The Community of Practice for K-12 Computer Science Educators is a collaborative network dedicated to enhancing teaching practices and advancing the field of computer science education within K-12 settings. This dynamic community brings together educators, curriculum developers, and industry professionals who share a commitment to empowering students with critical computational skills and knowledge.

By fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, this Community of Practice aims to inspire K-12 educators to engage their students in meaningful ways, and cultivate a love for computer science. Together, we can equip the next generation with the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world.

Let's explore the intersection of writing and artificial intelligence in education In this workshop, we will delve into the emerging challenges and opportunities AI introduces into the classroom, particularly in writing and content creation. With tools like ChatGPT and other generative AI technologies becoming increasingly accessible to students, educators face a critical question: How can we address the challenge of students submitting AI-generated content? Our session will cover practical strategies for integrating AI responsibly and ethical considerations for nurturing authentic writing skills in a digital age. Do not miss this chance to gain valuable insights and collaborate with fellow educators on innovative approaches to maintaining academic integrity and fostering creativity.

Training For Follett Destiny Users on What is new in The Destiny Library Management System as well as Reports Training

Building Critical Literacy and Empathy with Graphic Novels

Author: Jason D. DeHart

Publisher: Champaign, IL: NCTE, 2024

Pages: 175 pp.

Finding the Perfect Text highlights how comics and graphic novels can develop critical literacy and empathy. This book explores their use across grade levels and topics, showing how they foster critical conversations through well-chosen texts. It features recommended titles, insights from authors, and lesson ideas.

Join a self-paced book study for school librarians and K-12 educators, hosted on Canvas. Explore how graphic novels can transform literacy, foster representation, and encourage critical thinking. This professional learning opportunity will help you leverage these powerful tools to inspire engagement and deeper learning in your students.

Key Features:

• Self-paced learning with flexible access on Canvas.
• Interactive discussions with a professional learning community.
• Strategies for integrating graphic novels into libraries and classrooms.
• eBook provided via our Professional eBook Collection

Details:

• Duration: 5 weeks
• Format: Weekly readings, guided prompts, interactive forums, and practical application assignments.
• Target Audience: School librarians and K-12 educators eager to expand literacy resources and embrace inclusive educational practices.

The use of board games in education is under-utilized. During this session we will focus on secondary level board games. As we come out of this pandemic, and adjust to new directions, education can reinvent itself, and create better learning environments. Gamification is a popular teaching buzz word that suggests educators take an element of play and retrofit it to achieve a classroom learning objective. Games can engage students with different learning styles and inspire individual creativity. Board games represent the missing tool in our toolboxes, and they can replace the traditional lectures with a method that reaches all students. This interactive professional development is for educators who want to use board games as teaching tools.

• Board games can be used in all content areas and teach a variety of skills including:
• Social, Emotional, Learning concepts
• Problem solving
• Trial & Error - Failure as a way of learning
• Collaboration & Teamwork
• Creativity & Problem Solving

During this professional development educators will experience board games, be provided with sample lesson plans and include time to actually play games.

The SLS Communication Coordinators meetings are designed to be a bridge between the School Library System team and the school librarians in each of the districts and non-public schools that are members of the system. Each district has a designated Communication Coordinator who is required to attend the meetings but all members are welcome to attend. The morning (8:30 am to 11:30 am) will be a "Communities of Practice" meeting, topic to be decided at a later date. The second half of the day (12:30 pm to 3:00 pm) will be the Communication Coordinators meeting.

Media Literacy & Books with Jennifer LaGarde

Presenter: Jennifer LaGarde, co-author of Developing Digital Detectives and Fact vs. Fiction

Session Description:

Join Jennifer LaGarde for an engaging session on media literacy and the power of books. As misinformation spreads faster than ever, librarians and educators play a critical role in helping students evaluate sources, recognize bias, and think critically about the information they consume.

Key Takeaways:

• 🔎 Strategies for Teaching Media Literacy - Practical, research-based approaches to develop students' critical thinking skills.
• 📚 Books as a Media Literacy Tool - How fiction and nonfiction can enhance students' understanding of information credibility.
• 🛠 Hands-on Activities & Resources - Ready-to-use lessons, book recommendations, and tools to integrate media literacy across content areas.

This session is designed for school librarians, classroom teachers, and instructional leaders looking to strengthen their media literacy instruction. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the leading voices in the field!

Register now to secure your spot!

Are you feeling stuck in the repetitive cycle of traditional lessons and worksheets? Many teachers find it challenging to break free and create original, engaging, and effective instruction. EduProtocols offer a fresh approach that breaks up predictable lesson plans, builds a positive classroom culture, and delivers content in a supportive, creative environment.

In this hands-on professional development session, you will:

• Learn how to implement EduProtocols, flexible lesson frameworks that can be used across subjects and grade levels
• Explore and customize classic models like Frayer Models and Venn Diagrams with engaging, fun topics
• Create your own EduProtocols to jumpstart an exciting new year with your students

These activities not only help students master academic content but also foster critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. EduProtocols are UDL-friendly, ensuring that all learners can thrive in your classroom. Simplify lesson planning while preparing your students for success-do not miss this chance to transform your teaching and energize your classroom!

Join us for a full-day, in-person workshop exploring the integration of board games into elementary education, aligned with educational standards. This hands-on session will provide educators with practical strategies to make learning interactive, engaging, and effective through board games.

What You Will Learn:

• Curriculum Alignment: Select and utilize board games that complement and enhance your curriculum, aligning with specific educational standards.
• Engagement Techniques: Boost student engagement and foster critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
• Game Selection: Choose the right games for different age groups and learning objectives.
• Assessment Strategies: Assess and track learning outcomes through interactive game play.

Workshop Format: This interactive session includes demonstrations, group discussions, and hands-on gameplay. Educators will have the opportunity to experience educational board games firsthand and learn how to effectively incorporate them into their classrooms.

Who Should Attend: Elementary educators, curriculum designers, and educational technologists interested in integrating game-based learning into their teaching practice.

Join Us: Enhance your teaching methods by incorporating engaging board games into your educational toolkit. This professional development day will provide you with practical tips and creative ideas to meet educational standards while making learning fun and impactful.