Session

About Whitney

Whitney Ramirez Writing Piece in a Week!

aching writing in the primary grades can feel erwhelming, and at times can be daunting. But, the ting process does not have to be scary! In this sion, you will get tips for how to run your writing ck in a way that you and your students are able to mplete a writing piece in a week! You will also rn strategies on how to manage writing nferences with your students. You will leave this sion feeling confident and ready to write with your ss!

Research supporting this session

Whitney Ramirez is a first and second grade teacher in San Diego, CA. Currently in her eleventh year of teaching, Whitney has taught five different grade levels, experienced a variety of school cultures, and worked with many unique teaching personalities. She loves public speaking, and even had a moment where she made it to the third audition round at American Idol (way back in 2010!). She also has two Master’s degrees, and was a D1 collegiate athlete, playing lacrosse at St. Mary’s College of CA. There are things that she learned on the field that have made her a better leader and teacher. When she’s not in her classroom, you’ll most likely find her snuggling with her mini goldendoodle Gus, reading at the beach, or grabbing a beer at a brewery (usually accompanied with a slice of pizza). Whitney loves a good happy hour, playing board games with her husband, and bingeing some Netflix or Bravo.

About LeAnna

rence Session

Right Up! Write This

g all Jr. Writers! Let’s explore and discover ways your thoughts down on paper. By using novelty and engaging experiences during writing time, be setting the stage for creative storytelling. nnovative ideas to strengthen your students’ ction to their writing while creating a print rich nment that fosters collaboration and brings out eative side of your young writers.

Research supporting this session

LeAnna Wolkis Goldstein is an energetic and passionate Kindergarten Teacher from Arizona with over 25 years of teaching experience. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University, a Master’s Degree from NAU, an Early Childhood Endorsement and achieved the rigorous advanced credentials of National Board Certification. While teaching in her award-winning classroom, The “Wolkis Wonderland,” she designs mini hands-on center based stations that are brought to life with novel realia. As a nationally recognized presenter, LeAnna empowers educators to create cooperative learning environments utilizing music, movement & manipulatives that foster 100% student engagement. Follow along inside LeAnna’s magical experiences on Instagram: @wolkiswonderland Twitter: @WolkisWonders and her website: Wolkis Wonders.

Anna Wolkis Goldstein

About Katie

rence Session

pinionated

atie Knight

h boy do little kids have opinions, but they find it to get them down on paper! Not anymore! e learn 5 game changer strategies to help your nts "Be Opinionated" in their writing! Katie's ns are fast paced and fun. She will have you ng and downloading goodies that will make on writing a breeze!

Research supporting this session

Katie Knight teaches 1st grade and loves to share her hacks, plans and ideas! Katie welcomes you in, gets real, has you laughing, and helps you feel energized and equipped to take action! Katie speaks nationally at conferences, and you can find her on social media, Teachers Pay Teachers and her blog, under Teacher To The Core!

english language arts

About Keri

rence Session

eri Brown Read Aloud Playbook

Keri in this engaging session as she shares ch-backed insights and actionable strategies hance your read-aloud sessions. Explore the ial components for successful read-alouds, as improving comprehension, boosting ulary, fostering critical thinking, and nurturing a n for reading. Leave with a valuable playbook ning a wealth of activities and resources that mpower you to enrich your read-alouds and a genuine love for reading among your nts.

Research supporting this session

Keri works as a math interventionist for grades K-2 in Alabama. She’s taught both kindergarten and 1st grade her entire teaching career. She’s all about mixing hands-on activities and meaningful tech use into her lessons. Thriving to be a lifelong learner, she is always on the lookout for fresh ways to engage her students and help fellow teachers. She shares her teaching ideas and what she’s learned along the way through her platform, Enchanted Kinder Garden.

Conference Session

y Ashley Schroeder ading Stations Simplified

e you looking for a meaningful, student led, and per low-prep way to foster student independence your classroom so that you can be available to ork with small groups of your students? Join Ashley she breaks down a simplified and systematic pproach to the implementation of effective reading ations in a primary classroom. She will share what ose independent reading stations look like for your udents, provide you with the tools you need to get arted, and guide you on your way to kicking off our own reading stations - simplified!

Research supporting this session

About Ashley

Ashley Schroeder is a 2nd grade teacher teaching in Northeast Ohio. Ashley is a graduate of Penn State University with a degree in Elementary Education, and she received her Master’s in Education from Saint Francis University. She is passionate about creating an engaging and positive classroom environment for her students and, via social media and conferences like Elevate, loves to collaborate with as well as share her practical and effective classroom ideas with teachers like you.

ence Session

abet Knowledge: Too h

Too Soon, Too Fast

t Last

aríaMercedes Champion

how to teach alphabet knowledge at a slow, eady pace to foster joy, excitement, and longlearning. In this session, explore a variety of aches that encourage understanding, rather ote learning of letter names and sounds. Plus, er how to use children's names, songs, and -on activities to build alphabet knowledge that

Research supporting this session

cedes Champion, an early childhood teacher Colombia, Spain and the USA, with over 18 years in the Pre-k classroom. I love creating songs, activities, and a playful rich language environment for my students. I am passionate about sharing what I have learned and created with other educators, to learn and PLAY together.

math

Conference Session

About Abigail

aningful Math Tubs Little Learners

y Abigail Peterson

arn how to incorporate math tubs into your dependent math practice time. Gain new ideas for aking these math tubs meaningful, engaging, plus each math learning standard or skill.

Research supporting this session

Abigail Peterson is a Nevada licensed teacher, curriculum creator, national speaker and author of the website, Kindergarten Chaos, LLC. She spent 14 years teaching Kindergarten in the public school system and recently transitioned to supervising student teachers for a university. In addition, she fills her teacher cup by working with little learners in her home classroom/studio on a weekly basis.

erence Session

ath Marvels: Math Strategies Early Childhood

y Mr. Greg

plore innovative ways to enhance your math truction. Uncover methods such as interactive lendar routines, math review, mental math, minisons, small groups, and centers to build math skills ily. These strategies not only cater to your students' dividual needs, but also encourage the velopment of higher-order thinking and problemving skills.

Research supporting this session

About Mr. Greg

Meet Greg Smedley-Warren, affectionately known as “Mr. Greg,” an experienced, current kindergarten educator and the creative mind behind The Kindergarten Smorgasboard. With an impressive 18-year teaching journey, Greg’s expertise spans various grade levels, including a brief stint in fifth grade and two years in second grade. However, it was a reluctant transition to kindergarten that unveiled his true passion and calling. Initially hesitant about teaching kindergarteners, Greg’s journey took a heartwarming turn when he discovered an instant connection on the very first day. From that moment onward, he knew kindergarten was his destined path. Fueled by an unwavering dedication to his students, Greg has steadfastly remained in the kindergarten realm for 15 years, continually inspired by the boundless energy and curiosity of young learners.

Greg’s educational journey is adorned with notable achievements, including a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Indiana University and an ELL Certification from David Lipscomb University. His global teaching experience includes enriching summers spent teaching in Ecuador. Recognized as the 2014 Teacher of the Year, Greg’s influence extends far beyond his classroom walls, as an international speaker, presenter, and cofounder of the esteemed ELEVATE! conference for teachers. A passionate curriculum developer, Greg’s dedication to educational excellence shines through in all his endeavors, driven by his unwavering commitment to empowering both students and fellow educators alike.

C ference Session

th Outside the Curriculum

Whitney Ramirez

nning centers in your classroom is exciting, gaging, and super fun, but also can be daunting. hether you’re a new teacher just starting out, or a eran teacher looking to shake things up, I’m here you! During this session, you will learn strategies on w to plan and weave multiple standards into your all groups, as well as ways to successfully organize nters in your classroom. You will also have the ance to see math centers in actions in a 1st and d grade classroom. Let’s organize your math block e a pro!

Research supporting this session

About Whitney

Whitney Ramirez is a first and second grade teacher in San Diego, CA. Currently in her eleventh year of teaching, Whitney has taught five different grade levels, experienced a variety of school cultures, and worked with many unique teaching personalities. She loves public speaking, and even had a moment where she made it to the third audition round at American Idol (way back in 2010!). She also has two Master’s degrees, and was a D1 collegiate athlete, playing lacrosse at St. Mary’s College of CA. There are things that she learned on the field that have made her a better leader and teacher. When she’s not in her classroom, you’ll most likely find her snuggling with her mini goldendoodle Gus, reading at the beach, or grabbing a beer at a brewery (usually accompanied with a slice of pizza). Whitney loves a good happy hour, playing board games with her husband, and bingeing some Netflix or Bravo.

cross curricular

About Hilary

erence Session

ake Learning Fun!

y Hilary Statum

crease excitement with these unique tips! Hilary elieves every single standard can be taught in a fun ay. In fact, students won't even realize how much ey are learning. Discover how to teach essential LA, Math, Science, and Social Studies standards in ngaging ways using budget-friendly ideas. You'll ead back to the classroom with exciting inspiration nd new games that will transform your teaching!

Research supporting this session

Hilary Statum is an ESL teacher and Reading Instructor in Middle Tennessee with over 15 years of experience at the school she attended. She has experience teaching kindergarten, first, transitional-first, second, fourth, and fifth graders! She is the published author of two books, Solar System for Kids and Kindergarten Activity Book: Unicorns and the face behind Pencils to Pigtails, a blog for parents and teachers. She holds a Master’s Degree in Instructional Leadership and enjoys coordinating and teaching her school district’s free parent English class. Her favorite days are spent with her two young girls and baby boy, husband, parents, siblings, and the rest of her very large extended family. You can connect with Hilary on all social media platforms using the handle @pencilstopigtails.

Conference Session

atic Play: So Much Than Home Living

mie Hubbard

VATE your home living center with wonderful mations! From farm to fairytales, we can up agement in your home living centers with a letin board paper and a lot of imagination!

Research supporting this session

this experience! Pre-K is near and dear to my heart as I have been in the early childhood world for more than 20 years! Serving previously as a teacher and currently as an early childhood specialist in Rutherford County, Tennessee, my passion is helping teachers find THEIR passion for early learning! Let’s learn together!

Conference Session

Stephanie Higgs eativity Unleashed!

eative Thinking Strategies for the Classroom engaged learners can only lead to “treble.” If eative thinking skills are not your forte, this esentation can help! Listen as this Music City acher presents key notes on embedding creative nking strategies. Learn a few new pieces to add to ur repertoire. You will leave all jazzed up about egrating creativity for learners! Learning Outcomes rticipants will:

• Explore strategies for creatively gaging students, developing the tenets supported the research of Dr. Paul E. Torrance including ency, flexibility, elaboration and originality • orporate creativity theory and research into the art of teaching to design lessons and learning experiences to increase creative productivity in gifted learners

• Consider how passion-based learning affects the apathetic and disengaged gifted learners to reignite their learning

About Stephanie

Research supporting this session

Little Miss Gifted, Stephanie Higgs, is an award-winning gifted educator and differentiation coach in Nashville, Tennessee. After a decade of teaching Pre-K, 2nd grade, and 4th grade, Stephanie has a heart for lightening the ever-increasing burden of general educators nationwide! Stephanie is an international professional development presenter who is known for her passion and high energy. Plan to leave Stephanie's sessions with easy-toimplement strategies you can put in place the very next day! Her sessions are can't-miss!!

Conference Session

Creating Classroom Learning Experiences for morrow Learners

Kara Rigsby & Megan Diede

ke learning come to life! Are you ready to bring ck the love and joy of teaching and see your dents excited to come to your class? Come join us learn how to create classroom experiences that dents will remember. Leave with ideas, tools, and ources to start using in your classroom tomorrow. time to change the classroom of today to start aching the students of tomorrow.

About Kara and Megan

Research supporting this session

Kara Rigsby is a professional development expert, instructional strategies specialist, forward-thinking educational leader, and current educator who strives to enhance and improve how instruction is being delivered all while increasing student growth and teacher effectiveness in the classroom. Kara works with educators at all levels specializing in curriculum mapping and developing integrated subject units to enhance student growth and teacher effectiveness. With over a decade of classroom experience, Kara has first-hand expertise in implementing innovative instructional strategies and developing classroom learning experiences that will transform the classroom of today for the students of tomorrow. Megan Diede is an educational leader, professional development expert, and current classroom teacher who has passion to bring back the joy in teaching by improving the way instruction is being delivered in the standard classroom. Megan works with educators at all levels specializing in creating classroom learning experiences and integrated subject units to improve student success. With more than a decade of experience in the elementary classroom, she has the hands-on experience to be able to transform instructional practices.

nference Session

eractive Designs in ogle Slides

y Katie Wonderly

s time to step up your Google Slides game and get udents excited about and interacting with your ontent on their own devices! While most of the xamples in this session will be directly related to ementary music, all teachers will be able to take e tips, tricks, and hacks Katie shares and apply em immediately to their own content area!

Research supporting this session

About Katie

Katie is an eighth-year elementary music teacher, making music with her favorite young musicians in Oklahoma City. She graduated with her Bachelor's Degree in Vocal Music Education from Oklahoma City University and is a Kodály-certified educator. She was named the 2020 Putnam City District Teacher of the Year and the 2021 Outstanding Young Music Educator for the Oklahoma Music Educators Association. Katie is passionate about teaching music by all people to all people, aiming for every student to leave her room knowing their voice matters and that they are an essential part of the ensemble.

classroom management

erence Session

xcite! Explore! Discover! lassroom Engagement nveiled

y Mr. Greg

mbark on a journey of discovery in this session, here you'll uncover simple, classroom-proven ideas, tivities, and games that captivate and motivate udents. From sensory learning, to math and phonics tivities, games, and inspiring art projects, you'll gain wealth of ideas and inspiration to infuse energy into ur classroom.

Research supporting this session

About Mr. Greg

Meet Greg Smedley-Warren, affectionately known as “Mr. Greg,” an experienced, current kindergarten educator and the creative mind behind The Kindergarten Smorgasboard. With an impressive 18-year teaching journey, Greg’s expertise spans various grade levels, including a brief stint in fifth grade and two years in second grade. However, it was a reluctant transition to kindergarten that unveiled his true passion and calling. Initially hesitant about teaching kindergarteners, Greg’s journey took a heartwarming turn when he discovered an instant connection on the very first day. From that moment onward, he knew kindergarten was his destined path. Fueled by an unwavering dedication to his students, Greg has steadfastly remained in the kindergarten realm for 15 years, continually inspired by the boundless energy and curiosity of young learners.

Greg’s educational journey is adorned with notable achievements, including a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Indiana University and an ELL Certification from David Lipscomb University. His global teaching experience includes enriching summers spent teaching in Ecuador. Recognized as the 2014 Teacher of the Year, Greg’s influence extends far beyond his classroom walls, as an international speaker, presenter, and cofounder of the esteemed ELEVATE! conference for teachers. A passionate curriculum developer, Greg’s dedication to educational excellence shines through in all his endeavors, driven by his unwavering commitment to empowering both students and fellow educators alike.

erence Session

mall Groups Simplified

y Mr. Greg

mplify your workload and streamline small group truction with this session. Discover how to amlessly integrate your whole group instruction o small groups, effectively reducing your planning me and workload. Gain insights into organizational s, research-based lessons, and phonics activities. tness small group instruction in action through real amples from a kindergarten classroom.

Research supporting this session

About Mr. Greg

Meet Greg Smedley-Warren, affectionately known as “Mr. Greg,” an experienced, current kindergarten educator and the creative mind behind The Kindergarten Smorgasboard. With an impressive 18-year teaching journey, Greg’s expertise spans various grade levels, including a brief stint in fifth grade and two years in second grade. However, it was a reluctant transition to kindergarten that unveiled his true passion and calling. Initially hesitant about teaching kindergarteners, Greg’s journey took a heartwarming turn when he discovered an instant connection on the very first day. From that moment onward, he knew kindergarten was his destined path. Fueled by an unwavering dedication to his students, Greg has steadfastly remained in the kindergarten realm for 15 years, continually inspired by the boundless energy and curiosity of young learners.

Greg’s educational journey is adorned with notable achievements, including a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Indiana University and an ELL Certification from David Lipscomb University. His global teaching experience includes enriching summers spent teaching in Ecuador. Recognized as the 2014 Teacher of the Year, Greg’s influence extends far beyond his classroom walls, as an international speaker, presenter, and cofounder of the esteemed ELEVATE! conference for teachers. A passionate curriculum developer, Greg’s dedication to educational excellence shines through in all his endeavors, driven by his unwavering commitment to empowering both students and fellow educators alike.

Conference Session

Can I Have Your Attention? How Effectively Use Attention abbers During Circle Time

y Mr. Jay

ds can have a hard time with emotional regulation d being redirected while learning during Circle me activities. Join Mr. Jay as he offers fun, gaging techniques to help you keep your students otivated and engaged during Circle Time. Mr. Jay l provide tips on how to use your body to help udents improve their engagement and focus. He'll o share insight on how to use colors and gestures help students control their thoughts and actions. sure to join Mr. Jay as gives you tips and resources techniques from inside a PK-4 classroom to plement it back into yours!

About Mr. Jay

Research supporting this session

My name is Jeremy Sturdivant Sr. (Mr. Jay) I’m originally from York, Alabama, and I am a Lead Pre-k Teacher. I’ve been teaching and living in Atlanta, Georgia for 8 years now. I am very passionate about teaching our youth new ideas and strategies. I enjoy being the person in a child’s life who listens to their thoughts and feelings. Being able to watch children grow and learn is amazing. Teaching in ECE is special to me because I help with setting the educational foundation in their journey of becoming respectful, intelligent, and well-rounded individuals. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and I’m currently in Grad school getting my Master’s Degree in Secondary Education of Mathematics with an emphasis in STEM. Although academics is important, I love to focus on daily interactions that encourage social, emotional, and physical development.

Conference Session

nd Tricks To A Smooth ng Classroom

h Pittman

nd learn simple tips and tricks to a smooth classroom! Come see how Beth uses songs, games and more to keep her students d and keep behavior issues to a minimum.

Research supporting this session

About Beth

Beth has been teaching in the classroom for 18 years! She has taught K-2 and is currently a 1st Grade teacher in California. Beth is passionate about giving her students choice in the classroom, positive classroom management and building relationships with students and families.

Conference Session

say Harrison ng for

Success

an just managing! Learn how to set up your m and plan your day in a way that promotes behavior and creates smoother transitions. tips and tricks to help build a sense of g in the classroom and keep challenging s at a minimum.

Research supporting this session

About Lindsay

Lindsay is a full-time teacher and curriculum designer who loves to share her classroom ideas on her page, Teaching the Whole Child. She has taught preschool-Kindergarten for the past 19 years and has a master's degree in Early Childhood Education. She lives outside of Atlanta with her husband and two children.

Conference Session

About Shannon

ce Upon a Classroom:

aking

the Most of Your

agical

Fairytale Unit

y Shannon Cunningham Lanning

ome prepared to unlock the transformative power fairytale teaching, turning your classroom into a alm of wonder and exploration. Whether you're a asoned educator or just starting your teaching dventure, this session will equip you with the tools nd inspiration to create an enchanting learning nvironment that inspires young hearts and minds. et ready to say, "Once upon a time, in our assroom..."

Research supporting this session

Shannon Cunningham Lanning is an early literacy educator and coach in a public school district in North Texas. Over her education career, Shannon has spent time in classrooms in Arizona, Nebraska, and the great state of Texas. Shannon has a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. Shannon is certified to teach preschool - 6th grade as well as English as a Second Language. With a passion for teaching both students and teachers, Shannon’s goal is for classrooms to be a place where students can grow and thrive academically and emotionally. You will find that Shannon's sessions are packed with research and strategies to help you teach with joy and confidence!

science

Conference Session

y Amoson egrating Science and Studies

About Mary

h your supply of fresh ideas and hands-on s for making science content and social opics meaningful to little learners. Attend this to see how to integrate multiple content to science and social studies while making fun for your class. STEM activities, art and games will help your students learn like efore!

Research supporting this session

Mary is an enthusiastic and passionate current Kindergarten teacher from Georgia with 19 years of experience. She holds a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education and an Educational Specialist Degree in Instructional Technology. Recently, Mary earned an endorsement in Dyslexia. In addition to teaching full-time, Mary finds joy presenting to educators across the country for more than 15 years. She loves sharing engaging ideas, hands-on activities, and rigorous content that has worked with her own kindergartners through her website, Sharing Kindergarten. Mary is committed to instilling passion in teachers because she believes that passion is truly the secret to increasing learning and achievement.

special education

Conference Session

ponding to Misbehavior pecial Education

Anne Marie Phelan

s session will show you how to connect the ponsive classroom approach with tools to track dents' behavior and to diminish unexpected haviors in the classroom. Anne Marie will show you w to become curious with behavior instead of ng to combat or become frustrated by it.

Research supporting this session

I am a Massachusetts s native and began my teacher career in 2017 in Acton, Massachusetts. I worked for two years as a special educator for grade K-6, then switched to the general education setting. Being dual certified allows me to meet the needs of all students and differentiate within my classroom. I am currently on my seventh year as a 1st-3rd grade special education teacher. On the side I create and share free resources for educators to bring back to their classrooms.

Conference Session

kering with STEAM: The wer of Loose Parts

Melysa Mei

nkering with STEAM: The Power of Loose Parts" is engaging and interactive session designed for ucators who want more hands on learning. rticipants will dive into the transformative world of se parts, uncovering their vast potential in hancing STEAM education. This session will minate the cognitive and developmental benefits play, offer strategies for incorporating everyday se parts into lessons, and feature hands-on tivities to showcase the expansive creativity these esources can ignite in students of all ages.

About Melysa

Research supporting this session

Melysa is currently a Pre-K teacher in the country’s largest school system where she practices an open-ended child-led philosophy through play. With over 16 years and a variety of experiences in the realm of early childhood, Melysa spreads the play-based love through her business, Pre-K Spot. When she is not teaching she is hanging with her husband, two young boys and rescue doggy.

Conference Session

About Michael

STEAM Commanders: Tactical aching for Tomorrow

Michael Newman

EAM Commanders is a dynamic session that otlights the creativity and innovation of STEAM ucation. Participants will embark on an interactive rney, learning how to integrate STEAM principles o their teaching practices, equip teachers with ective strategies and resources to integrate EAM into their lesson plans and foster laboration, creativity, and critical thinking in the ssroom.

Research supporting this session

Michael Newman is the Lead STEAM Teacher for his Texas school district. Newman has taught for 7 years, first grade, Kindergarten and now 3rd Grade Math & Science. He graduated from Lamar University and holds an EC-6 Core Subjects certification, and a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology Leadership. He is married to his high school sweetheart and has two beautiful daughters. He enjoys family time, cooking, party planning and attending AMAZING professional developments that empower teachers.

data informed instruction

Conference Session

to Knowledge: ost of Your

instruction by digging deeper n this session we will examine egies for collecting, analyzing cy data that will have a direct hievement. Attendees will be specific skill gaps, target areas and tailor instruction to meet s.

Research supporting this session

in Ohio. She has over 25 years as an Ohio Teacher of the Year udent engagement and active ent creator on Instagram is to lp and inspire other educators.

THE ARTS

Conference Session

Debbie Clement he Arts Add STEAM to our Day

music and movement to your day and SING into nce with STEAM! Use the patterns within music to ate a foundation for math. Scaffold your reography. Design authentic Art experiences to end picture books. Let's LEAP into literacy through g lyrics on metamorphosis in a scientifically urate romp that combines inquiry, discovery, and itement. Recharge your battery!

About Debbie

Research supporting this session

Debbie Clement has over 25 years of experience as a “music-lady” – having written and recorded over 100 original songs for children – and has turned 5 of her songs into four traditional picture books as an author/illustrator. She has provided staff development on literacy through the Arts from coast to coast at conferences large and small. Her humorous and invigorating presentations have garnered three national Keynote stages, including Vegas and the Jumbotron screen for a gathering of Kindergarten teachers from across the country. In addition, she has toured internationally to our military bases across Europe.

school culture

ence Session

ng Data-Informed ol Culture

am Dovico

ting session centered around data? It can’t t’s possible when Adam shows you that data boring or scary word. Join in on a journey ways to facilitate conversations, instructional ments, and student-led activities around a data-informed culture at your school!

Research supporting this session

Adam Dovico is an accomplished teacher, curriculum facilitator, principal, professor, speaker, and author. For the past two decades, he has taught students of all ages through his engaging and rigorous teaching style. He has also provided professional development for educators from around the world through his keynotes, workshops, and books. You can often find Adam standing on a table or chair dressed in one of his signature outrageous and amusing suits. He has been recognized by organizations such as the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund, Learning for Justice, and the Atlanta Falcons for his leadership and teaching, and he continues to work for greater equity in schools through his culturally responsive pedagogy. You can learn more about Adam's teaching and leadership online at adamdovico.com, on social media @adamdovico, or in his books: Inside the Trenches, The Limitless School, and When Kids Lead.

nce Session

ng Identity & n in K-2 Classrooms

ew DEIA-focused session, you will learn activities, and tweaks that you can to make inclusion and equity a VERB in om. We will also explore research about e impact that accessibility and visibility udent motivation and achievement. No age group, students learn best when they ard, and acknowledged.

Research supporting this session

n his teaching career in Milwaukee, WI in cy and phonics instruction, Jake built a ngaging and rhythmic phonics lessons. He is extremely passionate about structured literacy and inclusive classrooms. Jake is in his 8th year of teaching and currently teaches First Grade. On the side, Jake mentors college students as they work through their senior year courses in elementary literacy. He is thrilled to be back for a third year at ELEVATE! aggett

English language learners

Conference Session

About Jackie

Transformations to rt English Language ers

kie Powell

in our country, we have a large influx of whose dominant language is something an English. Many teachers are struggling to w to help them with academics along with the English language. In this session, we will he steps of language acquisition and I will examples of how room transformations can these students. You will also see how to ate activities for those students based on el of English language acquisition.

Research supporting this session

Jackie Powell is a K-5 Reading Interventionist in Middle Tennessee. She has over 20 years experience in grades K-3. She has a passion for working with students and helping them become their best. She is passionate about creating positive classroom and school culture. You can reach her at mspowellsowls44@gmail.com or on Twitter and Instagram @MsPowellsOwls.

social emotional learning

erence Session

come an SEL Writing tective!

y Crystal Oswald

nd yourself having writer’s block? Not sure where to art? Social Emotional Learning can “crack that ase!” Be an SEL detective with Crystal as she vestigates common writing problems and how to lve them by integrating SEL.

Research supporting this session

About Crystal

Crystal Oswald is a district service coach in the North Shore of Chicago. She works with a variety of schools as an instructional coach with an emphasis on Social Emotional Learning and literacy. Prior to this position, she was an SEL Curriculum and Instruction Specialist for 3 years and an elementary school teacher (grades 1-5) for 14 years. In her spare time, you can find her hanging out with family and friends, reading, golfing, or doing home improvements.

Conference Session

mbedding SEL into Daily actices

y Allie Szczecinski

ocial emotional learning doesn't have to be just ne more thing" added on to your plate! Learn ategies on how to teach coping skills, emotional gulation, executive functioning tricks, and more in n embedded and fluid way across your school day.

Research supporting this session

About Allie

Allie Szczecinski is the voice behind Miss Behavior. She is a wife, mom, special educator, children's book author, and social emotional learning coach. Allie creates resources with a social emotional learning and behavior focus on Teachers Pay Teachers, and runs The Behavior Supports Library, a monthly membership. With a master's degree and over 13 years of professional experience, she is a go-to resource for educators everywhere!

Conference Session

w Music and Stories Support and Language in Early ldhood

Pam Gittleman

s informative, interactive webinar begins with sic information on how music impacts early ldhood development from infancy. We then focus the connection between music/stories and cial/emotional learning, using examples of how lody, lyrics, narrative and illustrations impact that rning. We also discuss how children acquire guage skills and the role of rhyming songs in lding those skills. Familiar childhood songs and ries as well as songs from Nursery Rhymes for der Times® are used as examples throughout the presentation. The webinar wraps up with how to use music/stories to support skills in early childhood settings during daily routines. It also underscores how songs/stories can be shared with and used by families to support SEL and language skills at home to extend the learning and strengthen the home/school connection.

About Pam

Research supporting this session

Pam Gittleman has been an early childhood music educator for over 25 years with a passion for singing, rhyming, reading stories and making music with preschoolers. She created Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times to provide the next generation of families and young children with updated rhymes that are fun, relevant and kind! As a Harvard Advanced Leadership Initiative Senior Fellow, she immersed herself in coursework at the Graduate School of Education and created research-based resources that pair with her updated rhymes to support the social and emotional skill development of our youngest learners.

Research Citations

All ELEVATE conference sessions are based on research. It is one of our requirements to be a speaker for ELEVATE.

MathTubsforLittleLearnersbyAbigailPeterson

Cecilia O Ekwueme1, Esther E Ekon1 & Dorothy C Ezenwa-Nebife (2015) The Impact of Hands-On-Approach on Student Academic Performance in Basic Science and Mathematics Pearson, P D , McVee, M B , & Shanahan, L E (2019) In the Beginning: The Historical and Conceptual Genesis of the Gradual Release of Responsibility1. In The gradual release of responsibility in literacy research and practice (Vol. 10, pp. 1-21). Emerald Publishing Limited. Kong, A. (2002). Scaffolding in a Learning Community of Practice: A Case Study of a Gradual Release of Responsibility from the Teacher to the Students. Fisher, D. O. U. G. L. A. S., & Frey, N. A. N. C. Y. (2013). Gradual release of responsibility instructional framework. IRA essentials, 1-8

CreatingaData-InformedSchoolCulturebyAdamDovico

Earl, L M , & Katz, S (Eds ) (2006) Leading schools in a data-rich world: Harnessing data for school improvement Corwin Press.

Park, V. (2018). Leading data conversation moves: Toward data-informed leadership for equity and learning. Educational Administration Quarterly, 54(4), 617-647.

Schildkamp, K. (2019). Data-based decision-making for school improvement: Research insights and gaps. Educational research, 61(3), 257-273.

Schildkamp, K., Poortman, C. L., Ebbeler, J., & Pieters, J. M. (2019). How school leaders can build effective data teams: Five building blocks for a new wave of data-informed decision making. Journal of educational change, 20, 283-325.

DemystifyingCopingSkillsforKidsbyAllieSzczecinski

Abdelmageed, Reham I , et al “Coping Strategies among Children and Adolescents: Validity and Reliability of the Arabic Version of the Kidcope Scale.” Heliyon, vol. 8, no. 1, 1 Jan. 2022, p. e08706, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844021028097?

fbclid=IwAR0gVuFDLTqqOsOH6fQFyuHy0LzVnipGKl0eiCzbrZ94mfmvv7V3gLugp3o, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08706. Accessed 11 Apr. 2022.

BetterKidCare, Penn State Extension. “Promoting Coping Skills.” Plone Site, extension.psu.edu/programs/betterkidcare/news/promoting-coping-skills.

Brasher, Joan “New Research Identifies Best Coping Strategies for Kids ” Vanderbilt University, 2017, news vanderbilt edu/2017/07/20/new-research-identifies-best-coping-strategies-for-kids/ Child Mind Institute “How to Model Healthy Coping Skills ”

Child Mind Institute, childmind org/article/how-to-model-healthy-coping-skills/ Cohen, Leonora M., and Erica Frydenberg. Coping for capable kids: Strategies for parents, teachers, and students. PRUFROCK PRESS INC., 2006.

Purcell, M., & Glinder, K. (2022). Teaching Kids to Pause, Cope, and Connect: Lessons for Social Emotional Learning and Mindfulness. Free Spirit Publishing.

SupportingStudentsWithChallengingBehaviorsIntheClassroombyAnneMariePhelan

Mihm, Claudia M "Why Teach Coding to Early Elementary Learners " Teaching Computational Thinking and Coding to Young Children IGI Global, 2021 21-40

Collet-Klingenberg, L , & Franzone, E (2008) Overview of social narratives Madison, WI: The National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin.

Carla Shalaby on Radically Inclusive Discipline (2021). https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/carla-shalaby-on-radicallyinclusive-discipline

Research Citations

All ELEVATE conference sessions are based on research. It is one of our requirements to be a speaker for ELEVATE.

ReadingStationsSimplifiedbyAshleySchroeder

Yonchai, P (2023) The Development of the Blended Learning Model Using Rotating Stations (BLRS) in the Case of a Small Elementary School https://ejer com tr/manuscript/index php/journal/article/view/1103 Oktarianto, M. L., Hidayat, A., Ghofur, A., & Dasna, I. W. (2023). The Effect of Station Rotation Learning Model on Critical Thinking in Elementary School-level Students. KnE Social Sciences, 134-144.

StrategiesforSeamlessClassroomManagementandStudentEngagement"byBethPittman

"Moreno, G. (2021). Stemming exclusionary school discipline: implementing culturally attuned positive behavior practices. Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1080/13632752.2021.1930907 Patall, E. A., Cooper, H., & Wynn, S R (2010) The effectiveness and relative importance of choice in the classroom Journal of Educational Psychology, 102(4), 896–915 https://doi org/10 1037/a0019545 Simonsen, B , Sugai, G , & Negron, M (2008) Schoolwide Positive Behavior Supports TEACHING Exceptional Children, 40(6), 32–40 https://doi org/10 1177/004005990804000604 Sobeck, E. E., & Reister, M. (2020). Preventing challenging behavior: 10 behavior management strategies every teacher should know. Preventing School Failure: Alternative Education for Children and Youth, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1080/1045988x.2020.1821347 "

BecomeanSELWritingDetective!byCrystalOswald

Zins, J. E. (2004). Chapter 7. In Building academic success on social and emotional learning what does the research say? essay, Teachers College Press

Sparks, S (2011) as Study Finds Academic Payoffs in Teaching Students Social Skills Study Finds Social-Skills Teaching Boosts Academics Gains Found Comparable to Those of Strictly Academic Programs http://68 77 48 18/RandD/Education%20Week/Study%20Finds%20Social-Skills%20Teaching%20Boosts%20Academics pdf A Report Prepared for CASEL A National Scan of Teacher Preparation and Social & Emotional Learning. (n.d.). https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED582029.pdf

Konishi, C., & Park, S. (2017). Promoting Children’s Healthy Social-Emotional Growth: Dialogue Journal. Journal of Education and Learning, 6(2), 246–253. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1133198

TheArtsAddSTEAMtoYourDaybyDebbieClement

Rich, Peter J , et al "Trends in tools used to teach computational thinking through elementary coding " Journal of Research on Technology in Education (2022): 1-22

MakeLearningFun!byHilaryStatum

Allee, Karyn A.; Clark, M. H.; Roberts, Sherron Killingsworth. (2023) Exploring Play, Executive Function, and Academic Achievement in Two Title 1 Kindergartens. Journal of Research in Childhood Education. Volume 37. Number 2. 2023. Rich, Peter J., et al. "Trends in tools used to teach computational thinking through elementary coding." Journal of Research on Technology in Education (2022): 1-22.

Danniels, Erica. (2023) Inclusive Play-Based Learning: Approaches from Enacting Kindergarten Teachers. Early Childhood Education Journal Volume 51 Number 7 October 2023 Rich, Peter J , et al "Trends in tools used to teach computational thinking through elementary coding " Journal of Research on Technology in Education (2022): 1-22

TheScienceofWriting:GoodbyeWriter'sWorkshop.HelloEvidence-BasedInstruction!byHollyEhle

Graham, S. (2019). Changing How Writing Is Taught. Review of Research in Education, 43(1), 277-303. Changing How Writing Is Taught - Steve Graham, 2019

Research Citations

All ELEVATE conference sessions are based on research. It is one of our requirements to be a speaker for ELEVATE.

RoomTransformationsToSupportEnglishLanguageLearnersbyJackiePowell

Rich, Peter J , et al "Coding in K-8: International trends in teaching elementary/primary computing " TechTrends 63 (2019): 311-329

CenterIdentity&InclusioninK-2ClassroomsbyJakeDaggett

Parikh, A.K., Leschied, J.R. Microaggressions in our daily workplace encounters: a barrier to achieving diversity and inclusion. Pediatr Radiol 52, 1719–1723 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-022-05307-9 Hammond, Z. (2020). The power of protocols for equity. Educational Leadership, 77(7), 45-50. ICanMakeYourHandsClap!GrossMotorIdeasforPreKandKindergarten!byJamaicaKirby

Coming Soon

DramaticPlay:somuchmorethanhomelivingbyJamieHubbard

Ambrosio, L. (2023).The Impact of Dramatic Play in Early Childhood Education Goldstein, T. R. (2018). Developing a Dramatic Pretend Play Game Intervention. American Journal of Play, 10(3), 290–308.

CanIHaveYourAttentionbyMr.Jay

2021 Classroom Attention Getters Provides Structure To Student Learning https://thecorecoaches com/classroomattention-getters/ Durgin, Jodi (n d) Attention Grabber Examples & Other Listening Strategies https://Jodidurgin.com/Clutterfreeclassroom

Using Call Backs & Attention Getters to Help Kids Transition in the Classroom. https://proudtobeprimary.com/attentiongetters 2021. 20

Effective Transitions In The Classroom. https://thecorecoaches.com/classroom-transitions/ Belsky, Gail. (n.d) What Are Fine Motor Skills. https://www.understood.org/en/articles/all-about-fine- motor-skills Rabadi, S. (2014, March 13). 25 Attention-Grabbing Tips for the Classroom. Edutopia. Retrieved from https://www edutopia org/classroom-student-participation-tips

Weih, T G (2016, October) Attention Grabbers: Getting Students' Attention without Shouting https://www academia edu/

BeOpinionated!byKatieKnight

Graham, S., Hebert, M. (2011). Writing-to-read: A meta-analysis of the impact of writing and writing instruction on reading. Harvard Educational Review, 81, 710–744. Increasing time in writing and instrcution in writng will also benefit reading skills. Graham, S. (2019). Changing How Writing Is Taught. Review of Research in Education, 43(1), 277-303. Changing How Writing Is Taught - Steve Graham, 2019 Bangert-Drowns, R., Hurley, M., Wilkinson, B. (2004). The effects of school-based writing-to-learn interventions on academic achievement: A meta-analysis. Review of Educational Research, 74, 29–58. Students understand and retain material read or presented in science, social studies, and mathematics when they are asked to write about it Graham, S (2019) Changing How Writing Is Taught Review of Research in Education, 43(1), 277303 Changing How Writing Is Taught - Steve Graham, 2019

Research Citations

All ELEVATE conference sessions are based on research. It is one of our requirements to be a speaker for ELEVATE.

InteractiveDesignsinGoogleSlidesbyKatieWonderly

Coming Soon

It’sCode-allyAwesome:CodingintheEarlyElementaryClassroombyKelliCoons

Kapoor, Madhu, Zhanxia Yang, and Marina Bers. "Supporting early elementary teachers’ coding knowledge and selfefficacy through virtual professional development." Journal of Technology and Teacher Education 30.4 (2023): 461-491.

TheReadAloudPlaybookbyKeriBrown

Wright, T S (2018) Reading to learn from the start: The power of interactive read-alouds American Educator, 42(4), 4–8 Trelease, J , Giorgis, C , & Trelease, J (2019) The read-aloud handbook, 2019 PENGUIN BOOKS

STEPRightUp!WriteThisWay!byLeAnnaWolkis

1. Ihmeideh, F. (2015). The impact of dramatic play centre on promoting the development of children's early writing skills. European Early Childhood Education Research Journal, 23(2), 250-263.

2. Schrodt, K., Barksdale, B., & Fields, R. S. (2022). Self-Directed Kindergarten Writers. Texas Journal of Literacy Education, 9(2), 12-29.

3. Knight, J. A., Block, M. K., & Flory, M. (2014). “They Just Loved to Be Experts”: Teachers’ Perspectives on Inspiring Writing in the Kindergarten Classroom The Utah Journal of Literacy, 17

4 Meier, D R (2013) Integrating content and mechanics in new language learners' writing in the primary classroom YC Young Children, 68(1), 16

5 Byington, T A , & Kim, Y (2017) Promoting preschoolers’ emergent writing YC Young Children, 72(5), 74-82

PlanningforSuccessbyLindsayHarrison

Responsive Classroom. (2016). The Joyful Classroom: Practical Ways to Engage & Challenge Students K-6. Center for Responsive Schools, Inc.

Kaiser, B & Rasminsky, J.S. (2017) Challenging Behavior in Young Children: Understanding, Preventing, and Responding Effectively, fourth edition Pearson Sieberer-Nagler, K (December 14, 2015) Effective Classroom Management and Positive Teaching Canadian Center of Science and Education http://dx doi org/10 5539/elt v9n1p163

AlphabetKnowledgebyMariaMercedesChampion

Turner, C. (2017) A principle of intencionality. Frontiers Psychology, 8(137) Trelease, J., Giorgis, C., & Trelease, J. (2019). The read-aloud handbook, 2019. PENGUIN BOOKS.

IntegratingScienceandSocialStudiesbyMaryAmoson

Banilower, E , Cohen, K , Pasley, J & Weiss, I (2010) Effective science instruction: What does research tell us? Second edition Portsmouth, NH: RMC Research Corporation, Center on Instruction Durrance, S (2020) Elementary Science Equipping Students Through Inquiry and Integration Southern Regional Education Board.

Research Citations

All ELEVATE conference sessions are based on research. It is one of our requirements to be a speaker for ELEVATE.

CreatingClassroomLearningExperiencesforTomorrow'sLearners byMeganDiedeandKaraRigsby

Dearybury, J , & Jones, J (2020) The playful classroom: The power of play for all ages Wiley Wexler, N (2020) The knowledge gap: The hidden cause of America’s broken education system--and how to fix it Avery Miriam Cents-Boonstra, Anna Lichtwarck-Aschoff, Eddie Denessen, Nathalie Aelterman & Leen Haerens (2021) Fostering student engagement with motivating teaching: an observation study of teacher and student behaviours, Research Papers in Education, 36:6, 754-779, DOI: 10.1080/02671522.2020.1767184

TinkeringwithSTEAM:ThePowerofLooseParts byMelysaMei

"The Utilization of Loose Parts Media in STEAM Learning for Early Childhood" by Siti Wahyuninsh et al. -Link] (https://www researchgate net/publication/350812037 THE UTILIZATION OF LOOSE PARTS MEDIA IN STEAM LEARNING FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD)

"The Importance of STEAM Loose Part Learning Effectiveness in Early Childhood Cognitive Learning" by Siti Muntomimah et al. -[Link] (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351246308 The Importance of STEAM Loose Part Learning Effectiveness in Early Childhood Cognitive Learning)

"STEM Learning and Loose Parts in Early Elementary Classrooms: A Scoping Review" by Carla Gull et al.- [Link] (https://iojpe.org/index.php/iojpe/article/view/233/245)

"Increase Creativity and Imagination Children Through Learning Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics with Loose Parts Media" -[Link](https://discovery.researcher.life/document?document id=ba7a4f5f-3e344b2a-99fe-0dcb9e6d9e0a)

"Tinkering in K-12: An Exploratory Mixed Methods Study of Makerspaces in Schools as an Application of Constructivist Learning" by Ashley Cross -[Link](https://www researchgate net/publication/323199900 Tinkering in k12 an exploratory mixed methods study of makerspaces in schools as an application of constructivist learning)

STEMCommanders:TacticalTeachingforTomorrowbyMichaelNewman

Minihan, C. (2023, September 25). Empowering teachers and inspiring students for a STEM-Driven future. EdSurge. https://www.edsurge.com/news/2023-09-25-empowering-teachers-and-inspiring-students-for-a-stem-driven-future Sheffer, M. (2023, August 9). What is the engineering design process and how can I teach it? We Are Teachers. https://www weareteachers com/engineering-design-process/ The importance of accessible STEM educational resources (2022, December 23) Beam Up - Together! https://www beamup charity/post/the-importance-of-accessible-stem-educational-resources?

gclid=CjwKCAiAvJarBhA1EiwAGgZl0GDQqmnGdsb4XuerC3rDPK5iucAex4dgM2RuhKMDeUHiJGqXA7Nn0xoC1k4QAvD B wE

Dearybury, J., & Jones, J. P. (2020). The playful classroom: The Power of Play for All Ages. John Wiley & Sons.

HowMusicandStoriesCanSupportSELandLanguageinEarlyChildhoodbyPamGittleman

Brackett, M. A, Bailey, C. S., Hoffman, J.D., & Simmons, D. N. (2019), RULER: A Theory-Driven, Systemic Approach to Social, Emotional and Academic Learning, Educational Psychologist, 54:3,144-161

Denham, S A , Bassett, H H , Zinsser, K , (2012), Early Childhood Teachers as Socializers of Young Children’s Emotional Barrett, L F , Mesquita, B , Ochsner, K N , & Gross, J J , (2007), The Experience of Emotion, Annu Rev Psychol , 373-403 Competence, Early Childhood Education J, 40:137-143

Durlak, J. A., Mahoney, J. L., (2019), The Practical Benefits of an SEL Program, https://www.casel.org Ferguson, R. F.,(2014), Elements of a 21st Century Movement for Excellence with Equity, The Journal of Negro Education, Vol. 83, No. 2, 109-110

Ferguson, R. F., Friedlander, J. (2019), The Basics Model and Implementation Strategy, An Overview for Leaders, The Basics, Inc.

Research Citations

All ELEVATE conference sessions are based on research. It is one of our requirements to be a speaker for ELEVATE.

HowMusicandStoriesCanSupportSELandLanguageinEarlyChildhoodbyPamGittleman-(Continued)

Greenberg, D (Bar Ilan University) & Decety, J (University of Chicago) (2021) “What happens in the brain when people make music together?,” Peer-reviewed publication from Bar-Ilan University published in American Psychologist, June 2021

Lawson-Adams, Jessica & Dickinson, David & donner, J. (2022). Sing it or speak it? The effects of sung and rhythmically spoken songs on preschool children’s word learning. EArly Childhood Research Quarterly. 58. 87-102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecresq.2021.06.008

Morris, P., Millenky, M., Raver, C.C., & Jones, S. M., (2013), Does a Preschool Social and Emotional Learning Intervention Pay Off for Classroom Instruction and Children’s Behavior and Academic Skills? Evidence From the Foundations of Learning Project, Early Education and Development, 24:1020-1021

Paschall, K , Moore, K A , Pina, G , Anderson, S , (2020), Comparing the National Outcome Measure of Healthy and REady to Learn with Other Well-Being and School Readiness Measures, https://www childtrends org

Rivers, S E , Tominey, S L , O’Bryon, E C & Brackett, M A , (2013), Introduction to the Special Issue on Social and Emotional Learning in Early Education, Early Education and Development, 24: 953-959

Williams, K.E. (2018) Moving to the beat: Using music, rhythm and movement to enhance self-regulation in early childhood classrooms. International Journal of Early Childhood, 50(1), 85-100. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13158-018-0215-y Wolf, D. (2017), “Why Making Music Matters,” research paper commissioned by Carnegie Hall. https://wolfbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/Why-Music-Matters.pdf Wolf, D. (2016). “Do lullabies matter?” Preliminary impact results from the Carnegie Hall Lullaby project. https://www.carnegiehall.org/education/programs/social-impact-research “Children and Music: Benefits of Music in Child Development,” (2016) Bright Horizons Resources for Families based on 2016 study from University of Southern California’s Brain and Creativity Institute

Dr Bruce D Perry, Northwestern University from PBS News Hour broadcast, 10/24/2022 https://casel org, Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning https://www.rulerapproach.org, Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence

OnceUponaClassroom:MakingtheMostofYourMagicalFairytaleUnitbyShannonCunningham

Sturgess, J., & Locke, T. (2009). Beyond Shrek: Fairy Tale Magic in the Multicultural Classroom. Cambridge Journal of Education, 39(3), 379–402. https://doi.org/10.1080/03057640903103744

Tanna, M (2016) Goats, Giants, and science? teaching engineering concepts through fairy tales Children and Libraries, 14(4), 21–22 https://doi org/10 5860/cal 14n4 21

FromNumberstoKnowledge:MakingtheMostofYourLiteracyDatabySharynKish Coming Soon

CreativityUnleashed:CreativeThinkingStrategiesfortheClassroombyStephanieHiggs

The Influence of 4C (Constructive, Critical, Creativity, Collaborative) Learning Model on Students' Learning Outcomes. Supena, Ilyas; Darmuki, Agus; Hariyadi, Ahmad International Journal of Instruction, v14 n3 p873-892. Jul 2021. An Interview with E Paul Torrance: About Creativity Educational Psychology Review, 10(4), 441–452 Torrance, E P , & Shaughnessy, M F (1998) http://www jstor org/stable/23359472 Creative Teaching and Teaching Creativity: How to Foster Creativity in the Classroom Davis, L C (2018) https://psychlearningcurve org/creative-teaching-and-teaching-creativity-how-tofoster-creativity-in-the-classroom/

Research Citations

All ELEVATE conference sessions are based on research. It is one of our requirements to be a speaker for ELEVATE.

AWritingPiece,inaWeek!byWhitneyRamirez

Mcquitty, V (2014) Process-Oriented Writing Instruction in Elementary Classrooms Writing & Pedagogy, 6(3) Richards, S , Sturm, J M , & Cali, K (2012, May) Writing instruction in elementary classrooms: Making the connection to common core state standards. In Seminars in Speech and Language (Vol. 33, No. 02, pp. 130-145). Thieme Medical Publishers.

Seban, D. (2008). A Look within Individual Cases into Elementary Teachers' Beliefs and Practices of Writing Instruction. Ilkogretim Online, 7(2).

Meet our Team!

Jason Warren @ themister CEO Co-Founder

Adam Dovico @adamdovico General Manager

Holly Ehle

@hollyehle Academic Advisor

Greg Smedley-Warren

@kindergartensmorgasboard CoFounder

Jose Cortez

@josecortezdesigns Creative Director

Katie Wonderly @mswonderlymakesmusic

Designer

Crystal Oswald @thebalancedteacher Conference Director

Mel Novoa @theteachingscoop Conference Coordinator

Brian Russell Logistics Manager @blastingoffinkinder

Ready to attend ELEVATE?