Kindergarten Conference Guide - 2024 GYTO National Conference

KINDERGARTEN

July 21-24, 2024 | Orlando, FL | Gaylord Palms Resort

A N O T E F R O M O U R F O U N D E R S

Dear GYTO National Attendees,

As we eagerly anticipate the arrival of the 2024 National Conference, we are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you The GYTO community holds a very special place in our hearts, and we are honored to share this transformative experience with educators who are committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of their students.

This year, our conference theme is "Breakthrough," and we couldn't be more excited about the possibilities it holds for all of us. In education, breakthroughs are the moments when barriers are shattered, new perspectives emerge, and innovation takes center stage. It's the instant when a challenging concept finally clicks for a student, when a collaborative effort yields extraordinary results, and when a teacher or leader discovers a fresh approach that revolutionizes their practice. Breakthroughs don't happen in isolation; they are the result of collective dedication, shared insights, and a community that values continuous growth. At the 2024 National Conference, we invite you to join us in exploring the power of breakthroughs in education. Get ready to dive deep into the strategies, stories, and successes that propel us forward, breaking through the limitations that may have held us back in the past.

Together, we have witnessed firsthand the incredible breakthroughs that educators like you can achieve, and we are excited to learn from your experiences This conference is an opportunity to celebrate the breakthroughs that have already occurred in your classrooms and schools, as well as to inspire and be inspired by the breakthroughs yet to come.

Get ready for a conference filled with dynamic speakers, interactive workshops, meaningful connections, AND more surprises than you could ever imagine (GET READY!!) that will empower you to take your practice to new heights. Together, let's embrace the breakthroughs that will shape the future of education and ensure that every student, teacher, and leader has the opportunity they deserve to thrive!

We can't wait to see you in 2024 for what promises to be an unforgettable conference. Get ready to break through barriers, ignite your passion, and make a lasting impact! Let’s continue to make waves… together!

With excitement and anticipation,

Dear GYTO Educator Community,

As we gather in the vibrant city of Orlando for the Get Your Teach On National Conference 2024, 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 4 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

PLANNING & PREPARATION

THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

BEST INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES

STUDENT ACCOUNTABILITY & ENGAGEMENT

DATA & PROGRESS MONITORING

TEACHER EFFECTIVENESS

DATA & PROGRESS MONITORING

STUDENT ACCOUNTABILITY & ENGAGEMENT

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.

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.

GAYLORD PALMS ORLANDO

s t a y i n t h e h e a r t o f t h e a c t i o n !

w e h a v e d i s c o u n t e d r o o m r a t e s s t a r t i n g

a t j u s t $ 2 0 9 / n i g h t !

b o o k y o u r r o o m n o w b e f o r e t h e y s e l l o u t !

BOOK A ROOM

National Conference Guide 2024

SUNDAY JULY 21

1 3 4 2

12:00-6:00pm REGISTRATION

5:00pm

DOORS OPEN FOR GYTO OPENING CELEBRATION & KEYNOTE

6:00-9:00pm GYTO OPENING CELEBRATION & KEYNOTE

MONDAY JULY 22

TUESDAY JULY 23 8:00-9:50am OPENING KEYNOTE 10:20-11:30am SESSION 1 11:30-1:15pm LUNCH 1:15-2:25pm SESSION 2 2:35-3:45pm SESSION 3 3:55-5:05pm SESSION 4 5:30pm CLOSING KEYNOTE

8:00-9:50am OPENING KEYNOTE

10:20-11:30am SESSION 1

11:30-1:15pm LUNCH

1:15-2:25pm SESSION 2

2:35-3:45pm SESSION 3

WEDNESDAY JULY 24

3:55-5:05pm SESSION 4 5:30pm CLOSING KEYNOTE 8:00-9:50am OPENING KEYNOTE 10:20-11:30am SESSION 1 11:30-1:15pm LUNCH 1:15-2:25pm SESSION 2 2:35-3:45pm SESSION 3 3:55-5:05pm SESSION 4 5:30pm CLOSING KEYNOTE

DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS!

LET'S GET STARTED!

FOUR DAYS OF CONTENT INSPIRING KEYNOTES HANDS ON WORKSHOPS

Four days filled with researchbased workshops that will guide you in creating rigorous and engaging lessons all year long.

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!

The Education Celebration of the Year kicks off the conference on Sunday night! This is a party you don’t want to miss!

Swag that will make you want to bring an extra suitcase! Not to mention all the free goodies from our sponsors!

Each attendee receives a professional development certificate for 24 hours of quality professional development over the conference’s four days!

gyto 4-day all access pass: $629

Register now with just a deposit! Final payment won’t be due until May 2024! Invoice and check options are also available for schools and districts.

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.

“You’re Killing me Smalls!“ Round the Bases from Letters to Sentences

Join Coach Michelle Griffo as we embark on a baseball-themed journey, rounding the bases from letter writing to crafting independent sentences. In this engaging session, we'll navigate the innings of nurturing young writers, ensuring differentiated instruction that meets each student's unique pace and needs. Our path will lead us through phonemic awareness practices, taking students from writing the initial letter to inventive spelling, enabling them to write the sounds they hear in words. Discover the art of guiding children from drawing detailed illustrations to crafting descriptive sentences, and learn how sentence stems can boost their writing confidence. By the end of our time together, you'll leave equipped with practical strategies to empower your young learners on their journey to becoming independent writers

Say “Bye, Bye, Bye” to Poor Penmanship

Are you ready to say "Bye, Bye, Bye" to struggles with penmanship and letter formation? Get in the groove with Michelle Griffo as she unveils research-based strategies for enhancing letter formation and boosting sentence-writing fluency. In this session, we'll explore a toolkit of effective techniques designed to strengthen fine motor skills, setting the stage for student writing success. Dive into hands-on fine motor activities, gain practical insights for guiding proper pencil strokes in letter formation, and discover methods for tracking and celebrating student progress "This I Promise You," we'll also delve into empowering students to become their own writing rockstars, helping them take ownership of their penmanship journey and become independent writers.

Sessions Presented by Michelle Griffo

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 ve students spellb d and l ag b iers ish d!

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.

Sessions Presented by Naomi O'Brien

Behavior Clues: Understanding the Function of Student Behavior

Dive into the captivating world of student behavior in "Behavior Clues: Understanding the Function of Student Behavior" with Rebekah Poe. In this engaging experience, you'll learn to hunt for CLUES: from identifying the emotions fueling student behavior to gathering data to unveil behavior functions You’ll walk away with your handy-dandy notebook filled with strategies and interventions you can use right away. Anticipate a classroom transformed: reduced problematic behavior, a proactive approach to student conduct, and heightened student engagement. Join us for a thrilling educational adventure that'll equip you to make an enduring impact in your classroom. Don't miss this chance to unlock the secrets of student behavior, Blue's Clues style!

Presented by Rebekah Poe

There’s a Book for That!

Join Vera in an engaging and interactive professional development session for PreK teachers, where we will dive into the world of picture books and their role in enhancing comprehension skills. Explore a variety of captivating picture books across different content areas while creating and discussing high-order thinking questions. We will collaboratively design fun and accessible activities that cater to the needs of all learners ensuring an enriching experience for both educators

Magical Math Centers

You’ve heard all about literacy centers, but what about math centers? This professional development session is designed to empower early elementary teachers with practical strategies for creating and effectively managing math centers in alignment with Common Core Math Standards. Math centers provide a dynamic and engaging approach to help students build a strong foundation in mathematics. Participants will explore hands-on activities, align math center activities with the Common Core Math Standards, and learn best practices for implementing math centers that support the development of mathematical skills and critical thinking.

Sessions Presented by Vera Ahiyya

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 social-emotional 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.

Presented by Allie Mayberger

Mission POSSIBLE: Unraveling the Science of Reading

- Part 1

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!

Presented by Amelia Capotosta

Mission Accomplished: Mastering the Science of Reading - Part 2

Get ready for your final mission! Join LaNesha Tabb in the thrilling conclusion of our two-part series. In Part 2, our focus shifts to the upper strands of Dr. Scarborough's Reading Rope, with a special emphasis on background knowledge, vocabulary, language structures, and syntactic awareness. It's time to elevate your literacy instruction to new heights and ensure mission success! Scale the peaks of literacy achievement as we explore the upper strands of the Reading Rope. Learn how to cultivate background knowledge, unlock the power of an enriched vocabulary, and enhance language structures and syntactic awareness. This mission is the pinnacle of comprehensive literacy instruction – your final mission to become a true literacy agent. Explore how background knowledge, vocabulary, and language structures synergize to create masterful readers who can comprehend complex texts across subjects Mission AccomplishedLeave this session with a deeper understanding of the Science of Reading, and the confidence to lead your students to literacy mastery. This isn't just the end – it's a new beginning for you and your students!

Bring It On: DominatingDifferentiation, Data, & Diving into Small Group Instruction

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, data-based 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!

Presented by LaNesha Tabb

MICHELLE

GRIFFO

Rebekah Poe, M Ed is an award-winning former special education teacher and a national teaching conference presenter with over a decade of experience in the special education field. She has experience at every grade level and in every type of classroom- from high school transition programs and multiple disability self-contained classes to middle school co-teaching and elementary resource. As a presenter and speaker, Rebekah focuses on providing teachers with the training necessary to offer equitable education and establish connections to students of all ability levels in an inclusive setting. She has created differentiated resources for companies like LEGO Education to ensure accessibility for all. Her first book Blueprint for Inclusion will be available late 2024. When she's not working with educators, she can be found at the closest coffee shop with a piping hot latte and a good book! Connect with her on Instagram at @rebekahpoeteaching

MEET YOUR PRESENTERS: REBEKAH

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! (Head Over Heels For Teaching).

POE

Naomi O'Brien is an educator, content creator, and author with over 10 years of experience in the classroom. She has taught PreK-5 in a variety of roles, but most of her time was spent in the K-2 grade levels. She has Early Elementary, ESOL, and Gifted and Talented endorsements. Naomi prides herself on building cultural connections with her students and their families and using research-based practices to provide quality education to students.

NAOMI O’BRIEN

Paso, Texas with her wonderful mother and amazing grandparents. Vera has taught Kindergarten and first grade for the last 18 years. Her online presence is dedicated to collaborating with other educators by spreading her vast knowledge and love of inclusive children’s books. She is the author of Rebellious Read Alouds, a professional development book for educators. She is also the author of You Have a Voice the KINDergarten series, and the Getting Ready series. Be sure to follow Vera’s journey on social media- @thetututeacher!

VERA AHIYYA

Allie Mayberger is an experienced classroom teacher, distinguished demonstration teacher, and national conference presenter With a passion 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 crosscurriculuar. 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!

ALLIE MAYBERGER

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 cross-curricular 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!

AMELIA CAPOTOSTA

LaNesha Tabb is an apron-donning educator from Indianapolis, Indiana with 17 years of teaching and professional development experience. LaNesha is the content creator behind Education With An Apron where she creates fresh and innovative teaching resources. LaNesha love to work with 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.

LANESHA TABB

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.

Best Instructional Practices Foundational Research Pre K-12

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)

Student Engagement Foundational Research Pre K-12

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, content-specific 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 research-based, 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 Nationals 2024 track To learn more about the GYTO Instructional Model and specific research for sessions, please visit getyourteachon com

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.

n c l u s i o n T r a

SPECIAL EDUCATIONI

c k

Welcome to the Special Education Track at the Get Your Teach On Conference, where we champion the belief that special education is an integral component of inclusive education. Our track is designed to empower educators with the knowledge, resources, and strategies needed to create a truly inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.

As a participant in the special education track, you will seamlessly integrate into general content sessions that prioritize inclusive practices. These sessions are tailored to provide valuable resources and innovative ideas to support every learner in your classroom, ensuring that no student is left behind.

In addition to the general content sessions, our track offers exclusive breakout sessions designed specifically for the special education community. These specialized trainings are crafted to address the unique needs of students with diverse learning abilities. By attending these sessions, you will gain practical tools, creative ideas, and effective strategies that you can immediately implement to serve your learners.

Join us in the Special Education Track at GYTO, where we celebrate the diversity of learners and equip educators with the skills and knowledge to foster an inclusive educational experience for every student. Together, let's create a classroom where every child can thrive.

Check out the breakout sessions

Building Your Dream Team

Are yoooooou readyyyyyyy?!?! Step onto the court for an action-packed session to improve setting expectations and cultivating collaboration to maximize instructional minutes and effectiveness. “Build Your Dream Team” with Liz and Amelia as they help you create your playbook to define clear roles and expectations, develop effective communication and collaboration systems, and facilitate or advocate for champion-style training and development In this session, you'll be coached to create what is needed to clearly outline and prepare expectations and boundaries for all members of the instructional team. So huddle up and learn how to establish regular channels of communication, provide constructive feedback, and actively involve general education teachers, paraprofessionals, and all other instructional support staff in the collaborative planning and decision-making process Take your team to the finals, by learning how to facilitate or advocate for training and development opportunities that elevates your team's skills and success. Whether you're a seasoned coach or a new player, this session will provide the insights and techniques to make your educational team unstoppable!

Session Presented by Amelia Capotosta & Liz Sherman

Break It Down! Aligning IEP Goals to Grade Level Standards

Session Presented by Rebekah Poe

This is Me!

Woooaah! Ladies and gents this is the moment you ’ ve been waiting for! Step center ring to learn how to help your students take accountability and ownership of their IEPs, no matter their grade level. Come along with Liz Sherman as she guides you on how students can become advocates for themselves by understanding their IEP goals and supporting the creation and presentation of their IEPs. This session is everything you ever need and it’s right here in front of you as you learn effective strategies for involving students in the development and review of their IEP goals and progress monitoring. You'll also gain the skills and knowledge needed to guide students in developing engaging and personalized presentations for their IEP meetings and improve their ability to help students present their IEPs with confidence So, get ready to rewrite the stars on the way IEP meetings can be held that will have your students proudly sharing “This is Me!”

Session Presented by Liz Sherman

Step into the rhythm of inclusion with Rebekah Poe's high-energy professional development session, "Break It Down! Aligning IEP Goals to Grade Level Standards " Just like breakdancers break down complex moves, we'll guide you in breaking down grade-level standards into manageable tasks, ensuring your IEP goals groove seamlessly with these standards, even for students below grade level. Learn the art of crafting meaningful yet attainable IEP goals with templates that save you time, and expect outcomes that pop, lock, and rock, including heightened rigor in your goals and enhanced alignment with the general education curriculum Join Rebekah and dance your way to success in inclusive education!

MEET YOUR SPECIAL EDUCATION PRESENTERS:

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 researchbased 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 cross-curricular 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!

AMELIA CAPOTOSTA

Liz Sherman has been an educator since 2007 who brings her enthusiasm and funloving energy to special education. She believes in creating equitable and inclusive learning environments where students of all abilities are successful learners She’s taught grades K-8, the majority of them in grades K-3, across various models - selfcontained, resource, and co-taught - and was an Assistant Director and then Director of Special Education before returning to the classroom. Before being in the classroom, she taught in the informal setting for the Walt Disney Company at Animal Kingdom for their Animal Programs & Environmental Initiatives both on-stage and backstage. Liz prides herself in advocating for her students, creating school-wide systems and supports that benefit everyone, and building strong relationships with her students, families, and general education teaching teams.

LIZ SHERMAN

Rebekah Poe, M. Ed. is an award-winning former special education teacher and a national teaching conference presenter with over a decade of experience in the special education field. She has experience at every grade level and in every type of classroom- from high school transition programs and multiple disability self-contained classes to middle school co-teaching and elementary resource. As a presenter and speaker, Rebekah focuses on providing teachers with the training necessary to offer equitable education and establish connections to students of all ability levels in an inclusive setting She has created differentiated resources for companies like LEGO Education to ensure accessibility for all. Her first book Blueprint for Inclusion will be available late 2024. When she's not working with educators, she can be found at the closest coffee shop with a piping hot latte and a good book! Connect with her on Instagram at @rebekahpoeteaching

BIO COMING SOON

SCHOOL LEADER COACH

NEW TEACHER

LEAD ON

THE INSTRUCTIONAL LEADER

Welcome to the Lead On track at the Get Your Teach on National Conference, where this year's theme revolves around "The InstructionalLeader"Withayearofintenseimmersioninschoolsacrossthenation,engagingdirectlywithstate,district,andbuilding leaders, one clear realization emerged successful schools are propelled by instructional leaders. This year, our Lead On track is meticulouslycraftedwithadeliberatefocusonthelensofinstructionalleadership,offeringthreeincredibledaysforleaderslikeyouto immerseyourselfintransformativeexperiences

Day1:Leadership-Onthefirstdayoftheconference,wedelveintotheessenceofleadership.Weexplorethequalitiesthatmakean instructionalleadereffective,encouragingattendeestodreambigandtranslatethosedreamsintoactionableplans.

Day 2: Coaching - The second day shifts the spotlight to coaching, a pivotal aspect of instructional leadership. Participants will gain insightsintoeffectivecoachingstrategies,empoweringthemtoguideandinspiretheirteamstowardexcellence.

Day3:Instruction-Onthefinalday,thefocusturnstoinstructionitself.Attendeeswillexplorekeyinstructionalshiftsthatcancreatea lastingimpactonstudentlearningoutcomes.

After these three dynamic days, we have no doubt that you will leave with a concrete action plan to accelerate your school campus like never before. The Lead On track at the Get Your Teach on National Conference is not just a conference; it's a transformative experience designed to empower instructional leaders to lead with vision, coach with excellence, and drive instructional shifts for lastingimpact.

1 DAY

LEADERSHIP:

BECOMINGADREAMERANDADOER

BECOMING A DREAMER AND A DOER with Wade King

CREATING A CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE with DR. KEVIN BLACK

THE INSTRUCTIONAL LEADER with HOPE KING

ACT LIKE A LEADER THINK LIKE A TEACHER WITH HAYWARD JEAN

COACHING: 2 DAY

THEINSTRUCTIONALLEADER

LET’S GET VERTICAL with amelia capotosta and LaNesha Tabb

MOVES TO MONITOR & MOVE TEACHERS with Chris Pombonyo

INSTRUCTIONAL SYSTEMS FOR GROWTH

CRAFTING MEANINGFUL PD WITH Hope king & Chris Pombonyo

INSTRUCTION: 3 DAY

INSTRUCTIONALSHIFTSFORIMPACT

DE-ESCALATING STUDENTS IN CRISIS with Rebekah Poe

A SPECIAL LEADERSHIP KEYNOTE with STEVE SPANGLER

MASTERING THE SCIENCE OF READING

R O DUCING GYTOThe INSTRUCTIONAL LAB

Introducing the groundbreaking GYTO Instruction Lab, a revolutionary conference track designed exclusively for educators seeking to unlock the true potential of their classrooms through Best Instructional Practices Whether you're a new teacher, a seasoned veteran, or an instructional coach, this immersive experience is tailored to elevate your teaching game and propel your students toward unprecedented academic success.

In the GYTO Instructional Lab, we recognize the transformative power of effective teaching methods and their ability to shape student outcomes regardless of the curriculum in use. This track is your passport to a comprehensive exploration of proven instructional strategies that transcend subject matter, curricular frameworks, and district initiatives This track is less about any specific standard and more about how we can find success for our learners with ANY and ALL standards

Embark on a unique adventure as we guide you through the intricacies of instructional excellence, empowering you to seamlessly integrate best practices into your daily teaching routine Whether you're teaching from a basal reading program or fully immersed in the science of reading, or working from a diverse set of standards and district initiatives, our expert facilitators will provide you with the tools and insights needed to set your classroom and learners on a trajectory of continuous academic growth and success.

The GYTO Instructional Lab is not just another conference track; it's a dynamic learning experience that equips you with the knowledge and skills to navigate the evolving landscape of education Get ready to fully unleash the potential of your teaching, refine your instructional techniques, and discover the powerful potential of any curriculum

Join us on this unparalleled journey through the GYTO Learning Lab – an opportunity open to all educators ready to immerse themselves in the art and science of best instructional practices Get ready to revolutionize your teaching and witness the transformative impact on your students' achievements. Your best results await in the GYTO Instruction Lab!

1 DAY

THE INSTRUCTIONAL TEACHER

DEVELOPINGSYSTEMSFORBESTINSTRUCTIONALPRACTICES

THE INSTRUCTIONAL LEADER with Hope King

CRAFTING EFFECTIVE MINI LESSONS with LANESHA TABB

GAMETIME DATA with CHRIS POMBONYO

BUILDING YOUR DREAM TEAMWITH AMELIA CAPOTOSTA & LIZ SHERMAN

2 DAY

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

SPEAK, LISTEN, LEAD! with JOANNE MILLER

SET THE STAGE TO ENGAGEwith HOPE AND WADE KING

CRAFTING CRAVEABLE LESSONS with BRITTANY HEGE

A SPECIAL KEYNOTE

3 DAY

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT & ACCOUNTABILITY

MISSION MOTIVATION with CHRIS POMBONYO

CHEERS AND CHANTS CHAMPIONS with ASHLEY SCHROEDER

DE-ESCALATING STUDENTS IN CRISIS with REBEKAH POE FROM MANAGEMENT TO METACOGNITION with SHANE SAEED L