Professional Development Workshops
This virtual class is an introduction to the art of differentiation. We will be looking at the critical elements for success in today's classrooms by exploring evidence-based strategies and user-friendly tools to seamlessly integrate differentiation practices and optimize teaching, learning, and assessment for all students, every day. The course will involve synchronous and asynchronous content and assignments. The entire course will take 20 hours and these hours can count towards the Arizona Gifted Endorsement. We will be using the book, Making Differentiation a Habit by Diane Heacox. Please be sure to purchase this book prior to the start of the course.
Date: Every Monday in April 2024 : April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Time: 4:15 - 5:15 p.m.
Location: Virtual through the Pima County School Superintendent's Office
Cost: $25
Facilitator: Kari Sjursen, M.ED., NBCT
Kari Sjursen is the Gifted Education Specialist at Dove Mountain CSTEM K-8 in the Marana Unified School District. Utilizing a variety of programming models, including K-2 Talent Development, content acceleration, K-5 send-out, and Middle School Gifted Elective, Kari strives to provide students with gifted services that both stimulates and supports their developing brains. She is a 2021 Notre Dame Trustey STEM Fellow and a 2022 Arizona State University ASAP STEM Fellow. A Nationally Board Certified Teacher, Kari has presented both nationally and internationally on topics related to gifted education, problem based learning, computer science, and STEM Integration.
Please join us for two workshops that will inspire and provide practical ways to engage and motivate your students. You may attend both workshops or just one. The first workshop is not a prerequisite for the second workshop.
7 Reasons Why Boredom Isn’t Necessarily a BAD Thing… Until It Is. “I’m bored.” But what does that really mean? Boredom in gifted learners may result from under stimulation or even from over challenge, but what if boredom was the catalyst to creativity rather than a barrier to achievement? Together we will diagnose a variety of scenarios and share practical strategies to reverse the poisonous effects of frustration, apathy, and utter disengagement.
In this interactive professional learning experience, participants will enter the Boredom Emergency Room and be presented with a variety of symptoms from seven gifted students. Together we will diagnose the issues and prescribe a set of teaching and learning strategies to remedy the situation and activate student agency.
Date and Time: April 18, 2024 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: CATALYST 4500 N Oracle Rd Suite 110 Tucson, AZ
Constructing Memorable Learning Experiences: The Blueprint Revealed! What makes something memorable? How can we intentionally design teaching and learning to last a lifetime rather than just until the test? Embark on this professional learning journey where we deconstruct the process of making memories and reveal a blueprint for building captivating experiences to engage you and your gifted learners in the creative process. Depart with a set of ready to use tools for heightening curiosity and imagination while developing the courage to make responsible choices in risk taking and embracing the ambiguity of complex challenges and authentic learning.
Saturday, April 20 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Amphi The Learning and Professional Development Building
701 W Wetmore Road Tucson, AZ
Registration can be for one or both of the sessions. The selection of which session attending will be given during the registration process.
Questions: Contact Marianne Landrith at marianne.landrith@pima.gov
There is a clear need to support the development of teacher leaders in all systems. The transition from facilitating learning for students into the role of facilitating for peers is exciting and, at the same time, requires the development of additional understandings, capabilities, and approaches. This seminar is intended to support Teacher Facilitators in the following ways:
-Understanding Adult Learning Theory
-Developing practical approaches and strategies for conducting and facilitating productive meetings and sessions for peers.
-Developing an identity as a teacher leader and collaborator
Seminar Materials included in the cost:
-It’s Your Turn: Teachers as Facilitators A Handbook, Garmston and McKanders
-Adaptive Schools Strategies Resource
Intended Audience: Classroom Teachers and any Educational Professionals who facilitate or plan to facilitate groups of teachers through PLC’s, Department collaborations and other school and district leadership opportunities.
Dates: June 3, 4, 5, 6, 2024
Time: 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Fee: $500
Presenter: Mary Bouley, M.Ed
The 2024 Celebrating Resilience Summit will bring Dr. Adolph Brown back to the stage to supercharge and inspire attendees each morning. Exhibitors at last year's Summit created their own levels of energy and synergy with conference participants and with one another as they promoted, connected, collaborated, and networked. This year's Summit promises even more of the good vibes. We look forward to seeing you there!
© 2017 Pima County School Superintendent's Office
