Descriptions of the workshops for Exchange Conference 2023 are available here. Workshops for 2024 will be announced in March.
Key:
New Session
Live Stream Session
In-Person Session
New to Live Stream
Keynote
- Academic Excellence: Understanding Today’s Landscape
Presenter: Dr. Shane Blanton
Educators everywhere are concerned about students and their families. They report that more students come to school less ready to learn—not less intelligent, less ready to be students. Research shows they are behind, harder to reach and teach, their developmental profiles are more uneven, and their attention and motivation are harder to sustain. And educators complain that parents are more anxious about their children’s success, yet less available to support and guide them, and are more demanding and critical of the school. What does the data show?
- Academic Excellence in Christian Schools
Presenter: Dr. Shane Blanton
Why do we insist on a rigorous curriculum and high academic achievement in Christian schools? Why do we demand high standards from our students? What are we trying to accomplish? Today’s Christian school needs to educate students to the absolute highest standards possible because of the importance of teaching them to think. We will explore how to foster academic excellence in a Christian school.
- Technology Giveth, Technology Taketh Away
Presenter: Dr. Bryan Smith
Technology is a wonderful tool—so wonderful that we often forget it has a darker side. Yes, it enables us to do things we once thought impossible. But it also takes things away from us, things we never thought we would try to do without. As responsible adults, we understand that technology is both a blessing and a burden. But most of our students have not yet realized this truth. As teachers we need to help our students learn how to maximize the blessing of technology, while managing its burdens.
- Understanding Gender from a Biblical Worldview
Presenter: Dr. Bryan Smith
We all know that in the last decade, our society has gone crazy over issues related to gender. To our dismay, this craziness has not stayed in the left-leaning parts of our culture. It has found its way into our churches and our Christian schools. These developments are troubling, but they are also an opportunity. They give Christian educators an open door to talk with students about gender issues from a biblical worldview. In this session we will consider how the Creation-Fall-Redemption paradigm can be used to help young people think biblically about gender.
- Understanding Independent/Christian School Parents
Presenter: Dr. Shane Blanton
The relationship between independent school parents and their children's teachers has only grown more intense in recent years. Parents are worried more than ever about their children's education. They constantly wonder about their role in their children's learning. Most parents, of course, are grateful when their children (mostly) love school; most recognize teachers' positive impact on their children's lives. However, a growing number choose to act as their children's advocates, agents, coaches, co-teachers, and sometimes apologists. They see themselves as responsible for homework completion, curricular standards, playing time on teams, and the outcome of their children's friendships and social interactions. What's a teacher or a parent to do in the face of such conflicting messages from today’s culture?
General
- The Art of Questioning: Perfecting Your Q&A Techniques
Presenter: Dr. Brad Batdorf
Is it time to question your questioning techniques? How effective are you at using verbal questions to get your students to understand and learn concepts? Do you want to learn best practices in classroom questioning that can promote deeper understanding? Are you willing to master this powerful teaching technique?
- Assessments in Action: Assessment Tools You Can Use Today
Presenter: Dr. Jenny Copeland
Using an assortment of assessment tools brings variety and increased engagement to the classroom...not to mention they are fun! If you are looking to mix up how you create or give assessments, this session will give you a selection of tools you can start using today! We will explore technology tools from BJU Press, as well as a variety of other digital assessment resources.
- BIG Apologetics in the Classroom: Modeling a Defense of the Faith in Every Subject
Presenter: Dr. Renton Rathbun
Apologetics belongs in every classroom. Every subject contains persistent obstacles to a proper worldview which can trouble a student’s faith. BIG Apologetics is an easy tool to use which walks students through the process of defending a biblical worldview in any subject.
- Bonus Level Unlocked
Presenter: Rachel Santopietro
Level up your teaching, unlock new quests for instruction, and score a personal record in student motivation by exploring the theory and practice of gamification.
- Broken Windows Theory and Classroom Management: How Disorder Invites Chaos
Presenter: Christina Miller
Often, discussions about classroom management are aimed at how to curb students’ negative behavior in the classroom. But what if effective classroom management should actually begin with eliminating the teacher’s negative behaviors? In this workshop, Mrs. Miller will discuss how certain teacher misbehaviors lend themselves toward chaos in the classroom, and what an effective teacher can do to maintain appropriate and strategic control of his or her classroom.
- Demos for Dummies: Tips for Better Science Demonstrations
Presenter: Dr. Brad Batdorf
Effective science demonstrations are available for all age levels and are powerful tools to have in your teaching tool kit. Get tips on finding, preparing, and presenting demonstrations that will captivate attention and motivate learning.
- Emotions: Helping Students Sanctify Their Feelings
Presenter: Dr. Bruce Meyer
Post-modernity has placed a heavy emphasis upon feelings; as a result, we have become a nation of feelings rather than principle. God’s word, however, deals with emotions, providing a theology of our emotions as we relate to truth. This workshop helps us understand the proper role of emotions and how to connect our emotions to theology for principled and biblical living.
- Getting the Most from Your Teacher Editions
Presenter: Pam Litzenberger
Need help putting together your lessons using your BJU Press materials? This workshop will give step-by-step practical methods to plan your lesson and your year using the many resources available with both your BJU Press teacher edition and online materials. Bring your teacher edition and computer to this workshop to fully benefit!
- Helping Students Overcome Worry and Fear
Presenter: Dr. Bruce Meyer
Our world can be a frightening place. Some fears can become debilitating and paralyzing. How can I offer hope and biblical solutions for those who are trapped in vicious cycles of worry, fear, and even panic attacks? This workshop surveys biblical teachings and offers solutions that focus on heart issues.
- iCheat: Staying One Step Ahead of the Devices
Presenter: Dr. Jenny Copeland
Technology is no longer a novelty in education; it is a vital and powerful force in education. But while we focus our attention on finding the newest tool or incorporating the most fabulous app, are we remaining vigilant of the potential misuses of technology? Everyday technology tools have made cheating incredibly easy, but unfortunately, the strategies students are using to cheat are often beyond what educators would have even considered! This session will present specific cheating methods as well as specific safeguarding and accountability strategies. Come get ideas for how to protect your classroom and your students!
- Instructional Strategies to Differentiate: Helping Students Get to Where They Need to Be
Presenter: Cindy Dickinson
Do you feel like your students sometimes just aren’t getting it? Are you looking for ways to provide differentiated instruction or new ways to present concepts? Instructional strategies are like vehicles that get students from where they are to where they need to be. Learn instructional strategies that can be used to differentiate. Discuss and determine which strategies can meet your students’ needs best. Leave with a list of instructional strategies that you can use in your classroom right away.
- Keeping an “A” Above Average: Avoiding Grade Inflation
Presenter: Anita Sedivy
When a grade on a report card does not accurately reflect the overall ability and performance of a student it can be detrimental to the student, the teacher, and a school’s program. Grade Inflation is a practice that institutions are experiencing throughout the world. This session will explore methods to assist teachers in achieving academic excellence and appropriate rigor, while maintaining a balance of compassionate concern for each student.
- Learn It Together: Collaboration with the Help of Technology
Presenter: Dr. Jenny Copeland
Our days are filled with collaboration—from hallway chats and classroom discussions to student group projects and conference room sessions. Why not take that collaboration digital? Come learn about digital tools that will bring variety, engagement, organization, and creativity to your collaboration. These tools are easy to access, use, and share and can be used in a variety of settings and with a variety of ages and devices.
- Learning Issues in the Christian School, Part 1
Presenter: Christina Miller
Students with specific learning disabilities (SLD) constitute the largest segment of the special education population in the United States. Do students with SLD exist in the private school sector? If so, how do we identify them? What is our responsibility as Christian school educators to these students and their parents? This introductory workshop addresses these common concerns and challenges Christian educators to consider their role in the identification and support of those students with SLD in the Christian school classroom.
- Learning Issues in the Christian School, Part 2
Presenter: Christina Miller
Once we have identified students with SLD in our classrooms, Christian educators should provide them with an education that will fit their individual learning needs. This workshop addresses the Christian school’s current response to these students and presents what we can do to better support their academic needs in the classroom and beyond. Classroom modifications/accommodations and differentiated instruction will be discussed, as well as ideas for setting up an effective resource room in your school.
- LGBTQ+ Ideology: What Your Students Are Facing and How to Respond
Presenter: Dr. Renton Rathbun
Students in our classrooms today are inundated with LGBTQ+ indoctrination via social media, entertainment, and personal friendships. Now there are movements, even within the church, that have accepted varying degrees of LGBTQ+ affirmation. What can Christian teachers do in response to students confused about what the Bible says about gender and sexuality? In this session, we will explore how biblical worldview strategies can shape students to think biblically about these concepts.
- Making Sense of Standardized Test Scores
Presenter: Dr. Brad Batdorf
Can you explain the difference between criterion and norm-referenced grading, how a percentage score is different from a percentile rank score, and what those grade equivalent scores really mean? In this workshop, you will get hands-on experience with analyzing and interpreting common standardized test reports so that you can explain them to parents.
- Overcoming Math Anxiety
Presenter: Pam Litzenberger
As many as 25%–50% of pre-college students have math anxiety. In this workshop, we will discuss this fear, where it may have originated, and most importantly, how we, as their math teachers, can help our students overcome their anxiety. We will also talk about math myths and how they affect our students.
- Survival Tips for New and Not So New Teachers
Presenter: Pam Litzenberger
So, you’re a new teacher or in a new school or you’re teaching new subjects. How will you ever get through this first year or two? This workshop will give you pointers and tips for making it through those tough first few months. Come learn about lesson planning, classroom management, dealing with coworkers, finding a mentor, and where to go for help when you need it.
- Take It Outside: Using Outdoor Experiences to Enhance Learning
Presenter: Dr. Brad Batdorf
Research has shown that taking students outside has physical, emotional, and even academic benefits. Learn about some things you can do to address all types of learners through outdoor activities. This presentation will focus especially on science instruction.
- Teacher Tools Online: What's in Here
Presenter: Cindy Dickinson
Teacher Tools Online (TTO) is a great resource provided by BJU Press to make teachers’ lives easier. In this session, you will learn how the Lesson Plan Overviews and PowerPoints can help with lesson preparation. You can also find ideas for using the artwork on interactive whiteboards and in assessments, discover options for showing videos to your classes without advertisements, and learn how to build your own tests using the ExamView test-building software.
- Understanding Trauma in the Classroom: Compassion and Care for Students Who Are Hurting
Presenter: Christina Miller
Childhood trauma occurs more than we would maybe care to think about. In fact, by the age of 16, over two-thirds of children will have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. As educators, it is important for us to recognize the signs of traumatic stress and its short- and long-term impact on children, especially as it relates to their learning. In this workshop, we will discuss the spectrum of trauma, adverse childhood experiences and their impact on overall physical, mental, emotional, and social health of children, and common trauma triggers. This workshop will also address how the effective educator can respond to such students with compassion, care, and concern for their students’ spiritual, academic, and mental well-being.
- The Visual Classroom
Presenter: Rachel Santopietro
You buy posters, create bulletin boards, purchase knick-knacks, and spend a lot of time and money making your classroom a welcoming place for students to learn. But does it welcome or overwhelm? Does it help them learn, or does it distract? Make the aesthetics of your classroom work for you by learning about educational research on the visual aspect of learning.
- What Should a Bible Program Look Like in a Christian School?
Presenter: Dr. Renton Rathbun
Ideally, when the Bible program in your school is thriving, so are the spiritual lives of the students and faculty. Unfortunately, Bible courses often suffer from a lack of intentional, year-to-year scaffolding of subject matter, a lack of relevance to other subjects, and a lack of rigor that equals the rigor of other courses. This presentation demonstrates that all these issues can be overcome when we develop a Bible curriculum, intentionally structured in its scope, relevance, and rigor.
- When Parents and Teachers Meet: A View from Both Sides of the Desk
Presenter: Becky Teruel
Have you ever heard, or said, “I would love teaching if it weren’t for the parents?” Parents should be viewed as a positive part of our teaching—helping our students to become more successful. I have taught many years in the classroom and believe that parents can be partners. As a parent of four children, I learned to see and value both sides of communication. Come learn ways to include parents in your students’ learning to make your year the best it can be!
Administrative
- Christ Above Culture: A Framework for Racial Unity and Educational Leadership
Presenter: Dr. Sherard Burns
The false ideologies of society are infecting the way schools understand unity and justice. Since everything rises and/or falls on leadership, how principals and headmasters grasp unity will determine the direction of the schools they lead, the teachers they hire, and their pedagogical strategies. Debunking CRT, Black Lives Matter movement, and the secularized notions of social justice, this session will outline a theological vision for racial unity and biblical justice and provide insights regarding pedagogical strategies that are sensitive to culture but remain committed to the gospel.
- Developing a Culture of Effective Teacher Assimilation
Presenter: Dr. Sherard Burns
Racial harmony and unity are not by-products we should merely hope exist in our schools. Since racial unity stands at the heart of the gospel it should permeate every aspect of school culture. This can only happen when faculty and staff are equipped to understand their role in making this a growing reality. This session will equip leaders with a strategic plan and pathway that builds a vision of racial unity around the gospel-centered, Christ-saturated, Christian Worldview. Those who take this session will leave with a biblical-theological worldview on racial unity as well as a framework to develop faculty and staff to champion this vision.
- The School Leader’s Teaching Role
Presenter: Dr. Brian Carruthers
Every good school leader must also be a great teacher, effectively working to implement research-based changes in the school’s instructional program. This workshop will explore the opportunities the lead teacher will have to transform the organization by coaching teachers to be more effective in the classroom.
- Something Needs to Change? Start with Your Culture
Presenter: Doug Abels
Christian educational leaders might be tempted to look for just the right school policies, standard procedures, or sports program to set their schools apart from the competition or ensure a flourishing future, but they might be overlooking something much more powerful – the culture of the Christian school. This workshop will present a theological argument for the importance of school culture, what elements affect a school’s culture, and practical suggestions for taking ownership of the culture at your school.
- Strategic Planning for the Christian School
Presenter: Dr. Brian Carruthers
Is your school fulfilling its goals and objectives? Does your school have goals and objectives? What is your ministry's mission statement? Where do you see your school five years from now? These questions and others will be addressed as this workshop discusses strategic planning for the Christian School.
Preschool
- Brain Building Instead of Babysitting
Presenter: Anita Sedivy
The care received in the first three years of a child’s life can dramatically affect language development and I.Q. Emotional and social development are also critical components to a child’s ability to learn. Come review the importance of quality care and practical ways to provide brain boosting connections in a young child’s brain.
- Focus on Fives for a Strong Foundation (K5)
Presenter: Becky Custer
The Focus on Fives program from BJU Press starts children on a journey of developing the skills they will need for first grade. This all-inclusive program provides foundational activities for heritage, science, literature, and all the language arts. We will explore the parts and pieces that make up this exciting, newly revised program. As we look at the special features of a unit, week, and day we will also focus on the instructional themes for heritage, science, and literature.
- Highly Explosive! Handle with Care: How the Bible Can Impact the Classroom (K3–Grade 2)
Presenter: Becky Custer
God’s Word contains light to direct, food to support, and comfort to cheer. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Discover multiple ways to use Scripture in the classroom and ignite hearts for God.
- Let the Games Begin! (K3–Grade 2)
Presenter: Becky Custer
Play is a powerful classroom tool. Adding educational games to your curriculum can enhance learning and help your students develop inquiry, expression, and teamwork skills. Students will form positive memories of learning and will make clear connections with content material.
- Pathways for Preschool: Parts and Pieces (K3)
Presenter: Becky Custer
Pathways for Preschool provides a center-based, hands-on approach to learning. The many parts and pieces to this program help teachers as they promote discovery learning and age-appropriate developmental skills in their classroom. Learn creative instructional tips and lesson planning strategies while we experience this exciting preschool program.
- Right from the Start: Philosophy of Early Childhood Education
Presenter: Becky Custer
The beginning years of a child's education are critical because we are laying a vital foundation. How we do this will shape each child’s approach to future learning. In this session, learn what we can do to stimulate and encourage a love of learning in these formative years and teach preschool right, from the start.
- Seeing the Big Picture with Footsteps for Fours
Presenter: Becky Custer
Early learners are just starting to focus in on the world around them. Footsteps for Fours provides a solid academic foundation for future learning and also creates opportunities to grow physically, emotionally and spiritually. Discover all the parts and pieces that work together in Footsteps to ensure that your students have an exciting start to their world of learning!
- Watch Me Grow! Understanding and Cultivating Preschoolers' Developmental Skills
Presenter: Becky Custer
Learn practical ways to instruct and inspire early learners to grow academically, socially, and spiritually. Explore the most productive methods for circle time and learning centers so that preschoolers can thrive in their classroom environment.
Elementary
- Bright Ideas!
Presenter: Dr. Jenny Copeland
Fast paced. Seriously practical. Come join the fun as multiple elementary teachers present their favorite ideas for classroom management, technology, organization, and communication in a rapid-fire, back-to-back presentation format. Let the ideas begin!
- Cliques, Clowns, Toughies, and Tattletales (K3–Grade 5)
Presenter: Katie Klipp
Doesn't it seem like just when you think you've mastered dealing with a certain type of difficult student, a new breed arrives to challenge your strategies? Sometimes it seems teachers have to spend more time in character training than in actual academic instruction! If that is the case, teachers need to step back and determine how to manage these types of students effectively. What do you say to a class clown, a perpetual tattler, a disinterested kid, or a competitive bragger? Come gain a new understanding of difficult students and then gather new and creative ways to include them, reach them, and teach them.
- Code Blue! What Can We Do? (Elementary Bible)
Presenter: Katie Klipp
We see it every day in the culture around us and in the students in front of us—our world is not going the right way. But it’s not just going the wrong way, it’s taking our Christian school students with it! Is it too late? What can WE do? We can make our seemingly simple Bible class more than just a time of memorizing and listening! It can be the place where students think critically, use manipulatives, role play for understanding, and learn to live and love God’s Truth. BJU Press Bible materials have all that you need to make the Bible come alive and STICK in students’ hearts for years. Come learn creative methods and ideas to engage your students in that time of day that could be the single most important influence in their school years. It’s not too late!
- Communicating to Motivate Students: Bring Out the Best Behavior in Your Students
Presenter: Pam Elbell
The tough challenge of classroom management becomes easier when you have the right resources. Come learn creative ways to encourage good behavior. Let’s share ideas on how we can better communicate our expectations to help our students learn good classroom behavior.
- Extra! Extra! They DON'T Read All About It! (K3–Grade 5)
Presenter: Katie Klipp
Classroom newsletters are a work of art and heart, so it's disappointing when families don't read them as closely as we wish they would! In this day of fast-paced communication and packed schedules, we must find ways to get both needed information and fun class memories to parents to keep them involved, informed, and LOVING what comes from our classrooms. Learn ways to grab, stimulate, and keep their attention and support with the help of some great tools that are easy and free!
- From Tedious Mission to Terrific Masterpiece: Handwriting and Writing for K5–Grade 1
Presenter: Katie Klipp
In this session, participants will learn how to navigate the BJU Press K5 and Grade 1 handwriting materials, gain helpful ideas that enhance students’ ability in and understanding of handwriting and writing, and learn about creative ways to make these two sections of the day enticingly more colorful for students.
- Going Beyond the Basic Colors: Reading for K5–Grade 1
Presenter: Katie Klipp
In this session, participants will learn how to navigate the BJU Press K5 and Grade 1 reading materials, gain helpful tips that enhance students’ ability in and understanding of reading orally and silently, and gather creative ideas for making the reading section of each day enticingly more colorful for students.
- Helping Young Historians See God's Story throughout History
Presenter: Marnie Batterman
Does history seem boring to your students? Many students see history as lists of dates, people, places, and facts. It's hard to inspire students when that is the mindset as you begin a lesson. Let's refresh their mindset to see God's hand throughout history as He works to accomplish His will and allow them to share in His story.
- Helping Young Scientists Discover God's World
Presenter: Marnie Batterman
Students are eager to study science because they find rocks, space, and animals interesting. But do your young scientists realize studying science helps us discover more about God's character, ways we can manage the world for His glory, and ways we can help other people?
- Logical, Practical, and VIBRANT: Spelling for Lower Elementary
Presenter: Katie Klipp
In this session, participants will learn how to navigate the BJU Press Grade 1 spelling materials, gain helpful tips that enhance students’ ability in and understanding of word families and sentence dictation, and gather creative ideas for making the spelling section of each day enticingly more colorful for students.
- Loving to Read or Required to Read: How Do Your Students Feel?
Presenter: Becky Teruel
Does it seem that schools give awards for sports accomplishments more than academic and reading achievements? Rewarding and encouraging students to read will open a path to lifelong learning. In this session, teachers will learn several methods of drawing students into the “love of reading” and share ideas that have worked in their classrooms.
- Making the Most of Your Math Manipulatives
Presenter: Cindy Dickinson
Do you have questions about using manipulatives in your math classroom? Perhaps you feel like manipulatives are a burden, a bother, or a waste of classroom time. Research shows that using manipulatives in your math classroom can positively affect student understanding. Learn creative ways to use your math manipulatives, leading your students to a deeper understanding of math. And learn a variety of ways to organize your math manipulatives to make the most of your classroom time.
- Phonics: The Whys and Hows
Presenter: Becky Teruel
Does phonics seem tedious to teach? Does it matter how students are taught to read? Since phonics is the proven method of teaching reading, understanding how it is used in the classroom is imperative. Join me as we explore the whys and hows of teaching phonics. We will look at the role of the Word Family approach in phonics instruction.
- Reading Groups vs. Whole-Class Instruction: Does It Really Matter?
Presenter: Becky Teruel
Shouldn’t it be up to the teacher whether grouping or whole-class instruction is used to teach reading? Isn’t the outcome the same for students no matter which way reading is taught? Up-to-date reading group research shows that how reading is taught does matter for students. In this session, learn why reading groups are important and how to implement them. Participate in an interactive reading lesson and discuss ideas for how to occupy students during reading group time to help the classroom flow smoothly.
- Reading: The Final Grade
Presenter: Becky Teruel
Isn’t giving a reading grade too subjective? Is it possible for a reading rubric to be consistent in all the elementary classes in your school? Come learn an effective method of grading for all elementary reading levels. Participants will learn which components of reading to grade and will practice grading and recording parts of a reading lesson.
- Systems for All Your Stuff! Organizing Your Classroom and Beyond (Grades 1–6)
Presenter: Pam Elbell
A well-organized classroom sends a clear and positive message to your students. Is your classroom sending the wrong message? Come and learn practical ways to effectively organize your classroom, schedule, and supplies to be able to better serve your students.
- Use All of the Crayons in Your Box: Phonics for K5–Grade 1
Presenter: Katie Klipp
In this session, participants will learn how to navigate the BJU Press K5 and Grade 1 phonics materials, gain helpful tips that enhance students’ ability in and understanding of word families and word manipulation, and gather creative ideas for making the phonics section of each day enticingly more colorful for students.
- Writing Tips and Tricks for Success in the Elementary Classroom
Presenter: Becky Teruel
Are your students eager to write or do you hear moans when you mention writing? In this session, teachers will learn ways to make writing exciting and a subject students will look forward to in the elementary classroom. Participants will collaborate on ideas and complete a writing assignment in groups, demonstrating how writing can be taught and modeled in the classroom.
- Yes! You Can M.A.T.H.
Presenter: Cindy Dickinson
Math can be an engaging and exciting subject to teach. It is so much more than just recalling and memorizing. Interested in current ideas for your math classroom? Join me to discover ways you can M.A.T.H. M—make it interesting, A—add to their knowledge, T—take it to the next level, and H—find out how they did. By engaging, instructing, applying, and assessing, you can take your math classes as well as your students to the next level.
Middle School
- Doing Biblical Worldview Shaping in the ELA Classroom (Grades 6–12)
Presenter: JR Remelgado
Teaching English consists of much more than merely instructing students in metaphors and participles. It is an opportunity for students to evaluate a variety of worldviews in light of biblical principles and learn how to communicate a biblical worldview to others. In this session, we will explore ways to skillfully integrate biblical worldview shaping into both literature and writing lessons, engage students in rich worldview discussions, and show students how to transfer their worldview-shaping skills outside the English classroom.
- Helping Students Develop Strong Writing Skills: Part I (Grades 6–12)
Presenter: JR Remelgado
In this session, we will develop methods for challenging a group of students who have different writing abilities. Learn how to create an effective but manageable plan for teaching grammar and composition and tailor that plan to meet the needs of each student, and develop a teaching style that keeps students engaged as they improve their writing skills.
- Helping Students Develop Strong Writing Skills: Part II (Grades 6–12)
Presenter: JR Remelgado
Learn how to develop a plan to put writing strategies into practice. Participants will be able to collaborate with colleagues to develop a writing schedule for the school year and integrate new teaching strategies into that schedule.
- Managing the "Middles"
Presenter: Pam Litzenberger
Wondering how to keep a room full of sixth graders engaged? Or a group of eighth graders actually paying attention in class? In this workshop I will present practical ways to keep your class moving and your students engaged in what you are teaching. We will discuss how to take attendance painlessly, make transitions, grade homework easily without having to repeat answers numerous times, grade that endless pile of tests more quickly, and record grades. Come loaded with questions and tips to share with the group!
- Memorable Science (Grades 6–12)
Presenter: Chris Coyle
This workshop will present practical methods for teaching science and will explore the philosophy behind BJU Press secondary science materials. Participants will gain a new vision of how to instruct and inspire students when this curriculum is used.
- Memorable Science and Its Application (Grades 6–12)
Presenter: Chris Coyle
This workshop will apply new vision and methods to instruct and inspire students in science using BJU Press’s secondary science resources. Participants will use BJU Press resources to craft an interactive lesson that develops critical thinking and shapes worldview in students.
- Planning for Success in Middle School ELA
Presenter: Christine Hand
Middle school English language arts is an important step for developing crucial communication and comprehension skills for students as they personally develop and change. The new model of the BJUPress textbooks will help teachers model these crucial skills and help students excel. Come learn how to plan effectively, integrate creatively, and incorporate purposefully to gain consistent results.
- Practicing for Success in Middle School ELA
Presenter: Christine Hand
Having tools and making a plan set the stage for a successful classroom, but having them and using them can be very different! Come practice different types of planning and activities - both print and digital - to bring effective teaching and progressive learning without the stress.
- The Professional English Juggler (Grades 6–12)
Presenter: Christine Hand
You can manage the daunting task of teaching students all the facets of ELA—grammar, literature, writing, vocabulary, spelling, and more! Learn not only how to survive but also how to enjoy this task. Find new ideas to develop your teaching and English skills. Accomplish it all in a professional manner through planning, organizing, adapting, and personalizing the ELA material.
- Recipe for Success: Teaching Secondary Math (Grades 6–12)
Presenter: Pam Litzenberger
This presentation gives an overview of BJU Press math textbooks (Grade 6 Math, Fundamentals of Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Precalculus, and Consumer Math), highlighting how to best use the features of the teacher edition and the student text. The workshop explains the front and back matter, available resources, TeacherToolsOnline, ExamView, and AfterSchoolHelp.com. Suggestions are given for lesson planning, teaching the class, and classroom management.
- STEM for Middle School Science and Math–without Breaking the Bank!
Presenter: Pam Litzenberger
How can you incorporate STEM activities into your small schools’ 5th–9th grade science and math classes? Often these activities are cost and time prohibitive. Let me give you ways to add STEM that will not break the bank or take your entire class time – and allow your students to have fun and learn at the same time.
- Surviving the Middle School: Tips for Parents, Teachers, and Students
Presenter: Christine Hand
Middle-school years are too often dreaded by parents and teachers and misused by students, despite the fact that these are some of the most wonderful and crucial years of growing up. Learn not only how to survive but also how to love the middle-school years, whether you are the parent, the teacher, or the student!
- Teaching and Delighting: Making Literature Both Educational and Fun, Part 1 (Grades 6–12)
Presenter: JR Remelgado
The Roman poet Horace once said literature should be both instructive and delightful. However, many English teachers struggle to teach literature in an academically rigorous manner without diminishing the joy of reading. Discover how to engage students in high levels of critical thinking while simultaneously fostering an enjoyment of literature.
- Teaching and Delighting: Making Literature Both Educational and Fun, Part 2 (Grades 6–12)
Presenter: JR Remelgado
Collaborate with fellow teachers to write a lesson plan for the upcoming school year that incorporates engaging and academically rigorous strategies. Share the triumphs and struggles you have in your classroom, and learn practical strategies to improve your pedagogy.
- Teaching Teenagers–Managing your Secondary Class (Grades 6–12)
Presenter: Pam Litzenberger
Trying to teach English skills or algebra to unruly teenagers is any teacher’s nightmare. How can you get these young people to focus on learning? How is teaching a teenager different from teaching, say, a fifth grader? Developing solid classroom management is a skill that requires a love from the teacher, but also consistency. In this workshop we will delve into these questions with many suggestions to help you build your classroom management skills and TEACH your class.
Note: *This workshop will only be offered via livestream.
High School
- Beyond Engagement: The Power of Science Simulations
Presenter: Dr. Scott Buhr
Simulations in the science classroom are a powerful way to engage students. More than being used for engagement, though, simulations can be used to teach students how to build scientific models that have predictive power. This workshop will explain how teachers can use freely available, online science simulations to teach their students how to create scientific models.
- Doing Biblical Worldview Shaping in the ELA Classroom (Grades 6–12)
Presenter: JR Remelgado
Teaching English consists of much more than merely instructing students in metaphors and participles. It is an opportunity for students to evaluate a variety of worldviews in light of biblical principles and learn how to communicate a biblical worldview to others. In this session, we will explore ways to skillfully integrate biblical worldview shaping into both literature and writing lessons, engage students in rich worldview discussions, and show students how to transfer their worldview-shaping skills outside the English classroom.
- Helping Students Develop Strong Writing Skills: Part I (Grades 6–12)
Presenter: JR Remelgado
In this session, we will develop methods for challenging a group of students who have different writing abilities. Learn how to create an effective but manageable plan for teaching grammar and composition and tailor that plan to meet the needs of each student, and develop a teaching style that keeps students engaged as they improve their writing skills.
- Helping Students Develop Strong Writing Skills: Part II (Grades 6–12)
Presenter: JR Remelgado
Learn how to develop a plan to put writing strategies into practice. Participants will be able to collaborate with colleagues to develop a writing schedule for the school year and integrate new teaching strategies into that schedule.
- Interesting History
Presenter: Kirsten Alexander
Learn how to teach history in an exciting way using BJU Press textbooks. This workshop will present practical methods for teaching history and will share ideas for how to make social studies engaging to the students.
- Let's Chat! Facilitating Deep Literature Discussions
Presenter: JR Remelgado
While English teachers desire to have vibrant, deep discussions with students about literature, they often face apathetic students who give lackluster responses. Learn how to engage all students in substantive and interesting literature discussions that will leave both students and the teacher with excitement and a deeper appreciation of literature.
- Memorable Science (Grades 6–12)
Presenter: Chris Coyle
This workshop will present practical methods for teaching science and will explore the philosophy behind BJU Press secondary science materials. Participants will gain a new vision of how to instruct and inspire students when this curriculum is used.
- Memorable Science and Its Application (Grades 6–12)
Presenter: Chris Coyle
This workshop will apply new vision and methods to instruct and inspire students in science using BJU Press’s secondary science resources. Participants will use BJU Press resources to craft an interactive lesson that develops critical thinking and shapes worldview in students.
- The Professional English Juggler (Grades 6–12)
Presenter: Christine Hand
You can manage the daunting task of teaching students all the facets of ELA—grammar, literature, writing, vocabulary, spelling, and more! Learn not only how to survive but also how to enjoy this task. Find new ideas to develop your teaching and English skills. Accomplish it all in a professional manner through planning, organizing, adapting, and personalizing the ELA material.
- Recipe for Success: Teaching Secondary Math (Grades 6–12)
Presenter: Pam Litzenberger
This presentation gives an overview of BJU Press math textbooks (Grade 6 Math, Fundamentals of Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Precalculus, and Consumer Math), highlighting how to best use the features of the teacher edition and the student text. The workshop explains the front and back matter, available resources, TeacherToolsOnline, ExamView, and AfterSchoolHelp.com. Suggestions are given for lesson planning, teaching the class, and classroom management.
- The Simplest Prescription for Improving Education
Presenter: Dr. Scott Buhr
Research has shown that _________is one of the simplest ways to improve learning. It is an inexpensive yet powerful tool. This session will explore the immense strength of providing meaningful ___________and why it is often overlooked. Special attention will be given to the use of technology to provide more elaborate and ____________.
- Teaching and Delighting: Making Literature Both Educational and Fun, Part 1 (Grades 6–12)
Presenter: JR Remelgado
The Roman poet Horace once said literature should be both instructive and delightful. However, many English teachers struggle to teach literature in an academically rigorous manner without diminishing the joy of reading. Discover how to engage students in high levels of critical thinking while simultaneously fostering an enjoyment of literature.
- Teaching and Delighting: Making Literature Both Educational and Fun, Part 2 (Grades 6–12)
Presenter: JR Remelgado
Collaborate with fellow teachers to write a lesson plan for the upcoming school year that incorporates engaging and academically rigorous strategies. Share the triumphs and struggles you have in your classroom, and learn practical strategies to improve your pedagogy.
- Teaching Bible from a Biblical Worldview
Presenter: Dr. Brian Collins
This session examines the foundational role that the Bible class should have for everything a student learns at school. In the other academic disciplines students will encounter unbiblical worldviews. Without the foundations that direct instruction in the Bible, Christian theology, biblical worldview, and apologetics provides, teachers in the other academic disciplines will have difficulty developing a fully biblical worldview in their students. This session prepares teachers of Bible classes in how to effectively lay the necessary biblical foundations that every student needs.
- Teaching Teenagers – Managing your Secondary Class (Grades 6–12)
Presenter: Pam Litzenberger
Trying to teach English skills or algebra to unruly teenagers is any teacher’s nightmare. How can you get these young people to focus on learning? How is teaching a teenager different from teaching, say, a fifth grader? Developing solid classroom management is a skill that requires a love from the teacher, but also consistency. In this workshop we will delve into these questions with many suggestions to help you build your classroom management skills and TEACH your class.
Note: *This workshop will only be offered via livestream.
