New Trier Township Institute 2025: Full Schedule

Together for Tomorrow: Empowering Our Students to Thrive
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8:30am CST

A01 | Keynote - First Their Hearts, Then Their Minds LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CST

Gaffney Auditorium

Our world is not the same as it was four years ago, and schools are no exception. Student behaviors are intense, staff needs are complex, and the gap between surviving and thriving in our schools can feel insurmountable. We know that things in education need to change, yet so many places are unwilling to think differently or make the changes necessary to achieve the outcomes we so desperately desire. At the center of all the change, it starts with us. Our adults in schools are still struggling and now is the time to do better. We know what we need to do; we just need to be brave enough to do it.

Speakers

Ali Hearn

National Keynote Speaker, Trainer, Coach, Ali Hearn Coaching + Consulting

Ali Hearn, LCSW is a National keynote speaker, trainer, and coach whose mission is to shift mindsets and ignite fires within others to create sustainable change and impact. Throughout her career, she has worked with thousands of educators across the country, emphasizing the importance... Read More →

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CST
Gaffney Auditorium

6-12

10:00am CST

B04 | Research-Based Mathematics Teaching and Learning FILLING

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST

300

Jen Munson is an assistant professor of learning sciences at Northwestern University, with a PhD in teacher education and mathematics education from Stanford University. She coauthored the Mindset Mathematics series with Jo Boaler and Cathy Williams and has authored books, including her most recent publication, The Collaborative Math Classroom.

During this session, participants will gain insight into the ways children understand and engage with math, and learn what research suggests they need in order to develop strong mathematical skills.

Speakers

Jen Munson

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST
300

6-12

10:00am CST

B05 | Service Learning in the Classroom: Best Practices and Collaborative Innovation FULL

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST

302

In this interactive session, teachers will explore the benefits of incorporating service learning into their classrooms, focusing on best practices that enhance both academic and social-emotional learning (SEL). Service learning provides students with hands-on, meaningful experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world community needs. By engaging in volunteerism, students not only deepen their understanding of academic content but also develop critical SEL skills such as empathy, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.

The session will begin with a presentation of proven strategies for integrating service learning, highlighting how these practices can foster a sense of purpose, responsibility, and connection among students. We will then hear from fellow teachers within the district who have successfully implemented service learning in their own classrooms, sharing insights and lessons learned.

Participants will then have an opportunity to collaborate in small groups, brainstorming ideas for integrating service learning into their own teaching practices. This will be followed by a group share-out, allowing teachers to exchange ideas, gather feedback, and leave with actionable plans to bring service learning to their students.

By the end of this session, teachers will feel empowered to create a classroom environment where academic growth and social-emotional development go hand-in-hand, all while fostering a sense of community engagement.

Speakers

Bridget Lewis

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST
302

6-12

10:00am CST

B06 | EL Support and ISBE Compliance LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST

342

This session will be a roundtable discussion of the ways we support EL Newcomers in our schools, sharing resources for ELs and discussing new ISBE Compliance rules for English Learners. This is a session that is only be relevant to EL teachers and EL program administrators.

Speakers

Kurt Weiler

New Trier

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST
342

6-12

10:00am CST

B07 | Instructional Strategies to Support Reading in the Disciplines LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST

304

All students deserve to have high-quality, evidence-based literacy instruction across the curriculum that prepares them for success in our global world. This session will help develop teachers' repertoire of instructional methods specific to their contact area to support students at all reading skill levels. We will explore innovative teaching strategies that are essential to addressing the unique literacy needs of our student population and provide time to teachers to work on lessons that incorporate the strategies presented.

Speakers

Adena Horwitz

English Faculty, New Trier

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST
304

6-12

10:00am CST

B08 | The Kinesthetic Classroom FULL

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST

E231

Join two nationally recognized educators as they share how they’ve effectively integrated movement into their teaching to engage students and boost academic success. This session will delve into the neuroscience behind why movement is crucial for learning and offer participatory methods that create a student-centered, experiential, and interactive classroom environment. Participants will leave with a variety of adaptable resources and activities tailored to meet the unique needs of their students.

Speakers

Andrew Milne

Kinetic Wellness Faculty, New Trier

Andy Milne's 29 year career in education has taken him to four continents, and he is a highly sought after presenter and keynote speaker. He hosts the global slowchathealth.com blog site, created the #sendateacher fundraising initiative, graced the TEDx stage with his popular "This... Read More →

Andy Horne

Kinetic Wellness Faculty, New Trier

Andy Horne, 2015 National Health Teacher of the Year, has taught Health and Physical Education for the past 16 years at New Trier High School in Winnetka, IL. Andy presents at various national and state conferences sharing lessons and ideas on the topic of engaging students in the... Read More →

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST
E231

6-12

10:00am CST

B09 | Incorporating Human Centered Design Mindsets to Promote Equitable Student Collaboration and Problem-Solving FULL

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST

W043

This session introduces the human centered design framework that presents students with a specific design challenge and encourages student-driven, collaborative problem-solving. Teachers from English, Math, and Social Studies will discuss what Human Centered Design is, the mindsets developed, examples of how we've used it in our classes, and provide opportunities for participants to engage using some of the Design Thinking tools that promote more equitable collaboration amongst groups.

Speakers

Julie Bar

Math Faculty, New Trier

Vanessa Nomura

English Faculty, New Trier

Tony Knuth

Social Studies Faculty, New Trier

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST
W043

6-12

10:00am CST

B10 | Learning by Making FULL

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST

W032

Participants will see examples of concepts being taught via some hands-on method and will have the opportunity to transform one of their lessons into a hands-on learning experience and share with the group.

Speakers

Alexander Howe

AA - Technology Education Faculty, New Trier

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST
W032

6-12

10:00am CST

B11 | I found this video on TikTok. It must be true, right? FILLING

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST

W321

During this session, we will share an evaluation tool educators can use with students in Grades 4-12 to encourage critical thinking about online authors/creators, sources, and evidence.

With content generated by AI, dis-information, audio and video augmentation, social media, and more, how do we guide and support students to evaluate information and identify credible sources? Today, students are challenged to think before they share, gather evidence from multiple sources, and often consider diverse or multiple perspectives. This work requires critical thinking, lateral searching, and effective search strategies with library resources and online searches. In this session, we will share a tool we created, and use, to help students evaluate diverse content, identify credible authors and creators, and use reliable sources. This comprehensive tool can be scaffolded to meet curriculum goals, to support academic needs of students, or by research projects. Now, we encourage students to “TRAP” high-quality research material. Geared towards educators in grades 4-12.

Speakers

Susan Peterson

New Trier

Raquelle Brennan

Library Faculty, New Trier

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST
W321

6-12

10:00am CST

B12 | Indicators for Membership and Participation LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST

W333/W335

This session will provide educators with a tool to reflect on and interpret two critical aspects of student engagement: membership (a sense of belonging) and meaningful participation. In inclusive learning environments, all learners should feel connected and valued while actively engaging in their educational experience. This session focuses on understanding the key indicators that show whether learners feel a sense of belonging and how they participate meaningfully in both group and individual contexts.

Speakers

Danielle Ritchey

District Services Coach, TrueNorth

Claire Kelley

District Services Coach, TrueNorth

Amanda Barton

District Services Coach, TrueNorth

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST
W333/W335

6-12

10:00am CST

B13 | Honoring Student Voice with Assent and Assent Withdrawal LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST

336

Compliance and refusal are big topics in education, and this session will focus on the importance of listening to students’ voices and choices and understanding why it matters when students agree or disagree. The presenters will share an overview of learner assent, including a helpful checklist for planning these practices and ideas for teaching students to express disagreement respectfully. Participants will also reflect on their own opinions and behaviors to ensure they’re respecting everyone’s input.

Speakers

Ashley Gomez-Sawicki

Board Certified Behavior Analyst, TrueNorth

Somchart Sakulkoo

Board Certified Behavior Analyst, TrueNorth

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST
336

6-12

10:00am CST

B14 | Rebuilding Resilience: SEL and Executive Functioning Gaps FULL

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST

364

The COVID closures caused disruptions that have had a profound impact on students' social-emotional learning (SEL) and executive functioning development. This workshop will explore the critical skills that may be lacking across grade levels due to the pandemic and discuss strategies to address these challenges and support students' overall well-being.

Speakers

Connie Clark

Intro Computational Thinking 5-6, Wilmette

Steve Layne

Technology Applications 7-8, Wilmette

Elizabeth Zawa

Digital Media & Global Studies 5-6, Wilmette

Jill Forti

Integrated Studies: Global 7-8, Wilmette

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST
364

6-12

10:00am CST

B15 | Implementing Building Thinking Classrooms to Enhance Math Learning: A Starter Guide LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST

343

This will be an interactive and instructive session highlighting, modeling, and applying entry level practices to enhance math instruction and increase student engagement using strategies from Peter Liljedahl’s Building Thinking Classrooms.

Speakers

Robert Miller

Assistant Principal, Wilmette

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST
343

6-12

10:00am CST

B16 | Introduction to Modeling Instruction and It's Connection to NGSS LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST

W310

The session will introduce science teachers how to implement modeling in their own classrooms. Main topics will include incorporating student-to-student discourse and engaging lessons that build conceptual models through story-lining curricula.The session will show how Modeling Instruction is aligned with NGSS and 3-Dimensional Learning.

Speakers

Hanna Cohen

Science Faculty, New Trier

Eugenia Kim

Science Faculty, New Trier

George Nelson

General Science 7-8, Wilmette

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST
W310

6-12

10:00am CST

B17 | Teaching Through Next Generation Science Storylines LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST

361

Educators will explore the Next Generation Science Storylines to effectively implement them in their classrooms, focusing on strategies to support diverse learners across science disciplines. Participants will discover a range of tools and techniques designed to foster curiosity and engagement, enabling all students to thrive within a phenomenon-driven framework. By the end of the workshop, educators will be equipped with the knowledge and resources to create dynamic, student-centered learning experiences.

Speakers

Lisa Loris

Spec Ed Faculty, New Trier

Matthew Goode

Science Faculty, New Trier

David Rafferty-Flatter

Science Faculty, New Trier

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST
361

6-12

10:00am CST

B19 | Building Classroom Community FULL

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST

308

How can you create a learning environment where students feel included and valued? In this session, we will explore the research highlighting the importance of fostering a classroom community that embraces all students. We will also explore strategies for promoting belonging and motivation and share practical activities to help you build an inclusive, supportive space.

Speakers

Kerry Smith

MCL Faculty Latin, New Trier

Brian Lowery

Instructional Coach, New Trier

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST
308

6-12

10:00am CST

B20 | Cultivating a Positive Classroom Community FULL

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST

341

Join us for an insightful and interactive educational session designed to equip educators with practical tools and strategies for creating a positive classroom environment. This session focuses on the importance of building strong classroom communities that promote inclusivity, respect, and collaboration, ensuring that every student feels valued and supported. Participants will explore a variety of approaches to enhance student engagement, foster a sense of belonging, and cultivate positive relationships in the classroom.

Speakers

Cindy Fialka

New Trier

Ted Koulentes

Adviser Chair, New Trier

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST
341

6-12

10:00am CST

B21 | LGBTQIA+ Club Leader Support LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST

375

Many schools in the New Trier township have clubs or programs that provide a space for our LGBTQIA+ students and allies. These clubs vary in their formats, purposes, and to the extent they support our students during the instructional day. Some clubs exist as a safe space while others are for advocacy and change. This session is for those club leaders--and those interested in forming such a club--to come together to share our club structures, purposes, resources, and experiences.

Speakers

Catherine Marlas

Social Worker, Wilmette

Peter Ower

7th grade science, PRIDE Club Advisor, Wilmette

Advisor Handbook 2020 pdf

2024 2025 Calendar of Events pdf

lgbtqi student resources toolkit 062023 pdf

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST
375

6-12

10:00am CST

B22 | Current Topics in Equity FULL

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST

379

In this session, participants will examine current topics in equity as they relate to the New Trier Township. We will then discuss best practices in creating an inclusive classroom, supporting students in building allyship skills, and how to use liberatory design and constructivist listening in the classroom.

Speakers

Kristan Kenney

English Faculty, New Trier

Alexander Zilka

Instructional Coach, New Trier

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST
379

6-12

10:00am CST

B23 | Honoring the National Heritage Months Through Dance LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST

E004

In this session, participants will explore curricular lessons in dance and view student projects centered on the National Monthly Observances. From Hispanic Heritage Month and Native American Heritage Month to Black History Month and beyond, we will honor the rich cultures of various communities through dance. Participants will also have an opportunity to share how they have integrated lessons on the National Monthly Observances into their own curricula. While this is not a traditional dance class, be prepared to engage in some movement throughout the session.

Speakers

Katharyn Kritek

Kinetic Wellness Faculty, New Trier

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST
E004

6-12

10:00am CST

B24 | Creating the Ideal Co-Taught Classroom LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST

W401

Co-teaching can be a highly successful instructional model in which students with and without disabilities can thrive. With two teachers in the classroom, there is a unique opportunity to maximize student learning and engagement utilizing a variety of instructional approaches. Unfortunately, because of various constraints, co-teaching pairs often resort to a single instructional practice. This workshop will highlight six classroom-tested instructional practices, offering honest discussion of both successes and failures. This workshop will also provide strategies and activities to help strength the co-teaching partnership. Participants will receive a summary packet of materials to facilitate future classroom implementation.

Speakers

Spiro Bolos

Social Studies Faculty, New Trier

Ryan Loris

Science Faculty, New Trier

Anne Twadell

Spec Ed Faculty, New Trier

Paul Newman

Spec Ed Faculty, New Trier

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST
W401

6-12

10:00am CST

B25 | Unlocking High School: A Guide to 8th Grade Special Education Articulation LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST

E330

As eighth graders with IEPs prepare to embark on their high school journey, the transition can be both exciting and daunting. Join us for "Unlocking High School: A Guide to Eighth Grade Articulation," a comprehensive session designed to equip special education educators & administrators with the tools and knowledge needed to facilitate a smooth transition for our Special Education students.

In this interactive workshop/panel, we will explore the following key topics:
- Understanding the Articulation Process
- Empowering Students
- Collaboration Across Grades
- Building a Supportive Environment
- Resources and Best Practices

Speakers

Colleen Koulentes

Special Ed Department Coordinator, New Trier

Nicole Smith

Lea, New Trier

Sarah Fergus

Spec Ed Faculty, New Trier

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST
E330

6-12

10:00am CST

B26 | Mental Health in Teens FULL

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST

E331

This presentation and discussion will focus on understanding mental health in teens, providing strategies and responses to teens or parents that are grounded in teen and youth MHFA. We will discuss when to be concerned and when it is a typical teen behavior. Present resources within the community will be shared.

Speakers

Maggie Nash

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST
E331

6-12

10:00am CST

B27 | Yoga and Mindfulness (breathing and meditation) FULL

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST

E002

The focus of our session is yoga and mindfulness. We will discuss how we are addressing SEL, Health and Wellness through our Yoga curriculum, lead a short Yoga workout and introduce some basic breathing and meditation practices, prior to discussing what is being done (or could be done) along similar lines in our sender schools.

Speakers

Bruce Kimball

Kinetic Wellness Faculty, New Trier

Shawn Riley

Kinetic Wellness Faculty, New Trier

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST
E002

6-12