New Trier Township Institute 2025: Full Schedule

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

A04 | Research-Based Mathematics Teaching and Learning FILLING

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am 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 8:30am - 9:45am CST
300

PK-5

8:30am CST

A05 | Service Learning in the Classroom: Best Practices and Collaborative Innovation FULL

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST

W355

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 8:30am - 9:45am CST
W355

PK-5

8:30am CST

A07 | Teaching From Within: How Our Identities Shape Our Path as Educators LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST

W357

Join us for a panel discussion where District 39 educators will share stories and insights about how their identities have influenced their paths and beliefs as educators. Our panelists will explore the complex ways in which their personal and cultural identities intersect with their motivations to pursue teaching, the values they bring to their work, and how their unique perspectives shape their relationships with students and broader learning communities. Through these personal stories and reflections, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how identity can inform one’s educational approaches, teaching styles, and goals.

Speakers

Katie Lee

Asst. Superintendent Curriculum + Instruction, Wilmette

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST
W357

PK-5

8:30am CST

A08 | Building Knowledge with Close Reading FULL

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST

W359

Students’ reading comprehension and, more importantly, their understanding of the world around them, are supported by a foundation of knowledge. This session will support educators as they use close reading of content-rich texts to build knowledge along with decoding and other language comprehension skills. Participants will walk away with practical, classroom-ready ideas for using reading experiences to deepen thinking and connect readers to the world.

Speakers

Amy Stewart

Reading Specialist, Glencoe

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST
W359

PK-5

8:30am CST

A09 | Using Picture Books to Support DEIB FULL

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST

W346

Participants will learn why it is important for students to feel represented by the books in the classroom libraries and class read alouds and ways to incorporate diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging into their classrooms. Picture books and ideas for lessons will be shared and participants will have time to explore the books and share ideas for lessons.

Speakers

Alicia Wiechert

Library Information Specialist K-4, Wilmette

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST
W346

PK-5

8:30am CST

A10 | Mindful Makers: Integrating SEL & STEAM FILLING

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST

W336

Unlock the potential of combining STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) with SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) to create a dynamic, supportive learning environment. You’ll explore how STEAM projects can help students develop critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, empathy, and collaboration. Additionally, learn how to seamlessly integrate your district's SEL curriculum into STEAM activities.

Speakers

Mary Kelly

Librarian/Media Specialist K-4, Glencoe

Enza Fox

Technology Integration Specialist, Glencoe

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST
W336

PK-5

8:30am CST

A11 | Introduction to Multiplicity Lab: Your New Favorite Visual Mathematics Routine LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST

W344

Discover an amazing resource for facilitating wonder question discussion such as, "How many do you see?" and "What patterns do you notice?" Spend time looking through the images and planning how you can incorporate multiplicity lab into your math practice.

Speakers

Andrea Reiser Cummins

Math Support K-4, Wilmette

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST
W344

PK-5

8:30am CST

A12 | Go and Shine! Strategies for Cultivating a Positive Mindset and Classroom Culture FULL

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST

W348

Joy and gratitude are all around us if we pay attention. Focusing on these can lead to a more vibrant, purposeful, and fulfilling life, including physical and mental well-being, increased creativity and deeper connection to yourself and others. With these as the focal point, joy and gratitude can cultivate a positive classroom environment and reduce teacher burnout. This engaging and interactive workshop incorporates positivity, mindfulness, and mindset, and will give you strategies to implement right away in both your personal and professional life so that you and your students may Go and Shine!

Speakers

Elizabeth Weismehl

K-5th General Music Teacher, Avoca

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST
W348

PK-5

8:30am CST

A13 | SEL and Relationship Building Through Laughter: Improv in the Classroom FULL

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST

E344

Improv comedy can be used as a tool in the classroom to build relationships, hone important social skills, and teach content! Get ready to have multiple weeks of morning meetings planned for you in addition to activities that teach your content material. Anna Havala has been taking improv classes and performing improv since 2017 with ComedySportz, Annoyance Theater and Second City. She is a full time K-4 music teacher in Wilmette District 39.

Speakers

Anna Havala

Music / General K-4, Wilmette

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST
E344

PK-5

8:30am CST

A14 | Building Positive Connections with Students and Families: From Challenges to Restoration LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST

W323

In this professional development session, educators will explore practical strategies for fostering strong, positive relationships with students and families, particularly during challenging times. We will focus on how to connect effectively from the very beginning—before problems escalate—and maintain those connections when addressing behavioral challenges or after a suspension.

Participants will learn how to establish open lines of communication with families early on, create supportive environments for students, and implement restorative practices that promote healing and accountability post-suspension.

Speakers

Kristyn Bair

Assistant Principal at NSA, TrueNorth

Lauren Levin

Assistant Principal at NSA, TrueNorth

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST
W323

PK-5

8:30am CST

A15 | Restoratives Practices: The How, Why, What of It! LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST

W401

Join us for an engaging discussion centered on our collective work with restorative practices. We will delve into the powerful classroom routine of Sharing Circles and broaden the conversation to include school-wide strategies that cultivate a strong sense of belonging and community for all students. While we are currently teaching and leading across three distinct districts within the township, we are eager to share insights drawn from our previous collaborative efforts. The student- and community-centered principles of these practices are not only effective within individual classrooms, but are adaptable across programs and school environments, offering a broad impact on student well-being and connection.

Speakers

Taaj Nobles

Art PreK-5, Glencoe

Michelle Cooney

Winnetka

Lara Zeigler

Technology Integration Specialist, Glencoe

Aneela Masood

Teacher - 1st Grade, Kenilworth

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST
W401

PK-5

8:30am CST

A16 | Moving to Full Inclusion in Preschool LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST

W342

Participants will learn how to move to full inclusion in the preschool classroom. There will be time for learning, sharing, and discussing as we all come together to learn.

Speakers

Justyna Lostumbo

LBS - Early Childhood, Wilmette

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST
W342

PK-5

8:30am CST

A17 | Inclusive Instructional Planning FULL

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST

W340

How can I plan specially designed instruction for diverse learners in my inclusive school?

Explore the TrueNorth Instructional Planning Guide used to build the capacity of educators to develop specially designed instruction (SDI) for learners with extensive support needs in the general education classroom.

Participants will leave with a new tool for instructional & SDI planning as well as an understanding of how it has been utilized in local districts.

Speakers

Mary-Kelsey Coletto

Instructional Coach, TrueNorth

Tyra Jambois

Instructional Coach, TrueNorth

Kristen M Kinsey

Instructional Coach, TrueNorth

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST
W340

PK-5

8:30am CST

A18 | An Inclusive Toolkit to Support All Students in the Classroom: JUST A.S.K. FULL

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST

W337

This session has been presented at the ATIA National Conference. You will leave with the link to an online inclusive toolkit to support student communication, executive functioning, and more. JUST A.S.K. is the Accessible Social Kit that all classrooms K-12 will benefit from having in their classrooms.

Speakers

Margaret Schmieder

Spec Ed Faculty, New Trier

Darci Woodson

Speech/Language Pathologist, New Trier

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST
W337

PK-5

8:30am CST

A19 | Checklist for Supporting Neurodiversity in the Classroom FULL

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST

W331

This session will overview a checklist of research-based strategies to support autism and neurodiversity in the classroom. Participants will leave the session with a list of strategies to implement, examples to support implementation, and ideas for using the checklist when teaming and problem solving.

Speakers

Carrie De La Cruz

Director of Student Services, Kenilworth

Robert Burris

Teacher - Student Services, Kenilworth

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST
W331

PK-5

8:30am CST

A20 | Supporting Student Mobility at School: The Why and How LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST

W320

This presentation will focus on current evidence regarding the importance of active mobility on development and learning. There will be a discussion of strategies and tools to help students move to learn.

Speakers

Nancy McNamara

Physical Therapist, TrueNorth

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST
W320

PK-5

8:30am CST

A21 | Belonging Begins Here: How to Support Multilingual Learners in Your Classroom Community LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST

E330

In an ever-changing pluralistic society, it is essential to honor and celebrate cultural and linguistic diversity. This session provides an asset-based approach to multilingualism by integrating Social Emotional Learning (SEL) with effective language development strategies. By intentionally creating welcoming, inclusive environments, schools can accelerate language acquisition by providing Multilingual Learners (ML) with a strong sense of connection, support, and belonging.

Language acquisition is a process that typically takes 5-7 years. This session provides a multitude of knowledge and strategies for teachers who are supporting K-12 MLs from Newcomers, those who have recently arrived in the United States, all the way through to those who have exited the program and are on Monitor status. Join us to learn more about helping ML students thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.

Speakers

Emilie Correa

World/Modern Language PreK-5, Glencoe

Megan Michna

Multilingual Learners, Glencoe

Jessica Osorio

Multilingual Learners, Glencoe

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST
E330

PK-5

8:30am CST

A23 | Music of My Hawai'i: Songs and Cultural Context LIMITED

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST

E331

Being the third generation born and raised on the island of Kauai, my musical upbringing includes a mix of my Japanese heritage and Hawaiian culture. This workshop will explore the varied styles of Hawaiian musical traditions including cultural context, and will explore ways to respectfully include activities from cultures that are not your own. Material for all ages will be presented, along with pedagogical connections, ukulele arrangements, dances, and literature. Participants are welcome to bring an ukulele or guitar to play along!

Speakers

Jana Kitamura Martin

Music / General 5-6, Wilmette

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST
E331

PK-5

8:30am CST

A25 | Resetting Your Daily Routines to Support Sleep FULL

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST

E333

Since high school, I have experienced severe insomnia, often only sleeping 2-4 hours per night. Several years ago, I committed to learning as much as I could about how to improve my sleep. I now regularly sleep 6-9 hours per night, and have never felt better. People often ask what one thing I did to improve my sleep, but there was no one solution. It required reconsidering all of my daily routines, and adjusting them to prioritize sleep.

Based on the research by Matthew Walker, learn how to reset your daily routines, from the moment you wake up in the morning until the time you go to bed, to improve your sleep and maximize your energy throughout the day.

Speakers

Michelle Mermelstein

Occupational Therapist, Wilmette

Friday February 14, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST
E333

PK-5

10:00am CST

B01 | Keynote: First Their Hearts, Then Their Minds LIMITED

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

PK-5

10:00am CST

B18 | Mindful Cooking and Community Connection FULL

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

W033

This session will explore the connection between nutrition and emotional well-being and mindfulness. Attendees in this session will prepare a healthy and nutritious meal while fostering community through shared cooking and dining experiences.

Speakers

Julia Koziara

AA - Family and Consumer Sciences Faculty, New Trier

Kathleen Olsen

AA - Family and Consumer Sciences Faculty, New Trier

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am CST
W033

PK-5