Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons^™

Desegregating The Community Of Inquiry In Philosophy For/With Children, Maughn Rollins Gregory, Darren Chetty

Department of Educational Foundations Scholarship and Creative Works

This dialogical article examines persistent challenges in engaging racism, colonialism, and white supremacy within the theory and practice of Philosophy for/with Children (P4/wC). Framed as a mutual interview between two long-standing colleagues, the dialogue revisits formative encounters in the P4/wC community and situates them within broader intellectual traditions, including American pragmatism, deliberative democracy, and Africana philosophy. Drawing on personal experience, archival material, and critical scholarship, the authors interrogate the metaphilosophical assumptions underpinning the “community of inquiry,” particularly its commitments to reasonableness, consensus, and democratic dialogue. Concepts such as the “gated community of inquiry,” white ignorance, nonideal theory, and insurrectionist ethics …

Investigating The Impact Of Gamification And Humor On Student Engagement In An Esl Classroom, Joshua F. Filipowski

Wellspring: A Practitioner-Oriented Journal of Literacy and Language Education

This study explores the impact of gamification and humor on middle school students' engagement, participation, and learning outcomes. The researcher, an ESL teacher, sought to address students' boredom and disengagement by introducing games and humor into the classroom. The study involved 12 middle school English learners and employed both qualitative and quantitative methods, including journal entries, focus groups, and participation tracking. Findings indicated that students were more engaged and willing to participate during gamified activities, with slight but significant improvements in quiz scores. Students expressed a preference for jokes and games over traditional methods. The research suggests that incorporating humor …

Science Belongs To Everyone: Cultivating Identity And Inclusion In Stem, Cassandra Armstrong

Professional Learning Day

What does it take for our students to truly see themselves as scientists? Too often, young people imagine scientists as: the person in the white lab coat, the genius in the laboratory, the stereotype in the textbook photo. If we want our students to consider themselves in this role, we must intentionally design classroom experiences that build scientific identity. In this session, participants will explore practical strategies to position their students as scientists, including: reframing every day labs as investigations, analyzing how representation shapes student perceptions, and engaging in role-play as scientists tackling real-world problems. We'll discuss ways to integrate …

A New Take On Gamer Grading, Cynthia Smyser

Professional Learning Day

My version of Gamer Grading turns earning points into fun.   Students earn level-ups and side quests. Points earned cannot be lost which helps anxious or struggling students. Points earned by accomplishing extra units add additional motivation.  An entire system for grading and rewards for all grades will be presented. Come find out how to add another layer of fun to your classroom!

Smarter, Faster Lesson Planning With Ai: Supporting Math Instruction Without Sacrificing Quality, Marti Shirley

Professional Learning Day

This session demonstrates how AI can streamline lesson planning for secondary mathematics without reducing instructional integrity or depth. Teachers will learn how to use AI tools to generate hooks, worked examples, misconceptions, guided practice sets, and exit tickets that are all aligned to specific mathematical standards. The focus is on using AI to save time, generate ideas, and support differentiation while maintaining teacher control over content accuracy and pedagogical intent. Teachers will learn how to use a predeveloped prompt to create and refine a complete lesson plan, and leave with a bank of effective lesson-planning prompts and editable mini-lesson templates.

Conditions Affecting Mental Health - Definition And Strategies, Crystal England

Professional Learning Day

This session will empower educators and staff to recognize, support, and respond to teen mental health needs. The topics covered are Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, OCD, ADHD, and Panic Attacks with evidence-based prevention and crisis strategies. Inclusive DEI insights, classroomready tools, and student resources ensure every learner feels seen and supported.

Why Are There Microscopes In The Art Room?, Joyce Symoniak

Professional Learning Day

During this presentation we will explore how working cross curriculum enhances learning within the visual arts, science and mathematics. We will discuss how the visual arts curriculum can be created in order to bond with STEM courses for student success. Through exploration we will discuss how collaboration within these courses can be used to solidify cross curriculum understanding and learning.

Integrating Neuroscience And Technology: Experiential Learning Through Muscle-To-Robot Systems, Dr. Ashwin Mohan, Dr. Mark Carlson

Professional Learning Day

In this interdisciplinary module, participants engage in hands-on exploration of neuroengineering by recording and interpreting electromyographic (EMG) signals to control robotic devices, bridging human physiology and technology. Through guided experimentation, they investigate neural pathways, signal processing, and biofeedback to understand brain-machine interfaces. The module highlights real-world applications of neuroscience, engineering, and computer science in biomimetics, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity through experiential, technology-driven learning.  *It would be helpful for participants to have the Spike Recorder App from BackyardBrains downloaded on a laptop*

Uncovering Marginalized Groups In Local History, Zach Bishop

Professional Learning Day

Local history is often told through the voices of the "victors" - the wealthy, white male landowners who founded towns and cities. Yet the stories of women, Native Americans, Black Americans, and various immigrant communities are equally vital to understanding our communities' pasts. This presentation will highlight research strategies and resources for uncovering and teaching the experiences of these historically marginalized groups in your area's history

The Course Of Empire: Romantic Art And The Origins Of American Conservation, Dr. Shawn Bailey

Professional Learning Day

This panel will discuss the creation of the world's first national park through the lens of nineteenth century nationalism. Specifically, we will answer the question: how does Romantic art lead directly to the creation of Yellowstone in 1872? This will include a run through of a full lesson plan, with audience participation, and include access to all necessary sources, slides, and a fun homework assignment. While I use this lesson in an environmental history class, it would also work well in a United States survey when discussing the rise of American nationalism in the nineteenth century.

From Equations To Innovation: Applying Mathematics In Engineering, David Hernandez

Professional Learning Day

This hands-on workshop invites educators to explore the critical role mathematics plays in engineering. Participants will discover how applied mathematics enhances problemsolving, precision, and innovation compared to purely theoretical approaches. Through engaging activities that connect mathematical concepts to real-world engineering challenges, educators will gain strategies to help students see math as a powerful tool for designing, analyzing, and improving solutions in authentic STEM applications.

Connecting The Dots: Preparing Students For High School Math Success, Paul Rummelhoff, Diane Martin

Professional Learning Day

The session highlights the key mathematical concepts and learning habits that high school teachers consider essential for success in Algebra and beyond. Drawing on classroom experiences, We will share common gaps that often appear as students transition from middle school - such as proportional reasoning, algebraic and arithmetic fluency, and number sense. The session will show how addressing these areas leads to a deeper understanding and provide practical strategies to strengthen the foundations

Latex > Ms Word, Evan Brummet, Lingyi Meng

Professional Learning Day

Explore how LaTeX can help you create clear, well-formatted mathematical content for your classes. In this workshop, we will introduce participants to the basics of LaTeX and demonstrates how it can support your work on platforms like Desmos, Canvas, and Microsoft Word. Learn simple techniques for writing equations, symbols, and formulas that look professional and consistent across your teaching materials. *Participants should bring a laptop to this session*

Building Purposeful Communities: Integrating Service Learning For Lasting Impact, Emma Wilson Parker

Professional Learning Day

IMSA’s Service Learning Program connects student passion to community need through intentional, reflective engagement. This session explores how service learning fosters empathy, belonging, and leadership while strengthening campus and local partnerships. Participants will gain practical tools to design and implement meaningful service frameworks in their own settings—creating spaces where students connect purpose with practice and contribute to sustainable community growth.

Computer Architecture For Any High School: Designing Cpus In The Browse, Dan Campbell

Professional Learning Day

Learn how students can explore what’s happening inside a computer without needing any hardware or budget. This session shows how to teach core computer architecture concepts using free, browser-based tools from the Elements of Computing Systems (Nand2Tetris) project. Participants will see how simple logic gates lead to a working CPU and leave with ready-to-use, no-cost resources for bringing computer architecture to any high school classroom. *Participants should bring a laptop to this session*

Using Games To Teach Quantum Concepts, Anastasia Perry

Professional Learning Day

Bring quantum mechanics phenomena into your science class through quantum games such as quantum tic tac toe and quantum chess. This session will go over the fundamentals of quantum mechanics phenomena such as superposition, entanglement, and measurement collapse.These concepts will be reinforced through playing games. The games can be introduced to motivated middle and high school students.

Testing Theories Of Marine Bioluminescence, Patrick Young

Professional Learning Day

Participants will be introduced to many interesting sea creatures and the contemporary theories about how they use light in the deep. As part of a team, you will each select a theory to explore. Using any of the materials provided, you will design and conduct an experiment to evaluate some aspect of the theory. Teams will share and discuss their results. Finally, you will learn how to make model bioluminescent jellies in your classroom.

Virtual: An Introduction To Astronomy Research, Matthew Mccutcheon

Professional Learning Day

Have you ever wondered how research in astronomy is conducted? Is it possible for high school (or even middle school) students to participate in astronomical research? This session will provide a brief introduction to the process of stellar evolution. Then we will see how a program with the Pulsar Search Collaboratory can potentially help educate and train students on how to analyze previously unexamined data in a fascinating search for pulsars.

You Can't Beat The Classics! Adding Scientific Rigor To Elephant Toothpaste And Baking Soda Volcanos, Dr. Zachary Conley

Professional Learning Day

Students love watching and filming chemical reactions. In this interactive lesson we will discuss how to turn classic demonstrations into NGSS aligned, inquiry driven student learning opportunities.

From Empathy To Innovation: Applying Human-Centered Design In The Classroom, Lisa Evans, Melissa Schoeplein, Leah Avila, Dr. Saad Shehab,

Professional Learning Day

This workshop introduces Human-Centered Design (HCD), a creative, collaborative approach to real-world problem-solving. Educators from University Laboratory High School (University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign) will share how HCD fosters empathy, innovation, and critical thinking across disciplines—including math,  fine arts and civics/social studies.  Also, in partnership with the university’s Siebel Center for Design, HCD has been employed to support school improvement. Participants will explore HCD strategies and leave with tools to integrate HCD into their classrooms.

Watching Movies To Stimulate Mathematical Inquiry, Dr. Evan Glazer, Anderson Trimm

Professional Learning Day

Have you ever wondered the odds of Luke Skywalker making that perfect shot to destroy the Death Star? How about the size and speed of the T-Rex in Jurassic Park? In this session, we will investigate several examples of how mathematics can be used to make sense of remarkable phenomena in the movies. We will brainstorm connections to a variety of concepts in algebra and geometry.

Integrating Neuroscience And Technology: Experiential Learning Through Muscle-To-Robot Systems, Dr. Ashwin Mohan, Dr. Mark Carlson

Professional Learning Day

In this interdisciplinary module, participants engage in hands-on exploration of neuroengineering by recording and interpreting electromyographic (EMG) signals to control robotic devices, bridging human physiology and technology. Through guided experimentation, they investigate neural pathways, signal processing, and biofeedback to understand brain-machine interfaces. The module highlights real-world applications of neuroscience, engineering, and computer science in biomimetics, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity through experiential, technology-driven learning. *It would be helpful for participants to have the Spike Recorder App from BackyardBrains website downloaded on a laptop*

Technology And History: The Battle Of Britian As An Interactive Model, Dr. Lee Eysturlid

Professional Learning Day

This session will use the Battle of Britian (1940) as the material to demonstrate the impact of several technologies (radar, aircraft, radio, etc.) on a historical event. This will be part of bringing the details into a discussable format through floor model of the event, which participants will engage in. AI in the STEM Classroom  FULL Sarah O’Leary-Driscoll 9th-12th Grade Science, Computer Science, AI In this session, we will discuss current uses of AI for science research, as well as ways to introduce students to appropriate tools and their ethical usage in their academic endeavors. Resources will be provided, and …

Executive Functioning: Definition And Strategies, Crystal England

Professional Learning Day

This interactive session defines executive functioning disorders and examines how these cognitive processes influence student behavior in and out of school. Through realistic case studies, participants will identify how EF strengths and challenges manifest in daily routines. Strategies to support neurodivergent learners with executive functioning delays will be provided.

The Cubic: Centuries Of Mathematical Intrigue, Dr. Micah Fogel

Professional Learning Day

Humanity has had a formula for solving quadratic equations since antiquity.  The corresponding cubic formula is a relative newcomer, and its story has led to other important discoveries, career-ending intrigue, and the foundations of mathematics in the modern age.  We'll meet the principal characters, investigate the math, and hear the story of the cubic equation.

The Big Air Lab, Dr. Joseph Golab

Professional Learning Day

When baking soda and vinegar mix, it's instant chemistry chaos exemplified by the look of satisfaction on a young chemist's face as the foamy explosion leads to dreams of first place in the school science fair. In this lab experience, we will apply reaction chemistry, stoichiometry, and engineering skills to fill a ziploc bag with just the right amount of carbon dioxide. "Just the right amount" means a bag that is taut but does NOT explode! Along the way we'll learn about the reaction a car's air bag uses to protect passengers in an accident. And we'll try to keep …

Disease Detectives: An Exploration Of Foodborne Epidemiology Activities, Dr. Zachary Conley

Professional Learning Day

An interactive workshop presenting lessons utilizing inquiry-based and problem-centered learning to introduce basic concepts of epidemiology. In particular participants will engage in group discussion and interactive elements to explore foodborne illnesses and the science used to track them. Our hope is to present lessons, which in addition to sharpening scientific skills will present unique career pathways to students.

Shaping Ideas: Integrating Injection Molding Into Stem Learning, David Hernandez

Professional Learning Day

This workshop introduces educators to the role of injection molding machines in modern product development and manufacturing. Participants will engage in hands-on activities to design and create molds used for producing high-volume, uniform plastic parts with precise shapes and characteristics. Through this process, attendees will learn how injection molding supports rapid prototyping, mass production, and quality control in industry. Educators will leave with practical strategies for integrating real-world manufacturing processes into STEM learning environments.

Experiential Cooperative Learning Methods For Science And Math, Dr. Thomas Juliano

Professional Learning Day

Tired of students mindlessly copying each other's homework?  In this workshop, experience what it is like to "chunk up" concepts or problems for a unit, giving each student a unique voice and inherent motivation to share with others in the class. The presenter will draw from experience with a physics curriculum; however, this technique can be applied to other sciences, math, and most any other academic discipline. *Participants may bring a laptop to this session*

Enhancing Science Accessibility And Engagement For Students With Visual Impairments: A Randomized Trial Of The Talking Labquest In Nigerian Schools, Sariat A. Adelakun Dr

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

Students with Blindness in Nigeria are often erroneously perceived as incapable of engaging with science at the basic education level, contributing to their low enrolment in science-related careers. Although various techniques and materials have been proposed to support students with blindness in science, many lack empirical validation. This study investigated one such approach by examining the impact of the Talking LabQuest on the interest of Students with blindness in science subjects.

A randomized controlled trial was conducted in inclusive junior secondary schools in Nigeria, involving 20 classrooms over an 18-week period. Twelve classrooms were randomly assigned to the intervention group, …