Join us for our Spring SPDG Seminar Series. (SPDG – State Personnel Development Grant) PLL/NEXIS presents the first four learning opportunities made for all educators that cover the most essential topics in today’s learning landscape. We will feature experts in the field of math and literacy instruction and intervention, as well as data, assessment and deeper learning.
Seminars will provide invaluable framing and resources that educators at any level of experience can access. Each seminar will take place virtually from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Zoom. Seminars are available at no charge for current SPDG participants. For those not participating in the SPDG process, each seminar is $50.00 or $175.00 for the entire series of four events. These seminars will be recorded and available for viewing afterwards, with any registration.
Read the descriptions below to find out more about our exciting offerings and register today!
For questions about these seminars please contact Audrey Richardson at arichardson@pllvt.org. Curious about participating in SPDG? Contact Mary Grace at marykgrace@pllvt.org.
Patty Kelly & Audrey Richardson – May 7th
Tim Brennan – May 23rd
Patty Kelly – May 30th
Lisa Driver & Sarah Miller – June 11th
First Event
Actionable Assessment and Data Literacy for All Presenters: Patty Kelly, Math Coordinator, MVSU and Audrey Richardson, PLL/NEXIS Coordinator Date: Tuesday, May 7th, 2024 Time: 3:00-5:00 pm Virtual Cost: Each seminar $50.00 – all 4 for $175.00
Join us for an engaging two-hour webinar designed to empower district and school leaders, interventionists, specialists, and classroom teachers with the essential knowledge and skills for implementing comprehensive assessment plans and utilizing data-driven decision-making strategies within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. Throughout the session, participants will delve into the critical importance of developing and implementing robust assessment plans and tools, both districtwide and in K-12 classrooms, to accurately gauge student progress and needs. By leveraging this comprehensive approach to assessment, attendees will learn how to effectively utilize data to inform instructional decisions, identify areas for intervention, and personalize learning experiences to meet the diverse needs of every student. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your capacity to drive positive educational outcomes through evidence-based practices and data-driven decision-making.
Dive into Deep Learning
Presenter: Tim Brennan, Science Chair, WUHSMS Date: Thursday, May 23rd, 2024 Time: 3:00-5:00 pm Virtual Cost: Each seminar $50.00 – all 4 for $175.00
Educators at all grade levels and around the country talk of “deep learning.” While there are many variations on the theme, what they all have in common is a sense of teaching and learning that goes beyond content and disciplinary-specific skills. Typically, what lies “beyond” these important outcomes – which might, in many cases, be the required teaching standards! – are so-called transferable skills: collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, etc. Furthermore, many school districts have already created a guiding document – referred to variously as “Profiles” or “Portraits” of a Graduate – to help codify their “deep learning” goals. Alternatively, many school districts have committed to their state-wide transferable skills. One way or the other, those deep learning goals are identified, if not always obvious or promoted.
In this webinar, let’s explore not just the definition of Deep Learning but how one might incorporate it into one’s curriculum, instruction, and assessment. We’ll explore the development of Deep Learning goals at a variety of instructional grain sizes – from “exit tickets” to Project-based learning. I hope you walk away with a better sense of Deep Learning, examples of how it can be achieved, and an optimistic sense of how you might be able to take on the Deep Learning challenge.
Empowering Math Minds: Building Understanding Through Discourse Presenter: Patty Kelly, Math Coordinator, MVSU Date: Thursday, May 30th, 2024 Time: 3:00-5:00 pm Virtual Cost: Each seminar $50.00 – all 4 for $175.00
Join us for an enriching two-hour webinar as we delve deep into the world of math discourse and its transformative impact on mathematical learning. Designed for anyone passionate about fostering mathematical understanding, this webinar promises to be an insightful journey into the art of mathematical conversation.
During this interactive session, a seasoned educator will guide you through the importance of fostering a collaborative and communicative environment in math classrooms. Explore effective questioning techniques, learn how to facilitate meaningful discussions, and discover strategies for promoting active engagement and critical thinking among students. Merging content standards and practice standards through discourse will be a key component of the seminar.
Through real-world examples and practical insights, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how math discourse can enhance math understanding and cultivate a positive attitude towards mathematics. Whether you’re looking to enhance your classroom instruction or support students in smaller settings, this webinar equips you with the tools and techniques needed to nurture rich mathematical conversations.
Don’t miss this opportunity to unlock the power of math discourse and transform the way you approach math learning!
Know Your Reader: Using Reader Profiles for Improving Literacy Outcomes
Presenters: Lisa Driver and Sarah Miller Date: Tuesday, June 11th, 2024 Time: 3:00-5:00 pm Virtual Cost: Each seminar $50.00 – all 4 for $175.00
Join us for this informational session to learn about the Reader Profiles developed by PLL using the Active View of Reading. This session will review the research and identification of struggling readers, how schools can use their data to target specific instruction, and how to implement frameworks of intervention to help ALL learners. The profiles have been the basis of work in Vermont school districts, and this session will incorporate on-the-ground effectiveness.
Patty is a district math coordinator for the Mountain Views Supervisory Union in Vermont, supporting district educators in collaboratively co-creating their PreK-12 math curriculum and assessment system. Prior to this role, Patty was a math instructional coach and elementary classroom teacher in neighboring districts for 18+ years. Her passion has always been creating environments for educators to reflect and grow, focusing on building strong content and pedagogical knowledge. Patty has a B.B.A. from Bishop’s University, M.S.T. from the State University of New York College at Potsdam, and M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Vermont. She is an EdReports writer, and Klawe Mentor Fellow. In her free time she enjoys riding her horse and cheering on her hockey-loving boys.
Audrey Richardson, Ph.D., NEXIS Program Coordinator
PLL NEXIS Program Coordinator
Audrey has been an educator for over 15 years as a high school English Teacher, literacy interventionist and literacy coach in Woodstock, Vermont. Audreyis a graduate of The University of Vermont with a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. Audrey’s central focus, in both her research and work with PLL, is the implementation of equitable systems that support literacy learning for ALL students. As PLL’s NEXIS coordinator Audrey is committed to bringing education stakeholders together from around the state to engage in actionable literacy change. Audrey lives in Taftsville, Vermont with her dairy farmer husband and two daughters.
Tim Brennan, MS
Tim was born and raised in Astoria, NY then headed north to Syracuse to earn a BS in Electrical Engineering. While in Boston as an engineer, completed a night-time Master’s in Digital Signal Processing at Northeastern. Left Boston in 1992 to do a 1-year teacher training program with UVM, then settled into a long career at Woodstock Union High School as a science teacher. Was the runner-up Vermont Teacher of the Year in 2003, the Vermont Academy of Science and Engineering Teacher of the Year in 2005, and has presented on behalf of NASA’s “GLAST Ambassador” program and as a Next Generation Science Exemplar facilitator.
Lisa V. Driver, Ed.D., Literacy Consultant
PLL Literacy Consultant
Lisa has been an educator for over 35 years in Vermont schools as a middle school teacher, literacy coach, literacy interventionist, and literacy coordinator. In 1993 she was named a UVM Outstanding Teacher for the FWSU Supervisory Union. Lisa completed her doctoral studies in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Vermont in the spring of 2010. Over the course of her career, she has worked to develop high quality adolescent literacy instruction with a special emphasis on struggling readers and writers. She has a passion for providing literacy instruction to ALL students. Lisa is currently a literacy consultant for Partnerships in Literacy and Learning. She lives in Georgia, Vermont with her husband spending springtime making VT maple syrup!
Sarah Miller M.Ed, Literacy Consultant
PLL Literacy Consultant
Sarah Miller has worked with teachers and students in Vermont schools since 2009. Prior to that, she began her career working with K-8 Dreamers at the “I Have a Dream” Foundation of Boulder County. Since then, Sarah has taught middle school English-Language Arts and Social Studies. She has also served as both a school and a district Literacy Instructional Coach in Chittenden County. In 2012, Sarah completed her M.Ed. at Saint Michael’s College in Reading. Across her years in education, Sarah has been focused on engaging readers and writers in meaningful ways, with access to literature and nonfiction that is relevant and accessible. She is particularly interested in supporting young people in developing robust reading and writing identities that build on their lives, interests, and passions. Sarah has worked to build vibrant literate communities in schools. Currently, Sarah is a literacy consultant with Partnerships for Literacy and Learning. She lives in Underhill, Vermont with her husband, son, daughter, two dogs, and a cat.
Join us for our Spring SPDG Seminar Series. (SPDG – State Personnel Development Grant) PLL/NEXIS presents the first four learning opportunities made for all educators that cover the most essential topics in today’s learning landscape. We will feature experts in the field of math and literacy instruction and intervention, as well as data, assessment and deeper learning.Patty is a district math coordinator for the Mountain Views Supervisory Union in Vermont, supporting district educators in collaboratively co-creating their PreK-12 math curriculum and assessment system. Prior to this role, Patty was a math instructional coach and elementary classroom teacher in neighboring districts for 18+ years. Her passion has always been creating environments for educators to reflect and grow, focusing on building strong content and pedagogical knowledge. Patty has a B.B.A. from Bishop’s University, M.S.T. from the State University of New York College at Potsdam, and M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Vermont. She is an EdReports writer, and Klawe Mentor Fellow. In her free time she enjoys riding her horse and cheering on her hockey-loving boys.
Tim was born and raised in Astoria, NY then headed north to Syracuse to earn a BS in Electrical Engineering. While in Boston as an engineer, completed a night-time Master’s in Digital Signal Processing at Northeastern. Left Boston in 1992 to do a 1-year teacher training program with UVM, then settled into a long career at Woodstock Union High School as a science teacher. Was the runner-up Vermont Teacher of the Year in 2003, the Vermont Academy of Science and Engineering Teacher of the Year in 2005, and has presented on behalf of NASA’s “GLAST Ambassador” program and as a Next Generation Science Exemplar facilitator.
