GYTO Las Vegas - TK/Kindergarten-1st Grade Conference Guide
TK/KINDERGARTEN 1ST GRADE
january 18-20,2025 | Las Vegas, NV | Westgate Las Vegas
Dear GYTO Educator Community,
As we gather in the vibrant city of Vegas for the Get Your Teach On Vegas Conference 2025, we are filled with gratitude for each and every one of you who has chosen to spend your time here with us! Your commitment to education is a beacon of inspiration, and your presence fuels the collective passion for transformative teaching.
Thank you for being a vital part of this educational movement. In a world often overshadowed by negativity, we are breaking through barriers and dedicating time to be in a supportive community that shares the same fervor for impactful education.
Our content is not just a curriculum; it's a catalyst for change. The actionable strategies you'll gain are designed to be seamlessly integrated into your classrooms, sparking a positive revolution in instruction. Together, we are shaping processes that will redefine the way we teach and leave an indelible mark on the lives of our students.
Get ready to spend the next 3 days with educators who will lift you up, love on you, support you, and make you feel a part of something bigger than ever. Once you walk through these doors, you are officially part of the GYTO family forever.
Here's to a conference filled with shared wisdom, innovative ideas, and the unwavering belief that education has the power to transform lives. Let's embark on this journey together and make a lasting impact on the future.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Chris, LaNesha, and Amelia
WHY GYTO?
Our Get Your Teach On Leadership and Content Development team has worked to create an engaging and transformational educator professional development experience that aligns directly to the needs of schools and teachers across the country by helping educators develop consistent best instructional practices and processes from start to finish to accelerate student learning.
These evidence and research-based best practices, strategies, and techniques will directly impact overall educator effectiveness and student achievement, transforming instruction and student learning like never before
BUILDING THE TRANSFORMATIVE TEACHER
Developing Consistent Best Instructional Practices and Processes from Start to Finish to Completely Transform Your School
PLANNING & PREPARATION
THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
BEST INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES
STUDENT ACCOUNTABILITY & ENGAGEMENT
DATA & PROGRESS MONITORING
DATA & PROGRESS MONITORING
STUDENT ACCOUNTABILITY & ENGAGEMENT
TEACHER EFFECTIVENESS
Intentional and meaningful planning, using specific grade level content standards and high-quality instructional materials that address the needs of all learners and support mastery of learning goals.
Creates and maintains a collaborative, safe, efficient, and effective learning environment that supports each student’s diverse needs and promotes recognition of student’s diverse personal experiences to build relationships of trust within the classroom.
Implementation of evidence and research-based best instructional strategies and techniques to accelerate student learning, growth, and achievement through rigorous and consistent instruction, including opportunities for problem solving, critical and creative thinking, meaningful and purposeful discourse, and high-impact instructional delivery.
Builds engaging, intentional, and rigorous learning experiences through setting high expectations and consistency within instructional practices that requires all students to take ownership of and be held accountable for their individual learning.
Continually monitors and analyzes student learning and progress towards mastery of learning goals for all students using a variety of progress monitoring and assessment techniques to make immediate instructional decisions that support student growth and acceleration.
Develops strong foundational teaching practices and commitments that support best practices and professional growth through consistent reflection of professional practices to support student learning, development, and achievement at a high level.
THE
BEST INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES
Get Your Teach On sessions are intentionally selected for attendees to experience the full professional development experience. Each session is hands-on, interactive, collaborative, and allows time for teachers to take what they’ve learned and apply it to their specific grade level standards or content area. Sessions are structured to meet the needs of all learners in classrooms, modeling best practices for direct and immediate implementation in classrooms.
Las Vegas Conference Guide 2025
3:00-7:00pm REGISTRATION
6:00pm DOORS OPEN FOR GYTO OPENING CELEBRATION & KEYNOTE
7:00-9:30pm GYTO OPENING CELEBRATION & KEYNOTE
MONDAY JANUARY 20 schedule is subject to change SUNDAY JANUARY 19 SATURDAY JANUARY 18
10:20-12:00pm SESSION 1
12:00-1:30pm LUNCH
1:30-2:55pm SESSION 2
3:05-4:30pm SESSION 3
1 3 2 8:00-9:50am OPENING KEYNOTE
5:30pm GYTO SNEAKER BALL
8:30-9:55am SESSION 1
10:05-11:30am (85) SESSION 2
11:30-1:00pm LUNCH
1:00-2:25om SESSION 3
2:25pm GYTO SEND OFF
UPGRADE YOUR TICKET! VIP UPGRADES COMING SOON!
Get front VIP seating for all keynote sessions, access to an exclusive presenter book signing event, separate VIP entrance and registration, and more!
THREE DAYS OF CONTENT
Three days filled with research-based workshops that will guide you in creating rigorous and engaging lessons all year long
GYTO PRE-GAME CELEBRATION
Our Las Vegas Education Celebration kicks off the conference on Saturday night! This is a party you don’t want to miss!
INSPIRING KEYNOTES HANDS ON WORKSHOPS
Keynote presentations from influential educators and motivational speakers that will leave you more inspired than ever to head back into your classrooms and create educational magic!
Training specific for your position from some of today’s top educators and administrators who are experts at their craft with strategies that can be implemented the very next day!
FREE SWAG CERTIFICATE FOR 15 PD HOURS
Swag that will make you want to bring an extra suitcase! Not to mention all the free goodies from our sponsors!
The Education Celebration of the Year kicks off the conference on Sunday night! This is a party you don’t want to miss!
gyto 3-day all access pass: $499
Register now with just a deposit! Final payment won’t be due until December 2024! Invoice and check options are also available for schools and districts.
Bring It On: Dominating Differentiation,
Data, & Diving into Small Group Instruction
LOOK FOR THE BEST PRACTICES STICKERS FOR EACH SESSION!
Two, four, six, eight, what do we appreciate? Effective small group instruction time! If you're ready to elevate your instruction to new heights by planning a solid instructional block where each student can independently practice targeted skills at their own level… then let's make some noise! Join LaNesha in this engaging session tailored for kindergarten teachers aiming to optimize small group instruction for maximum gains You'll be well positioned to pull fluid, databased small groups, and execute real-time instructional decisions. We’ll get FIRED UP with strategies to create learning centers aligned with a specific learning target, fostering an environment ripe for intentional data collection, differentiation, and immediate next steps for student enrichment or remediation. Well…we’ve got data, yes, we do and we’ve got it small groups, how ‘bout you? Go Teachers!
Bippity Boppity Boo: A Magical Approach to word problems
Bippity Boppity Boo, let’s make word problems magical for YOU! Join your Fairy Godmother, Michelle Griffo, as she takes you on a magical journey of exploring best practice and researched based strategies of student engagement and applying them to analyzing, solving, and creating word problems. You'll learn how to teach math vocabulary, enabling students to independently solve word problems by recognizing and understanding the necessary vocabulary for each equation. Explore tools, like using graphs during math lessons, to create interactive lessons for students to create their own word problems using data they collected. Before the clock strikes midnight, you will leave the session with methods to increase motivation for students to participate in solving word problems with enthusiasm and deepen their understanding of how to solve word problems independently.
Once Upon a Classroom: Developing Critical Thinkers through Fairy Tales
Step into the realm of fairy tales to explore critical thinking! In the classroom and the real world, students need to be able to analyze information, consider multiple perspectives, and make informed decisions. Join Naomi on a whimsical journey where fairy tales serve as the enchanted doorways to the world of critical thinking. Dive into Depth and Complexity strategies, discovering the layers of timeless tales Embrace DeBono's 6 Thinking Hats to view stories from varied angles. Engage in Socratic Seminars to discuss story morals and learn how to develop students' logical reasoning through the use of beloved fairy tales.
Enchanted Writing: Unleash the Magic of Writing
In this enchanting journey, Naomi will reveal the secrets of how to make writing instruction an enchanted quest where words flow effortlessly for students of all abilities and language backgrounds. With the wave of a wand, or rather a well-planned lesson, she unveils the secrets of helping kids learn how to independently craft clear and strong sentences and construct captivating paragraphs that bring their ideas to life using the power of graphic organizers and rubrics to bridge cultures and build language bridges. Naomi will show you how to use these tools in a meaningful way to move your students through the writing process and build their confidence as writers no matter the writing genre. Whether your students dream of crafting epic tales, persuasive essays, or informative chronicles, this adventure will leave you with the strategies, daily routines, and inspiration to help them become the authors of their own magical stories. Don't miss this opportunity to become a true magician of education, imparting skills that will leave students spellbound and language barriers vanquished!
Mission POSSIBLE: Unraveling the Science of Reading
Mission Overview: Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to become an expert agent of literacy! Join Amelia in this high-stakes, action-packed session as we delve into the Science of Reading In Part 1 of our mission, we will unravel the intricate strands of the Reading Rope. Discover the critical role of phonemic awareness and phonics in laying the foundation for reading success. This mission is not for the faint of heart – it's time to decode, decipher, and conquer the challenges of early literacy. But this isn’t any ordinary mission; there will be engagement at every turn. Walk away with an overflowing file of classroom-tested approaches to enhance phonemic awareness, phonics, and fluency instruction. These strategies will empower you to make a lasting impact on your students' literacy skills. Explore the importance of tying together the lower strands of the Reading Rope with comprehension strategies. Discover how these elements work in tandem to create masterful readers.
Mission Debrief and Q&A: Conclude the mission with a debriefing where you can reflect on your discoveries, ask questions, and strategize your next steps. Your mission doesn't end here – it's the beginning of a transformative journey toward literacy excellence. Gear up for a thrilling educational adventure where the Science of Reading becomes an achievable mission, and decoding the Reading Rope is within your grasp. This mission is critical, and your students are counting on you. Will you accept? Mission POSSIBLE awaits!
Beyond Participation: The Art of Elevating Student Engagement
Join Allie in this immersive workshop, tailored to the unique needs of early learners. Attendees will delve into dynamic techniques, interactive methodologies, and tailored approaches to captivate young minds. Through a series of hands-on activities, collaborative discussions, and practical demonstrations, educators will explore age-appropriate methods that encourage active participation and cultivate a joyful and effective learning environment. Teachers will acquire a toolkit of proven strategies to stimulate curiosity, boost participation, and build strong teacher-student relationships, laying the foundation for a successful educational journey With a focus on inclusive practices and fostering socialemotional skills, this breakout equips attendees to nurture a vibrant and engaging classroom experience that supports the development of young learners. You will leave this experience inspired, equipped, and ready to create dynamic, engaging, and enriching learning environments for our youngest students.
LaNesh from In p , y g p development experience. LaNesha creates teaching resources, courses, and professional development, specifically in writing and social studies from a primary educator. LaNesha’s content is geared toward teachers who desire to think out of the box through rigorous, and globally connected resources, books, and ideas. LaNesha has worked with thousands of educators across the United States through conferences and custom professional development sessions. LaNesha specializes in helping primary educators master their writing block and teaching culturally relevant social studies topics.
L A N E S H A T A B B
Michelle Griffo is a curriculum designer and educational consultant with over 11 years of teaching experience She has taught TK-2nd, 4th, & 5th grade.. but kindergarten is her sweet spot! Michelle received her Undergrad in Business Administration, Teaching Credential, and Masters of Education from Vanguard University in Southern California; which is where she still lives with her husband and two children. Michelle is a teacher author on her blog Apples and ABC’s and also loves encouraging and training teachers in her teacher membership called The Enchanted Little Learning Corner. You can find Michelle on Instagram at @applesandabcs and @targetteachers where she shows her life, curriculum, teaching ideas, and Target finds!
M I C H E L L E G R I F F O
MEETYO
Naom rich t relen of ex advocate for literacy, particularly in the science of reading, a subject she has mastered and artfully imparted to countless students and educators alike. In addition to her prowess in the science of reading, Naomi is a trailblazer in gifted education, writing, and culturally responsive teaching Her classrooms are dynamic spaces where creativity and diversity thrives, engaging students in a learning experience that transcends the boundaries of conventional education. Recognizing the diverse needs of her students, Naomi seamlessly integrates innovative teaching strategies, ensuring that each learner is inspired to reach their full potential. Her impact extends beyond the classroom, as Naomi is not only an educator but also an accomplished author and conference speaker. Through her written work and captivating presentations, she shares her wealth of knowledge with a wider audience, influencing children all over the world and the broader educational community
Amelia Capotosta is an Ohio educator, who brings a contagious amount of enthusiasm, positivity, and creativity to the education world She is a forever optimist, and is passionate about many things including her family, students, books, pairing education and engagement With classroom experience from elementary to middle school, Amelia has first-hand knowledge of the effectiveness of research-based strategies in the classroom, and how to design and implement them She has spent dedicated time creating research-based resources that bring books to life in classrooms all over Amelia knows that true comprehension takes place across all subject areas, and is able to help educators and administrators take actionable steps towards crosscurricular teaching that is engaging, meaningful, rigorous, and effective She is certified in Orton Gillingham methodology and has worked to support thousands of educators, adminstrators, coaches, and specialists on the research and science backed methods to teach reading As a national speaker, presenter, educator, and consultant, Amelia has had the opportunity to inspire and support thousands of educators, administrators, coaches, and specialists She focuses her sessions on research, engagement, innovative, and ready-to-implement ideas; she is here for you!
N A O M I O ’ B R I E N A M E L I A C A P O T O S T A
Allie dem for student engagement, classroom mangement, math, and reading, Allie is recognized as a master in creating dynamic learning enviornments that captivate our primary learners. Armed with a wealth of experience and innovative strategies, Allie is dedicated to empowering educators with practical tools to enhance classroom instruction and inspire student success cross-curriculuar. Allie's sessions will unlock the secrets to fostering meaningful student engagement and transforming teaching practices Connect with Allie on instagram at @daysinkinder - she can't wait to meet you!
A L L I E M A Y B E R G E R
Grade Level Research Based Practices:
Our goal is to continually provide teachers with high-impact, research-based, best instructional practices, shown in action with a high level of student engagement to see true results with students. Each GYTO session is developed on the foundation of proven research based strategies within education The following research is embedded into all sessions following the GYTO Instructional Model for Best Instructional Practices and Student Engagement
Hattie, John (2012) Effect Sizes Related to Student Achievement Learning Sciences International Applied Research Center
Marzano, Robert (2007, 2017)
Wong, H K , & Wong, R T (2009)
Fuchs, D , & Fuchs, L S (2006)
Dyer, K. (2015)
Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2008)
Sousa, D A (2016) Engaging the rewired brain
Toth, M D & Sousa, D A (2019) Achieving social, emotional, and cognitive learning in every classroom through academic teaming
In addition to the cited research above regarding overall best instructional practices, our GYTO presenters continue to integrate and include rigorous, contentspecific research into their individual sessions, addressing grade level standards PreK-12 This ensures that each session is specific and meets the needs of those grade-level teachers The research below is integrated and embedded into your specific grade level sessions
ADDITIONAL KINDERGARTEN EMBEDDED RESEARCH:
Alstot, Andrew & Alstot, Crystal (2015). Behavior Management: Examining the Functions of Behavior
Carazo, Mariana (2021). Handwriting Development Through Developmentally Appropriate Practices
Chen, W. (2017). Learning arithmetic word problem structure with a picture combination application
Fisher, Douglas Frey, Nancy Hattie, John (2016). Visible Learning for Literacy
Fuson, K.C., D.H. Clements, & J. Sarama. (2015). Making Early Math Education Work for All Children
Gold, J., & Gibson, A. (2001). Reading aloud to build comprehension. Reading Rockets.
Griffin, Kim (2019). Essential Motor Skills for Handwriting Success
Hattie, J. (2012). Visible Learning for Teachers: Maximizing Impact on Learning.
Kaplan, Sandra (2021). Differentiated Curriculum and Instruction for Advanced and Gifted Learners
Lan Chan, Winnie Wai (2021). Pathways to word problem solving: The mediating roles of schema construction and mathematical vocabulary
National Association for the Education of Young Children (2020).
Newton, E., Padak, N. D., & Rasinski, T. V. (2008). Evidence-based instruction in reading: A professional development guide to vocabulary.
Sigueza, Terri (2005). Using Graphic Organizers with ELLs
Stanley, Todd (2020). Promoting Rigor Through Higher Level Questioning
Watkins, K. H. (2023). In Their Own Words: A Case Study Utilizing Wordless Picture Books as Mentor Text in Writing Workshop With Young Multilingual Writers.
Grade Level Room Standards:
Each Get Your Teach On session is intentionally designed on a foundation of providing educators and leaders with researchbased, best instructional practices to accelerate student learning and truly transform instruction Grade level tracks are specifically created to provide educators with a meaningful journey of instruction and learning with integration of specific PreK-8 grade level standards throughout the conference experience This ensures that each session not only meets the needs of grade-level teachers, but is immediately applicable to their daily practice. GYTO sessions will feature a variety of essential content standards in all subject areas as well as best practices and research-based strategies and techniques that can be directly applied to any grade level standard, skill, or concept. The standards listed below are some key highlights of the grade level standards integrated into your Vegas 2025 track. To learn more about the GYTO Instructional Model and specific research for sessions, please visit getyourteachon com
English Language Arts Standards:
Writing:
CCSS ELA-LITERACY W K 2 Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to compose informative/explanatory texts Name the topic and supply some information
CCSS ELA-LITERACY L K 1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking
CCSS ELA-LITERACY L K 1 A Print many upper- and lowercase letters
Reading:
CCSS ELA-LITERACY SL K 3 Ask and answer questions to seek help, get information, or clarify something not understood
CCSS ELA-LITERACY RL K 10 Actively engage in group reading activities with purpose and understanding
With prompting and support, identify the main topic and retell key details of a text
With prompting and support, compare and contrast the adventures and experiences of characters in familiar stories
CCSS ELA-LITERACY RL K 1 With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text
CCSS ELA-LITERACY RL K 3 With prompting and support, identify characters, settings, and major events in a story
CCSS ELA-LITERACY RI K 2 With prompting and support, identify the main topic and retell key details of a text
CCSS ELA-LITERACY RI K 3 With prompting and support, describe the connection between two individuals, events, ideas, or pieces of information in a text
Phonological Awareness:
CCSS ELA-LITERACY RF K 2 Demonstrate understanding of spoken words, syllables, and sounds (phonemes) Phonics and Word Recognition:
CCSS ELA-LITERACY RF K 3 Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words Fluency:
CCSS ELA-LITERACY RF K 4 Read emergent-reader texts with purpose and understanding Mathematics Standards: Counting and Cardinality:
CCSS MATH CONTENT K CC B 4 Understand the relationship between numbers and quantities Connect counting to cardinality Operations and Algebraic Thinking:
CCSS MATH CONTENT K OA A 2 Solve addition and subtraction word problems, and add and subtract within 10, using objects or drawings to represent the problem
CCSS MATH CONTENT K OA A 5 Fluently add and subtract within 5
Number and Operations in Base Ten:
CCSS MATH CONTENT K NBT A 1 Compose and decompose numbers from 11 to 19 into ten ones and some further ones, using objects or drawings Record each composition or decomposition by a drawing or equation
