Date(s): June 11th-12th
Where: Sheraton Brookhollow Hotel
Tuesday and Wednesday, I had the pleasure of attending the Inclusive Practices Conferences hosted by Region IV. The event had several keynotes and breakout sessions, which left you inspired.
Day 1
1st Keynote: Teaching to Capture and Inspire All Learners
Speaker: Dr. Stephen Peters
Dr. Peters, a former teacher, principal and superintendent, got personal with the attendees about a recent family struggle, his rise to prominence and shared several lessons.
Lesson: “You must challenge the leader you think you are in order to become the leader you are capable of becoming.”
Lesson : “Aim To Be Respected, Not Liked”
Lesson: “If you’re the smartest person in your circle, get a new circle.”
A Bar and Lesson: “Every person staring at you isn’t admiring you. Some are amazed that you survived the traps they set for you.”
His real approach resonated with the audience and left the educators in attendance encouraged, yet equipped to impact change next school year.
Session 1: Courageous Leadership
Presenter: Dr. Stephen Peters
Dr. Peters session built upon his keynote speech as he spoke about how to lead courageously and foster leadership in your student body. He also shared a tough decision that he had to make for the overall health of the district that he led and the very real pushback.
Takeaway: Lead Courageously
2nd Keynote: Teachers As Learners and Students as Leaders
Speaker: Kayla Dornfeld
The 3rd Grade teacher had a different approach than Dr. Peters was effective all the same. She spoke about the importance of relationship building and giving students a chance.
My favorite part was when she had us play “Rock, Paper, Scissors.” The losers had to cheer for the person who beat them. Eventually, the entire audience for one person. It was pretty cool.
2nd Session: Save Your Voice…And Your Sanity
Presenter: Tawn Farciert
I enjoyed Ms. Farciert’s session because she shared practical routines and importance of procedures.
Takeaways: Focus More On Procedures
Day 2
3rd Keynote: Promoting Student Success
Speaker: Dr. Horacio Sanchez
Dr. Sanchez jumped right into his speech, which focused on how the brain informs our decisions. To go along with that, He talked about the importance of rituals in calming students and ourselves.
What I most appreciated was how he broke neuroscience into layman’s terms.
Session 3: Accessibility Is the Key To Inclusive Practices
Presenter: Terra Thompson and Brittany Edwards
A tremendous session conducted by Aldine I.S.D.’s Program Managers. They highlighted the importance of personality types and the “Keys” for accessibility and creating pathways for student success.
Takeaway: Know Your Students and Yourself
4th Keynote: The Educator Your Scholars Need
Speaker: Dwayne Reed
Mr. Reed, the viral sensation, encouraged the audience with his energetic but relatable style. I liked his incorporation of music in his classroom.
4th Session: Understanding The ADHD Brain
Presenters: Rob and Kim Sheridan, Duane Johnson
This session was personal for me–as I was recently diagnosed with ADHD. So, I wanted to learn tips to help students but myself, as well. It’s interesting to gain insight into how the ADHD brain works and what needs to happen to manage those with the condition.\
Takeaway: The ADHD brain is not the same.
Overall, Region 4’s 2024 Inclusive Practices Conference was a Phenomenal value. 70 dollars to listen to awesome speakers, receive eight books and a 200 dollar voucher to the Region 4 store.
I can’t wait for next year.Be Phenomenal, Mr. Short
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