More than 250 K-12 educators gathered at Lipscomb University on April 9 with the goal of “Finding Joy in Language, Learning and Literacy” at the College of Education’s annual Global Voices conference.
The mission of the free conference is to equip and empower educators as they move in becoming informed advocates for all learners including multilingual learners, says Jeanne Fain, professor and lead faculty for multilingual learners in the College of Education. It is also an opportunity to support and encourage educators.
“We want participants to walk away with many ways that they can honor all of the learners in their classrooms. We want to equip teachers to work effectively with multilingual learners,” says Fain. “We want teachers to feel Lipscomb's light and love as they have walked during hard and challenging times. We are loving educators while creating learning experiences so they have research-based take-aways for tomorrow in their schools.”
Session topics included resilience in the classroom, writing strategies to engage deeply and thoughtfully, serving global K-12 students, exploring linguistic support and mathematical strategies for multilingual learners, behavior strategy, trauma informed instruction through an ABA lens, making books with digital cameras and tablets, and teaching acceptance of disabilities through literature and social-emotional learning among others. Participants also had an opportunity to practice yoga poses and learn how to integrate this discipline into the classroom. The Book Browsing Room provided educators the chance to browse several newly released and award-winning books, including current global titles for children and young adults. Participants received a professional development certificate, research-based strategies and best practices, books and other resources.
“Educators are eager to learn and have authentic and meaningful learning experiences,” says Fain. “They also know that we care deeply for them. They love learning and they are always excited to come.”
The Global Voices Conference was well received by participants. Many provided feedback on how to improve the conference in the future and about the value of this year’s sessions. Below are a few comments from participants:
“I really liked all the practical ways I can help students be successful in learning.”
“Sessions were interactive, engaging, and helpful. I learned a lot that I can use in my classroom right away.”
“All of the sessions were absolutely AMAZING!! The presenters were extremely knowledgeable and gave right now strategies.”
“Very useful and filled with strategies to implement Monday.”
“All very very informative and brought attention to things I had not considered using in my classroom.”
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