Empowering Educators Seminar
“Including All Learners in Christian Schools”
The annual Empowering Educators Seminar is here! We invite you to join us on Thursday, March 27, 2025 for a time of edification and encouragement. Hear from experienced educators and professionals who will help shape you, your teaching philosophy, and your spiritual growth.
March 27 | Thursday
The Chatlos Chapel
Cost: $30 per person
Speakers
Keynote speaker Becky Tubergen
Becky Tubergen is the CEO of All Belong, a center for inclusive education. Her role as CEO and Director of School Services in addition to her background of earning her MA from Grand Valley State University in Emotional Impairment helps her speak uniquely to this year’s theme.
Schedule:
8:30am-9:00am | Registration (Chatlos Chapel Lobby)
9:00am-9:30am | Welcome & Worship (Chatlos Chapel)
9:30am-10:30am | Main Session 1, Mrs. Becky Tubergen (Chatlos Chapel)
10:30am-10:45am | Break (Chatlos Chapel)
11:00am-12:00pm | Breakout Sessions (BLC – TBD)
12:00pm-12:50pm | Lunch (Mason Activity Center, Furman Dining Commons)
1:00pm-2:00pm | Main Session 2, Mrs. Becky Tubergen (Chatlos Chapel)
2:00pm-2:30pm | Closing Session (Chatlos Chapel)
1: Universal Design for Learning
Presenter: Barb Cooper
Universal Design for Learning is an educational framework based on the scientific insights of how students learn. Participants of this seminar will explore how to encourage all students to take in, digest, and express information in a way that is best for them. These principles will help teachers to build a flexible classroom that anticipates the needs of everyone.
2: The Inclusion Activity Model (Activity Alliance, 2010)
Presenter: Dianne Alexander
Discover the benefits of using the Inclusion Activity Model approach to promote and deliver inclusive learning activities for children with disabilities. This flexible approach will inform developmentally appropriate participation that is responsive to student ability and impairment and relevant to the activity and the setting.
3: Engaging English Language Learners in the K-12 Classroom
Presenter: Marika Ravin
Minor tweaks can go a long way. This session will discuss practical strategies and ESL methods that help make learning meaningful for ELLs as well as other students in the classroom.
4: Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders: Characteristics, Strategies, and Support
Presenter: Samantha Makai
Description: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) a developmental disability that can cause social, communication, and behavioral challenges. This presentation will provide an overview of common characteristics of ASD, how ASD can impact students in the classroom, and some strategies that can help support them. Participants will also learn about resources available for more information and additional support.
5: “Learning with Style”
Presenter: Sheryl Vasso
Students often struggle in our classrooms because their learning styles are not being met, and their multiple intelligences are not being exercised. In this breakout session, educators will explore Anthony Gregorc’s theory of four learning styles and Howard Gardner’s proposed nine multiple intelligences. Participants will gain insights into identifying and accommodating different learning preferences within their classrooms to enhance student engagement and achievement.
6: “Ensuring All Can Read through a Structured Literacy Framework”
Presenter: Stacey Bose
This workshop will explore how to support elementary students with a Structured Literacy Approach to reading instruction. The workshop begins with an overview of the Science of Reading Movement and then unpacks the key components of Structured Literacy as defined by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The presentation concludes with practical steps teachers and administrators can take to ensure all can read.
