2021 Nyack Teacher Center Annual Pre K - K Transitions Conference

"Unlock the Key to S.E.E - Social Emotional Learning and Equity"

Keynote Speaker:

Dr. Alexandria Connally

Nyack Public Schools, Director of Equity, Inclusion and Innovation

Culturally Responsive Teaching is a pedagogy that recognizes the importance of including students' cultural references in all aspects of learning (Ladson-Billings,1994). Some of the characteristics of culturally responsive teaching are: Positive perspectives on parents and families, communication of high expectations and pedagogy that attacks institutional racism.

Workshop #1

The Power of Presence: Activating a Mindful Classroom

Presenter: Ryan Gerald Erbe

Could you use more centering, calm, and presence in your classroom? Could your students use some of that too? If your answers are YES, then ‘The Power of Presence’ workshop is for you! Come join me at this engaging, experiential and learner-centered workshop where you will discover what mindfulness is, how to practice it in your own life, and how to implement it in your classroom today!

Workshop #2

Math Storytelling:

Calm, Command and Conquer the Curriculum®

Presenter: Lynda Brennan

Explore math storytelling as a way to engage all levels of learners. Learn how math stories can help enhance the curriculum, infuse mathematical practices, promote visual models and enhance discourse in the classroom. The goal is to get children talking about math in a meaningful way. Help your students learn to love math using the visual and conversational supports that result from math storytelling.

Workshop #3

Books as a Key of S.E.E.:

Picture books that promote equity and social/emotional awareness

Presenter: Melinda Watkins

This workshop will discuss recently published picture books that support social and emotional learning and equity for the pre-school and Kindergarten classroom. Participants will hear about a variety of books surrounding this topic, examine ideas for classroom usage, and receive a detailed bibliography of the books and resources discussed.

Workshop #4

Social Emotional Learning

and Communication

Presenter: Meredith Handt

Ideas and strategies from "Everyday SEL in Elementary Schools" will be discussed and demonstrated. CASEL, POP Charts, and mindfulness activities will be the basis of discussion. Participants will be provided with strategies and activities to use in their own settings, centered around SEL.

Sharing is Caring

Throughout the day, we will have 15 minute mini "Sharing is Caring" sessions. The open forum will allow participants to share best practices, ask questions and engage in open discussions with colleagues from across the Lower Hudson Region.

You are appreciated and we realize what it takes to keep a classroom filled with resources. So, participants in each workshop will have their names entered in a drawing to win a prize! There will be multiple opportunities to win so sign up today!

Meet the Author

Saying hello makes a difference and has a huge impact on making all children feel less anxious! A hug? A handshake? A high five? When Coronavirus precautions at school mean she can't say "hello" in the way she sometimes would, a young girl learns other ways to greet her teacher and friends.

Conference participants will join Mary Catherine Hillman in a read aloud of this story while learning creative ways to adapt and socialize.

Afterwards, participants will be invited to share what strategies they used during remote and hybrid learning to help children continue to develop those critical socialization skills. *All participants will receive information to purchase an e-copy of the story.

Connecting Pre K and Kindergarten

Through Collaborative Visitation Experiences!

Conference participants will learn about a Pre K - K classroom visitation program, designed to help strengthen vertical articulation of curriculum and instruction. This unique program allows Pre K and Kindergarten teachers to partner up for visitation experiences, focusing on curriculum and instruction. After each visitation, they enjoy an opportunity to debrief and engage in collaborative discussions. We will have a sign up for those who are interesting in joining our visitation program or learning how to set up one in their district.