Diverse Minds Unite: Using MBTI/MMTIC to Foster Collaboration in Professional Learning Communities and Student Teams

In the session, we will explore how the MBTI/MMTIC tools can be used to elevate communication through recognizing and appreciating different communication styles. Learn strategies for adapting communication to different personality types and active listening techniques to promote understanding and collaboration. By understanding their own preferences for type, individuals can gain insights into their strengths, communication style, problem-solving approaches, and preferred work environments. This framework highlights the value of diverse perspectives and preferences of team members and can be used to identify areas of potential conflict and strategies for effective teamwork and communication.

Presenters:
Dr. Kimberly Lane, Office of Magnet & Curriculum Enhancement, Wake County Public School System
Joshua Hunter, Senior Administrator for Magnet Curriculum Support & Outreach, Wake County Public School System

Equity Maps: Ensuring Equity in Discussions
Ensuring that all voices are heard during classroom discussions and administrative meetings is essential. Research shows that that those who are male and those who are white are more likely to dominate discussions, which stifles diversity of opinion and devalues others’ voices. Therefore, having an accountability measure that can assess the level of equity of conversation can result in more lively discussions, diverse perspectives, and more genuine conversation. Equity Maps is an application that teachers and administrators can use to measure equity of discussion to attain these results.

Presenter:
Jonathan Lancaster, Social Studies Teacher, The Bergen County Academies

Reflective Learning with Respect to Equitable Grading Practices
Teachers at Battle Creek Area Mathematics and Science Center committed to more equitable grading practices in the 2021-22 school year. As part of this practice, grades reflect student mastery of content, and are therefore a fluid measure throughout the semester. After each assessment, students embarked on a process we call reflective learning. It involved a critical item analysis by the student on each learning target over which they were assessed. We will discuss the impact of this practice on both teachers and students, as well as on student grades.

Presenters:
Scott Hanson, Lead Science Teacher, Battle Creek Area Mathematics and Science Center
Karen Payson, Lead Math Teacher, Battle Creek Area Mathematics and Science Center

90-MINUTE DEEP DIVE 3 – 4:30 P.M.
Strategies for a More Equity-Minded Classroom: How Do You Know it’s Working?
As we continue to challenge notions that equity is “extra work” in STEM education rather than embedded into this work, join us for a sharing session of ideas tried and lessons learned at IMSA. Specific examples will include changes to the construction of syllabi and innovative instruction and assessment practices. We will also share how we are collecting, disaggregating and analyzing data for the purpose of Isolating specific student needs to co-construct instructional coaching plans with faculty.

We will engage the participants to share their strategies and ideas and recommend ways to continue the work after the conference ends.

Presenters:
Comfort Akwaji-Anderson, Chief of Schools, Cedar Rapids Community Schools District
Anita White, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

Differentiation and Increased Equity Through Self-Paced Learning
Allowing students to work at their own pace within the framework of a highly structured classroom leads to true differentiation and increases equity. The many pros, and few cons, to this classroom practice will be discussed, as well as practical techniques for implementation.

Presenter:
Heather Mallory, Instructor of Biology, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics

The Flipped Classroom and Neurodivergent Learners
How much do you know about the flipped classroom? How much do you know about working with neurodivergent learners? Do you know how the flipped classroom can help meet the needs of all your students, across all of the spectrums, all at the same time?

Presenter:
Leslie McFadden, Math Teacher, Academies of Loudoun, Academy of Engineering and Technology

Putting Transformative SEL to Work!
Over the last two years, Wake STEM has implemented innovative practices that utilize the CASEL framework to close gaps in educational opportunities and support all students transitioning from high school into college.

Wake STEM will present its best practices for implementing key transformative SEL in STEM project-based learning. We will share our results and various processes, procedures, and tools utilized throughout the years to implement strategies to build an equitable learning environment. These best practices focus on teaching and mentoring students to utilize strategies for identity (self-awareness), agency (self-management), belonging (social awareness), collaborative problem-solving (relationships), and curiosity (responsible decision-making).

Presenters:
Sophia Overdiep, AP Instruction, Wake STEM Early College High School
Evelyn Baldwin, Science Teacher/PBL Coach, Wake STEM Early College High School

Case Method Institute: Using Cases from Harvard to Teach History and Civics in High Schools
Learn about how the case method is reinvigorating high school history and civics education nationwide. Case studies from the acclaimed Harvard course “The History of American Democracy” present historically rich narratives about real-world problems faced by decision-makers and ask students: “What would you do?” U.S. history teacher Dr. Michelle McCargish, who trained in the case method with Harvard Professor David Moss, will discuss what makes this pedagogy a transformative experience in her classroom. High school history, government, or civics teachers who attend will be invited to the Case Method Institute’s PD program, led by Professor Moss, free of charge.

Presenter: Michelle McCargish, Professor of History, Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics

Strategies for Connecting Alumni to STEAM Efforts
This presentation will provide steps to include STEAM alumni in school STEAM programs. In addition to sharing knowledge and experience, including alumni is a great way to highlight diversity and inclusion in STEAM-related industries.

The presentation will also illustrate some examples of outreach programs and how to network while building more capacity among the community as well as collaboration on and off campus.

Presenter:
Nicole Smith, Director of Equity and Inclusive Education, St. Teresa’s Academy

Computational Thinking and the Arts in a STEM Environment
In an educational landscape that increasingly prioritizes STEM concepts and curricula, computational thinking is not only important in the STEM classroom, but is also a staple of the pedagogical and performance mindset of musicians, music educators and all arts education. In this session, presenters will clearly define computational thinking, discuss merits and interdisciplinary applications of the concept, and explain the value of computational thinking in the arts for overall student success and curriculum development. This session will also provide STEM educators an important interdisciplinary window into the arts classroom and pedagogical values and priorities in the arts.

Presenters:
Scott Laird, Fine Arts Chair, North Carolina School of Science and Math
Robert Gotwals, Instructor of chemistry, North Carolina School of Science and Math

Ink And The Infinite: Teaching Intersections of Math and Literature
Often teachers find themselves teaching their subjects in isolation and struggle to help students see the connections and intersections of different subject areas. Possibly one of the most difficult connections is mathematics and literature. This session will present lesson ideas for helping students see those connections by looking at examples of mathematics in fiction. We will read one short story, discuss the mathematics present in the story, and then examine some other sources that teachers could use to create enrichment and extension lessons for students who want more out of their mathematics and literature classes. The session will also cover some previous experiences the presenter has had implementing these ideas.

Presenter:
Taylor Belcher, Math & CS Instructor, South Carolina Governor’s School For Science and Mathematics

Adapting Agile Software Development Processes to Increase the Collaboration, Transparency, and Effectiveness of a School-based Instructional Support Team
Scrum and Agile Software Development tools have been used for six years to increase the effectiveness of our school’s Instructional Support Team (IST). Within project management, Scrum is a framework for developing, delivering, and sustaining products in a complex environment. The core of scrum is three pillars: transparency, inspection and adaptation. The format for the adapted weekly Scrum meeting is that each person shares top items from their priority list for the week, any area where they are stuck, and any opportunities for collaboration. Participants will experience a Scrum meeting firsthand and develop a list of potential Agile tool applications.

Presenter:
Amanda Baskett, Director, Rockdale Magnet School

Unlocking Your School’s Potential
Attracting the Resources You Need Through Visionary Rebranding
As a visionary leader, do you feel you’re missing out on potential resources, partnerships, and community support? Are you struggling to have strategic partners and businesses see the value and impact of your STEM-focused school? You’re not alone. In this exclusive session, Shajan M. Karottu (aka Shaj), Founder of ILS (In the Light Studios, The Educational Brand Marketing Creative Agency), will reveal a game-changing approach that has transformed and continues to transform schools in the Chicagoland area. We’ll dig deep into one crucial element many schools overlook and absolutely need to succeed. If you’re truly committed and passionate about transforming your school community and desire to bring about some long-needed change, get ready to unlock a powerful tool to revitalize your institution’s identity, culture, and impact.”

Presenter:
Shajan M. Karottu, CEO and Founder of ILS (In the Light Studios) and ILS Consulting Agency | Author, INSPIRE, The Principal’s Brand Marketing Guidebook | Executive Producer, Who Killed My Son

Fostering Community Engagement: Integrating Admissions, Residential Life, and Student Involvement to Boost Enrollment
Our workshop merges admissions, residential life, and student involvement strategies to create a compelling community experience that attracts prospective students early and establishes multiple touch points. We’ll explore innovative methods for pulling students into the campus community earlier, fostering meaningful interactions through increased touch points, and empowering current students as influential ambassadors in the recruitment process. Attendees will develop a comprehensive plan to enhance enrollment by combining these initiatives. Let’s unite admissions, residential life, and student involvement to create an inclusive campus culture that magnetizes prospective students and strengthens enrollment.

Presenters:
Ryan McDonald, Director of Admissions, Maine School of Science and Mathematics
Cyndi Trapnell, Director of Residential Life, Maine School of Science and Mathematics

45-MINUTE ROUNDTABLE 3 – 3:45 P.M.
Residence Life Roundtable Discussion
This session is a roundtable discussion for residential STEM schools to share fresh strategies being implemented in student affairs programs in addressing the integration of daytime and evening programming, approaches to student accountability, and innovative place-making strategies in creating student engagement spaces on campus. We invite open conversation for schools to share their success stories in these areas and discuss “what’s next” as we design our institutions’ next residential learning environments. 

Discussion leaders:
John Hoyle, President, Alabama School of Mathematics and Science
Kevin Abel, Dean of Students, Alabama School of Mathematics and Science

45-MINUTE ROUNDTABLE 3:45 – 4:30 P.M.
An Admissions Roundtable: An Open Discussion About Current Admissions Trends
Join the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics Admissions leadership in an Admission Roundtable discussion. This will be a roundtable discussion to talk about the hot topics in Admissions, recruitment, and selection for NCSSS schools across the country. Share your success stories and your challenges in this ever-changing world of recruitment.

Presenters:
Robert Andrews, Associate Director of Admissions, NCSSM
Mattie Gaddy-Parks, Director of Admissions, NCSSM

Drowning in Data? Institutional Research is Your Life Preserver!
Every school has loads of data, but are you using it effectively? Move beyond accreditation and compliance reporting to make your data a campus-wide resource for decision-making. Based on our experiences launching our own Office of Institutional Research, we will share:

•Why and how we created the Office of Institutional Research
•How we collect, verify, and standardize data from disconnected sources
•How we analyze, visualize, and report on data for school leadership
•Our process for identifying, prioritizing, and managing projects
•Software options and how to select what works for you
•Examples of our projects, such as real-time data dashboards

Presenter:
Pam Altman, Institutional Research Analyst, South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics

Journey Through 9th-Grade Transition – A Guided Discussion About Near-Peer Mentoring
Academies of Loudoun School Counseling and Academy Director will share our school’s journey in developing a novel near-peer mentor program. Our intention with this program is to support 9th grade students as they transition to a rigorous, public, day school STEM environment. Our goal is to implement a sustainable program, designed to enhance academic performance, strengthen student community, and support student retention. We will share our nascent program development process, screening tools and training materials. The session will include an open facilitated discussion so that we may learn from other school’s experiences with peer mentorship.

Presenters:
Amy Burgess, Director of School Counseling, Academies of Loudoun
Jennifer Chang, Academy Director, Academies of Loudoun

Ensuring Legally Defensible Enrollment Strategies
Is your school prepared for the coming legal challenges? In a historic decision, the U.S. Supreme Court recently effectively ended race-conscious admission programs at colleges and universities nationwide. The implications of this will ripple across our K-12 enrollment strategies, opening the door to new and daunting legal challenges. As such, we will share legally defensible enrollment strategies that both safeguard our school and achieve the strategic enrollment goals that advance our mission.

Presenter:
Aaron Brazelton, Director of Admissions & Advancement, The Alabama School of Cyber Technology & Engineering

Lights! Camera! Drama! – Integrating Creative Arts into Residential Life Programs
The main thrust of this presentation is to stimulate participants’ interest in creating some arts-based hall programs that are meaningful, relevant and impactful. These arts-based programs will seek to help remedy the social, psychological and emotional challenges encountered by students.

Presenter:
Dr. Colin B. Finn, Assistant Dean of Residential Life, Arkansas School for Maths, Science & the Arts

Retaining Girls and Untapped Talent in Math Through Infused Social Responsibility and Leadership
National trends show that girls and students from historically untapped racial and ethnic groups are at the greatest risk in middle school of falling off the pathway to study advanced mathematics. Not only are they less exposed to role models in mathematics who look like them, but the framework and organization of other courses out competes a traditional delivery of math. Dive into redesigned algebra courses, its framework and lesson examples organized around a set of core leadership practices empowering students to use math as a tool for social responsibility and improving the world around.

Presenters:
Lisette Morris, Executive Director, The Ingenuity Project, Inc.
Justin Kuk, Math Teacher, Baltimore City Public Schools

90-MINUTE DEEP DIVE 3 – 4:30 P.M.
Demystifying Data Science: How to Get Started
Data science has become a buzzword in education, research, and industry so the true meaning is often difficult to determine. This session will demystify what is meant when discussing data science in K-12 education, and how the field can set students up for success in a data-driven world. The session will highlight lessons and tools that introduce students to this exciting field that combines statistics and computing. Attendees will complete several of the student activities during this hands-on session. No previous experience in data science or programming will be required to engage in and enjoy these experiences. Please bring your favorite computing device (laptop, tablet, phone, etc.) to fully engage in this session.

Presenter:
Taylor Gibson, Dean of Data Science & Interdisciplinary Initiatives, NCSSM

Actu-What?
Do you have students who love to solve puzzles and complex numerical problems? Do they want to use their math superpower to make a positive impact in the world and wonder what they can do beyond teaching, engineering, or computer science? Actuarial science is a top-rated field that leverages mathematical/financial engineering to solve complex business challenges in industries surrounded by uncertainty and risk. This informational discussion introduces the actuarial career by answering questions such as What IS an Actuary? What does an Actuary DO? Where do Actuaries work? How to become an Actuary? This session is suitable for teachers, counselors, and school leaders who want to learn about the actuarial profession and share the information with their students who could use their math superpowers as an actuary and make a difference in the world.

Presenter:
Beth Ann Braswell, FSA, MAAA – VP, Appointed Actuary & Head of Financial Projections for Lincoln Financial Group, Chief Actuaries Forum DE&I Chair, Society of Actuaries

Making it Meaningful: Engaging Students in Authentic Service Opportunities
Students engaged in meaningful service opportunities learn the importance of making positive contributions to the world around them. By combining curriculum-driven service learning with additional community service opportunities, students gain a deeper understanding of their responsibility as scientists and engineers. In this workshop, participants will learn how Mass Academy integrates a commitment to service into its school culture, resulting in nearly all students exceeding the minimum service requirements. Implementation strategies, sources of funding, and engaging with community partners will be explored. Participants will also have the opportunity to brainstorm additional strategies to take back to their schools.

Presenter:
Anne Ludes, Director, Mass Academy of Math and Science

Using LetServe to Improve Service Learning Programs
LetServe is a Service Learning program designed to facilitate student engagement, responsibility, and reflection with a team always available to support student service learning journeys. LetServe’s program provides web and mobile access, IT experts and service learning/non-profit professionals to promote student responsibility, leadership, and equity.

At NCSSM, student leaders and staff partner with LetServe to engage students in community service, learning, and reflection. Using customized dashboards, students research and find local volunteer opportunities and log and track service hours; all while making community engagement simple and equitable for students, and reducing the paperwork and administration burden for administrators.

Presenters:
Sue Anne Lewis, Service Learning Coordinator, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics
Christine Cotton, LetServe Founder & Service Learning Consultant, LetServe

Green Schools: Promoting a Culture of Environmental Education at the School, District, & State Level
This session will take a deep dive into how William S. Schmidt Outdoor Education Center and Eleanor Roosevelt High School collaborate in empowering youth in taking action in reducing waste, encouraging sustainability and fostering environmental literacy while working towards Maryland Green School Certification. Strategies will be shared to start student-driven green practices in the high school setting.

Presenters:
David Eisenberg, Engineering Teacher, Eleanor Roosevelt High School / Prince George’s County Public Schools / Maryland
James Roberson, Instructional Specialist for Environmental Literacy, Prince George’s County Public Schools

GSSM’s Hydroponic Research Lab Journey
This presentation shares GSSM’s journey to bring a hydroponic research lab to campus from grassroots ideation by our organization to current implementation. GSSM’s Hydroponic Research Lab is an upcycled container that uses automation and hydroponics to grow 8,000 plants simultaneously. We will explore how our lab provides an excellent opportunity for students to explore innovations in controlled environment agriculture while learning about botany, engineering, chemistry, programming, in an interdisciplinary context. The relevance of this lab to South Carolina’s past, present, and future will enable it to be a cornerstone in collaboration efforts between GSSM, universities, private industry, and the community.

Presenters:
Matt Myers, Hydroponic Research Lab Manager, South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics
Joshua Witten, Director of Research & Inquiry, South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics
Ryan Masters, System Programmer, South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics

Propel Learning Beyond Earth: ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) Proposals & Growing Tomato Seeds from Space!
Discover how teachers can leverage the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program to revolutionize their classrooms in this dynamic session. From live Q&A sessions with astronauts to collaborative projects with schools worldwide, the ARISS program offers an array of opportunities for educators. Join us as we explore practical strategies, share success stories, and provide valuable resources to integrate ARISS into your curriculum. Ignite student curiosity, foster interdisciplinary learning, and create unforgettable educational experiences that transcend borders.

Presenter:
Josh Hunter, Science Teacher, Wake STEM Early College High School
Dr. Kimberly Lane, Senior Director for Magnet and Curriculum Enhancement Programs, Wake STEM Early College High School

Alternatives to Traditional Education: Non-Baccalaureate STEM Careers
Almost 50% of high school students are no longer considering Bachelor’s degrees, and more than 50% are open to other career pathways. Yet, 85% of students feel pressure to pursue a college degree! Join Dr. Steven Coyle, as he will focus on your students and how you can give them the information they need to make important career decisions. Learn how to get more of your female students involved in STEM careers. Learn how to get industry involved in your school and how to get parents more engaged in your programs. Find out about new scholarship opportunities that will benefit your students.

Presenter:
Dr. Steven Coyle, National Director Counselor/Academic Relations, Universal Technical Institute

Challenges and Rewards of a Campus Native Pollinator Garden
School native pollinator gardens are multidisciplinary learning tools merging science, mathematics, and design while serving as habitat for wildlife. Campus gardens allow students to take ownership of the landscape and gain experiential knowledge of plant-pollinator interactions and conservation while creating an outdoor classroom and research laboratory. Gardens can be installed in a variety of spaces, and external funding is often available. In this session, we will share tips from ASMSA’s student-run native garden, including how to get started, successes and pitfalls, student project ideas, observations, and ideas for incorporating a campus native plant garden into coursework.

Presenters:
Lindsey Waddell, Geoscience and Chemistry Instructor, Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts
Allyn Dodd, Biology Instructor, Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts

Supporting Teachers and Chemical Technical Professionals
This session will share programs and initiatives of the American Chemical Society that provide support for K–12 teachers of chemistry and students studying to become chemical technical professionals.

Presenter:
Jenn Fees, Education Resource Manager, ACS

Using Toys for Home-Based Physics Lab Work
Schools were closed down; teachers had to reinvent their strategies. Given the availability of virtual technology, teachers shifted to online classes, modules and simulations. These new adjustments reasonably addressed needs. Physics teachers, however, had to provide students with opportunities lab experiments at home. To address this problem, we physics teachers identified toys to serve as alternatives to standard lab apparatus. Toys based on physics principles can demonstrate physics concepts. Modified toys were sent to students to let them work on their own. Results, quizzes, and feedback show that toys are well-appreciated and are comparable to standard lab apparatus.

Presenter:
Anna Carmela B. Bonifacio, Special Science Teacher V, Philippine Science High School- Main Campus

SageModeler: Using Computational Modeling to Increase Student Discourse in Science
For the past four years, the Battle Creek Area Mathematics and Science Center has worked in partnership with Create for STEM at Michigan State University and the Concord Consortium in Boston on developing computational modeling software that allows students to simulate real world phenomena. The session will focus on how to incorporate computational modeling into the science classroom through the program SageModeler, and how to use student generated models to increase student to student discourse.

Presenter:
Scott Hanson, Lead Science Teacher, Battle Creek Area Mathematics and Science Center
Tim Muhich, PhD Student, University of Michigan

Helping Students Understand the Complexity of Ecological and Environmental Issues Through Use and Creation of Environmental Impact Statements
When we discuss environmental issues in our classes, students immediately gravitate toward the most obvious solutions with the most benefit to the ecology and environment of an area. However, problems are not always that straightforward. We have started using Environmental Impact Statements as a model for discussing complex, real world environmental issues from diverse perspectives, including those of underrepresented populations. In this session, we will showcase our curriculum, and discuss different ways this model can be used depending on time and subject focus. We will also share examples that we, and our students, have researched, which can be used in many ways beyond this project to raise awareness of some of the ecological issues our world is facing today.

Presenters:
Sarah O’Leary-Driscoll, Biology Faculty, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jessica Amacher, Biology Faculty, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

Solutions to the Challenges of Cross-Curricular Projects
Creating cross-curricular content is scary. Adding PBL on top of that can seem like a daunting task. In this session, gain insights into the logistics and troubleshooting of creating cross-curricular PBL. Participants will also have the opportunity to view sample projects highlighting how authentic, engaging cross-curricular projects give students the opportunity to learn “on the job” to solve challenges. Participants will hopefully walk away with an understanding of how to spearhead cross-curricular PBL.

Presenters:
Chelsea Olson, Biology Teacher, Raisbeck Aviation High School
Ji Hea Shin, Chemistry Teacher, Raisbeck Aviation High School

Fostering Community Engagement: Integrating Admissions, Residential Life, and Student Involvement to Boost Enrollment
Our workshop merges admissions, residential life, and student involvement strategies to create a compelling community experience that attracts prospective students early and establishes multiple touch points. We’ll explore innovative methods for pulling students into the campus community earlier, fostering meaningful interactions through increased touch points, and empowering current students as influential ambassadors in the recruitment process. Attendees will develop a comprehensive plan to enhance enrollment by combining these initiatives. Let’s unite admissions, residential life, and student involvement to create an inclusive campus culture that magnetizes prospective students and strengthens enrollment.

Presenters:
Ryan McDonald, Director of Admissions, Maine School of Science and Mathematics
Cyndi Trapnell, Director of Residential Life, Maine School of Science and Mathematics