As all of my international friends know, planning for the summer usually starts in December. I always want to attend PD over the holiday, but sometimes in the midst of my day-to-day job, finding great opportunities can be difficult. So, below is a list workshops/conferences I’ve been told about, attended in the past, or found on the Internet. Each opportunity is linked so you can find out more or register.
If you attend any of those listed, or have others to add, please leave a comment.
Writing
Boothbay Literacy Retreat, Boothbay Harbor, ME USA 06/28/2009 – 07/01/2009
Join Kylene Beers and Bob Probst for the second annual Boothbay Literacy Retreat. While our focus remains the same as last year-literacy teaching in the twenty-first century-this year we’ll pay particular attention to the writing-reading connection.
Our goal at the retreat is to slow down, think carefully but inventively, listen intently, and speculate in collaboration with good colleagues about where twenty-first century literacy education, writing in particular, is headed and how we might influence its evolution. *Heinemann
This looks interesting I think in light of all the technological innovations we ES classroom teachers are trying to use. For example, I would like to better understand how to use a Promethean Board- without sacrificing the authenticity I get from modeling writing directly on chart paper.
Developing Curriculum for Writing Workshops, Asheville, NC, USA 06/29/2009 – 06/30/2009
With students in our classrooms writing daily and developing their ideas into finished writing projects, how do we teach in ways that raise the level of the writing students are able to do? We start by helping our students learn to read like writers. By reading differently, students can develop the visions they need to write well. This institute will focus on how to teach students to read like writers and to create curriculum around “stacks” of texts that show students the kinds of writing we’d like them to produce. Katie Ray will demonstrate how to read like a writer, explain how to immerse students in cluster texts that model specific qualities of good writing, and offer ideas for planning units of study around these text sets. You’ll find new ways to engage students in the curriculum, connect their reading to their writing, and encourage them to become lifelong writers. *Heinemann
Who doesn’t love Katy Wood Ray? I think this workshop sounds very interesting, however, the sessions might be more valuable if you have a solid background in the workshop approach before attending.
The 27th Annual July Institute on the Teaching of Writing
Teachers College Reading and Writing Project: Columbia University, NYC, USA June 29- July 3, 2009
Keynote speakers include Carmen Agra Deedy, Lucy Calkins, Mary Ehrenworth, Georgia Heard, and Doug Reeves.
The focus of this Institute will be on the teaching of writing with participants also working on their own writing. There will be a combination of large group and writing workshops. Separate sections will be offered for advanced participants. Topics covered include: the central role of planning and curriculum development in the teaching of writing, methods for holding our students accountable for doing their best work, classroom structures that support inquiry and collaboration, and using literature to help students craft their writing. *TCRWP
This well-attended (and difficult to get into) institute is always a professional highlight according to people who have gone. Simply put, the work which has come from Teachers College over the past 10 years has made me the writing teacher I am today.
Word Study
Delight in Words: Integrate Children’s Literature Into Word Play and Word Study in K-5 Classrooms with Franki Sibberson
Locations: Portland, OR (06/29/09); Portland, ME (07/06/09); Columbus, OH (07/09/09); and Rockland, ME (10/17/09)
Vocabulary instruction and word study begins with a delight in language. If we can help students pay attention to and get excited about the discovery of new words, they will be well on their way to building new vocabulary and reading skills. In addition, their writing improves. Students learn that the right word in the right place at the right time can make all the difference in the quality of their drafts in writer’s workshop. *Choice Literacy
For me, word study is in many ways the weakest part of my own professional development. What I like about Franki is that she is links this discussion right away to writer’s workshop. I would love to hear from you if you attend this PD Opportunity. I especially like that there are different dates for this workshop and different locations where you can attend.
Reading
Literacy Learning and the Development of Thought: Teaching Literacy Well in an Era of Growing Demands Albuquerque, NM, USA 06/30/2009 – 07/01/2009
In this two-day institute, participants will explore their own reading and writing and will extrapolate their insights to elementary and middle school classrooms. Ellin and Bruce will each address the whole group on issues related to helping children read fluently, think deeply about books, and write effectively throughout the curriculum. Participants will have an opportunity to work in small groups with each presenter to focus on their own reading and writing and to draw conclusions about effective practices in their own classrooms.
The presenters also will discuss new developments in literacy research and practice that will provide support for teachers who wish to create active classrooms in which children learn to comprehend deeply and write persuasively.*Heinemann
I love the title of this professional development workshop, “Teaching Literacy Well in an Era of Growing Demands”. Although I’m not familiar with either of the presenters, I think the write up sounds like a solid look at the reading and writing connection.
Literacy Coaching
Summer Coaching Institute, UW Botanic Gardens, Seattle, WA, USA July 7-10
Join nationally-acclaimed author and coach, Katherine Casey, in a four-day interactive session designed for practitioners from all grade levels and content areas. Key coaching issues will be addressed through a variety of learning activities. *Center for Educational Leadership
I attended this Institute last summer- it was well worth it. Katherine is a star presenter, and made me feel like I could actually do this job- even though I was brand new at it. CEL is also a well-run organization. Which counts when you are making plans from so far away.
Other
Making Assessments Work for You with Clare Landrigan and Tammy Mulligan
Locations: Portland, ME (07/07/09) and Rockland, ME (10/18/09)
The relentless push for more testing, assessment, and analysis of information from individual students leaves many teachers and administrators feeling like they are drowning in data. In this workshop, we’ll help you climb that mountain of data and reach the summit, where the view of students and school achievement can give you insight into how to improve instruction, motivate students, and communicate with parents. We’ll use a four step process with many practical tips and tools along the way to help you… *Choice Literacy
Creating, using and analyzing data is a hot topic at my school right now. If this workshop can empower teachers to pick and choose best assessments and then give them the confidence to analyze them, it will be worthwhile.
