National Differentiated Instruction Conference Challenges Educators to Raise the Bar in the Classroom
PETERBOROUGH, N.H., April 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Staff Development for Educators (SDE), one of the nation's leading providers of professional development for educators, invites K-12 educators to raise the bar in their classrooms with using the strategies they learn from this year's annual National Conference on Differentiated Instruction, taking place July 6-10, 2015 in Las Vegas.
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With more than 4,000 attendees each year, this four-day event inspires educators to bring Differentiated Instruction (DI) at the forefront of their instruction. Research has shown that with the ever-increasing need for classroom rigor and standards-based instruction, DI is not only still pertinent, but is more essential than ever. This is why SDE has created a conference that focuses on grade-specific and content-specific strategies, providing core instructional principles of effective differentiation, and instructional activities that make learning relevant for each child, regardless of current ability or skill level.
"We all need a 'pick-me-up' now and again, especially teachers who do it ALL," confides Beth Stevenson from SDE, who programmed and planned this year's conference. "This conference is so rewarding because we always hear back from teachers who tell us that the DI strategies they've learned have helped them in their classrooms. We hear about the rewards of seeing a student's eyes light up or the raw emotion on their face when they excel in a subject that is typically difficult for them — all from a strategy or fresh take learned by the teacher at National DI!"
In response to attendee feedback, this year's conference was developed with grade-specific tracks and suggested sessions designed to make each educators' conference more meaningful and to provide them with techniques and tactics most applicable to their particular grade range. (K-2, 3-5, 6-12 Math, 6-12 English/Language Arts, 6-12 Science, Administrator). SDE also developed a foundational track with recommended sessions to attend for those who are new to DI. While based on thorough consumer research and sure to connect with each educator's needs, educators are also welcome to choose their own lineup for a truly unique and personalized conference experience.
The conference features a keynote by Rick Morris. Morris, an award-winning educator and author, focuses on the secret ingredients of a happy productive classroom in his lighthearted, yet commanding address, and provides three strategies to help educators built the classroom they've been longing for.
Featured presenters include the ever-popular Rick Wormeli, Richard Cash, LeAnn Nickelsen, and Katherine McKnight, Ph.D. With these all-star presenters and 21 other talented experts, the conference is sure to bolster educators' classroom instruction in the upcoming school year.
With an all-star lineup, this conference is not to be missed. "At SDE, we feel that every day should be 'Teacher Appreciation Day,'" declares Stevenson. "But this conference is more like 'Teacher Appreciation Week.' We invite educators to come and celebrate the challenges and joys of teaching in this not-to-be-missed event. We appreciate you!"
With today's student populations being more diverse than ever, with greater differences in language development, literacy exposure, and basic psycho-social needs, developing a DI mindset to find different and unique ways to reach students at each grade level becomes crucial. The conference offers powerful strategies on how to divide your time, resources, and efforts to effectively instruct students of various backgrounds, readiness and skill levels, and interests and abilities—all while addressing grade-specific challenges.
The National Conference on Differentiated Instruction also features several conference "add-ons" to enhance user experience, including a series of Take-Away Tips (quick strategies that serve as motivational tools, time-savers, and powerful knowledge, offered in-between conference sessions), book signings, a bonus session on how to use Twitter for professional development, a lunchtime bonus session on blending learning in the classroom, and more.
"Come get the 'R&R' you deserve by celebrating the challenges and joys of teaching," Stevenson requests. "You'll leave feeling refreshed, reinvigorated, and renewed to be the passionate teacher you are!"
The DI conference is one of six outstanding national conferences that SDE hosts each summer, divided between Las Vegas and Orlando, FL. It features two pre-conference events, the Administrator Summit, and Power-Up!: Strategies for Engaging Your Students through Thrilling Technology, both requiring separate registration.
About SDE
SDE is one of America's leading providers of professional development for PreK through Grade 12 educators. Through Onsite PD, PD Events, Web-based PD, and PD Resources, the company empowers teachers and administrators across the country with ongoing professional development that is not only research-based, innovative, and rigorous, but also practical, motivating, and fun. All SDE training is presented by the nation's top authors and educational experts, with the goal of creating extraordinary classrooms that prepare students for the evolving demands of the 21st century.
For more information about SDE, educators are encouraged to visit www.sde.com, or to call 1-800-462-1478.
SOURCE Staff Development for Educators
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