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Conference Details

Experience the wonders of teaching and see what careers in education are all about. You'll engage with UNC professors, students and alumni, and enjoy a day in the life of a UNC teacher candidate. This conference offers insights to the teaching profession, classroom strategies and tips, and how to begin your journey to becoming an educator!

REGISTRATION HAS CLOSED.

Conference program

Studnet on a computer

2024 Conference Agenda 

7:30 AM

Registration and Breakfast

UC Ballrooms

Doors open to the University Center Ballroom

8:00 AM

Opening

Welcome
Suzette Youngs, Chris Kyser, and James Erekson, Future Teacher Conference Organizers
University of Northern Colorado

Introduction
Jared Stallones, dean, College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
University of Northern Colorado

Andy Feinstein, president, University of Northern Colorado  
Keynote: 
Steve Spangler

9:45 AM

Workshops for Teachers/Parents

McKee Hall

  • Seminar for Parents

    Parent Seminar
    Jim Erekson (Literacy Education, UNC); Kevin Pugh (Educational Psychology, UNC); Aldo Romero (Cumbres, UNC)

    Room #:  McKee 0020

    In this session, parents/guardians/support networks will learn and have the opportunity to ask questions about various topics including the path to becoming a teacher, admissions process, available financial aid, UNC housing and residential education, basic/core/general ed classes, and more.

  • Seminar for Teachers

    A Higher Ground:  Strategies That Promote Civil Conversations in our Classrooms and School Communities
    Jan Stallones (Senior trainer for the Western States Center & Member of the Colorado Dept of Education Writing Framework Cohort)

    Room #:  McKee 282

    Handling controversial topics in schools has become more frequent and more challenging in our current political climate. In this session, we'll look at trends in the rise of conspiracy, bullying, bigotry, and polarizing issues and incidents in our nation’s schools and learn some practical approaches that can help teachers, students, and the school community engage in civil conversations.Participants will leave with resources and tools to use in their classrooms, on their campuses, and with parents and caregivers of their students that can help move us all toward civil dialogue when dealing with areas of disagreement.


    Interested in Becoming a Teacher Cadet Teacher?
    Christine Rotole-McConnell, (Teacher Cadet program coordinator)

    Room #:  McKee 282

    Teachers and Counselors! Participate in this session if you are interested in becoming a Teacher Cadet Teacher or want more information on how to get aTeacher Cadet program at your school.

Workshop #1

McKee Hall

The following workshops begin at 9:45.

  • See Possible Workshops

    Feel free to pick any 3 of the following sessions and attend them in the order that you want.

    • Early Childhood Education

      From Crayons to Connections
      Jean Kirshner (Early Childhood Education, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 221

      Connecting young learners to their global partners in Early Childhood Education classrooms across the world!

    • Elementary Education

      The JOY of Teaching
      Danie Souchek and Trish Wojurfin (1st grade teachers, University Schools)

      Room #:  McKee 219

      Teaching can be a rewarding yet tough profession.  Learning how to sustain yourself through a variety of practices, finding your niche, and carving out time for fun in the classroom is essential.  We look forward to spending some time with you and sharing the passions that have sustained us in our many years of education.


      Why Teachers Make a Difference. 
      Jenni Harding Middleton (Elementary Education, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 230

      Teachers motivate and inspire students to learn. Come explore how high quality teachers make a difference. Do you have what it takes to become an effective and efficient teacher?


      Can I have your attention please?...Engagement Ideas for Everyone!
      Robin Duran (Kindergarten teacher University Schools)

      Room #:  McKee 424

      Let’s grab the attention of the students and keep them engaged in lessons. Students that are actively involved in lessons have a deeper understanding and enjoyment of learning. Let’s explore different ways to keep all students actively working and learning.


      #adifferentkindofschool- Take a look at an Innovation MicroSchool!
      Tatum Monaghan (Fred Tjardes School of Innovation); Courtney Luce

      Room #:  McKee 253

      Not all schools look and function the same!  In this session, you will learn about a school that is doing things differently.  Learn how they emphasize inclusion and individual student interests.


      Math is Fun!
      Hannah Kang (Elementary Education, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 229

      Math is fun! Do you agree with it? Let’s explore some fun and engaging hands-on activities to learn how to teach math in an elementary classroom. In this session, students will experience hands-on manipulatives that promote conceptual understanding of math content. 


      A Mathematical Tug of War
      Kim Mahovsky (Elementary Education, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 254

      Have you ever explored problem solving without numbers?  We will use Star Wars characters to determine who would win a tug-of-war match.  You will be surprised who participates!


      Leveraging Students’ Cultural Strengths in the Elementary Classroom
      Brian Rose Elementary Education, UNC

      Room #:  McKee 140

      We will explore the teacher maxim “You’ve just got to know your students.” We don’t critique the maxim as knowing your students is the name of the game. Instead, we unpack what this means by identifying the aspects of culture more generally, and the visiting students discuss their own lived experiences along these lines.


      Games, Literacy, and Social-Emotional Learning
      Matthew Farber (Educational Technology, UNC), William Merchant (Applied Statistics and Research Methods, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 428

      In this dynamic workshop, explore innovative strategies for integrating games into the classroom to enhance reading skills and foster social-emotional learning. You will engage in hands-on activities and discussions to discover effective approaches that make learning both enjoyable and emotionally enriching for students.

    • Secondary Education

      Reflective Practice: What it Means (and How You Can Start Doing it Now)
      Stacy Bailey (English Education, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 137

      In this session, students will explore reflections skills that they can start using right now to prepare them for becoming teacher candidates.


      Active Learning in the Classroom
      Matt Seymour (English Education, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 425

      This session will introduce students to the concept of active learning and its benefits. Participants will learn about different active learning strategies and how to apply them to their own learning. The session will also include opportunities for students to practice active learning through hands-on activities and group discussions.


      How to Thrive
      Danielle Bell (UNC Educational Studies, doctoral student)

      Room #:  McKee 336

      When you’re a first-year teacher, everyone has advice. They’ll forward you Rita Pierson TED Talks and inspirational quotes. You’ll get your keys and maybe even a district-logo tote bag and a copy of whatever book is trending in the education world. (In 2002, my first year, that was Harry Wong’s “The First Days of School”). But no one really tells you what’s about to happen, or how to navigate the next year. In this session, students will learn tips & tricks to thrive in their first years in the classroom. 

    • K-12 Education: Art, Music, Physical Education, Theatre and World Languages

      MOVE-ment Matters: The Power of Physical Activity in Schools
      Jennifer Krause (Physical Education and Physical Activity Leadership, UNC); Brian Dauenhauer (Physical Education and Physical Activity Leadership, UNC); Scott Douglas (Physical Education and Physical Activity Leadership, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 144

      Play, move, and learn with us as we explore the benefits of physical activity for the mind and body!  This session will describe how teachers can impact students’ overall wellbeing and academics through incorporating physical activity in schools. Come ready to move and groove!


      Art Education: Where Those Crazy Enough to Think They Can Change the World Become the Ones Who Do
      Abi Paytoe Gbayee (Art Education, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 138

      This is session will look at the power of an arts education and give an overview of the Art Education program in the School of Art and Design


      Successful Teaching in Urban Classrooms
      Joanna Ross- Assistant Director, Center for Urban Education

      Room #:  McKee 252

      Key questions that will be addressed in this session include:
      1) What teaching strategies make the biggest difference for all learners?
      2) What is most rewarding about teaching in urban classrooms?  

    • Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education

      Digital Classrooms & Dynamic Teaching- Supporting all learners through In-Person and Digital Engagement
      Anne Davidson (Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 142

      Learn how digital classrooms can be used to create dynamic instruction that responds to students’ needs for inclusion and equity, while facilitating interactive engagement, whether instruction takes place face-to-face within a school classroom, or virtually.


      Cumbres Teacher Preparation Program
      Penny Mascarenas  (Cumbres, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 139

      Description & Recruiting for the Cumbres program.


      Teaching and Learning with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students: Myths and Facts around Multilingual Education
      Deborah Romero (Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 228

      Come discover what it means to be a teacher for all students. This interactive session will dispel popular myths and explore how teachers can build inclusive classrooms that support English language learners.


      ¿Hablas español? We need bilingual educators
      James Gambrell (Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education)

      Room #:  McKee 223

      This presentation discusses the need for Spanish-speaking educators in the state of Colorado.

    • Special Education

      Why Exploring Student Strengths Will Make You a Better Teacher
      Corey Pierce (Special Education, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 147

      A fun way to consider being a teacher with a strength-based mindset!


      Relationships Matter! Strategies for successfully supporting behavior and building rapport in the classroom
      Laura Trapp (Special Education, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 146

      Building rapport, creating a safe learning environment, and honoring individual needs is a priority for supporting successful learning opportunities. This session will share strategies to consider for relationship building that may encourage student-led, collaborative connections that can be beneficial for strengthening educator-student relationships while promoting trusting, safe, respectful, and fun learning opportunities for both the student and educator.


      The Coolest Thing About Special Education!
      Jackie Davis (Special Education, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 135

      What makes being a special education teacher the best kind of teacher?  Variety!  This session will introduce you to the many different students, grade levels, settings, and opportunities you could experience as a special educator.

    • Rural Education

      Start Your Teaching Career Faster with Less Debt: Unique Opportunities in Rural Colorado
      Robert Fulton, Director (Colorado Center for Rural Education)

      Room #:  McKee 145

      Dr. Fulton provides information on financial support and opportunities for those who would like to teach in one of Colorado’s 147 rural schools.

    • K-12 Teaching and Engagement

      Student Engagement & Motivation
      Zoe Tessier (UNC Educational Studies, doctoral student)

      Room #:  McKee 141

      K-12 Best practices in any educational setting that have big effects on student learning at all levels!


      Innovating and Engaging with STEAM
      Samantha Patterson (UNC Educational Studies, doctoral student)

      Room #:  McKee 333

      Hands-on demonstration of how to incorporate art into a math or science lesson to improve engagement in your classroom.


      So you think you want to be a teacher? The power of public education
      Kate Slick, St Vrain Valley Schools Human Resources

      Room #:  Mckee 338

      Discussion and reflection about the importance of teachers and the impact they have.

10:20 AM

Workshop #2

McKee Hall

  • See Possible Workshops for 10:20

    Feel free to pick any 3 of the following sessions and attend them in the order that you want.

    • Early Childhood Education

      From Crayons to Connections
      Jean Kirshner (Early Childhood Education, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 221

      Connecting young learners to their global partners in Early Childhood Education classrooms across the world!

    • Elementary Education

      The JOY of Teaching
      Danie Souchek and Trish Wojurfin (1st grade teachers, University Schools)

      Room #:  McKee 219

      Teaching can be a rewarding yet tough profession.  Learning how to sustain yourself through a variety of practices, finding your niche, and carving out time for fun in the classroom is essential.  We look forward to spending some time with you and sharing the passions that have sustained us in our many years of education.


      Why Teachers Make a Difference. 
      Jenni Harding Middleton (Elementary Education, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 230

      Teachers motivate and inspire students to learn. Come explore how high quality teachers make a difference. Do you have what it takes to become an effective and efficient teacher?


      Can I have your attention please?...Engagement Ideas for Everyone!
      Robin Duran (Kindergarten teacher University Schools)

      Room #:  McKee 424

      Let’s grab the attention of the students and keep them engaged in lessons. Students that are actively involved in lessons have a deeper understanding and enjoyment of learning. Let’s explore different ways to keep all students actively working and learning.


      #adifferentkindofschool- Take a look at an Innovation MicroSchool!
      Tatum Monaghan (Fred Tjardes School of Innovation); Courtney Luce

      Room #:  McKee 253

      Not all schools look and function the same!  In this session, you will learn about a school that is doing things differently.  Learn how they emphasize inclusion and individual student interests.


      Math is Fun!
      Hannah Kang (Elementary Education, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 229

      Math is fun! Do you agree with it? Let’s explore some fun and engaging hands-on activities to learn how to teach math in an elementary classroom. In this session, students will experience hands-on manipulatives that promote conceptual understanding of math content. 


      A Mathematical Tug of War
      Kim Mahovsky (Elementary Education, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 254

      Have you ever explored problem solving without numbers?  We will use Star Wars characters to determine who would win a tug-of-war match.  You will be surprised who participates!


      Leveraging Students’ Cultural Strengths in the Elementary Classroom
      Brian Rose Elementary Education, UNC

      Room #:  McKee 140

      We will explore the teacher maxim “You’ve just got to know your students.” We don’t critique the maxim as knowing your students is the name of the game. Instead, we unpack what this means by identifying the aspects of culture more generally, and the visiting students discuss their own lived experiences along these lines.


      Games, Literacy, and Social-Emotional Learning
      Matthew Farber (Educational Technology, UNC), William Merchant (Applied Statistics and Research Methods, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 428

      In this dynamic workshop, explore innovative strategies for integrating games into the classroom to enhance reading skills and foster social-emotional learning. You will engage in hands-on activities and discussions to discover effective approaches that make learning both enjoyable and emotionally enriching for students.

    • Secondary Education

      Reflective Practice: What it Means (and How You Can Start Doing it Now)
      Stacy Bailey (English Education, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 137

      In this session, students will explore reflections skills that they can start using right now to prepare them for becoming teacher candidates.


      Active Learning in the Classroom
      Matt Seymour (English Education, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 425

      This session will introduce students to the concept of active learning and its benefits. Participants will learn about different active learning strategies and how to apply them to their own learning. The session will also include opportunities for students to practice active learning through hands-on activities and group discussions.


      How to Thrive
      Danielle Bell (UNC Educational Studies, doctoral student)

      Room #:  McKee 336

      When you’re a first-year teacher, everyone has advice. They’ll forward you Rita Pierson TED Talks and inspirational quotes. You’ll get your keys and maybe even a district-logo tote bag and a copy of whatever book is trending in the education world. (In 2002, my first year, that was Harry Wong’s “The First Days of School”). But no one really tells you what’s about to happen, or how to navigate the next year. In this session, students will learn tips & tricks to thrive in their first years in the classroom. 

    • K-12 Education: Art, Music, Physical Education, Theatre and World Languages

      MOVE-ment Matters: The Power of Physical Activity in Schools
      Jennifer Krause (Physical Education and Physical Activity Leadership, UNC); Brian Dauenhauer (Physical Education and Physical Activity Leadership, UNC); Scott Douglas (Physical Education and Physical Activity Leadership, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 144

      Play, move, and learn with us as we explore the benefits of physical activity for the mind and body!  This session will describe how teachers can impact students’ overall wellbeing and academics through incorporating physical activity in schools. Come ready to move and groove!


      Art Education: Where Those Crazy Enough to Think They Can Change the World Become the Ones Who Do
      Abi Paytoe Gbayee (Art Education, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 138

      This is session will look at the power of an arts education and give an overview of the Art Education program in the School of Art and Design


      Successful Teaching in Urban Classrooms
      Joanna Ross- Assistant Director, Center for Urban Education

      Room #:  McKee 252

      Key questions that will be addressed in this session include:
      1) What teaching strategies make the biggest difference for all learners?
      2) What is most rewarding about teaching in urban classrooms?  

    • Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education

      Digital Classrooms & Dynamic Teaching- Supporting all learners through In-Person and Digital Engagement
      Anne Davidson (Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 142

      Learn how digital classrooms can be used to create dynamic instruction that responds to students’ needs for inclusion and equity, while facilitating interactive engagement, whether instruction takes place face-to-face within a school classroom, or virtually.


      Cumbres Teacher Preparation Program
      Penny Mascarenas  (Cumbres, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 139

      Description & Recruiting for the Cumbres program.


      Teaching and Learning with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students: Myths and Facts around Multilingual Education
      Deborah Romero (Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 228

      Come discover what it means to be a teacher for all students. This interactive session will dispel popular myths and explore how teachers can build inclusive classrooms that support English language learners.


      ¿Hablas español? We need bilingual educators
      James Gambrell (Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education)

      Room #:  McKee 223

      This presentation discusses the need for Spanish-speaking educators in the state of Colorado.

    • Special Education

      Why Exploring Student Strengths Will Make You a Better Teacher
      Corey Pierce (Special Education, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 147

      A fun way to consider being a teacher with a strength-based mindset!


      Relationships Matter! Strategies for successfully supporting behavior and building rapport in the classroom
      Laura Trapp (Special Education, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 146

      Building rapport, creating a safe learning environment, and honoring individual needs is a priority for supporting successful learning opportunities. This session will share strategies to consider for relationship building that may encourage student-led, collaborative connections that can be beneficial for strengthening educator-student relationships while promoting trusting, safe, respectful, and fun learning opportunities for both the student and educator.


      The Coolest Thing About Special Education!
      Jackie Davis (Special Education, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 135

      What makes being a special education teacher the best kind of teacher?  Variety!  This session will introduce you to the many different students, grade levels, settings, and opportunities you could experience as a special educator.

    • Rural Education

      Why Rural Matters: Unique Opportunities for Teachers in Rural Colorado
      Harvey Rude; Robert Fulton (Colorado Center for Rural Education)

      Room #:  McKee 146

      This session provides information on the variety of incentives and financial support available to teacher candidates who are interested in teaching in one of Colorado’s 146 rural and small rural school districts.


      Start Your Teaching Career Faster with Less Debt: Unique Opportunities in Rural Colorado
      Robert Fulton, Director (Colorado Center for Rural Education)

      Room #:  McKee 145

      Dr. Fulton provides information on financial support and opportunities for those who would like to teach in one of Colorado’s 147 rural schools.

    • K-12 Teaching and Engagement

      Student Engagement & Motivation
      Zoe Tessier (UNC Educational Studies, doctoral student)

      Room #:  McKee 141

      K-12 Best practices in any educational setting that have big effects on student learning at all levels!


      Innovating and Engaging with STEAM
      Samantha Patterson (UNC Educational Studies, doctoral student)

      Room #:  McKee 333

      Hands-on demonstration of how to incorporate art into a math or science lesson to improve engagement in your classroom.


      So you think you want to be a teacher? The power of public education
      Kate Slick, St Vrain Valley Schools Human Resources

      Room #:  Mckee 338

      Discussion and reflection about the importance of teachers and the impact they have.

10:55 AM

Workshop #3

McKee Hall

  • See Possible Workshops for 10:55

    Feel free to pick any 3 of the following sessions and attend them in the order that you want.

    • Early Childhood Education

      From Crayons to Connections
      Jean Kirshner (Early Childhood Education, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 221

      Connecting young learners to their global partners in Early Childhood Education classrooms across the world!

    • Elementary Education

      The JOY of Teaching
      Danie Souchek and Trish Wojurfin (1st grade teachers, University Schools)

      Room #:  McKee 219

      Teaching can be a rewarding yet tough profession.  Learning how to sustain yourself through a variety of practices, finding your niche, and carving out time for fun in the classroom is essential.  We look forward to spending some time with you and sharing the passions that have sustained us in our many years of education.


      Why Teachers Make a Difference. 
      Jenni Harding Middleton (Elementary Education, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 230

      Teachers motivate and inspire students to learn. Come explore how high quality teachers make a difference. Do you have what it takes to become an effective and efficient teacher?


      Can I have your attention please?...Engagement Ideas for Everyone!
      Robin Duran (Kindergarten teacher University Schools)

      Room #:  McKee 424

      Let’s grab the attention of the students and keep them engaged in lessons. Students that are actively involved in lessons have a deeper understanding and enjoyment of learning. Let’s explore different ways to keep all students actively working and learning.


      #adifferentkindofschool- Take a look at an Innovation MicroSchool!
      Tatum Monaghan (Fred Tjardes School of Innovation); Courtney Luce

      Room #:  McKee 253

      Not all schools look and function the same!  In this session, you will learn about a school that is doing things differently.  Learn how they emphasize inclusion and individual student interests.


      Math is Fun!
      Hannah Kang (Elementary Education, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 229

      Math is fun! Do you agree with it? Let’s explore some fun and engaging hands-on activities to learn how to teach math in an elementary classroom. In this session, students will experience hands-on manipulatives that promote conceptual understanding of math content. 


      A Mathematical Tug of War
      Kim Mahovsky (Elementary Education, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 254

      Have you ever explored problem solving without numbers?  We will use Star Wars characters to determine who would win a tug-of-war match.  You will be surprised who participates!


      Leveraging Students’ Cultural Strengths in the Elementary Classroom
      Brian Rose Elementary Education, UNC

      Room #:  McKee 140

      We will explore the teacher maxim “You’ve just got to know your students.” We don’t critique the maxim as knowing your students is the name of the game. Instead, we unpack what this means by identifying the aspects of culture more generally, and the visiting students discuss their own lived experiences along these lines.


      Games, Literacy, and Social-Emotional Learning
      Matthew Farber (Educational Technology, UNC), William Merchant (Applied Statistics and Research Methods, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 428

      In this dynamic workshop, explore innovative strategies for integrating games into the classroom to enhance reading skills and foster social-emotional learning. You will engage in hands-on activities and discussions to discover effective approaches that make learning both enjoyable and emotionally enriching for students.

    • Secondary Education

      Reflective Practice: What it Means (and How You Can Start Doing it Now)
      Stacy Bailey (English Education, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 137

      In this session, students will explore reflections skills that they can start using right now to prepare them for becoming teacher candidates.


      Active Learning in the Classroom
      Matt Seymour (English Education, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 425

      This session will introduce students to the concept of active learning and its benefits. Participants will learn about different active learning strategies and how to apply them to their own learning. The session will also include opportunities for students to practice active learning through hands-on activities and group discussions.


      How to Thrive
      Danielle Bell (UNC Educational Studies, doctoral student)

      Room #:  McKee 336

      When you’re a first-year teacher, everyone has advice. They’ll forward you Rita Pierson TED Talks and inspirational quotes. You’ll get your keys and maybe even a district-logo tote bag and a copy of whatever book is trending in the education world. (In 2002, my first year, that was Harry Wong’s “The First Days of School”). But no one really tells you what’s about to happen, or how to navigate the next year. In this session, students will learn tips & tricks to thrive in their first years in the classroom. 

    • K-12 Education: Art, Music, Physical Education, Theatre and World Languages

      MOVE-ment Matters: The Power of Physical Activity in Schools
      Jennifer Krause (Physical Education and Physical Activity Leadership, UNC); Brian Dauenhauer (Physical Education and Physical Activity Leadership, UNC); Scott Douglas (Physical Education and Physical Activity Leadership, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 144

      Play, move, and learn with us as we explore the benefits of physical activity for the mind and body!  This session will describe how teachers can impact students’ overall wellbeing and academics through incorporating physical activity in schools. Come ready to move and groove!


      Art Education: Where Those Crazy Enough to Think They Can Change the World Become the Ones Who Do
      Abi Paytoe Gbayee (Art Education, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 138

      This is session will look at the power of an arts education and give an overview of the Art Education program in the School of Art and Design


      Successful Teaching in Urban Classrooms
      Joanna Ross- Assistant Director, Center for Urban Education

      Room #:  McKee 252

      Key questions that will be addressed in this session include:
      1) What teaching strategies make the biggest difference for all learners?
      2) What is most rewarding about teaching in urban classrooms?  

    • Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education

      Digital Classrooms & Dynamic Teaching- Supporting all learners through In-Person and Digital Engagement
      Anne Davidson (Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 142

      Learn how digital classrooms can be used to create dynamic instruction that responds to students’ needs for inclusion and equity, while facilitating interactive engagement, whether instruction takes place face-to-face within a school classroom, or virtually.


      Cumbres Teacher Preparation Program
      Penny Mascarenas  (Cumbres, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 139

      Description & Recruiting for the Cumbres program.


      Teaching and Learning with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students: Myths and Facts around Multilingual Education
      Deborah Romero (Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 228

      Come discover what it means to be a teacher for all students. This interactive session will dispel popular myths and explore how teachers can build inclusive classrooms that support English language learners.


      ¿Hablas español? We need bilingual educators
      James Gambrell (Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education)

      Room #:  McKee 223

      This presentation discusses the need for Spanish-speaking educators in the state of Colorado.

    • Special Education

      Why Exploring Student Strengths Will Make You a Better Teacher
      Corey Pierce (Special Education, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 147

      A fun way to consider being a teacher with a strength-based mindset!


      Relationships Matter! Strategies for successfully supporting behavior and building rapport in the classroom
      Laura Trapp (Special Education, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 146

      Building rapport, creating a safe learning environment, and honoring individual needs is a priority for supporting successful learning opportunities. This session will share strategies to consider for relationship building that may encourage student-led, collaborative connections that can be beneficial for strengthening educator-student relationships while promoting trusting, safe, respectful, and fun learning opportunities for both the student and educator.


      The Coolest Thing About Special Education!
      Jackie Davis (Special Education, UNC)

      Room #:  McKee 135

      What makes being a special education teacher the best kind of teacher?  Variety!  This session will introduce you to the many different students, grade levels, settings, and opportunities you could experience as a special educator.

    • Rural Education

      Why Rural Matters: Unique Opportunities for Teachers in Rural Colorado
      Harvey Rude; Robert Fulton (Colorado Center for Rural Education)

      Room #:  McKee 146

      This session provides information on the variety of incentives and financial support available to teacher candidates who are interested in teaching in one of Colorado’s 146 rural and small rural school districts.


      Start Your Teaching Career Faster with Less Debt: Unique Opportunities in Rural Colorado
      Robert Fulton, Director (Colorado Center for Rural Education)

      Room #:  McKee 145

      Dr. Fulton provides information on financial support and opportunities for those who would like to teach in one of Colorado’s 147 rural schools.

    • K-12 Teaching and Engagement

      Student Engagement & Motivation
      Zoe Tessier (UNC Educational Studies, doctoral student)

      Room #:  McKee 141

      K-12 Best practices in any educational setting that have big effects on student learning at all levels!


      Innovating and Engaging with STEAM
      Samantha Patterson (UNC Educational Studies, doctoral student)

      Room #:  McKee 333

      Hands-on demonstration of how to incorporate art into a math or science lesson to improve engagement in your classroom.


      So you think you want to be a teacher? The power of public education
      Kate Slick, St Vrain Valley Schools Human Resources

      Room #:  Mckee 338

      Discussion and reflection about the importance of teachers and the impact they have.

11:30 AM

Lunch/Student Panel

Students exit McKee and follow signs for lunch or student panel

1:10 PM

Groups Join Back Together in Multipurpose Room in Campus Commons 

Multipurpose Room of Campus Commons

GROUP 2 joins GROUP 1 in Multipurpose Room

1:15 PM

Conference Wrap Up

Multipurpose Room of Campus Commons

1:30

Informational Fair

Multipurpose Room of Campus Commons

2:00 PM

Campus Tour

For those of you who are registered for the campus tour, it will begin immediately following the Informational Fair. Students will meet UNC student ambassadors in the Multipurpose Room in the Campus Commons. 

McKee Hall - Home of UNC's Education Programs

Education Programs

UNC Started out as Colorado's Teacher College 130 years ago — and we're known for innovative education and a rigorous prepartion curriculum.

Explore our Programs

Office of Admissions front desk

Office of Admissions

Do you want to earn a teaching degree from UNC? Visit the Office of Admissions for application details.

Apply to UNC

Clubs

Clubs and Organizations

Learn more about the clubs and organizations you can join as a UNC Bear and future teacher candidate.

More about UNC Clubs

A walking tour of the UNC campus

Visit UNC

Open doors for opportunity and adventure with in-person and virtual campus visit opportunities.

Visit our campus

TEACH Colorado

Can't wait to become a teacher?

TEACH Colorado is a statewide partnership of school districts, educator preparation programs, state agencies, and philanthropic organizations. TEACH Colorado’s mission is to inspire people to become teachers by providing them with support during their journey to the classroom. TEACH Colorado is committed to helping individuals who are considering a career in education to navigate the path to licensure. https://colorado.teach.org/!