Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons^™

Empowering The Future: Cultivating Resilience In Adolescents, Jocelynn Mccarthy

South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education Journal

The concept of resilience has been explored in relation to various factors, including individual traits such as self-regulation, self-efficacy, and intrinsic motivation. External factors can also affect a student ability to be resilient such as support from family, peers, and school environments. A resilient student is one who can effectively cope with and adapt to challenges and setbacks during their academic journey. These students often share characteristics such as persistence, adaptability, critical thinking skills, and self- efficacy. These traits can collectively help students navigate educational difficulties and emerge stronger from their experiences.

Realizing The Potential Of Middle School Students With Autism, Zachary Evans

South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education Journal

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a relatively common yet widely misunderstood condition among middle school students. The cognitive differences of students with autism can lead to academic and socioemotional difficulties. By using specific, evidence-based interventions, however, teachers can ameliorate these challenges and bring out the unique potential of this population.

2025 Front Matter

South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education Journal

No abstract provided.

2025 Scamle Full Volume

South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education Journal

No abstract provided.

Role-Ing While Bipoc: Understanding The Experiences Of Table Top Role Playing Game Players Of Color, Jordan K. Posey

Dissertations

In 2015, controversy surrounded the interactive computer game Mission US: Flight to Freedom. The game was unveiled as an accessible way to teach about American chattel slavery by mixing elements normally associated with roleplaying games (RPGs), Tabletop Roleplaying Games (TTRPGs), and social studies curriculum. The conversations surrounding the game exemplify the complicated history of RPGS/TTRPGs and the limitations of gamification in educational settings. This qualitative study aimed to analyze aspects of gaming culture through a critical race lens by documenting the experiences of Tabletop Roleplaying Game (TTRPG) players identifying as Black, Indigenous, and a Person of Color (BIPOC). Using a …

Environmental Justice And Ecology In Social Work Education: Emerging Trends Among Faculty., Keri Otte

Doctor of Social Work Capstone Projects

March 31, 2025

This paper presents a study of how social work educators in the U.S. are integrating environmental justice and ecological content into social work coursework and /or curriculum. Current literature in this area suggests that educators should be incorporating deep ecology philosophy, using experiential learning techniques, and moving away from anthropocentrism towards ecocentrism. Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather data on pedagogical approaches, educator knowledge and previous training, and barriers to content integration. The interviews took place virtually with social work educators from five geographical areas in the United States. The findings illustrate the importance of transformative …

Building Thinking Physics Classrooms, Marybeth Senser, Stephen Zownorenga

Professional Learning Day

Come explore an innovative way to rejuvenate high school physics problem solving discussions! Inspired by Peter Liljdahl's bestselling book "Building Thinking Mathematics Classrooms", we discuss the transition away from paper worksheets toward getting students out of their seats, solving problems while standing at vertical whiteboards. This session will address positive effects and common challenges.

Bringing Data Science To Algebra: Hands-On Linear Regression With Google Sheets, Paul Rummelhoff

Professional Learning Day

Teachers will be guided through a student project using Google Sheets to create scatter plots, residual plots, and trendlines while calculating residuals. They will explore SSR, 𝑟-squared, and the coefficient of determination to interpret mode accuracy. Participants will leave with hands-on activity, datasets, and notes for classroom use, enabling students to analyze real-world data. This approach teaches linear regression, equipping students with analytical tools and introducing data science concepts while reinforcing algebra skills.

Strong Signal!, David Hernandez

Professional Learning Day

Technology is advancing rapidly, making our lives easier every day. However, this progress also brings an ever-growing demand for faster, more reliable network services. While we enjoy the benefits of technology when everything runs smoothly, network systems face significant physical challenges behind the scenes. This session will explore how mathematics and physics are crucial in building the infrastructure that keeps technology functioning seamlessly. Join us to uncover the hidden science that powers our connected world.

Bisecting Science Through The Use Of Art, Joyce Ymoniak

Professional Learning Day

Participants will discover, through art and drawing, how students can understand the inner workings and parts of a bisected specimen. In this hands-on session, we will explore the inner workings of an Indigenous plant. We will also explore the use of both low- and high-end technology within a classroom. Takeaways will include concepts and hands-on activities for use in grades 6-12.

Empowering Classrooms With Ai: Practical Uses For Educators, Dr. Evan Glazer, Cassandra Armstrong

Professional Learning Day

Artificial Intelligence tools, like Chat GPT, introduce new opportunities for educators. While some may worry about students using AI to substitute their work, this session will illustrate various examples of how educators can design prompts that enhance classroom activities and stretch students' thinking.

Muscular Measurements With Micro: Bits, Dr. Mark Carlson, Dr. Ashwin Mohan

Professional Learning Day

Participants will assemble a Micro: bit based EMG system and measure muscular movements. They will then analyze the recorded signals to better understand the neurological nature of muscle contraction and appreciate the capabilities of the Micro: bit microcontroller.

Medicine In Chemistry, Dr. John Thurmond

Professional Learning Day

In this session, participants analyze medicines through simple chemical tests that reveal characteristics like solubility and reactivity. Observing reactions, such as color changes, helps participants understand how basic chemical principles are used to distinguish between different compounds. These activities build practical skills for applying chemistry in contexts like quality control and forensic analysis.

Nsf Ret Program:Integrating Sciencecurriculum, Lassandra Walker, Sarah O’Leary Driscoll

Professional Learning Day

NSF RET Program offers teachers an opportunity to develop a science curriculum. The aim of the curriculum is to demonstrate how the integration of science develops science thinkers and allows students to participate in experimental learning through investigations. Instructor to get students thinking through alternative logics and to see how thought was formed in specific cultural and historical contexts.

2025 Euler's Method For Early Calculus Connections, Evan Brummet, Lingyi Meng

Professional Learning Day

Euler’s Method is typically discussed in the context of differential equations. At our school, we present it early in calculus to provide additional perspective on some crucial concepts. Our session will explain how we use notions from Euler’s Method to help explain the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus and various differentiation rules. We hope to see you there!

The Current Landscape Of Computer Science Education In Illinois: Challenges And Opportunities For Growth, Charity Freeman

Professional Learning Day

This session provides an overview of computer science education in Illinois across K-12 and higher education, highlighting recent progress, persistent challenges, and growth opportunities. Drawing from recent research, participants will explore critical data points about access, participation, and outcomes in Coeducation, as well as gain an understanding of enrollment trends, equity gaps, and successfully implemented support strategies. The session will conclude with actionable recommendations for improving education throughout Illinois.

Breakfast Of Champions: Steam In Action, Susan Abraham

Professional Learning Day

Teach your students the fun of STEAM while encouraging them to become future entrepreneurs. Students will learn to develop a cereal - create the cereal box (all 6 sides), market the cereal, price the cereal, and make a 3D model of the cereal from recyclable materials. Students learn how viewpoints can affect consumer costs. They also learn the idea of working for a company challenge as this is a competition based project. Educators will learn to incorporate all subjects (Science, Math, Art, Social Studies, Engineering, and Technology) into this project. Educators will also learn how to involve the whole school …

Strengthening Experiential Learning At Your School, Dr. Paul Gaszak, Dr. Luke Berryman

Professional Learning Day

Experiential learning has become increasingly pervasive across education and is particularly relevant to STEM education. This session will discuss foundational theories and best practices for experiential learning and provide strategies and approaches to scale and enhance experiential learning opportunities in and across your schools. It will be relevant for all grade levels and applicable to educators of all levels of experience with experiential learning.

Real-World Examples For Engaging Students In Chemistry, Dr. Angela Ahrendt, Dr. Jane Proszek Gorninski

Professional Learning Day

What do consumer electronics, water treatment, and cooking all share? Chemistry! Use real-world examples to engage students in introductory chemistry topics such as the periodic table, bonding, chemical reactions, etc. This session will have an interactive discussion about how chemistry is important in everyday life and provide examples of activities and projects you can use in your classroom. Please share at least one idea about how you use real-world examples in your class.

Rigging The Role: Probability, Fairness, And Winning Every Time, Lindsey Herlehy

Professional Learning Day

Step into the world of dice games with a twist! In this session, you’ll explore the fascinating interplay of fairness, strategy, and mathematical reasoning. Through a hands-on dice rolling competition, discover how to analyze theoretical and experimental probabilities and investigate what makes a game “fair.” Then, dive into the ultimate challenge: designing a “rigged” die to outmatch others in a roll-off. Perfect for middle school math classrooms, you'll leave with ideas to captivate learners while connecting probability to the real world. Join us to learn, play, and win—every time!

Musical Instrument Project, Brooke Schmidt

Professional Learning Day

In our Physics: Sound and Light class at IMSA, students make musical instruments to play "Mary Had a Little Lamb." I'll introduce the project here and provide templates for you to replicate the project in your classes. Student samples will also be shared

Learning From Hank's Mistakes In Science Class, Kara Boyle,, Jennifer Fischer,, James Workman

Professional Learning Day

In this interactive presentation, we showcase a fictitious student named Hank and his group overcoming chemistry misconceptions through engaging daily bellringers. These scenarios prompt open discussions among students, encouraging self-awareness and reinforcing expected learning behaviors. These bellringers also help with AP preparation and integrate NGSS science practices in an entertaining and non-threatening way. Participants will participate in conversations to develop scenario-writing skills for various subjects

Helping Students Understand The Complexity Of Ecological And Environmental Issues Through Use And Creation Of Environmental Impact Statements, Jessica Amacher, Desirae Klimek

Professional Learning Day

When discussing environmental issues, threats to ecosystems, and potential solutions, students tend toward a simplified view of these issues and how to fix them. To enrich their understanding of the complexities of these problems and the potential for real-life solutions, we developed a unit in which students create Environmental Impact Statements. This framework encourages students to consider the diverse perspectives of stakeholders in a specific ecosystem and to propose feasible and effective solutions.

New Ai Curriculum Overview, Kavithaa Suresh Kumar, Dan Campbell

Professional Learning Day

Join us for an insightful session on our school's newly developed AI curriculum. We'll discuss its core components, learning objectives, and how it prepares students for a tech-driven future. Engage in conversations about hands-on projects and strategies for fostering critical thinking. This is an excellent opportunity for educators to learn about the IMSA's New AI Curriculum. Don’t miss out on shaping the future of learning!

Unsown Seeds: Eugenics, Immigration, Civil Rights In Twentieth-Century America, Dr. Shawn Bailey

Professional Learning Day

During this panel, we will discuss the intersection of Progressive Era reforms and the pseudo-science of eugenics, looking at their impact on civil rights and immigration in American history and theories of Nazi Germany. This will include a full lesson plan run-through, with a set of primary sources, a PowerPoint slide deck, and extension assignments available for class use.

Writing Educational Op-Eds That Engage: From Classroom Stories To Published Pieces, Charity E. Freeman

Professional Learning Day

This session equips educators with the skills and structure to write effective op-ed pieces that translate their classroom insights and expertise into compelling written pieces. Participants will learn the essential components of op-ed writing, including structuring a 700-word piece, crafting engaging narratives, and developing clear theme statements. Through guided practice and analysis of published examples, participants will discover key principles of successful op-ed writing, from incorporating student stories to offering concrete solutions on timely educational issues. Helping Students Understand the Complexity of Ecological and Environmental Issues Through Use and Creation of

Sorry, I Thought My Autopilot Wassupposed To Break!, David Hernandez

Professional Learning Day

Even though the fully autonomous vehicle is not on the roads (yet!), many automakers are making great advances in the field by creating self-driving vehicle systems. During this session, you will explore how data is obtained, organized, and interpreted for a model to perform optimally and how "AI" plays a crucial role in our future.

Lessening The Elusiveness Of Limits: Let's Learn That Lesson, Dr. Janice Krouse Krouse

Professional Learning Day

What can we do to alleviate the confusion around limits? We’ll examine Algebra 2 topics that might better serve as building blocks for the limit concept with slight shifts in emphasis to existing lessons. Let’s explore ways to help students find more connections and push the limit of their thinking!

Poison Squad, Brittany Culjan

Professional Learning Day

No abstract provided.

Finding Exoplanets, Dr. Eric Hawker

Professional Learning Day

This session will engage teachers in exploring how students can look for exoplanets in TESS data. Participants will discuss the physics and math concepts that higher grade level students can apply to determine if the exoplanets they discover are potentially habitable. Attendees should bring a laptop or tablet to this session.