A Sessions: Sunday, 3:30–4:30 p.m

Mobilizing Teams

A.01 From a Room to a Zoom: Leading Literacy at the

State and National Levels

Room: Catalina 7 An English language arts director from a state education agency discusses the ways that an in-person, state consortium influences a virtual, national collaborative of state literacy leaders. Participants will be asked to reflect on how to apply these insights to their own realms of influence. Presenter: Jason Stephenson, Oklahoma State Department of Education

Mobilizing Teams

A.02 How (and Why) We Created ELA Curriculum for Our District

Room: Catalina 6 This session explores how the ELA team at The School District of Philadelphia created communities of teachers and coaches to develop a curriculum that elevates diverse voices, addresses hard histories, and is driven by a text-centered approach that prioritizes rigor and knowledge-building. Presenters: Christine Chang, The School District of Philadelphia Alison McMonagle, The School District of Philadelphia

Creating Possibilities

A.03 I Wanted to Engage My Students with the Writing Process . . . So I Became a Living Poet

Room: Catalina 5 Poetry, especially spoken word poetry, is the bridge to empowered, motivated writers. Through engaging workshop exercises, participants will trek the “road not taken” to poetry and leave with renewed, refreshed understandings about writing instruction. Co-presenters will devise solutions to common learning community barriers and discuss their research implications for K–12 and university settings. Presenters: Elsie Lindy Olan, University of Central Florida Julie Pantano, Saint Johns County Schools: Ocean Palms

Elementary School Coaching Teachers

A.04 Light in the “Never-Ending Shade”: A Project-

Based Exploration of Amanda Gorman’s Theme with Three Different Student Populations

Room: Catalina 4 Three classes in different geographical and varied student populations used the theme of Amanda Gorman’s poem “The Hill We Climb” as a foundation for this project-based learning experience. Deborah will share experiences, technological issues and challenges, some of the final student projects, and reflections that resulted from this virtual collaboration. Presenter: Deborah Velto, River Branch Academics

Connecting Communities

A.05 Leading through Hard Times: A Pedagogy of Connection

Room: Catalina 3 How do we create a community of hope with our teachers during trying times? Now more than ever, schools and leaders are realizing the importance of building connections within and between departments, fostering critical hope that comes from building and leading for equity, justice, and dignity. This workshop will explore how investing in a pedagogy of connection has the capacity to build staff morale, re-center humanity in our craft, and see us through turbulent times. Presenter: Cathline Tanis, North Plainfield School District