In this session, we will define differentiation in today’s classroom through content, experiences, and reflection. From creating a classroom environment conducive to differentiation, to assessing the learning of the differentiated classroom. The ideas shared will be applicable to any content area. Whether a new teacher beginning a career or a veteran staff member refreshing their knowledge, this class will be fast-paced, engaging and practical. The teaching techniques shared will be high yield and low prep; a winning combination for students’ success.

Participants will:
*Define and illustrate the basic tenants of differentiation
*Experience, through hands-on activities, differentiation techniques
*Connect assessment strategies with how to differentiate in the middle and high school classroom
*Reflect and plan on how the strategies shared can be applied in the unique setting of each participant or team of participants.

About the Presenter: Eliza Sorte Thomas has been teaching, learning, and leading for the last 22 years in Montana, Colorado, Mexico, and Bangladesh. Currently, Eliza is a full time Education faculty member and Director of Early Childhood at Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC). Prior to being a professor, she served over 11,000 students and 24 districts for the Northwest Montana Educational Cooperative in Kalispell, Montana as a curriculum developer and professional development provider.

Kick off your school year with practical differentiation strategies.

This workshop is will provide strategies and techniques that every teacher can use in the elementary classroom. Educators will be guided to learn techniques to adapt their teaching of required standards to meet the needs of their most academically capable students. Along with other strategies, information will follow the text, Teaching Gifted Kids in Today’s Classroom by Susan Winebrenner.

Participants will learn how to:
--Differentiate curriculum for all students while following state standards.
--Better understand the unique academic and social needs of high ability/high potential students.
--Reward effort rather than outcome to increase productivity & motivation in high ability/high potential students.

Follow up on-line or in person coaching sessions will also be provided throughout the school year to answer questions and help you implement strategies in your classroom.

Kim Watterson has:
--30 years of teaching experience in the elementary classroom
--11 years as a gifted education specialist
--BA in Elementary Education from MSUB; Master’s Degree from Lesley University
--Expertise in differentiation in the classroom
--Certified SENG (Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted) trainer
--Certified trainer of Susan Winebrenner's model based on the book Teaching Gifted Kids in Today’s Classroom.

Darla Williams has:
--19 years of teaching experience
--10 years as a gifted educator
--BA in Elementary Education from MSUB; Master’s Degree from Lesley University
--Expertise in differentiation in the classroom
--Representative on the board for the Montana Association of Gifted and Talented Education
--Certified trainer in the SENG Model and in using and implementing Susan
Winebrenner’s techniques as presented in Teaching Gifted Kids in Today’s Classroom.

This workshop will explore the impact of trauma in schools and equip educators with strategies including Restorative Justice, Social Emotional Learning and circles to create school-wide practices that meet the needs of students who have been exposed to trauma. Emphasis will be placed on going “beyond the basics” in order to create a truly trauma-sensitive culture within the school.

Learner Objectives:
*Understand/Define different kinds of trauma, including: Chronic, Acute, Vicarious, Historical
*Distinguish between Trauma Informed and Trauma Sensitive
*List resiliency factors
*Define Restorative Justice
*Define Restorative Practices
*Understand the basic structure of Restorative Circles
*List some of the barriers in your community to becoming a Trauma Informed/Sensitive System *List some of the assets in your community that create a safe and welcoming environment.

About the Presenter: Matthew Johnson is a school administrator and former school counselor with Browning Public Schools. Matthew is currently the Director of Alternative Education and the Principal of the Buffalo Hide Academy, an alternative school that promotes a Trauma Informed environment.

This seminar will give teachers and leaders a much needed nod of reassurance: It is not ME it is YOU, and that YOU is the devilish Cortisol. Why are so many students maddeningly difficult to engage? Why are focus and attention seemingly unattainable goals on one day and then students crave knowledge the next? Blame it on the amygdala and hippocampus. The fascinating roles that Cortisol and stress play in learning are critical to understanding and then winning the battle for engagement. Drawing on her standing room only presentations on "Rich Brain, Poor Brain" and "Brain Tips" sessions around the US, Dr. Bone will engage her audience with a provocative quiz on their own levels of Cortisol and stress and then supply participants with the weapons they need to boost IQ, EQ, and creativity and ultimately emerge victorious in the battle for student engagement.

About the Presenter: Dr. Linda Karges-Bone is a popular keynote speaker at state and national conferences, including the National Title 1 Conference (five years running) and the National Differentiated Education Conference. Dr. Karges-Bone combines humor with the latest in brain-based research to deliver uniquely entertaining, enlightening presentations. Dr. Karges-Bone is the author of 34 books on parenting and education. Her most recent book, Rich Brain, Poor Brain: Bridging Social and Synaptic Gaps in Schools, has captured the attention of educators nationwide and is a best-seller in the field. 

This full day session offers educators an overview of the 7 major theorists that impact classroom management decisions, including extrinsic and intrinsic models. The emphasis is on preventing management problems with organization, understanding of students’ needs, a firm grasp of brain function and child development, and simple techniques for creating a positive, management-friendly environment. Dr. Bone shows educators how the brains of children and their social situations affect behavior and how teachers can intervene successfully to shape desired outcomes. Video, power point, and small group instruction.

About the Presenter: Dr. Linda Karges-Bone is a popular keynote speaker at state and national conferences, including the National Title 1 Conference (five years running) and the National Differentiated Education Conference. Dr. Karges-Bone combines humor with the latest in brain-based research to deliver uniquely entertaining, enlightening presentations. Dr. Karges-Bone is the author of 34 books on parenting and education. Her most recent book, Rich Brain, Poor Brain: Bridging Social and Synaptic Gaps in Schools, has captured the attention of educators nationwide and is a best-seller in the field.